At First Sight: A Love That Couldn't Last

Chapter 23: The Secret Wild Celebration

Back at the hostel after her hometown visit, Tiara was getting into her usual routine when the excitement started brewing. Her friend Sunny’s birthday was approaching, and Pookie, Sunny’s lively roommate, had a wild plan to celebrate it secretly. She was determined to make the night unforgettable, despite Sunny’s recent moodiness. Soon, a close circle of friends was brought into the plan: Tiara, Siza, Siza’s roommate Pri, and Sofia, along with Sofia’s roommate, Mua.

“Let’s make this a night to remember!” Pookie exclaimed, eyes shining with excitement. She was brimming with ideas but wanted the celebration to be something they’d never done before—a secret, daring adventure. "I think... we should drink!" she declared in a whisper, giggling nervously. The thought of sneaking alcohol into the hostel sent a thrill through the group. But a problem quickly arose—none of them had experience with buying alcohol.

Pookie glanced at Tiara, grinning mischievously. “Tiara, you know Ryan, right? He can buy it for us!”

Tiara shifted uncomfortably, shaking her head. “I don’t talk to Ryan anymore… because of Robin. It wouldn’t feel right,” she admitted, trying to ignore the glances from her friends. Even if she had a history with Ryan, she was committed to Robin and didn’t want to stir anything up.

Not one to give up easily, Pookie simply shrugged and took matters into her own hands. She pulled out her phone, found Ryan on Snapchat, and added him. Then she turned to Tiara with a playful smile. “Can I get his number from you, Tiara?”

With a sigh, Tiara relented, sharing the number reluctantly. It didn’t take long before Pookie had Ryan on the line, explaining the plan and asking him to keep it a secret. Ryan agreed, sounding intrigued and amused by the girls’ plan. When he realized Tiara was part of the group, though, he paused. There was a flicker of curiosity in his voice, but he promised to handle everything without making things awkward for her.

A short while later, Pookie convinced Tiara to accompany her to pick up the drinks. They tiptoed out of the hostel and met Ryan at a discreet spot nearby. The moment their eyes met, Tiara felt her pulse quicken, but she kept her face composed. They exchanged quick pleasantries before she took the bag from him, their fingers briefly touching. There was a silent understanding in his gaze, but neither said a word. The girls quickly returned to the hostel, drinks in hand, feeling the thrill of their little adventure.

Back in their room, though, the atmosphere suddenly shifted. Sunny, the birthday girl, hesitated, her excitement dimmed by family issues weighing on her. “Guys… I don’t think I’m up for this. I just can’t celebrate right now,” she murmured, her voice heavy with emotion.

A quiet tension settled over the group. Mua, too, withdrew from the plan, sensing Sunny’s mood and deciding it wasn’t the right time for her to join in. Disappointment filled the room, with everyone sensing the night slipping away from their wild plans.

After the disappointment of Sunny’s reluctance to celebrate, Pookie quickly shifted gears and rebranded the night as “Sofia’s Breakup Party.” With the new theme, everyone’s spirits lifted. Soon, dumplings, noodles, chips, chicken, and vodka from Ryan completed the spread, and the girls’ secret celebration began.

With each drink, everyone seemed to let go a little more, laughing and sharing stories. After a few rounds, they all started acting differently, as the alcohol took effect. The room was full of energy, with everyone in various states of high spirits—except for Tiara. Despite having three drinks, she felt strangely stable. She watched as her friends began to let loose, acting impulsive and emotional.

Pookie, normally the playful one, suddenly called her boyfriend and began talking excitedly. Prii, meanwhile, curled up in the corner, munching on snacks as though she hadn’t eaten in days, while tears streamed down her face. Siza, her best friend, leaned on Tiara, teasing her playfully with exaggerated affection, her behavior bordering on comically flirtatious.

Amused at first, Tiara soon grew worried. Her friends were getting louder, more uninhibited, and she feared the noise would alert the hostel warden or other students. Nervous, she quickly dialed Ryan, the only person she trusted to help her handle the situation.

“Ryan, everyone’s gone crazy. I don’t know how to manage them!” she whispered into the phone.

Just then, Prii noticed Tiara on the phone, thinking she was talking to a secret boyfriend. Laughing and acting giddy, she snatched the phone, confessing, “I love you!” to Ryan, who awkwardly replied with a hesitant “Hmm…” Tiara managed to get the phone back, only to see Sofia attempting to call her ex. She quickly ended the call, hid Sofia’s phone, and gently scolded her friend.

Meanwhile, Siza and Pookie started calling their respective boyfriends, mistaking Ryan’s number as a “safe” alternative. The situation spiraled as Tiara struggled to keep things under control, realizing she couldn’t manage all this alone. She quickly unlocked the door, deciding to find Sunny and Mua for support.

Stepping into the hallway, she glanced up and was startled to see Ryan on the rooftop of the boys’ hostel, looking over at her room. Realizing he’d come to ensure they wouldn’t get caught, she felt a moment of relief. She waved him away, mouthing a “thank you,” and went to gather her friends.

Sunny and Mua arrived and helped Tiara guide their intoxicated friends to their rooms. Mua took Siza back to her room, and Sunny managed to get Pookie settled down. Relieved, Tiara focused on Prii, who was finally calming down after a bout of nausea, while Sofia had fallen asleep on her bed.

Once everything was under control, Tiara sighed with relief and updated Ryan on the situation. He stayed on the line, worried, his calming presence reassuring her as the night wore on. As dawn approached, she felt her own head grow heavy.

“Just sleep now,” Ryan told her gently at 4 a.m., still on the call.