Victim

Why do you even care?

Kylie's POV

It's Sunday, 10 p.m., and I can't sleep anymore. Today, Malia and I are going to get matcha again, and this time she planned it. The only instruction I got was to be ready at her dorm by 12 p.m. I've been looking forward to this all week, and I even decided not to drink too much last night so I wouldn't be too hungover. Malia, on the other hand, definitely didn't think the same way. Yesterday, she got very drunk... Momona texted that they had to leave early.

After an hour of tossing and turning, waiting until it's a reasonable time to start getting ready, I finally give in. Ruby and Joshua are already awake, making out on the couch. When they notice me, they abruptly stop. Ruby looks a little embarrassed, while Joshua just looks surprised.

"No grumpy comment about walking in on us?" he asks, genuinely confused and surprised.

"Nah, I'm in a good mood today," I reply, shrugging.

Ruby bolts upright, clearly remembering what's on the agenda today. "You have your matcha date with Malia, right?"

I nod with a big grin but quickly correct her. "Not a date, Ruby."

"Oh, yeah, right, because you guys are just friends, right?" she teases, smirking.

I nod again, this time with full confidence, but Ruby's not buying it.

"Yeah, right. Friends. Because you always get mad at me for trying to get your friends drunk," she quips, raising an eyebrow.

"Malia's different—" I start.

"So she's not a friend?" she interrupts, her tone sharp with curiosity.

"No, she is, but she's a friend who never drinks, so—"

"Oh, spare me the excuses, Kylie. You're into her. Just admit it," she presses.

"I'm not!" I snap, but the way my voice wavers makes it clear even I'm not sure.

A tense silence starts to build between us, the air thick with unsaid truths. Luckily, Joshua breaks the tension. "Ruby, let Kylie be delusional. Kylie, let Ruby be delusional. Now go get ready. It's already 11:20 and you're definitely going to need a lot of time to fix that," he says, pointing at me with a playful smirk.

"Rude," I scoff, but I can't help the small smile tugging at my lips. I quickly head for the shower, butterflies already dancing in my stomach as I think about seeing Malia.

-

I arrive at Malia's building, ten minutes late. My heart is pounding as I climb the steps, hoping she isn't too mad about my lateness. I texted her, but she hasn't responded yet. Maybe she's running a little late too. As I reach her door, I'm met with an unexpected sight—Momona standing in the doorway, her arms crossed, radiating anger.

"What the fuck did I tell you, Kylie!?" she snaps, her eyes narrowing with barely contained fury.

"Umh," I stammer, trying to remember. She told me not to break Malia's heart. I didn't—at least, I think I didn't. I made sure of it last night. I kissed some random guy—a terrible kisser, by the way, with his eyes wide open the whole time—just to ensure I wouldn't make Malia another victim of my messed-up love life. I shrug, playing it cool, hoping she'll see I have no idea what she's talking about.

"Oh really—" she starts, her finger dangerously close to my face, her voice rising with accusation. Before she can unleash more fury, Xóchitl steps in, gently pulling Momona back.

"Gómez," I greet her, forcing a smile, but her expression remains stern, unyielding.

"Kylie, stop with the innocent act. Malia doesn't want to see you right now, and I think it's best if you give her some space," she says coldly, punctuating her words by slamming the door in my face.