The Untold

Chapter 4: Living for Likes

(3 years later)
Amiras pov
"*I think I did it again!
I made you believe we're more than just friends*-"
I slapped down the snooze button on my phone. The morning irritation kicking in immediately.

The realisation then suddenly struck me... "ONE LAST WEEK!"
My alarm rang again and this time a danced with the ring tone.

"Oops, I did it again~
I played with your heart, got lost in the game~
Oh baby, baby" I sang skipping into my en-suite bathroom and enthusiastically squeezing the toothpaste onto my brush.

"Oops, you think I'm in love *gargle*
That I'm sent from above *gargle*
I'm not that innocent~" I spat out the pasty water.

I looked into the mirror, an optimistic smile gazing back at me. Standing in front of the mirror on this fresh Monday, I brush on a bit of concealer to brighten up the weekend shadows under my green eyes, blending it smoothly into my tanned skin.

A sweep of bronzer followed, giving my face a soft glow that catches the light just right. I added a touch of mascara, making my long lashes frame my striking green eyes, and a dab of tinted lip balm for a natural finish.

My long hazel hair, streaked with blonde highlights, falls over my shoulders in loose waves. I threw on a fresh fall outfit: a checked print oversized cardigan, a black pleated skirt and matched with thigh-high leather boots. With one last look in the mirror, I feel ready to tackle errands and a few classes at uni with a confident, effortless glow.

I blew one last kiss at the mirror before grabbing my bag, keys and most importantly my camera and leaving my student penthouse.

sun shining brightly over the bustling New York streets. With my camera in hand, I pressed record and began vlogging my journey to uni.

"Hey, everyone! It's the last week of my first year here in New York," I said, my voice filled with excitement. "Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday I was starting this adventure!"

As I walked, the familiar sounds of the city buzzed around me—horns honking, people chatting, and the distant rhythm of street performers.

I had completed my foundation education in a Europe boarding school before coming here, and now I was gearing up to fly back to my hometown after three whole years.

Just as I was lost in thought, I spotted my best friend ahead, her bright smile cutting through the crowd. Her long red locks were unmissable, hanging pin straight up to her petite hips. She had an elegant and tall figure; it came to no surprise she was a part-time model.

"Carolina!" I called, waving her over. She joined me, and I set my camera down to capture our conversation.

"Hey! It's so good to see you!" I said, giving her a quick hug. We chatted about classes and end of semester plans as we walked together, the familiar rhythm of our friendship easing my nerves.

"Can you believe it's almost over?" I asked. "I know! It feels surreal," Carolina replied. Then, after a brief pause, she asked, "So, how are your parents doing? Are you excited to see them?"

The moment she mentioned my parents, I felt a wave of unease wash over me. I tried to smile, but I could feel my expression falter. "Um, yeah... I mean, I guess I'm excited," I said, my voice trailing off.

Carolina noticed the shift in my mood immediately. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked gently, concern creeping into her tone.

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feelings swirling inside me. "It's just... I've been thinking about how hard it was to leave them. I'm excited to see them, but I'm also worried about how things will be. It's been so long."

Carolina nudged me slightly, giving me a reassuring smile. "You know what? Let's not dwell on that. This is the last week of our first year, and we should focus on having fun!"

I chuckled at her sudden shift in energy. "You're right. I need to let loose a bit."

As we continued walking, we mapped out our plans for the week. "We should hit up that new café after class," Carolina suggested. "I heard it's the perfect spot for people-watching."

"And maybe we can catch a party on Friday!" I added, feeling the thrill of the adventure ahead. "We can wear those cute dresses we've been saving for the right occasion."

"Yes! And let's not forget to document it all on your vlog," Carolina said with a wink. "Our viewers need to see the fun side of uni life!"

As we walked into the university, the familiar buzz of chatter and laughter surrounded us. Carolina and I turned heads, not just because of our looks, but because we exuded confidence that made it clear we weren't here to impress anyone.

We were two of the prettiest girls on campus, but honestly, we didn't give much attention to the guys vying for our notice.

"Look at them," Carolina said, nodding toward a group of boys sitting on the steps. They were glancing our way, whispering among themselves. "They really think we care."

"They're cute, but we have more important things to focus on," I replied, smirking. We both knew we were a bit spoiled, living in our cozy penthouses and enjoying the city's luxuries.

But this last week of our first year had us feeling carefree, even as our grades slipped a little. It was all too easy to let the fun of New York life distract us from our studies.

As the day unfolded, we attended our classes, but we were more interested in planning our next adventures than hitting the books.
Sure, we were smart, but with this years finals finished, our minds weren't even half-focused.

"Honestly, what's the worst that could happen?" Carolina said with a laugh. "We'll figure it out. It's not like we're failing or anything."

By the time classes wrapped up, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the city. "Ready for tonight?" Carolina asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Absolutely! Let's make it unforgettable," I said, the thrill of the evening ahead bubbling inside me.
Later, I arrived at the party, the music thumping as I stepped into the lively atmosphere.