Untamed Hearts

C h a p t e r 17

I smiled at Aqua, gesturing to the empty chair across from me. London sat beside Aqua, while Caden took a seat next to Claire, who was beaming at Aqua like a lovesick dummy.

"So, you're the famous hottie I've been hearing about?" Claire asked, her index finger pointed at Liam.

"In the flesh," he replied, flashing a charming smile. His smile was eerily reminiscent of Kai's, it was weirdly familiar.

"I'm Claire-Jennie, but you can call me Claire or CJ – either works," she said, her tone flirtatious.

"The name's Liam, Mi querida," he said, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles while maintaining eye contact.

"Ahem. While I'd love to watch you two flirt, can I please enjoy my lunch in peace?" Caden's sarcastic voice cut through the flirtatious moment.

Claire mouthed "Jerk" at Caden's interruption.

Aqua intervened, "Oh, and ladies, this is Caden and London."

I rolled my eyes. "We know them. The whole school knows who they are."

London asked, "And who are we?"

I smirked, "You, London, are the charming, chaotic, and utterly unstable wildfire of a human. The one guy this school has at leaving trails of broken hearts, bewildered friends, and teenage pregnancy."

"That's not a bad description." He shrugged "At least I'm charming."

Claire and Caden scoffed in unison.

Aqua chimed in, "Well, you've certainly made an impression on the school, that's for sure."

Claire rolled her eyes. "He sure did."

London protested, "I'm really not that bad if you notice. What about him?" He nodded toward Caden.

I hesitated before speaking. "He's a dark, brooding, and intensely private individual with a troubled past..." I winced inwardly at my own boldness, but I pressed on, undeterred. "He's also a-" I trailed off, my lips curling into a sly smile as I deliberately chose my next words "a penchant for keeping people at arm's length. He exudes an air of ridiculous ego and mystery."

The table fell silent, and I could feel Caden's gaze burning into my skin. But when I glanced at him, his expression had transformed into an oddly calm and careless demeanor.

"Are you done?" he asked, his tone dripping with amusement.

Claire looked worried, while Liam seemed entertained. London of course remained unbothered.

"For your unnecessary information, they didn't ask for your personal description of me," Caden said, folding his arms as he shot me a menacing glare. "In fact, I'm quite the opposite of that." I highly doubted that was the general consensus about him among the student body.

"With such a huge ego, of course you'd think that," I retorted, matching his glare.

Before he could respond, Claire intervened, "As much as I'd hate to see you two bicker like an old couple, can I please enjoy the rest of my lunch in peace?"

I folded my arms, turning my attention back to Caden. "More like an enemy's arranged marriage."

"That's right, I couldn't even imagine marrying you," he replied, standing up and walking away from our table.

Aqua turned to me and said, "Wow, I've never seen a girl brave enough to talk back to him. Maybe you should put away those claws of yours around him, mocha."

The rest of the day passed by in a flurry of activities. People were going up and down, asking their crushes to be their dates for the Winter dance. Some junior named Andy asked Claire to be his date, and after much consideration, she agreed – on the condition that she got to choose the theme (for outfits) and car brand. I hoped Andy's family was loaded, or at least related to Elon Musk.

The dance was in two weeks, and the hype was building. As I headed home at the end of the day, I left Aqua and Claire to their flirtatious antics. They'd been at it all day, and it was getting annoying. I hoped they didn't end up together – their personalities were too similar, which never made for a good match.

Claire was extremely cheerful and a total girly-girl freak. Liam, on the other hand, was calmly cheerful and had a unique, androgynous vibe going on. He was one of those guys who effortlessly pulled off pink and feminine aesthetics without coming across as gay – more like someone who embracing his feminine side. At least, that was my take on it. After all, opposites attract, but Aqua and Claire were definitely not opposites.

I walked into the house, and I couldn't help but notice the unusual sight of my mom already home from work.

"Hey, Mom! You're home early today," I said, dropping my backpack onto the floor.

My mom smiled warmly, "Hi, sweetie! Yeah, I didn't have much work today, and actually I'll be working from home starting today. So you'll be seeing more of me around the house" My eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of having my mom around more often.

Opening the refrigerator to take out yesterday's food and warm them up, I asked "So, how was your day?"

"It was fine, dear. Just the usual, handling clients lawsuit and all. Oh, and Paul called."

My lips twisted, frowning at her.

"Is he okay? He's not...hurt or anything, is he?"

She quickly waved her hand, "No, no he's fine. He's just been really busy with work and wanted to check in on me. He sends his love"

"Aww, that's so sweet of him. I mean, being a doctor is hard right? I guess you could say he's 'operating' on a tight schedule" I joked.

She chuckled, "You're such a goofball"

I laughed at her remark. "By the way mom, exam season is coming soon after the Winter Formal. So I was thinking of studying at the Louis café. Is that okay with you?"

"That sounds so great, sweetie. Just make sure you stay focused, okay?"  I nodded.

Her expression suddenly turned wistful. "You know, Luna, I'm so proud of the person you're becoming. You're not the same girl who used to lock herself in her room all the time."

My eyes dropped. I felt a twinge of sadness as I remembered those difficult times.

Warning: The next section addresses sensitive topics related to mental health. If you're struggling with similar issues, please know that help is available and that you're not alone. Reader discretion is advised.

"I was always so scared that you'd be affected by your father's departure, that you'd end up... suicidal or depressed."

My voice was barely above a whisper as I replied, "I was depressed, Mom. But I'm better now. I've healed." Her eyes welled up with tears, and she reached out to hug me tightly.

"I'm so glad, Luna. I'm so glad you're not that old, cold Luna anymore. You're warm, vibrant, and full of life. I couldn't be prouder of you." As we pulled back from the hug, she forced a bright smile onto her face. "Should we order some pizza?" My face lit up, and I let out an excited squeal.

After ordering pizza, I excused myself to go do my homework. I sat at my desk, I couldn't shake off the feelings of sadness that lingered from my conversation with my mom. I decided to distract myself by watching some Korean reality shows, and soon found myself laughing along with the contestants on Run BTS!.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek help from qualified professionals or a crisis hotline. Also know that you are not alone, and you are stronger than you think. Your struggles are valid, and your feelings matter. Remember that healing is possible, and help is available. Hold on to hope, and know that you are loved and worthy of care and compassion.

Xoxo!