Aria's POV
I dropped the groceries on the counter and sank onto the couch, brushing a strand of hair from my face. I couldn't stop thinking about the supermarket. Not because of the food, not because of the fancy aisles, but because of Kai.
I still didn't understand it. Out of nowhere, he had started talking to me. At school, we didn't even really acknowledge each other's existence, yet there he was, calm, casual, like he had nothing better to do. And the weirdest part? He wasn't angry, he wasn't judgmental, he didn't act like the spoiled rich kid everyone assumed he was. He just… talked. Like it was completely normal to engage with me.
I tilted my head, wondering for a moment: Why would he do that? Why start a conversation with me?
It wasn't a question of attraction or attention—it was just curiosity. He didn't need to. He didn't owe me anything. He didn't have any reason to act like nothing had happened, and yet he did.
I shook my head lightly, smiling to myself. Strange. That was the only word that fit. Strange, but not unpleasant.
I reached for my phone and called Mia.
"Hey! Come over!" I said as soon as she picked up. "We need to talk about everything this past week."
"I'm on my way!" she replied, her excitement practically audible through the line. "I've got so many things to hear!"
When Mia arrived, we collapsed onto the couch together, our laughter spilling freely. We talked about school—the mean girls, the cafeteria chaos, and all the whispers we'd endured. We recounted every ridiculous moment from the week, from Noah's smirk during the company party to the scandal that had set everyone talking at school.
"You won't believe it," I said, shaking my head, "Kai—yes, that Kai—started talking to me today."
Mia's eyes widened. "Kai? The rich kid? The one everyone calls untouchable?"
I nodded. "Yeah. And the weirdest thing… he didn't act like a brat or complain about anything. He just… started talking. Like nothing happened. Like he didn't even notice who I am."
Mia stared at me for a moment, then burst out laughing. "That's… actually hilarious! I mean, who does that?"
I grinned. "Exactly. I couldn't even figure it out. It doesn't make sense. But it was… normal. Weirdly normal."
We kept talking for hours, sharing stories, laughing at the absurdity of our school life, replaying every awkward encounter, and just enjoying the freedom of the weekend. The weight of the week slowly lifted, replaced by the warm comfort of friendship.
By the end of the afternoon, I felt lighter, my mind still wandering back briefly to the supermarket encounter, but not with any pressure or worry. Just… curiosity.
And somehow, that felt enough for now.
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Noah's pov
The backyard of my father's mansion was set perfectly for the night. The pool shimmered under the fading sun, fairy lights strung across the pergola cast a warm glow, and the barbecue grills smoked lightly, filling the air with the scent of sizzling meat. Drinks were chilled, tables stacked with snacks, and music softly filled the space, ready to be cranked up once guests arrived.
I pulled out my phone and sent Aria a message:
"Hey. I'm hosting a party tonight at my dad's backyard. You should come."
As expected, her reply came almost immediately:
"How did you get my number?"
I smirked. Predictable. I typed back:
"I have my ways. I want you there. I'd love to see you."
A moment later, she hesitated and asked:
"Can I bring Mia? She's with me."
"Sure," I replied casually. "She can come."
Simple. No extra details, no pressure. I knew she would think carefully about coming. Aria wasn't the type to just show up. She would be cautious, calculating every risk. And good. That made it more fun.
I looked around the backyard again. Leo would arrive soon, loud, obnoxious, and full of energy. Kai would stroll in, calm, composed, and annoyingly precise. But my attention wasn't on them. It was on Aria.
Would she come? She probably wouldn't want to. She was careful, trying to avoid me probably already thinking about how to escape the party if she got there. That was perfect. I liked the challenge.
I tapped out a final message:
"See you tonight, Aria. Dress nicely."
I didn't wait for a reply. I knew she'd hesitate, worry, debate with Mia, maybe even almost decide not to go. And that was exactly what I wanted to see her step into this little storm, all nerves and caution, trying to navigate a world she wasn't used to.
The pool sparkled in the twilight. The barbecue smelled amazing. Music filled the air. Half the backyard was ready for chaos, and I couldn't wait to watch it all unfold especially her reaction when she realized she couldn't avoid me.
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Aria's POV
I stared at my phone, rereading the message from Noah:
"Hey, I'm hosting a pool party at my dad's backyard. You should come."
My first reaction? Curiosity. How did he even get my number? And why me?
Before I could spiral further, Mia plopped down beside me and grabbed the phone. Her eyes went wide when she read the message. "Oh my gosh! He invited you! Are we going or not?"
"I… I don't know," I admitted, still distracted by the question of how he got my number. "It's Noah. I don't want any drama."
Mia rolled her eyes, a grin spreading across her face. "Girl, it's a pool party, not a battlefield. Relax. We can go, have fun, enjoy the music, the food, the pool and I'll be with you, so no one can mess with us. And really, who cares how he got your number?"
I hesitated, thinking it over. Finally, I typed back, "Okay, fine. We'll go."
Mia squealed. "Yay! Now, what are we wearing?"
We rifled through my closet, tossing clothes across the bed. Sparkly dresses and fancy outfits were too much this wasn't a formal party. I finally settled on a light, pastel-colored sundress, casual but pretty, flowing just enough to be comfortable while still looking cute. Mia added a pair of simple sandals and a few minimal accessories: tiny earrings and a thin bracelet.
"Perfect!" Mia clapped. "You look amazing, Aria. Casual, cute, just right for the party."
I smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Thanks, Mia. I think this will be fun."
She nudged me playfully. "Shoes? Check. Hair? Check. Now let's grab our bags towels, phones, wallets and go before we chicken out."
I took a final look in the mirror. Soft waves framed my face, the pastel sundress dancing lightly around my knees. Comfortable, pretty, and pool-party ready.
With Mia by my side, I was ready for a fun night of music, laughter, and just escaping the stress of school for a while.
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The car ride was filled with light chatter between Mia and me, but my mind kept drifting to what awaited us. Noah's father's mansion was famous everyone at school talked about it, but seeing it in real life was something else entirely. Towering gates, immaculate gardens, fountains glinting in the late afternoon sun… it was like stepping into a different world.
Mia squeezed my hand. "Relax, Aria. Just think of it as a fun night with friends."
I nodded, taking a deep breath. The car slowed, pulling into the long driveway, and I caught sight of the backyard for the first time. It was spectacular. A sparkling pool stretched across the center, surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. String lights crisscrossed above, bathing the area in a warm, golden glow. There was a barbecue station with sizzling food and a small DJ setup in the corner, music humming softly in the background.
People milled about, laughing and chatting. Groups were forming around the pool, glasses clinking, and everyone seemed relaxed and effortlessly stylish. It was casual, but elegant the kind of party that said, "We can have fun, but don't mess up my backyard."
I felt a flutter of nerves and excitement as Mia and I stepped out of the car. "Wow," I whispered, eyes wide. "It's… huge."
Mia grinned. "Told you! Now come on, let's find a spot and settle in. Don't let the grandeur scare you."
We made our way to a small cluster of lounge chairs near the pool, claiming a spot to put our bags. I kept my eyes scanning discreetly, knowing without wanting to admit it that Noah and his friends were somewhere here.
Sure enough, not far from the pool, I spotted him. Noah. Standing casually with Kai and Leo, sunglasses on, drink in hand, talking and laughing like he owned the world. He hadn't noticed us yet, but I could feel the air shift the moment I caught sight of him. He exuded that effortless charm, the kind that made everyone turn their heads even without trying.
Mia leaned close. "See? Nothing to worry about. They're just people. And honestly, they're not even paying attention to us yet."
I nodded, trying to convince myself, but my heart was doing something it hadn't all week. The mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity made it hard to breathe normally. I focused on the pool, the lights, the music, trying to let the party feel like just a normal evening, even though it wasn't.
As I settled into the lounge chair, taking in the scene, I noticed the subtle details that made the backyard perfect: the reflections in the water shimmering under the lights, the soft scent of grilled food mingling with the warm evening air, the laughter echoing off the walls of the mansion. People were enjoying themselves, and for a moment, I felt the weight of school gossip and tension lift.
But Noah. I couldn't help but glance at him again. He was talking to Kai and Leo, pointing toward the pool, joking, gesturing with his hands. His confidence was magnetic, impossible to ignore, but tonight… tonight he seemed relaxed, almost like just another guest, rather than the intimidating, untouchable figure he often felt like at school.
I took a deep breath and tried to focus on Mia beside me. She was smiling, scanning the party, already chatting with someone she seemed to know. Her excitement was contagious, and slowly, I allowed myself to start enjoying the atmosphere, letting the music and lights distract me from the nervous flutter in my stomach.
The night was young. The pool glimmered invitingly. The BBQ smelled delicious. And somewhere across the yard, Noah and his friends were watching, laughing, and plotting… though I didn't know it yet.
Tonight promised fun, unexpected encounters, and maybe… a little chaos.
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Noah's POV
I was leaning against the edge of the pool, drink in hand, chatting quietly with Kai and Leo. The music thumped softly in the background, lights strung across the backyard casting a warm glow over everything.
And then I saw her.
Aria.
She stepped out of the car with Mia, casual, pretty, effortless. My chest tightened slightly, and I had to force myself to act normal.
Kai noticed my gaze and smirked. "Man… you staring again?"
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not staring. I'm… observing."
Leo snorted, elbowing Kai. "Yeah right. Obsessed, you mean."
I ignored them, my eyes still on Aria. She laughed at something Mia said, adjusting her sundress as she walked toward the lounge chairs. The casual way she carried herself, the soft waves of her hair, the tiny hair clips catching the string lights it was distracting, but I couldn't look away.
Kai leaned closer. "So… you planning to say hi or just creep from here?"
I smirked faintly. "Patience. Let's see how she reacts first. She's interesting. Different from the others."
Leo shook his head, laughing. "Man, you make it sound like a mission. Just go talk to her already."
I took a slow sip of my drink, letting my eyes trace her movements without looking too obvious. From afar, she looked completely unaware of our attention, chatting and laughing naturally with Mia. That alone made her more intriguing.
Kai and Leo went on joking and splashing each other near the pool, but I stayed quiet, quietly planning how I'd approach her later when the timing was perfect. Tonight wasn't just another party. Tonight was the start of the game, and I intended to play it carefully.