The phone call with Dynasty left Kimi feeling hollow rather than excited. His voice carried that familiar warmth when he asked if he could pick her up tomorrow, but she declined with practiced politeness. She would drive herself.
Months ago, the prospect of seeing Dynasty would have sent butterflies dancing through her stomach. Now, she felt nothing but a dull ache where anticipation should have been. Life had a cruel way of reshaping desires, turning what once seemed precious into mere obligation.
"See you tomorrow then," Dynasty said, his disappointment barely concealed before the line went dead.
Kimi set her phone on the nightstand and wandered out of her bedroom, seeking the comfort of company. The living room buzzed with hushed conversation, but the moment she appeared, every voice fell silent. Four pairs of eyes turned toward her with guilty expressions.
Kolton was notably absent from the group gathering, likely brooding in his room as he had been for days.
