Kurt's POV :
Alright.
I adjusted my sleeves just below my elbows and checked myself in the mirror one last time. Not bad. White shirt, sleeve rolled neatly, black trousers hugging my leg just right, hair styled—clean, sharp, effortless. A golden watch (my late Granddad's) around my wrist. Honestly, that's the only accessory I care about.
I glanced at the clock. 5:30.
Max's place is just seven minutes away. So, I've got time to kill.
I sat down on my bed, opened my phone, and started scrolling through Instagram reels. Just random noise until a notification popped up.
It's Lukie.
-> "You ready? Axel's already there. Told Max he'd help with the setup early. Zeke left too. It takes him like an hour to reach Max's. I'm done being ready. Fifteen minutes from mine to his. Wanna go together?"
I typed back fast.
-> "Nah, bro. It's just seven minutes from mine. You go ahead. Text me when you hit Oakridge Road."
It was seen immediately.
-> "Alright, man."
I tossed my phone on the bed and picked up the black gift bag from my desk.
Designer shoes. Typical.
I sighed, sitting down on the bed with the bag on my lap, staring at it like it held all the answers in the universe.
Mara's coming too...
What's she gonna wear?
Do I look good enough?
Will she even notice me?
Or worse—get attracted to someone else?
Would she—
No, stop, Kurt.
Again.
Kurt—you're being pathetic again, man.
Why do you care so much? Why does she even matter? Damnit.
I took a long breath—maybe a little too long— and checked the time again.
5:39.
Fantastic.
I slid my phone into my pocket, grabbed the gift, and was about to leave when the door creaked open.
Keira peeked in, with that mischievous grin already plastered on her face.
"Kuya, you ready? Mum's calling. She wants to teach you some 'norms'."
She giggled. Loudly. Like a baby hyena, yeah.
My lil sister isn't cute at all. SHE IS DEMONIC. SEND HELP.
I patted her head as I walked past her with the gift bag. "Yeah, yeah. I'm coming."
I smirked. "And don't sound too happy. You're not getting a front-row seat to some family drama. I'm pretty sure Mum just wants to remind me how to behave. It's called love, not scolding."
Keira puffed up her rosy cheeks and crossed her arms, pretending to be annoyed.
Okay...maybe this kid is cute sometimes.
I chuckled and left the room, walking downstairs. I could hear Keira's little footsteps pattering behind me.
Mum spotted me first. Her whole face lit up like a sunrise. She walked over, that motherly smile already melting my heart.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my little gentleman," she teased, adjusting my collar.
"Mum..." I groaned softly, rolling my eyes but smiling anyway.
She brushed a bit of invisible dust from my shoulder. "You look absolutely handsome, my dear boy."
I smirked. "Well, you know—there's something named genes, Mum."
Mum could only smile, pure love in her eyes. "Go, then, sweetheart. Say hello to your friends from my side. No drinking. No shady behavior. No indulging in illegal activities. And certainly, stay within your limits."
I raised my hands in mock surrender, laughing. "Yes, ma'am. Obeying all rules. But I deserve a reward. Cheek kiss from the queen, please."
She laughed in amusement and planted a soft kiss on my cheek. "Bye, then, love. Take care."
I nodded and waved Mum and Keira goodbye before stepping out of the mansion. I could still hear Keira's whines about Mum's kiss as I slid into the car.
It's gonna be a long night for sure.
As the driver started the engine, I leaned my head against the window, watching the city lights blur past.
Sometimes, I wonder.... Is it all the life's about?
Party. Friends. Family. Laughs. School. Love?
It's like life's one big loop of noise. Loud music. Loud people. Loud LIES.
We all hide something from others. Even from ourselves. Maybe we're all just pretending.
Zeke pretends like he doesn't give a damn about anything. But I know he does. He cares. About his close ones. About us.
Axel, too, acts like he only lives for parties and girls, but deep down, I know he wants more. Maybe he's just scared of wanting it.
Then there's Lukie—my brother from another mother. Acts all tough and nonchalant. Always the loudest in the room. But I've seen it. That flicker in his eyes. The one that tells a whole different story. He hides his pain underneath that charming smirk of his. Clever boy.
So that's it. WE ALL HIDE.
"We're here, young master."
I snapped out of my thoughts and looked out the window.
Max's mansion loomed ahead—lit up, alive, echoing with laughter and music that thumped through the ground The sound of a hundred stories colliding under one roof.
I've been here many times. He always invites me and my boys to every single party of his.
So yeah. I've learned the map of his mansion completely by now.
I stepped out of the car, fixing my collar as I walked up the marble steps.
The door was wide open—typical Max. This boy always keeps the front door open at his parties.
Inside, the air smelled like cologne, smoke, and expensive champagne. The bass vibrated through my shoes.
Max spotted me immediately—drink in one hand, the other lazily draped over Veronica, his girlfriend's shoulder.
I greeted him with a smile as he removed his arm from Veronica's shoulder to hi-five me.
"Sup, man!" He grinned.
"Yo, Max. Happy Birthday, bro." I smiled, handing him the gift. "Everything's good so far?"
"Yeah, smooth as hell. Thanks, man." He nodded, taking the gift. "Lukie, Axel, and Zeke are here already. Come on, they're in the living room."
I smiled and nodded, about to follow—when I saw his eyes flick past me. They widened, and he let out a low whistle.
"Whoa."
I frowned. "What?"
Then I turned around to look at the source that caused the spark in Max's eyes.
And just like that...everything in me froze.
My heart started pounding, my face all red, and my throat went dry.
I forgot how to breathe for a second.
It's...
Mara.