Ch-1
"What did you say?!"
Hearing the words, the young woman suddenly felt dizzy. She shook her head as she remembered how she fell asleep while studying for her finals.
Am I inside a dream?
She rubbed her eyes. Her bleary gaze darted around the unfamiliar setting, the space was humongous, like the principal's office of a posh school. The smell of ink and paper filled her nostrils.
She knitted her brows together, her gaze drifted towards the man sitting behind the desk with an almost bewildered face.
She felt her heart skip a beat as she met his sharp eyes, for a moment she forgot her surroundings and questioned herself if she had ever seen such a handsome man before.
The answer was simply no. She was an overworked college student, never had her eyes on anything or anyone other than books.
He fixed his glasses, a facade of indifference took over his previously perplexed face, his flickering orbs dimmed to emptiness. The air in the room turned heavy and cold with tension.
He furrowed his thin brows, "Just what were you thinking?" He paused as if what she must have said before she had entered the dream was extremely fervently incredulous.
"Did you really just say you have feelings for me?"
Huh?
Her eyes bulged wide. Did she hear him right? What kind of wild dream is she stuck in?
She blinked, Just what stupid dream am I in? Seriously I have no wish to continue this. I have been lucid dreaming since class 5 , this plot is sickening, sometimes I hate my brain.
She thought austerely as she clicked her tongue, before closing her eyes almost as if this was not worth her mind.
Turn this man into a frog.
…
…
She creased her brows and placed both of her index fingers on the side of her head, trying harder, she thought with pressure.
Turn this man into a frog!
…
"Are you alright?"
His deep voice made her flinch as her eyes shot open, falling directly on his befuddled face. She gulped, her thoughts ran wild.
Why isn't this working?
Is this dream broken? Maybe I should just wake up.
She sighed lightly, clearing her throat she tried waking up but something was amiss. She couldn't. Her heart started to thud, as cold sweat formed on her skin.
This is weird…am I stuck?
No way. I should try harder.
She sucked a big volume of air, but he interrupted her, his voice was laced with concern other than annoyance, "Ms. Flounce? Are you alright?"
She tilted her head as she repeated the name after him in her head. His expression remained unfazed with a hint of callousness.It was almost as if he wasn't paid enough for dealing with this.
Flounce...
My name isn't Flounce. But why does this name feel familiar?
She could almost see his patience thinning as he pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a small sigh. His fingers drummed on the desk.
Her eyes twitched, as his gaze turned frosty. He sharply looked at her as he opened his mouth to say something when suddenly.
Pak!
The whole room was silent as the sound of the slap rang like humiliation. Her head still turned to the side, her cheeks tainted red. While she panted heavily.
His olive orbs shot wide, he took off his glasses as he was at a loss for words. He blinked slowly trying to decipher if the girl in front of him was insane or just despicable?
Meanwhile she was in a daze, as she thought to herself.
…I just slapped myself, why didn't I wake up??
Why did it sting so hard??
"Fuckkkkk" she muttered, almost desperately as she felt like jumping and kicking something. She clenched her fists as embarrassment crept to her like a ghost.
His voice cut through the thick discomfiting ambience in the room , "Ms. Flounce, have you gone mad?"
He emphasized each word as his indifferent face flickered with slight annoyance. She didn't know what situation she was in, but her instincts were shouting at her to say something, she bit her lower lip.
Was there anyway she was going to survive after this embarrassment? The silence was a looming reminder of her futile attempt at escape.
The air was suffocating as his sharp eyes remained on her disgruntled, his hands clasped on the desk. His silent gaze made her stomach churn with anxiety.
She swallowed hard, it was unfair being stared at by someone who looked like this, she could feel her cheeks grow warm, the embarrassment was inevitable!
It was hard to believe, despite the black dusting of eyes bags, disappointment evident in his olive orbs, everything about him was glowing with an otherworldly aura. As if this man in front of her wasn't the same species as her.
Suddenly, something clicked in her disoriented mind.
Flounce…
As in Kia Flounce!?
The sudden realisation that this name was a character in a novel she read a few days ago, made her gasp as she realised the situation she found herself was…. exactly how it was described in the book!
The thought that she might be inside a novel she read a few days prior was absurd. She had to hold back the urge to break out into a humourless laughing fit.
Her mind was unclear as all she could think was, Crap.
He leaned back on his seat, his gaze stoic and steady almost at the brink of snapping, "Ms. Flounce I asked you a question"
She forced her attention back on him, fidgeting with her hands as she said brusquely, "Could you repeat it…professor Journos?"
Slight hesitation as she uttered "Professor Journos". In the novel she had read and believes she is currently stuck in, the person opposite her should be Professor Journos, if her guess was correct.
"That confession…Do you really feel this way towards me?" his eyes stuck to her unwaveringly, his expression fastidious.
He replied to her, she avoided his eyes as she couldn't believe her ludicrous guess was correct? He is Devian Journos!
She felt like crying, her knees falling weak barely holding her up. All her life to now she had never felt so helpless.
She almost wanted to just screw everything and slap him, putting her hand over her mouth she shook off the impulsive thoughts running around in her head.
it's been a long time since I had a dream like this! Gosh, maybe I should just slap him and see where this stubborn dream goes!
A few seconds later…
Damn it! I need to hold back! I can't slap him!
But her wild thoughts melted away right when she met his almost unfavorable eyes, his hands tapping on the desk,
"It was a fake confession" her mouth spat on its own impetuously.
..
..
After a long moment of utter silence. His lips curled up slightly before he averted his gaze from her, he scoffed out almost to himself ,"Fake confession?"
His voice low and hesitant, he definitely didn't believe her nervous lie. His fingers paused as he looked lost in thoughts.
She remembered this scene very well. This was the day the inconsequential sidekick Kia finally let out her bottled up feelings for her professor Devian Journos. The third male lead of the novel.
Her confession was brazen expressing her infatuation towards him. The words were especially corny and extremely cringe worthy.
She couldn't help but grimace slightly as she remembered how she banged her head hard against her pillow reading this scene for the first time, she thoroughly regretted reading those lines.
She shook her head still reeling from the reminisce, he was still deep in his own thoughts, without looking at her, his slender fingers held his glasses, "What do you mean by a fake confession?"
She felt a wave of nerves, she hadn't thought that much through. He seemed almost piqued, his impassive voice rang in the empty room.
Now she felt cornered as her palms got sweaty, she gave him a crooked smile and uttered sheepishly, "I…it was a dare. I lost a bet and…well, they forced me to do this"
Her predicament didn't stop her from remembering her daredevil era back in high school. Also she couldn't care any less about this, this isn't real, as she waited expectantly.
He raised his brow and asked almost sceptically, "So everything you said was a lie?"
She scratched her hair as she smiled nervously, "Yes. I am such an actress…I can't help myself even if it was a simple dare...you see I was once called by a famous dire-"
She abruptly stopped as she noticed his almost tired gaze, his unimpressed blinking as he sighed. His stoic face screamed "Get me out of here"
Her smile vanished, What!?
Did I say something wrong??
He stared at her for a moment, his gaze made her stand up straighter and smile harder until he shook his head as if he didn't believe her lie, but he wanted to believe it.
"Don't bet like that again, it's improper. You may leave now but if that happens again I wouldn't let you off the hook"
Waving his hand dismissing her, she nodded walking towards the glass door almost tripping from the nerves.
God that was arduous.
As she stood by the door, her heart calmed down. But one thing was still amiss. A frown formed on her face.
I am still here. By now I am sure I am not sure if this is a dream or hell?
Putting her hand on the glass door she let out a long sigh, she asked herself,
What should I do? Do I throw myself down the window??
Her eyes glued to the window, something in her was nagging her that this situation wasn't just something she can get out of.
That weird tingle people feel in their feet when they know they will be getting their result card in an hour and they also know the duck drawing they made on the exam paper…instead of actually writing anything.
Well, that's how it feels. No. To her this was worse than that. It's almost like writing an exam paper while being tipsy.
How can she possess Kia Flounce?
She felt her heart drop more as she thought about it, leaning petulantly against the glass door she stared at the window dazed.
Soon enough she started to throw her arms and legs around like a 5 years old who was denied getting a Ben Ten watch.
She mumbled, "Gosh I don't know what to do! Mom, where are you?? Why me!? Why not my brother!? Damn it! I don't have a brother!"
____
____
As an old half dead man whistling while holding a mop on one hand stopped before her. He clicked his tongue staring at her weird ritual of dealing with frustration,
"Poor girl clearly rejected"
Huh?
His voice was loud and extremely clear for an old man. Did that old bitch just mock me!? Not me, I mean Kia.
How does he know Kia confessed to Devian!?
She instinctively looked back at the glass door behind her, her face flushed as she felt embarrassed of something she didn't even do.
She glared at his old unapologetic face, blinking a few times as the old janitor walked away shaking his head exasperated.
That old fuck.
She looked around frantically as she felt a surge of relief that no one was around. The college was mostly empty and quiet.
°•~~🌹~~•°
After a while of frustration she decided it's time to stop, she forced her legs to walk around the unfamiliar campus. Despite herself she couldn't help but wonder about how beautiful this college was.
They even have a huge elevator! In her college she had to squish through a small closet of an elevator with 12 others. Not to mention how the teachers would always look at you if you dared to take up the amount of space you need to take as a matter.
It was stupid, it was unbelievable and it was probably a lie. She convinced herself this was all just a nightmare. A stubborn dream not willing to let her get full control.
But that's not all, she pursed her lips and clenched her fists tightly. She had become the good for nothing sidekick, Kia, who dies at the beginning of the novel!
She felt like breathing fire out of her lungs, Looking at her (Kia's) watch she realised it was already evening, she stood there as she felt anxious.
She didn't know anything about Kia. Not where she lived. But from the book she did know that today was the last day of college before summer break.
She looked one last time at the glass door, before walking towards the elevator, having no sense of direction about where to go. She closed her eyes hoping to find any of Kia's memories.
The elevator dinged open, making her feel a wave of frustration as she walked out. Looking around the unfamiliar surroundings made her feel as if she had really lost her life.
Lost in her own thoughts, she didn't realise someone was calling her. It wasn't until she felt a tap on her shoulders that she lifted her head to meet a man, probably in his fifties staring back at her with a worried expression.
"Where were you Kia?"
His voice was old and warm, his wrinkly face creased eagerly for her response.
She gulped, she figured he must be someone close to Kia, probably her father?
She didn't find any words. Her mouth remained tightly shut. He averted his gaze before he sighed, "Let's go home"
The entire car ride both remained silent. She was confused and extremely stressed, her mind filled with different thoughts. He remained quiet as his grip on the steering wheel remained tight.
After reaching their destination, both got out. The house was two stories, with a big yard Infront, looking around she realised most houses in this area were constructed similarly.
She felt her chest tighten, she has always lived in a small space growing up, even in college she had to share her dorm with 4 other girls.
She looked at him as he walked towards the front door silently. His steps were gloomy and almost as if he had something more to say.
Upon entering he took off his shoes and said scarcely, "Next time…let me know, I was scared to death"
Those words were foreign to her, she tilted her head and nodded politely. Her chest tightened and she gripped the edge of her sleeves tightly. She couldn't figure out what was wrong between Kia and her father.
But she couldn't care any less about that. What was killing her was the frustration of pretending to be someone she wasn't. She bit her lower lip as she felt her eyes turn glossy, why was she always put in such a predicament?
The unfairness made her crumble. Seeing her standing motionless he paused and turned to her.
Seeing the sight in front of him, his heart ached. All his life he has never seen his daughter cry… at least after that day.
He remained stuck to his position with his eyes wide with unspoken words. His hands trembled while he watched his daughter break down for the second time in her life.
She smiled wryly while using her sleeve to wipe her flowing tears, "Gosh what happened to me?"
Her voice weak and shaky, this just amplified her guilt of pretending to be Kia. She found herself trembling, she herself never truly cried. She was always too busy with her responsibility to ever shed a tear.
Honestly, to her, she never felt like crying. It was the ambition to grow and achieve that she barely noticed her own heart. Right now, she could feel the silent ache which hurt more than anything.
I miss my dad
In her life her dad and her cat were her only family. Since little she always looked up to her father, despite his indifference towards her.
The thought of losing her actual life about which she used to always complain made her feel an unfamiliar pang.
He finally snapped out of his daze, averting his gaze he asked in a distraught voice, "Did something happen?"
She sniffled, shaking her head. How can she say that the girl in front of him wasn't his daughter, but an imposter.
He cleared his throat, unsure of what to do, his gaze darted across the room anxiously.
She felt even worse.
She lowered her head trying to hide her tears.
This can't be. It's just a long dream.
She cursed at herself for breaking down in such a situation but her anxious heart was done pretending that this is a dream.
Her tears kept on falling as her thoughts became more and more pessimistic, when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder.
Instinctively she paused and looked at the person, he gave her a weak smile, his voice hesitant, almost worried that he might be doing something wrong, "Sometimes crying is healthy"
It took her a moment to fully comprehend, she stared at his apologeticly concerned face, the pain momentarily dissipated.
Before she looked away disillusioned as she found herself in a cruel circumstance. He was being understanding to someone who isn't even his daughter. Judging by his awkwardness he must have never consoled his real daughter before.
Despite everything she nodded at his reassuring words. The ache in her heart continued as her mind was reeling with a conflicted web of emotions.
°•~~🌹~~•°
After what felt like eternity she was able to compose herself, thankfully he didn't linger or pry too much. She walked inside the room which was hers from now on.
Opening the door, she found herself staring into a plain and tidy room. It smelled clean and fresh as if no one had used it before. Her uneasiness grew as she entered the room.
Books carefully placed in order in the bookshelf, no posters or pictures. Bed tidy and no hint of crumpiness. Taking small steps she sat on the bed as it sank down.
Fidgeting with her hands, she thought to herself.
This better be a fever dream.
She sighed as she thought about her cat, her cat— Mia must be hungry. If she didn't feed Mia on time that devil would make sure she regretted her life descions with insane dose of cat fang attacks.
The memories made her look at her arm. No marks of Mia's cute teeth. Suddenly, she felt empty and void. Staring into the pale arms with no scars made her heart drop.
Her cat was everything to her, her only friend and family. Even though at that time she used to curse at Mia, right now she felt like a damn fool for it.
Amidst her longing she lay down on the comfortable bed and decided to sleep. If that's the way to get to her world.
°•~~🌹~~•°
"Welcome miss… Ummm…How do you pronounce your name?"
She opened her eyes as she rubbed it hard, why was everything so dark?
She looked around herself as she realised she was stuck in some sort of black void, her heart rate quickened as she thought of the possibility of death.
No way!! I am not even fully 21!! Come on! I didn't even finish my college exams! What about Mia? Oh no…will she be going hungry on the darn streets fighting with those back alley cats!?
"AHHHHH!!" she screamed out in pure horror, releasing the frustrations from her wild thoughts as she felt her throat go dry.
The scream was too much for her vocal chord as she coughed as if she had choked on her finger. After composing herself she looked around and felt even more afraid.
The voice rang again, this time deadpan, "Are you done?"
She took a deep breath before looking around the darkness, "Who are you!? What is happening!? Am I dead??"
"Geez, shut up for once. Let me explain."
She couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at the way it spoke. Like when you enter a Genz cafè and the way they talk to you as if your presence was an inconvenience.
The deadpan stare, the unperturbed tone it was the vibes whatever this thing was giving.
It sighed lightly before speaking in an exhilarating tone "I am the Settings!"
Switching from the sole wrenchingly Genz café barista to a fancy restaurant's Italian waiter who is more excited about your food than you are yourself.
…
…
A beat passed as she remained quiet. She didn't know whether to cry or laugh. Was this some sort of sitcom? But she felt this thing might know something, maybe this is her way out of this world!
Offended, its voice rang again, "Hey I am the settings!"
Still lost in her own thoughts, she finally let out a shaky, "Hmm"
The Settings cleared its throat ,"Yeah, alright, so you are inside the novel called Broken Promises. You are the supporting cha-"
She cut off the Settings, holding her palm up she inquired, "No...wait. I did figure out I am inside the novel and that I am kia.
Tell me how I ended up here? Where is the real kia? What happened to me? How can I go back?"
Settings let out groans of frustration as if expecting such a reaction
"Alright. I can't tell you yet why you are here, there is no such thing as real kia. You are kia now. And I don't know how you can go back"
The way it spoke as if her questions were invalid in the first place made her blood boil, like she could almost see it frowning and soulless stare. Her fists tightened its grip on her skirt as she looked up with an agonizing stare.
"Settings "
Settings went, "Yeah?"
She spat out, " Why do you exist? You are fucking useless"
Taken aback by her snarky remark, the Settings backtracked, as it yapped in one breath, "Look...Hey! I am here trying to tell you something important and you keep on making things difficult with your train of questions! Give me a break lady!"
She took a deep breath calming her frayed nerves, "I wanna go back home right now!"
Her tone firm leaving no room for negotiation, the Settings responded almost desperately keeping its tone gleeful, "You can't. Now you are Kia…Think of this as your second chance baby~"
She crossed her arms closing her eyes, taking a deep breath she thought
how come this thing pissed her off more than the old fuck?
She kept her silence, calming herself down. But the Settings probably didn't understand her silence.
The Settings spoke almost unsure and miffed ,"See why I didn't answer your questions before, it's complicated. Let's leave those questions for now, for the sake of your sanity. So to sum it up you are kia, this is reality, and you got a second chance. Got it?".
She nodded blankly, her face pale as the words finally hit her.
God kill me.