Bethany POV
Ta-da.
Coccette and I stood in front of a cute little coffee shop called Mochi. And yes—after a full cardio session beating up Anika, I deserved a break. That bitch even broke one of my nails.
Coccette blinked at me in disbelief. Then she sighed.
"Bethany… after everything that happened today, the first thing you think about is coffee?"
I smiled, completely unbothered.
"Sure, why not? And it's not just coffee. They have mochi. You know—those little Japanese desserts. Sweet, smooth, absolutely divine."
She crossed her arms.
"I've heard about them… never tried one though."
I grabbed her wrist, pushing her toward the door.
"Well, today's the day," I announced.
Inside, we settled at a small, cozy table. I ordered a vanilla mochi with a latte. Coccette chose a classic mochi and an orange juice. A few minutes later, our order arrived—beautifully plated, almost too pretty to eat.
Coccette eyed her plate suspiciously.
"Okay… let me try this."
I nodded, waiting. Watching.
She took a bite. Then another. Finally, she looked up at me.
"Alright," she admitted, "it's actually good. I'd come back here."
I smiled smugly.
"Told you."
We were chatting casually when someone approached our table. A woman—blonde hair, brown eyes—the kind you see on television and immediately think wow, she's pretty. Too pretty. Too familiar.
She walked toward us, smiling, her movements light and confident.
No.
Is it—?
It can't be.
She stopped right in front of us.
"Coccette," she said, then turned her gaze to me. "And Bethany."
Coccette and I exchanged a look—pure shock mixed with disbelief.
The woman laughed softly.
"Long time no see, girls. I see you're still inseparable after all these years."
We stayed silent.
"Oh, come on," she added cheerfully. "It's me—Emily Irkinz."
She smiled sweetly and casually sat down at our table, placing her luxurious handbag beside her like she belonged there.
Dear God.
Emily Irkinz?
That Emily Irkinz? My high-school enemy?
And why the hell was she so happy to see us?
We were supposed to hate each other.
Emily Irkinz POV
After work, I always walk through town. Shopping is my little ritual—new clothes, pretty things. It's my hobby. That can be a hobby, right?
I smiled to myself, twirling a strand of my long blonde hair as I strolled down the street. My favorite boutique was just around the corner.
Then I saw it.
A tiny, fluffy white kitten.
"Oh my God," I whispered, crouching down. "You're so cute."
I lifted the little thing into my arms, laughing softly as it squirmed, clearly offended by my affection.
"Hey, hey," I murmured. "I'll buy you tuna, you know. The good kind."
I spoke to it like it could understand me.
As I looked up, I realized where I was standing.
Right in front of a mochi café.
I sighed dramatically.
"Great. Now you made me crave mochi."
In a blink, the kitten finally escaped my arms and disappeared down the street. I straightened up to follow it—
And froze.
No.
It was her.
It was them.
Coccette and Bethany.
I stared through the window, my heart skipping painfully. My high-school enemy. And the girl I used to bully.
I wasn't proud of who I'd been back then. Not at all. I'd changed—or at least, I wanted to believe I had. I was older now. Kinder. More aware.
And… regretful.
Should I talk to them?
Would they even listen? Especially Bethany. She'd always had a temper—and honestly, I couldn't blame her. What if she grabbed my hair? I'd just had it done.
I sighed, taking a deep breath.
Okay, Emily, I told myself. This is your chance. Be better.
I reached for the door.
What's the worst that could happen?
Well… Bethany might punch me.
But still.
I stepped inside.