Chapter Twenty-Five: Black Tie, Sticky Notes, and Realizations
(Lyra's POV)
I was hunched over Cassian's notes, trying to focus on fractions and functions, but my mind kept drifting.
"Lyra," Evan's voice cut through my thoughts, smooth as ever. "My dad invited you all over for dinner."
I froze. "Dinner? Uh… we don't have to, do we?" My stomach twisted into knots.
"Of course you do," he said quietly, leaning closer, golden eyes unreadable. "He saw us hanging out once… you have to come."
I blinked. Have to? My chest tightened. My mind spun. Do they not want me there? Do they hate me? Am I… bothering them?
I could feel my cheeks heating, and I tried to focus on Cassian's scribbles, but I couldn't stop overthinking.
Soraya leaned over, grinning. "Ooooh, Black Tie? You're gonna be nervous, aren't you?"
I nodded quickly, biting my lip. "Yeah… I mean… I don't even know what to wear…"
Saphira smirked. "Don't worry. You'll look gorgeous. You always do."
I felt my stomach twist. Gorgeous? They're just being nice. Right?
Later that afternoon, I was tucked into a corner with my sketchbook when I noticed a sticky note tucked inside one of my favorite pages. I frowned, picking it up.
"You're mine. I don't like to share."
A chill ran down my spine. I looked up, and Evan was standing there, golden hair catching the sunlight, smirk tugging at his lips. "Found it?"
I swallowed hard. "I… uh…" My face burned.
"Don't overthink it, Sol," he said softly, leaning close. "Just… remember, you're mine."
When I got home, I facetimed my cousin Rina. Her face lit up instantly.
"Lyra! Spill. What happened?"
I hesitated. "Uh… well… there's this cheerleader at school. She keeps flirting with… him. And I… I don't know…"
Rina's eyes went wide. "Lyra! You have feelings for him, don't you?!"
I tried to deny it. "N-no! I don't! I mean… I barely…"
Rina rolled her eyes so hard I could practically see it. "Ly! Stop lying to yourself. You like him. Admit it."
I froze, heartbeat hammering. Rina's right. I… I do like him.
The week passed in a blur. Every time Evan leaned close, brushed my hair back, or called me Sol, my stomach fluttered. I found myself thinking about him constantly. And now… the Black Tie dinner was looming over me like some impossible mountain.
Saturday. Black tie. His dad. Everyone's going to look at me. Will I… fit in? Will I be good enough?
I sighed, flipping through my sketchbook, trying to distract myself. But my thoughts kept circling back. I like him. Really like him.
And somehow… that thought made everything feel both terrifying and thrilling at the same time.