Jay's POV
I slipped into a sapphire-blue dress that shimmered softly under my bedroom light, the fabric hugging my figure just right before cascading down in gentle waves. A fluffy white scarf draped elegantly over my arms, and my silver mask that tied everything together. I leaned closer to the mirror, adding the final touches: a sweep of mascara, a hint of blush, and gloss on my lips. For a moment, I hardly recognized myself. I wasn't the troublemaker girl I used to be — I'd grown more confident, more girly .
Downstairs, Mia and Brooke were already waiting. Mia looked stunning in a long black dress paired with silky gloves, her elegant black lace mask giving her an air of mystery. Brooke, as bold as ever, wore a ruby-red gown that matched perfectly with her golden mask. We stood side by side, grinning — a trio of confidence and style.
"We look amazing," Brooke said, twirling once for effect.
"Ready to turn some heads?" Mia added with a wink.
I laughed. We slipped into the car, the city lights glinting through the windows as we headed toward the Golden Hour Hotel.
Keifer's POV
"Hey Keif, you're coming, right?" Aries's voice crackled through the phone, casual but cheerful. Ever since Jay left, he and I had gotten closer — almost like before the accident.
"Yeah," I said after a brief pause, trying to sound more enthusiastic than I felt. "I'll be there."
"Good! See you there!" he laughed before hanging up.
I sighed, setting the phone down. My room felt too quiet. I pulled on my dark-blue suit, smoothing the fabric across my chest, and adjusted the silver tie — a perfect match to my mask, though for reasons I didn't fully understand, I couldn't help but smile at the thought. " huh Jay's favourite colour " I muttered under my breath with a small laugh.
Just then, a soft knock sounded on my door.
"Hi, kuya! Are you going out?" Keiren peeked in, wide-eyed.
"Yeah," I replied, turning to him.
"Can I go to my friend's house, please?" he asked, giving me his best puppy eyes — a look I could never resist.
"Fine, but be back by ten, okay?"
"Thanks, kuya!" he said, dashing off before I could change my mind.
After grabbing my keys, I caught my reflection in the mirror. Maybe tonight would be different. I stepped out into the crisp evening air, the hum of the city filling the silence, as slid into my car.
The engine rumbled back to life, headlights cutting through the dark. As I drove toward the Golden Hour Hotel.