Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Summer of 2007.

༺ Lydia ༻

Lydia Kollins had a target, and the perfect plan to get him.

For the past five weeks, every Saturday at 10:45 a.m, Lydia would read a book at the country club, and sit on a lounge chair by the pool.

She did not want to be there at all, but she knew she had to.

Pretty girls don't need college, they're better off finding a wealthy man. Those were the words stuck in her head, what her mother had been telling Lydia since she was in her early teens.

Lydia's mother, Vivian, had gone from poor teen mom to trophy wife. When Lydia was seven, her mom married George, owner of the C&W law firm.

Lydia perfectly remembered the day she and her mom went from living in a one bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania to George's mansion in California. She remembered walking through those tall doors, into a new world full of glitz and glamour. She remembered finally having a bedroom to herself, decorated in pastel pink. She remembered finally having access to every toy she wanted. Barbie dolls? Tamagotchis? Furbys? Polly Pockets? American Girl dolls? She didn’t have to choose, with George’s money she could finally have them all.

That was the moment she, at the ripe age of seven, knew she wanted to follow her mother's footsteps and marry a rich man.

It's for my future. she kept repeating in her head like a mantra. I'm too pretty to get a job, and finding a man can't be that hard. But so far, her best efforts had not been successful. She had gone on a few dates with sons of billionaires, but nothing ever went past the fourth date.

You are too pretty to not even have a boyfriend yet, sweetheart, you are already twenty, and we all know the older you get, the harder it is for men to like you, is what her mother had said a few nights ago.

Her mother’s words cut like a knife, Lydia knew it was true, rich men loved a young girlfriend.

she had seen the way George had treated her mom, her mom was not a beloved wife but an object, an accessory for George to show around. But the Chanel handbags and Louboutin shoes made it all worth it—it was the price her mother paid for a luxury lifestyle, and it was the price Lydia was willing to pay too.

So far, whenever Lydia went on a date with whatever rich-guy-of-the-month she was seeing, they would be initially attracted, and how could they not, she was an objectively gorgeous and charismatic young woman, of course all these guys all wanted a taste of her, yet she could never make any of them stay. 

There must be something wrong with me, she thought to herself all the time. Maybe they could tell her heart was not one-hundred percent in it, or maybe they just wanted sex, and once they realized they wouldn't be able to get it right away, they ghosted.

She needed her future husband to be a man insecure enough for her to manipulate easily, one that knew dating a girl like Lydia was a once in a lifetime opportunity, one that would easily fall for all her tricks.

That's when her mother found the perfect victim to her plan, Aaron King.

Every Saturday, while Lydia sat by the pool, Aaron would get there at 11:15 like clockwork. He would take his shirt off and dive into the pool. Lydia would lock eyes with him, bite her lip, and bat her eyelashes.

Then she would go back to reading her book, 'Beyond Good and Evil' by Friedrich Nietzsche. Did she care about this book at all? No, it was just a prop—extremely boring and hard to make sense of—yet she had studied it front to back and vice versa. It was Aaron's favorite book, she knew that from the hours she had spent digging through his Facebook and MySpace, preparing for this moment.

This time, after ten minutes of swimming, Aaron finally did what Lydia had been hoping for all this time. He got out of the pool and walked up to her.

He gave one look at the book in her hand and spoke:

"Hey, is that Nietzsche?"

Aaron was not that much older than Lydia, certainly not good looking, and now that Lydia could see him up close, she could tell that was why her mother had decided he would be the perfect victim.

"Oh, hi!” Lydia pretended to be surprised by this sudden interaction, as if she hadn’t been planning this moment for months. “It is, Beyond Good and Evil". The girl smiled, and placed a bookmark so she could close the book. "Do you... uh... like his work?".

“Well what a coincidence! He is my favorite philosopher.” Lydia knew this already, she had researched Aaron like her life depended on it—because her future did.

“Oh really? I’ve been enjoying this book, but it can be hard to understand sometimes”  She had to sound stupid on purpose. When you seem smart, they find it threatening, but when you seem dumb, they want to help you. She looked at his lips for a moment, then his eyes. “You know, I really like Nietzsche’s philosophy but I could probably use some help to fully get what he’s saying. And since you mentioned he’s your favorite, maybe you could explain it to me?”

If he said yes, she would be one step closer to the life she had always wanted. If he said no, she would have to try harder, or just move onto the next guy.

“Sounds perfect to me!” Men are simple creatures, if you say anything in a flirty tone, they will fall for it and do what you want. "So the thing I love about Nietzsche the most is his intellectual honesty. He's—"

Lydia cut him off.

“I'm sorry, I’ve got to go now. But does this time next week sound good?” You have to leave them wanting for more, it’s the oldest trick in the book.

"Sounds good to me!”. And just like that, the plan was starting to work.

Chapter Text

༺ Lydia ༻

It was finally Friday, when Lydia had plans to hang out with her best girlfriends—well, her only friends.

After years of practice, talking to men came easily, she just had to be seductive. She knew exactly how to do it; bat her eyelashes, look at their mouth, play with her hair, act dumb.

Yet she had never learned how to socialize with women, she never needed to.

She would usually get nervous around other girls, concerned about whether they were prettier than her. She would obsess over their bodies or how charming they were, always making her feel insecure, always making her feel lesser than.

But not around Suzie and Lana, and that was part of the reason why she appreciated their friendship so much.

Lydia always made time for them, she really loved their company, it was fun, chill, no need for makeup and high heels. Just the three of them in a casual environment. 

Lydia's friends never made her feel like an object, not in the way she felt around men.

The group had plans to hang out at Suzie's apartment at 7:00 p.m.

By 6:30 Lydia was still home. She had been watching '80s movies all day in the living room, Gremlins, The Shining, Beetlejuice—the classics.

When she checked what time it was, she knew she had to get ready quick. As much as she wanted to be on time, she was chronically late.

For her hair, she didn't bother brushing it or styling it. For her face, she took her makeup off and put black eyeliner all over, like a raccoon. And for her outfit, she wore a pair of black shorts with a big T-shirt with Ghostface on the front, and the Scream movie poster on the back.

She got in her car and drove to Suzie's, a 15-minute ride.

Lydia was ten minutes late, Lana and Suzie already there waiting for her.

●●●

Lana had been her best friend since the 7th grade. When they met, Lana had just switched from public to private school.

In private schools, kids were judgy of every minor imperfection, even things that weren't actually imperfect, they certainly judged Lana for being new money, but Lydia never did.

Lydia remembered being the new kid, when her mother married George and she moved to California. She remembered how the other kids' parents all gossiped about how her mother was a gold digger, which inevitably made it so the kids would judge her too. She managed to survive by blending in, so when a few years later Lana first arrived, after her parents became millionaires basically overnight, Lydia empathized having been there before, and that's how they became friends.

Lydia had some friends come and go through the years, Trish, Joanne, Ashley, but her and Lana were always inseparable, they knew everything about each other, always there for one another.

Even though Lydia would always get nervous around other girls, it was never Lana, they were truly friends, the kind you tell all your secrets to and watch movies on sleepovers with, it was like they were simply made for each other.

Later on in their lives came Suzie.

Lana met Suzie in college. Suzie had moved from Florida to major in theater at Stanford.

On the fall of freshman year, Lana volunteered to do all the thespians' makeup for their first play, Phantom of the Opera. 

When she did Suzie's makeup they would talk back and forth about each other's interests the entire time; as different as they were, their interactions were always fun, that's how they became close friends almost instantly.

During winter break that year, Lana introduced Suzie to Lydia at a new year's party. They continued to hang out all week, watch movies, make fun of their exes, and had sleepovers every other day.

Soon they realized the three of them were born for this friendship. Despite Suzie being added to the group later on, the three of them became so close it was like they all had known each other their entire lives.

●●●

Of course Lydia was the one who got to Suzie's place last. If you tell Lana to be somewhere at 7:00 she would make sure to get there by 6:55. Lydia and Suzie were the opposite, always late. Suzie was the type that would get there fifteen minutes late, and Lydia was the one that would usually get places a whole hour late.

When Suzie opened the door, they both had red cups full of cheap white wine in their hands, and they looked drunk, Lydia could see it in their eyes. They all could afford an expensive brand, but what would be the point? It was just a Friday night hangout with the girls, not an expensive business meeting trying to impress some rich white man.

"Oh hey! you're only ten minutes late this time." Said Suzie. "Certainly an improvement for you, miss fashionably late".

Lana almost drunkenly tripped on the rug when she ran to the door, ready to give Lydia a welcoming hug, spilling half of the wine in the cup she was holding.

"You're not the one to do the talking, miss slightly less fashionably late than Lydia!" Lana laughed. "We already poured a cup for you to drink! Chug it now!"

Suzie's apartment was cozy, a faux-leather couch with a TV on the floor, a persian rug, a big mirror, a red lava lamp next to the couch, and some plants on the windowsill, half of which were dead. All lit by a warm overhead light.

Once Lydia entered, she sat on the couch and chugged the entire glass of wine, which was really just half a cup, since Lana had spilled so much.

"Well, I brought joints!" Said Lydia. "I already rolled them myself earlier today." She saw the joy in her friends' faces. "Who wants to do the honors and light up the first one?"

Without saying a word, Suzie snatched Lydia's backpack to get a joint and a lighter out of the front pocket.

The girls were extremely close, enough to even know where the others kept weed in their backpacks.

Lana, being a lightweight, laughed loudly fully drunk by now. "I think Suzie does".

And indeed, Suzie lit up the joint.

Lana chuckled when she saw Lydia's backpack, which had a lot of joints and a quarter ounce bag of weed. "How much weed did you bring?" She asked, staring at the bag.

"Ten joints and some extra. I don't expect to smoke it all tonight but I want us to get high out of our minds, 'cause tomorrow's gonna suck." Lydia answered as she hit the joint Suzie had just passed her.

With no further questions or talk, they rotated the joint. There was enough weed for all of them to smoke their own, but it was more fun this way.

Then they rotated a second one.

And a third.

And half of a fourth.

They had to put the fourth one out when all of them, seemingly at the same time, got the munchies.

And so they snacked on Doritos to satisfy the desire for something crunchy, some ice cream Suzie had in her freezer for the sweetness, and Kraft Dinner, while watching reruns of Malcolm in the Middle on the TV.

Suzie even dipped the Doritos in ice cream.

Lydia had no recollection of how much time had passed, probably many hours, but by this point none of the girls were drunk, just purely high, very high.

After Lana lit the other half of the fourth, she asked Lydia: "So what did you mean earlier, when you said tomorrow is gonna suck?"

Lydia had been staring at the ceiling for a long time, but after hearing Lana's question, she looked at both of the other girls faces before giving an answer.

"I'm going to hang out with that boy". She Sighed.

"Ew." Suzie pretended to gag. She was a lesbian, she joked like this all the time.

"I know, and I'm sorry, but this one was nice to me, and seems to be interested for real this time." Said Lydia, staring at the ceiling once again, so baked she could almost hear the colors of the tiny shadows on the white popcorn ceiling.

"Sounds disgusting to me." Suzie joked.

After a moment of silence, Lydia spoke again.

"He's gonna teach me philosophy tomorrow."

"That sounds cool." Said Lana in a monotone voice, staring at the TV.

Suddenly the ceiling shadows didn't matter, Lydia was now feeling the slight disgust Suzie had joked about. She couldn't read Lana's thoughts with that monotone voice that came from being so high, but it sounded like disapproval, and she certainly knew that's how Suzie felt.

"I guess." Lydia paused while she tried, yet failed, to gather her thoughts. "I'm not that interested, but I brought the book we're gonna talk about, sticky notes, and sticky tabs, even a pen."

There was no point in lying, the girls knew she wasn't interested in philosophy, that she would only do this for a guy.

"Ooh, what book?" Suzie was faking interest, Lydia knew it.

Suzie could not care less about what book some stupid guy would teach her, but she wanted to comfort her friend in what she knew was already a shitty situation, even if Lydia would have never admitted that just the idea going out with this guy made her feel sick.

"Girl, I'm so high, I can't even remember the name." Lydia burst out laughing, it wasn't funny, but she was trying to get her mind out of her feelings. Lucky for her, this was one of those things that can sound funny after too much weed.

"Can I see your backpack?" Suzie didn't wait for an answer to open it.

Lydia just nodded.

"Nietzsche? Are you kidding?" Suzie asked.

Lydia couldn't tell what was wrong with Nietzsche, so she furrowed her eyebrows to show her confusion. "Why?"

"The most insufferable men on the planet are the ones obsessed with Nietzsche." Suzie said with a playful, unserious tone, yet there was some truth in what she was saying.

Lana had been sitting on the floor, silently staring at the TV screen for minutes, fully immersed in the Taco Bell ad in front of her.

"So fucking true." She broke her silence.

"Really?" Said Lydia.

Lana, keeping her stoned monotone voice, said: "Yeah, I can—" She paused. "Tolerate philosophy guys, just not the Nietzsche ones."

Suzie got up to go to the bathroom, leaving Lana and Lydia alone.

They were both silent for a minute.

Lana stared at the TV, now watching an LG ad.

Meanwhile Lydia was trying, yet failing, to process whatever Lana and Suzie meant about disliking guys that are into philosophy.

"What's wrong with Nietzsche? From what I've read he seems kinda reasonable."

Lydia wasn't well-read in philosophy, so she could have been completely wrong, easily amused by big words, or maybe Nietzsche was onto something about the issues with society—but it didn't matter what she thought as long as pretending to love the guy made Aaron happy.

"Honestly? I don't know." Lana shrugged her shoulders, now out of her monotone voice, sounding more invested in the conversation. "It's just that guys that talk about him are always the worst."

When Suzie got out of the bathroom she joined the girls again. "Are you two still talking about your helpless heterosexuality?" Teasing was her favorite way of showing love.

All three of the girls laughed.

After a while. Could've been seconds, minutes, or hours, Lydia couldn't really tell, Lana spoke again:

"You know? I kinda wish I was gay. I think gays are dope."

And that's all Lydia could remember from that night.

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

The morning after, the sun coming through the window woke Lydia up. 

She was lying on the floor of Suzie's bedroom. A deflated air mattress next to her that seemed like they had the intention to inflate but either forgot or didn't feel like it.

Suzie was sleeping next to her, and Lana was sleeping in Suzie's bed. 

When Lydia opened her eyes the first thing she saw was the clock on the wall, it was 11:00.

"Oh fuck!"

She was the first one awake, but her scream immediately woke the other girls up.

Lana squeezed her eyes shut instinctively to protect them from the sun.

And Suzie, without even opening her eyes, asked "What happened?"

"I'm supposed to be at the country club in fifteen minutes!" Lydia was worried. Yes, she was always fashionably late, but this was different, she needed to impress Aaron.

The second Lana and Suzie heard, they got up. They knew how important it was for Lydia to be there on time, they knew her plan and supported her even if they disagreed with it.

Once Lana rubbed her eyes, she looked at Lydia. "No offense, but you look terrible." None taken. "We need to get you ready as a team effort. Suzie, you go to your closet and pick a nice outfit for her. Get her a purse too and put her stuff there, her backpack reeks of weed. Lydia, I will quickly do your hair and makeup."

Lana was good at this stuff, so the girls followed her plan.

As soon as Lydia was ready to go out the door, she ran to her car and drove to the country club.

When she got there, she was late, of course. Aaron had been waiting for her by the pool.

"Hey! sorry I'm a bit late" Lydia spoke first approaching him. "I couldn't find my lipstick." Shit excuse, but one that a man would easily believe, she had used it before.

"Oh it's ok, I'm glad you wanted to look nice for me." He smiled, it seemed genuine. Lydia would've felt bad but she turned off her emotions for moments like this, it was instinctive, she had learned to see men as wallets and nothing else. "Should we go to the lounge?"

"Sure!" Lydia was good at faking enthusiasm for her potential future husbands.

And then she spent an entire morning being lectured about Nietzsche, some boring virgin philosopher she genuinely could not care less about.

Chapter Text

༺ Kori ༻

It was Saturday afternoon.

Kori was hungover from partying the night before. Crazy fucking night.

●●●

She had been to a pool party at some frat guy's house.

She was dancing with Sam, her friend, when a group of guys went up to them and suddenly grabbed Sam by the arms and legs to throw her in the pool.

They laughed like crazy, making it seem like it was just a silly prank.

But Kori saw right through them. She knew their real intention was to see through Sam's wet white shirt. So fucking pervy. She hated that men could get away with this type of behavior as long as it was a 'joke'.

Jewels, her other friend, spent most of the night with Brad, a guy she had been talking to for weeks, one of those shitty ones from a fraternity that wasn’t wearing a shirt just to show off his barely visible abs.

If there was one thing Kori had no patience for, it was straight men.

Later that night, it came up in conversation that Sam was gay. She was openly out, not a big deal to her or her friends.

But Brad heard the conversation.

So he offered to pay Sam a hundred bucks if she kissed a girl at the party. Kori thought that was gross.

And so did Jewels—she wasn't going to let her date harass one of her best friends.

See, this is why Kori could not tolerate straight men, they were assholes that immediately fetishized her friend the second they found out she was a lesbian.

The big problem was that Brad was the girls' ride, and now he refused to drive them home. They were stuck at the party with Sam in a bikini she had changed into an hour earlier, to not walk around in wet clothes.

In the span of an hour, things escalated at the party, when almost everybody went from drinking alcohol to snorting cocaine, a substance the three girls were strongly against.

When the cops came, they had to run, and then walk five miles in heels to Jewels', Sam still in a bikini.

●●●

Now at home, Kori was watching Date My Mom on the living room TV, a trashy reality show—her not so guilty pleasure.

During the commercial break, she overheard a conversation her mom and brother were having in the kitchen.

"I looked into this girl's family. Her mother was an impoverished teen mom until she married the owner of a law firm. She was a gold digger, and I'm sure this girl, Lydia, is following her footsteps." That was Kori's mom, Angela.

"Mom, I promise she's a nice girl. We've already been on enough dates for me to know she's not like that." And that was Aaron, her brother.

Kori was intrigued. 

"Her family is already rich, she doesn't need our money!"

Kori knew nothing about the situation, but to her it did sound like this Lydia girl was a gold digger, mostly because she thought Aaron was such a loser that the only way a girl would actually be interested in him was for his money.

"Aaron, you know George is not even her father right? And I haven't even mentioned the rumors I've heard. He's about to divorce that girl's mom. She does want our money."

Kori hated to agree with her mother, but she was clearly right, once again, nobody in their right mind would date her ugly, insufferable brother.

"We share the same interests, and we've already said I love you twice!" Well, maybe this girl really was insane enough to put up with Aaron. "I'm sure that if you got to know her you would think she's a good, lovely girl. She even wears a purity ring like me!"

Angela went silent for a moment, and commercial break was over, but Kori kept the TV on mute so she could keep hearing this juicy conversation.

"You know what? Sure. Bring her to next week's Thursday-night family dinner." Angela said calmly.

Kori knew her mother was not convinced, but she probably thought that any girl dating Aaron was better than him still not pulling any bitches.

Aaron left the kitchen and went straight to the living room with his MacBook. Kori turned the volume on to pretend she hadn't been hearing the entire conversation.

Aaron sat on the empty couch next to Kori's.

Before even opening his laptop, he stared at his sister for a long moment.

"Is there something on my face? Why the fuck are you staring?" Kori made sure to sound aggressive.

It was clear she and her brother had a strained relationship. Simplest way to put it; she hated him, and Aaron hated her.

"You don't need to be angry at me, it's not my fault I'm simply better than you."

So fucking annoying.

Who did he think he was? He was not better than Kori.

Kori would never believe that for a second, even if everyone else in her family did.

The main reason why Kori despised her brother was because she was tired of being compared to him. He had just graduated from Yale with a double major in business and philosophy, and next year he was going into a master's program in business at Stanford. Meanwhile Kori had dropped out of college after her first year. She barely went to class and had miserably failed every single one. Since then, she had been helping at her father's company. After all, she knew she was set for life with his money.

"Sure, whatever." Acting unbothered was Kori's favorite way to get on his nerves.

"You know I'm texting my girlfriend right? I know you're just jealous." Jealous of what? Having found a girl crazy enough to put up with him? Clearly not. "I have a girlfriend, you've never even had a serious boyfriend."

This was half true, she had dated a few boys in her early teens to get her parents' approval, but once she gave up on that, she dated a girl for two years.

She had told her family her now ex-girlfriend, Alex, was a close friend, they knew it wasn't true, and Kori knew her parents were onto something, it was obvious that the way she treated Alex was completely different from how she treated her friends. Kori would never lock herself in her bedroom for hours with any of her actual friends, and she had never cried over any friendship breakup as much as she did when Alex disappeared from her life.

Kori was a lesbian.

But it was never spoken about, besides some snarky remarks by Aaron.

Kori saw it as some form of don't ask don't tell, but for her family.

When Aaron made comments about her not having a boyfriend, he wasn't just trying to irritate her. He was pushing her buttons by attacking her identity, in a way that not only hurt her, but left her unable to say anything back.

"Fuck off." Kori said, and went straight to her room.

Chapter Text

༺ Lydia ༻

Every Thursday night, the Kings had dinner together as a family. This time, Aaron had told Lydia to come, he said his parents really wanted to meet her.

Lydia wasn't naive, she knew exactly what they were doing.

She was filled with anxiety—it had been a long, long time since things had escalated to this point with a guy. However, as nervous as she was, her number one priority for the night was to not let it show. She had prepared enough for this moment to fake confidence.

Fake it till you make it—even with love.

Most would say it was too soon—they would probably point and laugh at how fast the relationship was moving—clearly, the average rich guy would have waited longer before formally introducing his girlfriend to his family.

Lucky for Lydia, Aaron wasn't the average rich guy. Aaron wanted to rush the relationship so he could have her forever. And Lydia was more than happy to rush things, it helped her plan to fasten the relationship as much as possible, that way she'd have Aaron's money forever.

Her plan was simple, to get married as soon as possible and to not get a prenup, that way if things went south she could keep half of his money and assets.

In a way, Lydia did like going to a family dinner, even if it was not her own family. When your parents are married out of convenience, you don't get many of these family moments.

Convenience for Lydia's mom, Vivian, for the money.

Convenience for her stepdad, George, to have a young beautiful wife to show around.

But Aaron's family, they spent time together.

That was one—emotionally—positive thing Lydia could get out of the relationship, joining a family that actually cares.

Ironic how Lydia wanted to join a family unlike her own, all while replicating the exact relationship her parents had.

Lydia looked in the mirror one last time before going out the door, her outfit consisted of a long black skirt and a brown fitted V-neck shirt, her long black hair in perfect waves, and her makeup looked perfectly demure to meet her future in-laws.

Once Aaron picked her up from her place, the entire car ride was him telling Lydia how to behave around his family.

She knew he didn't intend to, but he made her feel as if she was a toddler who needed to be reminded she only speaks when spoken to, and to say please and thank you.

"Just so you know, you should probably stay away from my sister Kori." Said Aaron at a stoplight, with his eyes on the road and both hands on the steering wheel. "She's a bit of a wild child, certainly too much trouble."

"Noted." It was a short answer, but it didn't matter since Lydia knew Aaron wasn't paying attention to whatever she would say, she knew he did like her, but she was acutely aware of the fact that men never listen.

"My parents are strict, and if you get close to her, they will think you're a troubled girl too." Well this is useful information. "I love you too much for them to disapprove of you."

There he goes, with the I love yous.

How could Lydia hate I love yous so much when she intended on marrying the guy? Well, she was a walking contradiction.

"I love you too, babe."

Once they approached the gates of Aaron's mansion—well, his parents' mansion—they needed to get through security.

Oh, they're like really fancy. Security just for them, not an entire gated community—Lydia thought. She liked the idea of joining this family even more now.

She had to show her driver's license as a form of ID to be let in.

I wonder how long until I'm recognized by the guards and won't have to show an ID.

Past the gates, the drive to the mansion was a good ten minutes, Aaron kept talking and Lydia continued to ignore his words.

She was more interested in observing everything around her, flabbergasted by a level of opulence she had never seen before. She had grown up around many rich people, but never this rich, and this was only the entrance.

The landscape around the driveway was beautiful, lots of topiaries and a few sculptures. A helipad to their left surrounded by palm trees, a tennis court to their right, plus a good chunk of property she couldn't see.

She estimated that the property must at least be a square mile, possibly much more, she was never good at math.

Once they approached the mansion itself, Lydia couldn't keep her eyes off the 20 feet tall, beautiful water fountain in the courtyard. It looked like a glamorous sculpture of two lions intertwined, with clear water coming out of one of their mouths.

The place reminded her of Mr. Burns' residence from The Simpsons, silly comparison yet eerily similar, except ten times the size.

The mansion was massive and mesmerizing, it almost looked like a hotel, to a point where the word mansion almost fell short.

When Lydia paid attention to all the fine points, the place clearly had an Italian architecture style full of beautiful details.

Every window looked perfectly placed, in a way that simply looked pleasing to the eye.

Tens of corinthian columns, that looked like they were taken straight out of ancient Greece, yet in perfect condition.

Every plant was perfectly green, the grass thoroughly trimmed.

This is what Lydia wanted for her future. Getting married to a guy she didn't love was all worth it, if it meant she could have this life.

She was pulled out of her trance when a man, the valet, approached the car and opened the door for her.

"Madame?" he offered his arm to help her out of the car, Lydia accepted.

Aaron got out of the car by himself, handed the keys to the man, walked up to Lydia, and grabbed her hand to walk her to the mansion.

Once they were inside, the first thing Lydia noticed was even more columns, thinner than the ones outside, and checkered beige and white marble floors in the foyer. When she looked up, she saw a three story ceiling and a massive chandelier.

Upon further inspection, there were paintings on the walls that looked seriously expensive, and dozens of inside plants that looked perfectly well kept. 

Before Lydia had time to look around some more, a tall blonde girl came running down the stairs and went straight to Aaron and her. She was wearing a pink von dutch bedazzled top, a black denim mini skirt, pink eyeshadow, and had her beautifully healthy long hair in a ponytail.

Lydia assumed the girl was Aaron's sister—and god she was gorgeous. Much prettier than me, she thought.

Lydia couldn't help but compare their looks; the blonde's perfect hair, long nails, gorgeous face, and even her outfit put Lydia's modest look to shame.

Lydia wasn't usually modest, but she was there to impress Aaron's family, not to express herself through her clothing choices.

This is school, not a fashion show! Was something she heard almost every week from her math teacher. Now this was her boyfriend's house, not a fashion show.

"Hey Lydia!" She said as she was still walking. "I'm Kori. I heard you were coming and I wanted to come say hi." She smiled, it seemed fake, but at least she was trying to be nice.

Before Lydia had the chance to say anything back, a middle-aged woman that appeared to be Aaron's mother, also came up to her.

"Well isn't it nice finally seeing you here! I'm Angela. I've heard a lot about you, you're all Aaron has been talking about lately!"

Another fake smile, this time from Angela, leaving Lydia wondering if that's all there was to this family.

"Mom!" said Aaron, clearly embarrassed.

It was so obvious that Lydia was his first girlfriend, she almost felt sorry for him.

But she didn't. He's just a wallet, remember? Her mind was needlessly cruel—it was a defense mechanism against the anxiety she was suppressing.

Aaron was down bad, Lydia knew it, and she needed to seem flattered by this, even if she thought it was weird. At the end of the day, making Aaron feel loved was what would pay her bills a few years from now.

"I've told my family about you too! They're excited to meet you."

She had told her mom. In fact, they had schemed the whole thing together, but this was not her being genuine, it was just about making him feel loved and less embarrassed.

Now she was the one putting on the fake smile. Her inner monologue told her: Maybe I could fit in with the Kings easier than I imagined.

"We should go to the dining room. Donna told me the appetizers are ready!" Said Angela.

Aaron grabbed Lydia's hand to show her the way again, it was easy to get lost in a place as big as this. "Donna is the personal chef" he whispered to Lydia.

At first, Kori followed the couple, until her mother spoke:

"Kori, go put on some real clothes."

Lydia's head instinctively turned to Kori.

Kori made a defiant face, one that said what do you mean real clothes?

It was clear that her mother could easily read her expression. "You're showing too much skin."

Kori obeyed, going up the stairs, probably to her bedroom, or from how big the mansion was, maybe her own two thousand square feet closet.

Aaron, Lydia, and Angela made their way to the dining table, where Aaron's father, brother, and his brother's wife were already waiting.

"This is my dad, David." Aaron pointed to the older man. "This is my brother, Chris." He pointed at Chris. "And this is my brother's wife, Jane." He pointed at a beautiful blonde woman in a blue dress and red lipstick.

The sheer size of the dining room would be enough to make anyone feel small, let alone all the fancy decorations.

Kori came to the living room wearing jeans and a pink T-shirt, not as perfectly fitted as her previous outfit, yet still hugging her body in all the right places.

Once all of them were there, the five course meal started, and so did the actual conversation.

Everyone in the family seemed so serious, cold, calculating. Just like Lydia had imagined.

In the middle of the family's conversation, Kori gazed at Lydia and interrupted Aaron to ask a question. "So... do you have a job?"

Lydia was surprised—not by the question, since she had expected to be questioned and scrutinized by Aaron's parents. What surprised her was that she did not see it coming from his sister of all people.

Before she got to answer, Aaron answered for her:

"She's a model!" He was clearly defensive, knowing his family was heavily judging her character to see if she was worth entering their circle.

Lydia felt a sense of relief, since she didn't have to answer the question herself.

But the relief went away as soon as she looked around the table, seeing Chris' and Angela's faces showing their disapproval.

"I asked her, not you."

Lydia couldn't tell if Kori was trying to piss her off, piss Aaron off, or just cause chaos.

But Lydia had an answer prepared.

"Well yes, I'm currently signed to a small agency, but in the process of getting signed to IMG models." She wasn't completely lying, she was not really signed to a small agency, and had no plans of signing to IMG, but she had done some independent modeling here and there.

She could see all the fake smiles around the room, as if now that she had said it they had to pretend to be nice.

"Impressive! You are such a beautiful girl, I have no doubt you will be immensely successful in that industry." Said Aaron's dad, David.

She felt... Objectified? She was used to being objectified by men, especially old rich men like David, but it made her uncomfortable that it was coming from her boyfriend's father.

Lydia looked at Kori, hoping the girl would empathize with her. Kori was a beautiful young woman too, wouldn't she understand exactly what Lydia was feeling?

But no, Kori looked at her with a straight face and defiant eyes.

God, this will be a tough night.

Looking around the table, she saw Jane give her the compassionate look she was hoping to get from Kori. She probably knew the struggle, since she had once been in Lydia's shoes.

None of this was important, since Lydia was fully aware of the fact that being just a model would certainly not be good enough for the King family.

"I would say modeling is something I do on the side, I am mostly putting my time and energy into getting a law degree, not in college but as an apprentice at my father's law firm." This was a complete lie, but it would get the family's approval, and that's all that mattered right now.

Both parents looked a lot happier with that answer than with Lydia just being a model, especially Angela.

But Kori had the same look in her eyes.

That's when she said "you know... My parents said George Williams is not your real father, is that true?"

It was clear that the blonde wanted to take her down, but Lydia wouldn't allow it.

Aaron's mother sighed, maybe Aaron was right, maybe Kori was a fucking bitch, the type of fucking bitch that would ask that question.

By now Lydia could tell exactly what Kori was doing. Kori and Aaron did not like each other—Aaron had implied it earlier—and now she was trying to bother her and Aaron with the question, trying to expose her as a liar.

Lucky for Lydia, she already knew exactly what to say. She knew this moment would eventually come, Aaron had already asked her, and she was always two steps ahead.

"Yes, that is true. I call George my father because he raised me like one. Despite not being my biological father, I've been calling him dad since he married my mother, but he is technically my stepdad." The perfect answer, she felt like a pageant queen.

It was funny how Kori was trying to expose her as a liar, and she actually was; she was lying to the entire family, she never called George her father, just George.

But the Kings didn't need to know that.

"Oh ok, cool I guess." Kori seemed bothered, like Lydia was winning some type of game she was trying to play.

Lydia: 2

Kori: 0

That's when Angela spoke up, sounding upset.

"Hey Kori, I need your help in the kitchen for a moment."

Help in the kitchen? The Kings were rich enough for Lydia to know that was bullshit, but she was grateful that Kori would finally leave the table.

༺ Kori ༻

Instead of going to the kitchen as Kori's mom had said, they went outside, 130 feet away from the dining room, and once they got there Angela whispered furiously:

"Enough! You can't make our guests feel like that!"

Kori was unbothered, as always.

"I'm just asking questions. You know she doesn't actually like Aaron at all, right?" Kori didn't whisper, the place was big enough for the conversation to not be heard in the dining room. "She's just in it for the money, not for Aaron. If anything I'm protecting him from that bitch."

"Of course I'm aware of that. Knowing her type, she will eventually move onto the next rich guy. But for now, Lydia makes him happy. Just let him enjoy her company for the time being, is that too much to ask?"

Kori rolled her eyes. "Fine."

But she wanted to mess with Aaron, so yes, it was too much to ask.

Chapter Text

༺ Kori ༻

It was early in the morning when a ray of sunshine passed through Kori's blinds, landing on her face and waking her up.

Birds were chirping, the sun was shining brightly, and she could already hear Aaron's annoyingly loud music, but for once, it was okay; because for the first time in a while, she had things to do this early.

Days ago, she had told her two best friends, Jewels and Sam, that she had some juicy gossip to share with them on Friday morning, so the three had agreed to meet at Sam's house. Kori could’ve told them about Aaron’s girlfriend over the phone or before meeting the girl, but she decided that it would be better to share all the information at once, and she was excited to see their faces.

So now Kori was picking out a simple outfit for the occasion.

It didn't take long for her to decide on a pink Juicy Couture tracksuit, orange sneakers, orange hoops, minimal makeup, and her hair in a ponytail like the night before. The color scheme of the outfit made her look like she could be promoting Dunkin' on TV or going to a lesbian pride parade; either way, it was a perfect fit for her.

Before leaving, she looked in the mirror one last time to make sure she looked presentable.

 “I’d fuck me,” she muttered at her reflection, laughing.

Kori’s first stop every time she left home was Dunkin’, so that’s exactly where she went on this bright morning.

She drove to Dunkin' to get her favorite drink, as always. Kori hated her family, and quite frankly her life, but the two things that kept her going were 1. Dunkin's iconic iced latte and 2. her friends. So at least today was going to be a fun day!

The interaction with the cashier at the drive-thru went smoothly. She decided to pick twelve Boston Kreme donuts for her friends so she wouldn’t arrive empty-handed.

After Dunkin', the drive to Sam's was just Kori, her drink, and Britney Spears' 'In the Zone' album playing at full volume.

That and one more thing: Her thoughts, much louder than the music.

She couldn't stop thinking about how last night had made her feel.

●●●

When she saw Lydia the previous evening, the first thing she noticed was how breathtakingly beautiful she was—which just about confirmed Kori's suspicions that she was with Aaron for the money and nothing else. Lydia seemed too normal to actually like a weirdo—pejoratively—like Aaron.

Kori had been expecting a monstrous loser, someone who matched Aaron's looks and attitude. When she ran down the stairs eager to meet the new target of her intimidation, her jaw was on the floor at the sight of Lydia's delicate presence and dainty beauty, looking like she'd stepped out of a magazine.

There's only one reason why a gorgeous model would date a rich ugly loser, and that was the rich part.

Why else would a girl like her be with a guy like him?

Part of Kori told her not to mess with Lydia, to be nice so the blue-eyed girl could stay with Aaron. After all, having him end up stuck in a sexless marriage with a woman that doesn't love him sounds like a terrible fate for him, which Kori would have loved.

But she had decided to continue with her original plan, because him ending up alone sounded like an even better idea for Kori.

Kori was not evil.

Maybe just a little evil.

Later in the night, when Angela told Kori to stop questioning Lydia, she realized that her family wouldn't let her scare Aaron's sweetheart away, so she had to change her strategy.

Plan B: Be nice to Lydia, make sure Aaron ends up in a sexless marriage.

Maybe it wouldn't be sexless—though Kori didn't want to think of her brother's sex life—but it would certainly be loveless, and that was good enough for Kori. If anything, she was saving future girls from actually loving the despicable being Kori called her brother, all at the expense of poor Lydia B. Kollins.

●●●

The ride to Sam's was short, as things tend to be when you’re consumed by your thoughts. By the time Kori got there, 'Toxic' by Britney Spears was blaring, the chorus spilling from the car speakers.

Taste of your lips, I'm on a ride
You're toxic, I'm slippin' under
With a taste of a poison paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?

Sam’s house was way smaller than Kori’s—though to be fair, so was pretty much every other house. Three floors, an attic, a basement, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, and all common areas an average middle-upper-class house would have.

Kori parallel parked her car, walked up to the house, and rang the doorbell.

No one answered, so Kori rang again.

That's when Sam's mother opened. "Oh hey sweetie! Sam is upstairs in her room, she's coming down in a minute."

Sam's mom was in her dark-blue pajamas and a robe, no makeup on. Her blonde hair was in a braid, and her bright blue eyes glowed like always. She was a former pageant queen, but now she was a—still gorgeous—overweight woman, Kori liked to think she was big because she was full of love.

"Make yourself at home!"

So Kori did just that. She put her bag on the couch, donuts on the kitchen counter, and checked her phone. She had two missed calls and a text from Jewels.

JEWELS: i wont make it on time srry :( ballet practice started late </3 tell sam too pls

Kori wasn't disappointed, she knew how much ballet meant to Jewels, and she could always tell Jewels about Lydia later.

KORI: its ok my lovee no prob

JEWELS: tell sam the drama nd u can tell me l8r when i get there <3

"So... how's life been?" Kori asked Sam's mom while sitting on a mint-green stool in the kitchen.

Sam's mom, Beth, opened the fridge to grab a jar full of light-brown liquid and lemon slices, what Kori assumed to be sweet tea. "Not much. One of my friends from my book club is having a grandson, so I've been sewing baby clothes all week."

Beth was a stay-at-home wife, just like Kori's mom but Beth's presence was welcoming, like she had always dreamed of this life, like she did love her kids and it wasn't just for show. She was the mother Kori wished she could've had, when Angela wasn't there for Kori, Beth always was. Familial love was one thing money couldn’t buy, but at least Kori had found it in Sam's family.

She poured two cups of the sweet tea, one for herself, and one for Sam. She didn't pour one for Kori because she already had her bitter iced coffee.

That's when Kori's blonde friend came running to give her a hug, saying, "Hey!" elongating the high-pitched E sound.

"Mom, Kori is gonna tell us about some drama!" She had a great relationship with her mom, anyone in Kori's position would've felt a tad bit of jealousy. "So, what happened?"

Sam was fervent as always, like enthusiasm breathed through her pores, starkly in contrast with the calm, low-key attitude Kori had this early in the morning.

"Ok, first of all, Hi. Second of all, Jewels said she can't make it on time because of ballet practice. Third of all, it's not drama, it's better than drama."

"Aw! Jewels." Sam pouted. "Well, what happened?"

Beth pulled a loaf of freshly-baked pound cake out of the oven, filling the kitchen with the smell of vanilla.

"You won't believe this one..." Kori paused for dramatic effect. "Aaron has a girlfriend."

Sam's eyes widened in shock. "Aaron as in... Your brother?"

Kori nodded.

"Ugly loser Aaron?" Sam could not believe it.

Kori chuckled.

"Hey, Sam, that isn't very nice!" Beth reprimanded her. "I bet Aaron is a lovely young man, I hope things go well with him and his girlfriend."

"Mom, you don't get it. He's like, one, objectively ugly, and two, horrible to Kori." Sam was being so serious it was hilarious. She wasn't wrong, but hearing her call someone objectively ugly in her sweet southern accent would never not be funny.

"Oh, then he can rot in hell. We're always team Kori over here."

And that's something her own family would never say to her.

Kori's family wouldn't be team Kori even if she was going against a mortal enemy that wasn't Aaron.

That's why she was so glad that she could have a place to call home, a family that felt like one, even if it was Sam's.

"We always thought Aaron would die a virgin, still can't believe that he won't." Sam was joking, but she was being fully honest about her surprise at the idea of Aaron having sex before he died.

"There's still time, she wears a purity ring." Kori burst out laughing at the idea of Aaron and Lydia doing it on their wedding night, yet felt immediately grossed out by the thought. "And I would appreciate it if we stopped talking about his sex life, or lack thereof. I'm still related to him."

Hypocrite. She had just thought of it—but aren't we all incongruously sanctimonious sometimes?

"Fine."

 Kori took a sip of her iced latte. "I actually met her last night."

Sam widened her blue eyes even more. "The girl?"

Kori nodded again. "Mm-hm."

"And?" Beth cut the loaf of pound cake to put it in plates for the girls. "What was she like?"

"Her name is Lydia. You would think she'd be a freak, but she was surprisingly normal. I tried to terrorize her a little as a welcome to the family... My mom didn't appreciate my methods." Kori pouted, pretending to be upset.

"Was she a horrid monster?"

"That's what I thought she would be, but she was surprisingly stunning." Lydia's gigantic blue eyes were now at the forefront of Kori's mind. "Like, literally the prettiest girl I've ever seen."

"Ouch." Sam made the motion of a dagger to the heart with her hands.

"Second prettiest."

Sam made the gesture of pulling out the dagger. "Thank you, I love you too."

Now Beth took a bite of her cake and spoke while chewing: "So, how did you terrorize her?"

༺ Lydia ༻

Everyone in the Williams–Kollins household was now awake. Everyone except for Lydia.

Her alarm blasted, cutting through the muffled sounds of footsteps and distant conversation, yanking her awake. She flinched, groping for the snooze button, but remembered her promise to herself—no sleeping past noon this summer. That was her second priority, right after locking down Aaron.

If she was going to secure the bag, by marrying Aaron, she needed to be the type of girl that works on self improvement, which meant reading books and waking up relatively early.

But at the moment, her face felt dry from all the makeup she had failed to take off last night, and she was still in yesterday's clothes, now with a messy bun at the top of her head. She looked like a disaster, but a disaster who could still sell lipstick in a magazine ad.

After turning off her alarm, Lydia slid her glasses on and reached for her laptop, balancing it on her knees.

She flipped open her MacBook and went straight to MySpace to message her group chat.

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
last night was....awkward

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
but i handled the situation well

Her nails tapped against the keys as she thought about Kori—the sister.

Not Aaron. Aaron had been easy as always, and his parents seemed to approve of her, things had gone surprisingly well.

But the sister had been a raging cunt, she had looked at Lydia all night like she had caught her stealing silverware.

CutieLanaJR:
what happened

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
aaron's parents were fine but his sister was like... questioning me?

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
she asked if i had a job and if george really was my dad

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
then her mom took her 2 the kitchen and she stayed silent 4 the rest of the night

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
like... idk i was expecting that from his parents not her

She remembered the way Kori’s gaze had lingered on her, like she wanted to set her on fire.

Ch3rry_Suz13:
do you think their parents told her to ask the questions???

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
no i think she was messing w me bc she does not get along w aaron

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
like at all

CutieLanaJR:
idk maybe suzie is onto smth

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:
no she was like weird the whole night, she looked @ me like she wanted 2 kill me ._.

Ch3rry_Suz13:
well at least the parents were nice XD

CutieLanaJR:
agreed :)

Lydia had one takeaway from the night before:

If Kori thinks she can scare me off, she has no idea who she's dealing with.

Chapter Text

༺ Lydia ༻

The following week, instead of Lydia's usual Saturday morning date with Aaron, he had invited her to his cousin's wedding, a far more exciting date than hearing him talk about Nietzsche's 'On the Genealogy of Morality' for the hundredth time.

Lydia had high expectations. She hadn't been to many weddings in her lifetime, but the ones she had been to were huge exhibitions of opulence, incomparable to any other big event. Judging by the Kings' home and lifestyle, this one would likely surpass them all in grandeur.

Now she sat in a stretch SUV limo with Aaron by her side, the rest of his family sipping champagne—well… almost all of them.

Aaron was obviously there.

Angela, his mother, was there.

David, his father, was there.

Aaron's older brother, Chris, was there with his wife, Jane.

But Kori wasn't.

Lydia did not question why. Of course she was curious—on the inside, she felt like she needed to know—but she knew better than to ask her future in-laws potentially uncomfortable questions. Considering how Kori had treated her at last week's Thursday dinner, Lydia took a guess that it probably had something to do with her attitude—or maybe family drama. Either way, she was certain that it was in her best interest for Kori not to be there judging her every move like Lydia was some sort of scam artist—which, in a way, she was.

Angela had been noticeably kinder to Lydia since she got back from the kitchen at the family dinner—even now, during the limo ride. It appeared to be genuine, though you could never be too sure with socialites. Whether it was true warmth or just good manners, Lydia couldn’t tell. Lydia figured that Angela's niceness was pity after how rude Kori had been. It might be a shitty reason to have someone be kind to you, but beggars can't be choosers, Lydia thought, and all she could do now was take what little kindness she could get from the family.

David looked bored, maybe even irritated—as if traffic was the greatest inconvenience he’d ever endured—though he masked it well. Angela, on the other hand, looked eager to see her in-laws get married. She probably had a good heart, it was nice to know that Lydia could count on one person in the family.

Angela opened her Hermès Mini Kelly purse and pulled out a silver digital camera. "You two look so cute together! Let me take a photo of you!" She genuinely sounded excited—more excited than David, at least.

Aaron rolled up his sleeves and draped an arm around Lydia's bare shoulders for the picture.

The weight of Aaron’s arm pressed against her shoulder. Her first instinct was to flinch, but she forced herself to stay still, nails digging lightly into the satin of her dress. Ironic considering that this was the man she wanted as her future husband, but it was a gut feeling she could not escape no matter how hard she tried. All she could do was ignore it—that's what her mother had always taught her.

Lydia smiled, and the camera flashed.

"Can we see?" asked Aaron, practically snatching the camera from his mother's hands.

The picture looked nice; Aaron looked passable, but Lydia’s eyes fixed on herself. She was wearing a long lilac gown her mother had picked for her, her long black hair falling in soft waves around her face, and makeup perfectly sitting on top of an already gorgeous bone structure. 

The way her lips curled looked beautiful, picture-perfect, her smile had stretched into something glossy and perfect for the flash.

But her cheeks ached from holding it too long. Her smile wasn't real.

Her stomach sank, betraying her perfect expression. No matter how hard she tried to suppress it, she felt like an impostor.

"You look so pretty!" Aaron gushed, then kissed her.

Lydia felt nothing.

Nothing but discomfort at the touch of his lips.

"You look perfect together. I can't wait to see you two get married someday!" Angela gushed too. "Lydia, you'll be the most beautiful bride."

Jane gasped, pretending to be offended.

There it was, the first time anyone in the family had acknowledged the possibility of a future wedding. This was technically only their sixth date. Seventh, if you count the family dinner as one.

Wasn’t this what Lydia wanted? For the relationship to move fast. Fast enough to get engaged as soon as possible.

How can I marry this guy if I can't even stand to have his arm around me? she wondered. But the easiest way to rationalize it was to think of her own parents. Well, Mom went through this with George. At first, he was just excited to show off his young, sexy girlfriend. But they’re still together, and she still gets to spend his money. I just have to put up with Aaron for a couple of years. Then I’ll be set for life.

Once they arrived at the wedding venue, Aaron helped her step out of the limo, and Angela circled Lydia once to make sure there weren't any creases in her beautiful satin gown.

Then it was photo time.

They all stood in a gazebo, posing in front of a photographer who snapped photos of everyone, then a photo of the parents, a photo of Chris and Jane, and lastly a photo of Aaron and Lydia.

Lights...

Camera...

Smile... like you aren't dying inside at the thought of spending your life with a man who has been nothing but kind to you.

And boom, now they were finally ready to go inside.

Once there, she followed Aaron everywhere he went as he introduced her to everyone he knew, since she knew nobody outside of a couple acquaintances she would rather not run into, and Aaron loved to finally have a piece of arm candy to show around. This marked the beginning of Lydia's life as a socialite.

Lydia would always get somewhat anxious in moments like this, meeting dozens of people while having every stranger judge her character by the way she looked, some thinking she's a gold digger, others thinking she looked kind, or a total bitch, no matter what, it was nerve-wracking—Fuck your feelings, just numb your emotions and stop being a little bitch, she told herself.

Lydia’s fingers traced the rim of her orange juice glass again and again, the glass fogging slightly where she held it too tightly. She wasn’t even drinking out of it, just pretending to sip so no one would notice her hands trembling.

No matter how many new faces she talked to, her mind kept circling back to one fact: Kori was still nowhere to be found. Did the Kings purposefully leave her out? Sounds shitty, but judging by the way she had behaved last week's Thursday dinner, Lydia would've done the same, but it was still shitty for her own parents to do that, unless Kori didn't want to come, in which case it was crappy for her to not come to her own cousin's wedding.

One would've thought that not having Kori there would calm Lydia, but it still made her uneasy. She had been preparing for the inevitable moment where Kori came for her, she was preparing her defenses, and to potentially befriend Kori. She would honestly rather die than become friends with that fucking bitch, and Aaron had told her not to, but being friendly could mean not having someone test her whenever she spent time with the family.

Not having Kori there threw her off; it reminded her of how unpredictable life gets, and how spontaneous things would be no matter how much she planned them. Today it was Kori's absence. Tomorrow? It could be any number of major unforeseen circumstances.

After what felt like hours of meeting person after person, came the ceremony.

While Lydia watched a couple she had never even met before say their vows, she thought about her own future wedding. While she would personally prefer something more private, there was still something appealing about all the glamour, the decorations, flowers, a big venue, wearing a nice designer dress, hundreds of guests, each bringing gifts she would never really use, and having everyone cry at the sight of her beauty, viewing her as the perfect bride, the most beautiful bride, like Angela had said. Even if she didn't truly want Aaron, her big day would be all about her—as they say: It's the best day of a woman's life.

In the middle of the ceremony, Lydia heard something a few seats to her left. She turned her head, and there she was.

Kori motherfucking King.

A negative turn of events that somehow brought comfort to her.

After the ceremony ended, everyone moved back to the reception area. Waiters went around offering drinks and appetizers, love songs playing in the background, and Lydia following Aaron around, just like before.

That lasted until Aaron had to go to the restroom, there she was left by herself. Panic crept in as Lydia came to the realization that she was all alone, at a big event where she barely knew five out of the hundreds of people around her, and now she was surrounded by strangers with no one to speak to.

But Lydia knew better than to let her anxieties win, she was used to detaching from her emotions, otherwise, she would not be in this position in the first place.

Minutes after Aaron slipped away to the restroom, Lydia’s eyes began to scan the room above the sea of strangers, hoping to see him as soon as possible. Every second he was gone stretched twice as long, her chest tightening like she’d been abandoned in enemy territory.

So she did the best thing she could do in this situation, go around searching for Aaron's mom to find some sense of comfort and familiarity.

She went around the place trying to look like she wasn't panicking, when she noticed a girl approaching.

"Lydia Kollins, is that you?" said a brunette, busty girl. "I can't believe you're here!"

Her stomach dropped. It was the girl who bullied her in high school. Of all the people to run into, it had to be her.

If the stress Lydia was under was subtle before, now it was overwhelming.

"Oh my god, it's been like... Forever since I last saw you!" Lydia was faking it like always, pretending the memories of all the hurtful words hadn't come back the second she saw the girl's face.

"Time flies! So what has life been since we graduated?"

Time flies? No, it doesn't. Lydia had been haunted by the insults and wounding remarks as if they’d happened yesterday. "You know, just some modeling here and there like I used to, trying to make it in the industry." There she went again, with the modeling excuse, pretending like she wasn't spending most of her time trying to become a love-for-sale partner. "What about you?"

"Oh, I got into Princeton, so now I'm becoming a nurse." She grinned. Humble bragging, great. "You know, I always knew you wouldn't do much with your li—"

Of course she would say that, and with a smile on her face.

But Lydia saw Angela from afar, so she cut the girl off. "Sorry, I've got to go. It was nice talking to you!" It wasn't.

Lydia walked over to Angela, trying to look unbothered by the conversation she just had. She was a professional at pretending.

Once she was a few steps behind Angela, she could hear the conversation she was having, a heated conversation. In order not to interrupt, she opted to pull her phone out of her purse and look at it instead, while still hearing, of course.

"Where the fuck were you?" Angela was trying to whisper, but she was so angry she was still loud enough for Lydia to hear.

Lydia hadn't heard her curse up until this moment, and she certainly didn't appear to be the type of woman that would do that, which was proof—if not by her tone—that she was truly pissed off.

"I said I'm sorry, okay?" Lydia recognized that was Kori's voice. "I overslept at Jewels'."

Lydia guessed that Jewels was Kori's friend.

"And once I got home the makeup artist was gone, so I had to get ready by myself. Then I had to drive all the way here. I had a headache so I tried not to speed while driving." She sounded unbothered, if anything irritated by her mother's scolding.

"So you were partying the night before your cousin's wedding and now you're hungover? Unbelievable."

That's when Lydia was saved by the bell. She heard the groom's voice on loudspeakers:

"Hope you're having a good time!" I am not, she thought. "Everybody move over to the dining area now! You can find your assigned tables to the left of the entrance!"

So Lydia followed the instructions by herself, since Aaron had not come back yet.

She found her name and Aaron's written in a list with other names, all in golden lettering, in a card titled ♡ The Bride's Cousins ♡.

Table 17.

Lydia went over to the long table, Aaron already seated there. He didn't even have the decency to come find me after peeing, she thought to herself, but she gave him the benefit of the doubt, it's not that he doesn't like me, he clearly did like Lydia, it's just that this is his first time having a girlfriend so he doesn't know how to treat one.

She sat next to Aaron. By then, some of the cousins were already at the table, later on the rest of them would come, with one empty seat beside Aaron.

"Hey, you're on my seat." Once again, it was Kori. Coming from her, it didn't feel as rude this time, not as rude as the way she spoke to her mom, or the way she had treated her at that dinner.

Lydia saw there was a card on her plate with Kori's name she hadn't noticed before, so she quietly moved to the only other empty seat, the one on Aaron's other side, that one had her name on it. Whoever made this seating arrangement clearly didn't think it through, Lydia thought based on what Aaron had told her, having Aaron and Kori sit next to each other is a recipe for disaster.

But surprisingly, the dinner went well, no fights between the siblings, it was like Kori knew how to behave when their cousins were around. Lydia on the other hand, stayed mostly quiet.

Every time someone at the table cracked a joke, Lydia laughed a half-second too late, her smile stretching so wide it made her cheeks ache. She felt like it looked rehearsed, like the kind of grin you practice in the mirror, but it was better than letting anyone see her panic.

Her mind was set on Kori, how to counter her snarky remarks if they happened. But instead she found herself mostly chuckling at Jane's jokes, she was super funny, but Lydia's nervousness wouldn't let her laugh naturally. Jane made a lot of sarcastic quips, but they were always comical and in good nature.

By the time dessert arrived, Lydia's face felt numb, like even her expressions had given up pretending, but the show must go on.

Eventually, after dinner was over, the newlywed couple had their first dance, and then everyone joined them on the dance floor.

Lydia found herself dancing with Aaron, and surprisingly enjoying it. He was a good dancer. Lydia was not, but she made her best efforts, and it was the first time in the night she actually had fun. Maybe marrying Aaron won't be so bad after all, she reasoned.

She danced a bit more before going to get a glass of sparkling water, and then to their table to retouch her makeup.

The only person sitting at the table was Kori, and for the first time, with no one around to hear, Lydia had the courage to speak to her first.

༺ Kori ༻

"Why aren't you dancing?" Lydia asked while getting some powder and a mirror out of her purse.

Kori didn't actually hate Lydia. All she wanted was to bother Aaron, earlier that evening she could've simply taken the other seat, but messing with Lydia was her way to provoke him, which she loved to do.

She hesitated for a bit on whether to be nice or a total bitch. She opted for a neutral tone. "Well, my feet hurt—that's why my shoes are in my hand," she said. She didn't need to mess with poor Lydia when Aaron wasn't around, after all; her new plan was to get her to stay. She sank into her chair, rolling her shoulders, and let out a long exhale. "I guess sitting here for a bit isn’t too bad." 

Lydia raised an eyebrow. "Not too bad?" 

Kori smirked. "Okay, fine… maybe a little boring."

She chuckled lightly.

"Why are you just drinking water?" Kori asked.

Lydia looked at her glass, and then Kori again.

"Sparkling water," she said. "I can't drink alcohol, I'm underage."

Kori laughed.

"So my brother is a... pedophile?" She teased. Lydia nearly choked. "Do you need me to call the police?"

"I meant under the drinking age!"

Both girls chuckled.

"You had me worried for a second." Kori joked, "Do you want a sip of my wine?" She relaxed her posture even more. The two girls were finally having a friendly conversation, not a hostile one.

Maybe getting Lydia to stay won't be a nightmare. If she's pleasant to be around, Aaron will still end up in a loveless marriage and I won't hate her presence, Kori considered.

Lydia gave Kori a smile, like she was holding back her laughter, and said:

"I can't drink around your parents if I want to leave a good impression!" Lydia made Kori laugh out loud as she retouched her lipstick.

"So you do drink? And you're not even twenty-one? Maybe I should be calling the police." And now both girls were once again laughing.

"I'm turning twenty-one next year! God forbid I drink every once in a while in safe environments!" Lydia said.

Kori giggled, not as a strategy to get Lydia to stay, but because she was actually enjoying the conversation.

"I'm glad you're at least safe." She saw Aaron from afar looking at their table. "You should probably go back to dancing with my brother, he's looking at you with that thirsty look on his face." Another joke, and Lydia caught it. He was far enough that neither one of them could actually tell his facial expression.

And just like that, all tension was gone.

"Well, I'm done retouching my makeup anyway." Lydia said, and paused for a moment. "You know what? It's actually nice to finally meet the real you."

After that conversation, Kori still didn’t buy Lydia’s act — she was sure the girl was in it for the money. But if Aaron was going to have a girlfriend, she was glad it was someone as nice as Lydia. After all, if a girl was going to hang around her family that often, at least it was someone she could see herself becoming friends with, even if they had only interacted a few times up until this point.

Chapter Text

༺ Kori ༻

The morning after the wedding, near noon, Aaron’s blaring music woke Kori up—Queen’s 'Stone Cold Crazy' shrieking through the walls. The bass rattled her nightstand, making the water glass on top tremble with every beat. The guitar solo drilled straight into her skull, making each note feel like a cruel reminder that peace wasn’t allowed in this house.  Fantastic. Just the way Kori wanted to start her day.

She groaned, shoved her face into the pillow, yanked the sheets over her head, and let out a long, defeated sigh.

Oh yeah. This is going to be a great day, she thought, her mental voice sharp with sarcasm.

She had stayed up late the night before, texting Jewels every detail of the wedding, mostly about how unbearable her mother had been. Kori knew her mom wasn’t wrong; she shouldn’t have been late to her cousin’s big day, but being scolded in front of hundreds of guests was humiliating.

Especially in front of Lydia.

Last night, after the ceremony, when Kori was being scolded, she had looked over Angela's shoulder and caught Lydia fidgeting with her phone, pretending to text, but the screen was dark. Lydia's eyes flicked up every few seconds, pretending disinterest, but she was obviously listening in. Was Lydia pitying her? Judging her? Either way, it was humiliating to have the new addition to the family hear her in what felt like a weak position, treated like a toddler. Yes, she had messed up, but she still deserved to have her mistakes acknowledged in private, and not have what felt like a scene made in front of everyone she knew.

Angela had always cared about appearances more than anything else, making it seem like they were the perfect family instead of Kori's own personal hell, so when her mom decided to break that illusion at a crowded place, Kori knew she was more furious than she had been in a long, long time.

Later in the night, when Kori and Lydia finally spoke, Kori felt a weight off her chest when the other girl did not bring up what she had overheard. Lydia had been genuinely kind—or so Kori almost let herself believe. But no, she couldn’t. Lydia’s smile had been way too polished, clearly rehearsed.

Kori knew the girl was a pretender. After thinking about it more carefully, Lydia's niceties did not mean much. Maybe she was kind. Or maybe it was all part of her big performance. Smiling pretty, acting warm, faking her way into the family—the same way she pretended to love Aaron, all to gain something out of them. It was clear that the girl had something to get out of this whole relationship thing, so trusting her 'authenticity' would be like asking a wolf to guard a flock of sheep.

Kori was smarter than that.

She could play nice too. They both had something to gain from this newfound amiability: Lydia would get to marry Aaron, and Kori would get him tied to a woman who was clearly not good for him. He would flip tables if he knew his girlfriend had drunk underage, for god’s sake. Maybe Lydia didn’t realize Kori was in this game too. Maybe she suspected Kori was onto something, but not her change of strategy. The important thing was that they both had something to win here.

Some would say Kori was too cruel—plotting her brother’s downfall through a loveless marriage. Probably everyone who knew them, besides her friends, would think so if they heard her plans. But she had plenty of reasons to hate his guts.

●●●

Over the years, Aaron proved himself a terrible brother—the kind nobody deserves. Kori liked to keep a list of 'Aaron's Crimes Against Kori'.

Aaron's Crime Against Kori #1: Birthday Humiliation.

In eighth grade, Kori was ugly. Shocker—considering how gorgeous she was now.

Braces, bad ponytails, zero fashion sense. She was prime bullying material at a time when kids would bully girls for literally anything; being tall, not living up to the beauty standard, having big butts—any number of stupid things.

Her The-Princess-Diaries-style glow-up would come later. But back then, she was stuck in her awkward stage.

That year, her birthday fell on a Sunday—March 13th, 2000—so her parents planned a morning surprise with her friends.

Aaron knew this.

In the middle of the night he decided on the perfect way to prank—and humiliate—her. To grab a red Sharpie and write something on her face.

Why? Kori still had no idea. But he did it anyway.

The morning of her birthday, she woke up to giggles. Ten girls stood around her bed—eight laughing, the other two and her mother were horrified, staring like they’d seen a ghost.

“Girls, out," Angela ordered.

All the girls and her mom filed out, leaving Kori alone. Just her and her thoughts, wondering: What's wrong?

All the girls left the mansion except for Sam and Jewels.

After minutes of Kori experiencing a level of anxiety she had never felt before, the only two girls that stayed came into her bedroom.

Sam sat on her bed and spoke first. "Kori, I am so sorry that happened," she said.

"I don't get it." Fear glazed Kori's eyes. Did I do something wrong?

Jewels, still standing, dug into her backpack. She pulled out a mirror, crossed the room, and set it in Kori’s hands before sitting beside her.

Kori froze as she saw her reflection staring back from the mirror with the words: 'UGLY SISTER' written across her forehead.

Her throat closed, as if she’d swallowed a stone. Sam and Jewels stared with wide  sympathetic eyes. Kori couldn’t move. The world narrowed to that small reflection. She wanted to scrape the letters off with her nails, but they were there, on her skin.

Ugly sister? Chris would never. This was Aaron's work.

But at least one positive came out of it: this was the day Kori knew Sam and Jewels would be her ride-or-dies.

Aaron's Crime Against Kori #2: Birthday Cake.

When Kori was fourteen, she got in a petty fight with Aaron over the TV remote.

Their father, siding with Aaron as always, decided her punishment: bake his birthday cake.

Fuck.

She helped their private chef bake the cake, and when it came time to decorate, she did it by herself. She always loved doing artistic projects.

She actually enjoyed decorating, and when she finished, the cake looked—if she said so herself—beautiful.

The cake was white and had balloons of all colors with 'Happy Birthday Aaron!!!' piped in cursive.

His birthday party came, and when it was time for him to blow out the candles, Kori and the chef brought the huge beautiful cake to the dining table.

Aaron looked furious when he saw it.

He blew the candles and then asked Kori to come outside with him.

"You did this on purpose!" he yelled at the top of his lungs.

Kori furrowed her eyebrows, confused. "Did what?"

“You know what you did!” Aaron had rage issues. But this—this was a different level. "The pink balloon and cursive! You made me look gay! So fucking stupid!"

There were fifty guests, and he had screamed so loud it was obvious that everyone could hear.

Of course the family brushed it off as 'boys will be boys'. If anything, they celebrated his manliness.

Aaron's Crime Against Kori #3: Suitgate.

Almost the same as the previous crime.

The night before his first day of senior year, Aaron got home late from a trip, and Kori was stuck prepping his clothes and backpack.

Aaron liked to wear suits and fedoras to school, almost like a mobster cosplayer. When it came time to plan his outfit, Kori accidentally paired a blue suit and a black fedora.

Terrible mistake.

The next day, Aaron couldn't find Kori in school—she was in class—so he yelled at her over the phone.

Kori answered during third period, art class.

His voice cracked through the tiny speaker: "You made me a joke, Kori!" Half her classmates smirked, the teacher sighed and wrote her name down for detention. Her eyes filled up with tears, blurring her vision.

But boys will be boys, right?

Aaron's Crime Against Kori #4: Outing.

Every summer ended with the Kings’ trip to Boston to visit their grandparents. And it was finally time for the end-of-summer Boston trip.

Kori loved visiting her grandparents. Her grandma was sweet, always baking all sorts of treats and spoiling them for the duration of the trip. This year, nana had crocheted a beautiful granny-square blanket for her favorite grandkid, Kori.

Kori was glowing, incredibly happy to receive such a lovely gift from a person she loved and respected. It was thoughtful in a way she never got back in Silicon Valley, where her parents treated affection like a foreign language. And since her grandparents didn't know how to use the internet, this was the one time of the year she could find a dose of real familial love.

Unfortunately, Aaron was jealous.

Earlier in the year, he had opened Kori's bedroom door unannounced—catching her in the middle of kissing her then-girlfriend, Alex.

He dangled it over her for months. She brushed it off with the same excuse—we were just practicing for boys—over and over. But it did not matter, because Aaron knew the truth.

For years he had his suspicions: the way she looked at girls, the way she never really clicked with her boyfriends. He might have been naive about many things, but he knew something was up. Catching her with Alex was all the confirmation he needed.

Now they were at family dinner with the entire family—including grandma and grandpa—when their grandparents' cat jumped on the table and went straight to Kori's plate.

She decided to pet the cat.

“Kori, put the cat down,” Angela scolded. 

She would usually have a stupid reason for scolding Kori, but for once, it was reasonable.

"No." Kori kept stroking the cat, daring anyone to stop her. She always had an I-do-what-I-want attitude, and this time it was no different.

"Put the cat down," Angela repeated.

Silence stretched. Forks clinked. Kori didn’t move an inch.

That’s when Aaron leaned back in his chair and said: “She does love pussycats.” His voice casual as a knife sliding in.

Kori's stomach dropped.

Seconds later, she put the cat down. Her entire body felt numb. She knew what he was doing—he did it often in private—but she never thought he would take it this far by pushing her in front of the entire family.

The whole situation was made worse by the fact that her grandfather could not hear properly. "What?" he said, cupping his ear.

Kori bit her tongue.

"I said she loves pussy." Aaron grinned—the kind of grin that told her 'I've been waiting for this moment, but I stumbled upon it without even intending to.'

Kori's throat sealed shut. She couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. Every muscle locked, waiting for the world to end.

Aaron was clearly doing this out of jealousy, he could not stand that he—everyone's favorite kid—wasn't someone's favorite for once, that Kori got a gift from grandma and he didn't.

“Aaron, stop,” said David. His voice was quiet but tense, his jaw clenched as if he was trying to break his own teeth. He had never defended Kori, and he wasn't now, he was trying to ignore a truth that would make the family look bad.

"I do love cats," Kori said, trying to deflect from what had just happened.

Everyone continued to eat in silence, all trying to process the truth bomb Aaron had just dropped.

Kori could not eat; she felt like she would throw up at any moment. She fiddled with the hem of her skirt, trying to rip it apart to cope with the stress she was under. She knew she had to excuse herself, so she did. "I'm sorry, I'm not feeling well. I will go to the guest bedroom to lay down for a little."

She walked over to the room in shame.

Once there, she cried silently, refusing to let the family hear her pain. She could not believe what had just happened.

She stayed in that room for hours, until someone knocked on the door.

"Kori, it's nana. Can I come in?" Her voice held no anger.

Kori stood up and unlocked the door.

Her grandma hugged her immediately. "I love you no matter what."

Kori cried in her arms for an entire hour. Her grandma rubbed soft circles on her back. "Let it all out, honey."

Once Kori felt better, her grandma said:

"Your mom’s in a state. You’ll have to face her sooner or later. If I were you, I would talk to her now.”

Kori wiped her tears. “Thank you, Nana.” Then she headed straight to the kitchen, where her mother was.

"Mom, I'm sorry." She shouldn't have to apologize for being a lesbian, but shame twisted her words until that was all that came out.

Angela’s eyes burned.

“I don’t want to talk about it ever again. Let’s pretend it didn’t happen.”

Great.

By the end of the trip, she had dumped Alex over text.

Aaron's Crime Against Kori #5: The Slap.

The siblings had a million stupid fights all the time.

After one of those fights—Kori couldn’t even remember what it was about—she stood up from the couch to head to her room.

That’s when Aaron stood too and grabbed her wrist. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Kori shook her arm, trying to escape Aaron’s grip, but failed.

"Or what?" she shot back, defiant.

“You're not getting away from this.” His tone was deadly serious.

Kori yanked harder this time, shaking so forcefully she accidentally shoved Aaron back a step.

She broke free and started to walk toward her room. But Aaron pushed her with all his strength.

She hit the floor hard.

“Aaron, what the fuck!” Kori scrambled back to her feet.

He had never gotten physical before. Verbal violence? Sure—that was a normal occurrence. But never this.

“You pushed me first. It was self-defense.” He knew damn well it hadn’t been intentional on her part.

“So we’re into physical violence now?! Are you gonna hit me next?!” Kori snapped—losing her cool for once. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

So Aaron slapped her. Just like that. No hesitation. No regret.

The sound cracked across her cheek, sharp and shocking. For a second, she couldn’t even breathe.

These were only his major crimes, because he always treated her like shit.

Every.

Single.

Day.

●●●

A trip down memory lane was never fun for Kori, so she decided to stay in her bedroom with her laptop for a few hours. Her dad had given her the silent treatment through the entire wedding and after—not a single word. Her mom, on the other hand, did not stop voicing her disapproval of Kori’s actions.

'God forbid I drink every once in a while in safe environments,' was what Lydia had said to her at the wedding. That's exactly what Kori had been doing the night before: just her and her friends playing UNO and sipping vodka cranberries. She hadn't been partying like her parents believed. But by now there was no point in fighting it—she just let them think whatever they wanted. It's not like she cared much.

That's when Angela barged into her bedroom without knocking.

"We need to seriously talk about last night. Your behavior was completely unacceptable." There she goes again, same speech as always, is what Kori thought. "I know your friends are good girls, they wouldn't have let this happen. You, on the other hand...you knew this was your cousin's big day, and you ruined it." So dramatic. Kori hadn't ruined anything.

Before her mom could keep going, Kori cut in:

"I said I'm sorry!" she snapped. She said this pretty often, anytime her parents scolded her. "I didn't even ruin the wedding, no one noticed I got there late besides you."

Angela stayed calm, but she still had to correct Kori's behavior.

"Everyone noticed." This was objectively not true. "Now if you'd let me finish—I know you're the only wild child in that friend group. Until you act like a proper adult, you can't hang out with them."

“I’m grounded?” Kori laughed in disbelief. “I’m twenty-one. That doesn’t even work on me anymore.”

 “You still live under our roof, so yes—you’re grounded.” So unfair, Kori thought. "You cannot see Jewels or Sam until your father and I decide otherwise."

Kori kept laughing at the situation, what was Angela going to do? lock her in a cage? She had the free will to disobey.

"Watch me do it. We already had plans for today anyway." And just like that, with her phone in her pocket, Kori grabbed her sketchbook, her pencils, and walked out.

That was a lie. She did not have plans, but she needed an escape from her family, and she wanted to prove a point.

Her favorite place was a fifteen-minute drive away: Dunkin'. Lucky for her, she had her bright pink iPod with all her favorite music in the car.

When she got to Dunkin', the warm scent of sugar and coffee hit her first, a comforting anchor in the chaos of her morning. 

She ordered an iced latte and six Boston Kreme donuts. She wasn't going to eat them all, but she was paying with her father's credit card, and she needed to make her lie believable, like she'd bought some for her friends too.

After getting her order, Kori put her headphones on—hot-girl playlist—and took her first bite of a donut. Boston Kreme reminded her of home. She was born and raised in Boston for the first few years of her life, and sometimes she missed it, wondering how different things might’ve been if she’d stayed there.

Boston Kreme donuts did not taste like Boston Cream Pie at all, but the name alone reminded her of home.

As she ate her donut and sipped her coffee, she started sketching random anime characters sprung from her imagination. She loved anime. She kept it hidden because it was considered lame—especially in 2007—but the art style and animation was so inspiring, she could not help being a fan.

As she drew, one thing stayed on her mind. One person.

'You know what? It’s nice to finally meet the real you.' Lydia’s words kept echoing in Kori’s head. What did she mean by the real me? Me not pushing Aaron’s buttons? Her buttons? Not what my family told her about me? Either way, Kori had been happy to hear it.

Lydia made Kori feel like that conversation wasn't enough—like she needed more, like she needed to really get to know her. How could her stupid brother's girlfriend consume her mind like this, when Lydia probably only saw her as Aaron's bitchy sister?

But she had to remind herself: Lydia was a con artist. Nobody could ever trust a word that came out of that girl’s mouth.

The thought hurt. The way Kori felt made no sense, they'd only had two conversations and only one of them seemed genuine. But she wanted to fix things, she didn't want Lydia to think she was Aaron's wild, annoying sister. But... does she really think that? Kori wondered. She scrambled to find an answer, all over this one girl. Lydia was so charismatic it hurt. She did say she was happy to meet the real me. Did she mean Kori was funny? Sincere? Or had she not meant her words at all? Regardless of the answer, Lydia was in her head. And Kori hated it.

Kori gripped her pen harder, knuckles whitening. Why was she thinking about that girl again? Why Lydia? Why now? She shook her head, trying to scatter the thoughts.

She glanced down at her sketchbook to look at the character she had been drawing—blue eyes, big lips, black hair, a lilac dress. 

The girl on the page wasn’t some random OC. It was Lydia.

She snapped the page shut so fast that her iced latte almost spilled. Absolutely not. She was not the type of person who would draw her brother’s girlfriend.

That girl could not take up any more real estate in her head.

By the time Dunkin' was closing, Kori had only eaten a donut and a half, so she took the rest to her car to save them for later.

In her car, Kori texted her friend Sam:

KORI: hiiiii <3

KORI: can i crash at urs tonight??

SAM: what happened

KORI: fight w my mom, tell u later

Kori stared at Sam’s reply:

SAM: ofc. come over <3

She finally exhaled. It was nice to know someone was still on her side.

Chapter Text

༺ Lydia ༻

On a warm Saturday afternoon, Aaron picked Lydia up from her house to go on a date. He did not say where they were going; all he told her was to bring swimwear and a nice outfit, because they were going out of town.

Lydia hated surprises; the uncertainty always knotted her stomach. But her feelings did not matter when it came to securing a rich husband—only Aaron's did. Lydia knew one thing about men: if you get them to do things for you, they love you more. A weird mind game, but it worked. So if surprising her made Aaron happy, she’d allow it.

The drive was mostly quiet. The silence was broken only by the hum of the engine and Freddie Mercury's voice belting through the speakers. Lydia tapped her fingers against her knee to fill the silence, but it only made her more aware of it. Aaron, on the other hand, smiled ear to ear, gripping the steering wheel like this was the comfortable silence of two people completely in love with each other. They had been together for less than two months—how could they truly feel love? Well, Lydia didn't, and Aaron was one lonely loser happy to get attention from a pretty girl for once in his life.

Lydia sprinkled in a few compliments and forced laughter at his painfully unfunny jokes. God, how am I supposed to marry this fucking loser? she asked herself. But for the most part, the only sound in the car was the Queen's Greatest Hits compilation album.

Of course Aaron would listen to dad rock.

After driving for over an hour, they got to a beach. "We're in San Francisco. Surprise!" he said, proud.

Lydia widened her eyes, forcing a gasp even though she’d spotted the massive green 'San Francisco' highway sign ten minutes ago. He’s lucky his daddy’s filthy rich—he never would’ve made it to Yale or Stanford on his own. Letting her thoughts turn cruel was a coping mechanism, a way to endure the idea of spending her life with him. "Wow! I love this. Thank you, honey!" Fake-ass tone, but did it matter?

She kissed his cheek.

Aaron grabbed her face with one hand, making her kiss his lips. Tastes like onions. Ugh.

He pulled into a handicapped parking spot. "If we get fined, I'll pay for it." Lydia nodded. This is asshole behavior. "Now go get changed. There's a public restroom over there." He pointed to it.

Lydia did as he said. The restroom floor seemed grimy, but whatever—she was wearing flip-flops.

When she got out in her small tiger-print bikini, she looked around. Where the fuck is he?

After a minute, she saw Aaron about fifty feet away on the sand, unfolding two beach chairs by himself, with a parasol already buried in the sand next to him. She walked his way.

"You brought all this in the car? I didn't even notice!" When Lydia was around Aaron, she needed to make every question sound like a compliment, as if she was so surprised he had hidden the beach gear from her to keep the surprise element.

The best way to get men to like you is by pretending to be stupid and in awe of everything they do. It’s worked with him thus far. She hated that she had to hide her intelligence, but anything for a rich husband.

Aaron looked up at her, practically salivating at the sight of Lydia in a tiny bikini. Disgusting. “Well, I rented them from there.” He pointed to a kiosk behind Lydia, and she turned to look. “I couldn’t bring all this, but I wanted us to be comfortable.”

She nodded and sat on one of the chairs, placing her Louis Vuitton bag on the sand next to her. Aaron unfolded the other chair and started putting on sunscreen, leaving a faint white cast on his skin.

When he was done with his face, chest, legs, and arms, he put his chair right next to Lydia's and gazed into her eyes, as if they were having some sort of intimate moment. God, this guy is stupid. Lydia grinned.

"Can you help me put sunscreen on my back?" he said. She knew exactly what he was doing. They had agreed on no sex until marriage, but he was still trying to get intimate touch out of her. Pathetic.

She had no choice but to do exactly as he asked. "Sure, honey. Hand me the bottle."

She squished the bottle to get the liquid out. Her hands touched his back. She felt gross—not from touching him; she had touched him before—but from the semi-sexual connotations of the act, like she was selling her soul. In a way, that was exactly what she was doing.

She tried to only touch him with her fingers, as if her palm felt way more intimate. It’s just like doing it for a friend. It wouldn’t be weird if it was Lana, she told herself to make the experience less unpleasant, but deep down she knew it wasn’t the same. The sunscreen was cold and greasy against her fingertips. As she dragged it across his back, her long acrylic nails made faint, squeaky lines in the lotion, but she didn’t care; she refused to touch him for a second longer than she needed to.

"Done." She smiled at him, looking into his eyes again.

"Do you need me to help you put sunscreen on your back now?" he smirked. God, this man could not get enough of poor Lydia.

"I'm good. I think I've been looking too pale recently; I could use a tan," she faked a genuine smile as always, she was a professional.

Lydia knew she would regret this later. Her skin would get burnt, so red she would look like a lobster. But not having Aaron touch her bare skin would be completely worth it.

Lydia's thoughts were interrupted by a small golden poodle that came their way wagging its tail.

Lydia's first instinct was to get on her knees and stroke it. She loved dogs, there's a reason why they say a dog is a man's best friend and all dogs go to heaven. Lydia didn't believe in heaven, but if it existed, she was sure dogs would go there.

Then, the puppy stood next to Lydia's bag, lifted its leg, and before she could put it away, the dog peed on her $3,500 bag.

She almost laughed, but Aaron’s furious scream cut it short.

"Whose dog is this? Come get your fucking dog!"

Lydia could see the terror in its eyes, and when she turned to look at Aaron, he had one of the angriest expressions she had ever seen.

An old woman, who appeared to be in her seventies, came running immediately and picked up the puppy.

"I'm sorry, he's four months old! Is there a way I can make up for it?" She seemed just as scared as the animal.

"A way you can make up for it? You should've put a leash on that thing!" Now Aaron's voice sounded even angrier than before, if that was even possible.

Everyone within a hundred mile radius was staring at the shit show. The dog peeing wasn't even a big deal to Lydia, not until Aaron decided to completely embarrass her, ruining the date in the process.

She felt anxiety running through her veins, her whole body felt numb. But she plastered on her practiced expression, the one meant to reassure Aaron no matter how much her stomach churned.

Lydia stood up and grabbed his arm, touching his—barely existent—muscles, trying to ground him, calm him.

“Babe, I think we should leave,” she whispered.

"You're right. Fuck this place." Aaron was still seething, but at least he wasn't yelling now. "And fuck you." He pointed at the woman with the dog.

Lydia picked up her bag.

“Oh no. You’re not bringing that thing. Let’s just leave it here. Grab your stuff and I will buy you a new one, since we have extra time before our dinner reservation now,” he said, still serious as a clenched fist.

Lydia snatched up her things, hurried to the car, and slipped back into the clothes she’d worn earlier, in there.

What a shitshow, she thought.

Minutes later, Aaron came and sat in the driver seat.

"I gave the guy at the kiosk a hundred so he could pick up the beach gear from us," he was still furious, and now that they were alone, Lydia was scared at the thought of him taking the anger out on her.

He wouldn't hurt me, right? He loves me.

But instead of being violent, he calmed down and took her to the Louis Vuitton store.

Aaron let Lydia pick an even fancier bag than the one she had before, triple the price, like he knew he was in the wrong and wanted to make it up to her for the scene he had caused. At least he feels remorse, isn't that good enough? she asked herself.

After the purchase, they both changed into their fancier outfits in the store's restroom.

Once in the car, Aaron had fully calmed down.

"We're a bit late but we're going to a restaurant now! It's really nice, you're going to love it," he said as he started driving.

The fifteen-minute drive consisted of Lydia telling Aaron he had done nothing wrong, that she appreciated him standing up for her. Did she think this? Of course not, she still felt bad for that poor woman and her puppy. However, she needed to tell him what he wanted to hear, that was the basis of their relationship, just like her mother had taught her.

This was Lydia's unluckiest day, because once at the restaurant, Aaron somehow threw another tantrum.

"Sir, your reservation was at 7:00, you are forty minutes late. I can't let you in now," the hostess had tried to explain this at least twice before, but he wouldn't listen.

"Do you even know who I am?" Aaron raised his tone. The hostess hesitated. "I'm the son of David King. Now you better bring your manager."

The poor girl, probably even younger than Lydia, went and got the manager to speak to him. The restaurant was full, there really was nothing they could do.

Once the girl got back with her manager, she let the older woman handle the situation.

"I am so sorry for your inconvenience, sir." Lydia could see the fear in her eyes. The I-am-David King's-son card seemed to do wonders, but are they wonders if it's at the expense of other people? "We'll see what we can do."

Within ten minutes, Lydia and Aaron were already at their table. As embarrassing as it was, at least Lydia could rely on David’s power to never have an inconvenience again.

When the waiter came to take the order, Aaron got a lobster risotto. Lydia got a salad she saw on the menu, with no tomatoes.

"It was so considerate of you to make sure we got in as early as they could make it happen. My makeup was melting outside, and I'd hate to look bad for you, my love." While Lydia's makeup was melting, she obviously disagreed with the tantrum, but yet again she had to say what Aaron wanted to hear.

"Baby, you could never look bad in my eyes." He was telling the truth, Lydia was beautiful enough that nothing could ever make her look ugly in the slightest.

The waiter came and gave them their meals. Aaron saw tomatoes in Lydia's salad before she even had the time to notice them, which made him raise his voice again.

"First they made us wait fifteen minutes for our table and now this bullshit?" Not true, it was less than ten. "She asked for no tomatoes! So why the fuck did you bring her tomatoes?"

"Babe, it's fine. I'll put them aside." Lydia could not handle another rage burst.

"No. What if you had been allergic? This is unacceptable," Aaron said to Lydia. "What if she had been allergic!" Now he was screaming at the waiter and making a scene in front of the whole restaurant.

Lydia sank lower in her chair, wishing she could disappear. She felt the weight of dozens of eyes pressing down on her.

Once the waiter brought back her salad with no tomatoes, they proceeded to eat their meal and talk about life, about Lydia's supposed modeling career and Aaron's life story: A poor rich boy feeling alienated for having too much money and not relating to other, less fortunate kids. Poor little Aaron. Must have been so hard.

When they were ready to leave, Lydia thought the date was over, that she would finally go back home to her own comfortable bed, when Aaron surprised her once again.

“I wanted to end the day by sleeping at my favorite hotel. I couldn’t get the presidential suite on such short notice, but I still got us a nice one,” Aaron said, and Lydia’s heart dropped.

She did not want to share a room with him. Normally, this was when she’d bail, but at this point she was tired enough that she did not have it in her to protest and leave him, let alone explain to her mother that she had fumbled yet another billionaire's son.

“Baby, that’s so sweet of you! No pun intended!” Lydia giggled to release the tension in her body.

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

The car ride was tense for Lydia, though Aaron never noticed. But now they had settled in the suite, and lucky for her, it was a two-bedroom one, and Aaron was nice enough to let her have the better room.

A bellhop showed them around the suite: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge, a dining area, a balcony with a beautiful view, and a computer room.

Since Aaron had not told Lydia that they would stay the night, he had brought a classic Victoria's Secret pajama set for her, a surprisingly modest one considering that she had just been tricked into spending the night with him in a different city.

They were now sitting on a couch in the lounge, facing each other.

"Babe, may I ask why we are sleeping in different bedrooms?" Lydia was glad this was the case, but she was still curious about why a man would trick her into this if he wasn't even expecting sexual intimacy.

“Before Chris married Jane”—Chris was his brother—“my dad’s number one rule was for them not to share a bed or sleep together. I consider myself an atheist, but if my parents say it’s sinful, I’d rather do as they say.”

What a pussy, but at least his parents' stupid rules had saved Lydia from sleeping in the same bed as Aaron.

“Yeah, same. That’s why I wear the purity ring. Even if I don’t believe in God, if my parents say it’s wrong, I won’t do anything before marriage.” For most guys, Lydia saying this would've been terrible news, but she knew Aaron was different in this aspect.

In reality, Lydia only wore the ring around him since she had read articles about David making his kids wear the rings. Spending the night with Aaron was stressful enough for her, it made her feel lucky to not have to deal with the whole sex thing for now.

"Honestly, me too."

Lydia had never felt luckier, despite being trapped in a shitty situation at the moment.

"Babe, I'm tired. I think I'm going to bed now, is that okay with you?" Lydia lied. She wasn't actually going to sleep yet, but she needed time to herself without Aaron.

“Yeah, I think I’m doing that too. Good night, sweetheart.” Aaron kissed her one last time and went straight to his room.

When Lydia was in her room, instead of sleeping, her mind kept circling back to how endless the day had felt. Did she really want to spend time with a man with such bad anger issues?

The dog and the old woman at the beach didn't deserve such an aggressive reaction from him, and neither did the hostess or the waiter at the restaurant. But she did get a much nicer bag and had to wait less than ten minutes to get in the restaurant, skipping a full line of people. It's the price she would have to pay for this lifestyle. What about intimacy? She was safe for now, but what would happen once she was married? The answer was obvious, painful to think about, but if her mother had done it so could she. She could still turn around and get a job instead of marrying him, but that didn't seem like a viable option for her, and she was not ready to disappoint her mother.

After at least thirty minutes of thinking about this, Lydia went to one of the bathrooms to take her makeup off. That's when she heard Aaron snoring.

She knew what she had to do.

Lydia went straight to the computer room, and turned the computer on, but kept the lights off to avoid suspicion. She knew Aaron wouldn't react well if he saw her in there after saying she was going to sleep. But the date had been crazy enough that she needed to unwind by going on MySpace to see what her friends were up to.

Once she logged in, she checked her messages and saw that Suzie and Lana had been speaking in their group chat while she was away.

CutieLanaJR:
i wonder how lyds date is going

Ch3rry_Suz13:
i bet it's goin terrible XDDDDD

CutieLanaJR:
i hope it's going gr8 :(

Ch3rry_Suz13:
oh i hope so 2 but i still bet it's TERRIBLE XD

Lydia laughed. Suzie was right, per usual. 

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:  
OMG IT WAS CRAAAAAZY!!!  
the type of crazy i gotta tell u in person XD  

Ch3rry_Suz13:  
TOMORROW @ MY PLACE 5PM!! CANT WAIT!!! XDDD  

xX_LydiaLydiaLydia_Xx:  
sounds good 2 me!!! :D  

CutieLanaJR:  
ill b there!! :D

That small chat with her friends was all Lydia needed after a day like this. She was ready to sleep now, but before logging off, she checked her notifications one last time.

She saw a friend request from _DunkieJunkieKori_.

She stared at the screen.

Lydia remembered their quick conversation at the wedding—how after a long day of nervousness and fake smiles, talking to Kori was the one time she did not have to pretend. For once, she hadn’t been performing. Kori had looked at her like she was a person, not a prize.

Talking to Kori felt real.

In a world where every smile was rehearsed and every word a transaction, Kori’s laughter had felt unscripted, a breath of air Lydia hadn’t realized she was starving for. Kori managed to pull her out of the fake-shiny-plastic world that had been consuming her, even if just a short moment.

But then she told herself about her main objective. Aaron.

Aaron hated Kori, he had complained about her five times that day alone. His main advice before introducing Lydia to the family was 'stay away from Kori'.

She could not betray her own boyfriend like that. It wouldn't be fair to him.

But she craved more of Kori, to talk to her again, see all her MySpace updates, get close to her, gossip with each other, talk late at night while giggling and kicking her feet, hoping Kori was doing the same.

She was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

But ultimately, she owed loyalty to herself. Her own future. Aaron.

Her cursor hovered over the green checkmark, then the red X. Her finger twitched on the click button. She bit her lip, staring at the glowing name—_DunkieJunkieKori_—until the letters blurred. 

She couldn’t accept.

But she couldn’t decline either.

So she left the request sitting there, untouched.

Chapter Text

༺ Lydia ༻

It was time for the Kings' end-of-summer trip to Boston. The family was getting ready to board the private jet.

"I'm sorry, kids. Dad won't make it to the trip until Saturday," said Angela.

Lydia didn’t know much about David—Aaron rarely mentioned his father, and all Lydia had gathered from her own mother’s research was that he ran a major tech company, and had a reputation as a strict parent.

“That’s okay, mom. I’m excited to see grandma and grandpa!” Aaron said. He didn’t seem disappointed at all—a little strange, given how often he raved about loving his parents.

“Oh, he’s such a family guy, always making time for his wife and kids,” Kori said, voice full of sarcasm. Lydia could already tell Kori didn’t like her family—but why? She wondered.

“Kori, stop it.” Angela remained calm, as if she’d heard this all before.

Before Lydia could speak, the pilot’s voice cut through the cabin.

“The jet is ready. Everyone aboard! Ladies first.”

Kori boarded first, followed by Lydia, then Angela, and finally Aaron.

The jet was luxurious, with soft armchairs, a big couch, a restroom, and even a room with a queen-size bed. Lydia had expected something grander, but Aaron had told her they were using the family jet—less fancy than David’s business jet.

Lydia settled into an armchair by the table. Aaron took the seat beside her, and Angela sat across from them. Then the jet departed.

“I brought cards and chips to play poker!” Aaron exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.

Lydia was still surprised at how oblivious he was to her feelings. From the couch, she heard Kori giggle, and she couldn’t help but relate—it was like they both knew what a nerd he was.

“Oh, I love poker!” Lydia forced herself to sound enthusiastic. Kori stopped giggling. “Can you explain the rules, though? Just to be sure.”

Lydia had played Aaron this way—and other guys before him. She knew men loved to explain things, so she let herself act dumb, just like in San Francisco, just like their first date, just like their entire relationship.

“Of course, my dear. These are the hole cards,” Aaron said, placing them face down. “These are private cards. Then there are the community cards, laid out for everyone to see.”

Before he could go on, Angela’s gaze landed on Kori. “Why are you on your phone? We’re on a flight, you can’t text.”

Kori showed her mom her phone screen.

"I'm playing the snake game. God forbid a girl plays a silly game for fun on a six-hour flight." Kori laughed it off, shrugging.

Lydia was intrigued by Kori. All the constant joking, and laughing everything off when she clearly didn't have a good relationship with her family. There was so much Lydia didn’t know about her, and she was determined to find out.

Kori focused on her game while Aaron continued explaining poker to Lydia. She played along, pretending she hadn’t mastered it a hundred times before. When Angela joined, the three of them played a full round, and Lydia realized she actually enjoyed it—card games were always fun.

In the middle of the game, things started to shake, and so did the jet. Turbulence, great.

Aaron closed his eyes, pressing his palms to his forehead. “Ugh. If the pilot doesn’t handle this soon, I’m going to say something.”

Lydia felt sorry for him, but she thought he was being a little ridiculous. Shouldn’t a grown man who flew private jets regularly be used to this? Well, apparently not.

Then Kori’s voice cut in, thick with sarcasm: “Poor little princess. Should I call the sky manager for you?”

Aaron let out a long, frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Lydia, on the other hand, thought Kori was hilarious. Little princess? Sounds homophobic, but it doesn't count because Aaron is straight. Maybe she was being a hypocrite—she usually wouldn't allow homophobia, because she loved her lesbian friend Suzie—but for some reason, she was okay with the joke coming from Kori. Then, calling the sky manager? That was exactly Lydia's humor.

She glanced at Kori and almost let herself laugh, but she couldn't upset Aaron, so she faked a cough instead.

Kori narrowed her eyes, giving her the death stare. “Go ahead, laugh. I know you want to.”

Lydia dropped her gaze to the table, cheeks burning. Her focus fixed on the closed cards.

Aaron grabbed her hand, rubbing soft circles on its back. "Ignore her," he murmured.

The game went on, cards sliding across the table, chips stacking. Lydia tried to focus, but her mind kept wandering to Kori’s sarcasm.

By the time the final hand was played, Lydia couldn't stop yawning, and her eyelids felt impossibly heavy.

"Babe, you look tired. Do you want to take a nap?" said Aaron, always being nice to Lydia.

At this point she was learning to appreciate it. Suzie and Lana were worried about Aaron's temperament issues, but Lydia thought he was sweet. She was certainly careful around him, but he had never directed that anger at her.

"I think that would be good. There's still two hours left of this flight so I guess a little nap wouldn't hurt." Lydia said, and Aaron directed her to the jet's bedroom.

Kori was there.

"Oh. I thought you were still in the couch." Lydia said, trying to sound distant. She knew Aaron wouldn't appreciate the kindness she actually wanted to show Kori.

Kori didn’t bother to look up. The annoyance on her face made Lydia’s stomach twist.

“I wasn’t. You want the bedroom?” Kori’s voice was clipped, tight. Why? What happened to the Kori I met at the wedding? Is she always hot and cold?

"I was going to take a nap, but I can leave if you want me to."

Kori didn't bother to soften her voice. "Fine, I'll leave so you can sleep here."

Lydia sat on the bed. It was still warm from Kori’s body heat, almost as if she were touching the girl. Well, at least it was warm and cozy.

Laying her head on the pillow, Lydia couldn’t stop her mind from endlessly looping back to Kori. What was really going on with her?

The first time they met, she had been a nightmare. Easy enough to rationalize—Kori hated Aaron, so intimidating his girlfriend made sense.

But the wedding… why had Kori been nice then? Maybe she had genuinely enjoyed Lydia’s company. That short chat had been comforting, and honestly, it had kept Lydia going near the end of a long, stressful day.

And then there was the MySpace friend request.

Why is Kori acting like this now? Back to being cold and sarcastic? Did we really go back to square one? Lydia felt a burning frustration in her chest.

She needed an answer.

And the truth was, Lydia liked Kori more than she could admit out loud—not to Aaron, not to anyone. Kori was the coolest, always looking flawless, an elite sense of humor, effortlessly charismatic. She was one of those people you meet once in a lifetime.

And now Lydia had lost all hopes of befriending her? It wasn't fair.

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

"Lydia... Babe, we just landed." Aaron murmured.

Lydia opened an eye, and saw him inches away from her face. Jump scare.

"Oh. Hey, baby. I'm sorry I overslept." Lydia kissed Aaron.

Maybe one day I'll get used to kissing him.

"It's okay, my love. We need to get off the jet. There's a car waiting for us." 

Lydia yawned and got up, following Aaron outside. Kori and Angela were already in the black SUV, with the driver in the driver's seat.

Lydia found herself in the middle seat between Aaron and Kori. Great.

"You might want to fix your hair," said Kori.

Angela looked at her from the front seat. "Enough!"

Will Kori continue to bully me the entire trip? I'm fucked.

"It's messy! She just woke up," she said looking at Angela. Then she looked at Lydia. "My hair brush is in the trunk, but I can give you my hair tie? I don't want you to meet my grandparents looking like that, they've got high standards."

Kori untied her hair, giving her hair tie to Lydia.

Help, but with an insult. Amazing.

This just created more questions for Lydia to spiral over. Why would Kori be nice at the wedding, just to turn around and treat her like this now? Yet at the same time help her out, so she wouldn't look messy when meeting her grandparents. Kori was a complex human, that was the only thing Lydia knew for sure.

"Thank you," Lydia murmured.

But instead of a 'you're welcome' or a smile, Kori rolled her eyes.

Lydia needed to unveil the mystery that was Kori King.

The rest of the car ride was a lot of Angela telling stories about Aaron's childhood, and Lydia went "awww. How cute," a couple of times.

Eventually, they got to the grandparents' place.

From the outside, the house looked like an old colonial that seemed like it could've been the set of a historic drama. Way more modest than what Lydia would have expected from King family members.

When they walked through the doors, Lydia was immediately hit by the smell of freshly-baked cookies, followed by an old woman coming up to the family straight to Kori.

"Hello sweetheart! How have you been?" the woman pinched Kori's cheeks.

Lydia had not realized how tense Kori always looked, not until now, when all that tension vanished the second Kori hugged her grandma.

The only moments when Kori had appeared to be relaxed were this, and when they had that short chat at the wedding.

Before Lydia could hear Kori's answer, an old man—the grandpa—came up to her. "You must be Aaron's girlfriend!"

"That's me," she gave an awkward smile. Crazy to think I've faked my way to meeting the grandparents.

After both him and the grandma introduced themselves to Lydia, she looked around the house.

The walls were full of family portraits in gilded frames. Every chair wore a hand-knitted cover. Chunky cable-knit blankets folded neatly at the foot of sofas. Even knitted doilies on top of the dining table. The furniture looked classic, all in dark wood.

They all went to sit in the living room, where Chris and Jane were already waiting for them. Chris boasted about the trip to New York they had just taken, which answered the question of why they hadn't flown with the rest of the family.

Grandma brought cookies for everyone. Angela and Jane refused, because they were on a diet, but Kori and Lydia went straight for the cookies. Who gives a shit about beauty standards, when a grandma bakes something you eat it, Lydia thought.

Kori went for the same cookie as Lydia—a big one with tons of chocolate chips—and for a moment, her soft, perfectly manicured hand lightly brushed Lydia's.

It hadn't occurred to Lydia that she had never touched Kori before, and for some reason it felt major to touch her now. It was like a barrier had been broken, like Lydia had accidentally put her armor down for her—more like her armor had fallen, and there was nothing she could do now. Sounded silly, but physical touch meant a lot to Lydia in a weird metaphorical way.

"I'm sorry, you can have that one," said Lydia, still feeling some type of way about the event that would've felt insignificant to most people.

Kori took the cookie and put it in her mouth.

Then Angela spoke, "we have a bedroom issue. There's one guest room with a single bed, and three with queen-size beds. With Lydia here, we're lacking a bed."

Bed one, the parents.

Bed two, Chris and Jane.

Bed three, Kori.

And considering the parents' rules about no bed sharing before marriage, that meant:

Bed four, Aaron.

And there was no bed five for Lydia.

She felt terrible, she had become an inconvenience to the family.

Angela continued to speak: "The delivery truck will bring another bed tomorrow. Tonight, you two girls can share."

“That’s ridiculous." Aaron stood up, as if he was showing how strongly he felt about his stance on this. "She can just sleep with me. You know how Kori is.”

Grandma, who appeared to be the sweetest woman in the world, suddenly lowered her voice, and got defensive over Kori. "Well, she's not dating Lydia. You are."

What does Aaron mean about how Kori is? Does she talk on her sleep? Does she sleepwalk? No, this seems deeper.

“Absolutely not. You’re not sharing a bed with her,” Angela said, firmly. “Your father and I already decided.”

Kori turned her gaze to Lydia, an eyebrow raised, completely annoyed. “Guess I’m stuck with you.”

Lydia forced a small, awkward smile. “Uh… yeah. Guess so.”

Every single one of Lydia’s smiles was calculated, and this was no exception. Moments ago her insides had been shaken by Kori's soft touch, she needed to recover her armor in the situation. And, if Kori was the black sheep in the family, showing true warmth to her would put Lydia at a disadvantage. You have to play your cards right.

The family—especially grandpa—talked about politics afterwards, about presidential candidates, and who they'd vote for. Lydia was embarrassed to admit it, but she was not as well versed in the topic as she would've liked to be. All she knew was that she'd vote blue, against her parents' wishes.

Chris leaned back casually. “We all know I’m not usually a fan of the democrats, but if it’s Obama, I’d vote for him.” His arm draped around Jane’s waist, a small smirk on his face.

The moment Chris drew attention to himself by talking, Aaron saw, and instinctively pressed a hand to Lydia’s waist, possessive in a way that made her stiffen, even if she didn't intend to.

"What about you?" asked Kori, with a half-eaten cookie on her hand. "What do you think?"

She pointed at Lydia with the cookie. Grinning like she was putting her on blast.

"I... Uh... What Chris said, I'd vote for Obama." Talking politics is never easy, there's a reason why socialites never do, fucking bitch.

"So what's your favorite policy of—"

Luckily, grandma interrupted Kori.

"Dinner's ready!"

Saved by the bell.

The family moved over to the dining room, where there was gorgeous polished silverware, and the air carried the comforting smell of baked macaroni and cheese.

Lydia sat down first, followed by Aaron sitting to her right, and Kori sitting to her left. I'm trapped between the chaotic dynamic of the two again, fuck.

Once they were all sat at the table with their food, grandma turned to Lydia with a warm smile. "So Lydia, I heard you're a model? Tell us about that, dear."

If by 'model' you mean pretending to be glamorous enough to impress your grandson’s family, then yes, absolutely.

But she had to give a real answer. "Yes, I'm trying to get signed to IMG, it's been—"

Aaron cut her off, squeezing her hand. "She's incredible. She's going to be in billboards someday." He looked into her eyes. She grinned. "She doesn't need to talk about it—her looks speak for themselves."

Lydia's lips curved weakly as she slid lower in her seat. It was embarrassing to have him gush like this about her in front of his family, grandparents included.

Then Kori leaned back into her chair and cut in. "Woah, must be nice to have a spokesman. Do you ever get to speak for yourself, Lydia?"

Lydia took a sip of water to force herself not to smile. She felt attacked by Kori's comment, but she saw the humor—and most importantly, the truth—in it. 

Aaron glared at Kori with fire in his eyes, like he was trying to say 'mess with me, but not Lydia.' Grandma, blissfully unaware of the tension between the three youngest at the table, chuckled softly.

Grandpa leaned forward. “Is modeling really as glamorous as people say?”

Lydia hated that one of her lies—well, half lie—had now become the topic of conversation, but she was grateful that it was something nobody else there knew enough about to ask questions that could truly expose her.

"It can be… but it’s also exhausting. Lots of long shoots, hours of prep, strict diets." She smiled politely.

“Weren’t you about to take my cookie earlier?” Kori teased, eyebrow raised.

Why can't she just shut the fuck up?

“I’d never say no to grandma’s cookies,” Lydia replied. “I decided I’m off the diet for this trip.”

Grandma squeezed her hand. “Thank you, dear. That’s the spirit.”

Aaron’s hand pressed hers gently. “She’s just being modest. Lucky for her, she has me to keep her grounded—I won’t let her get caught up in all that fake scene.” Lydia hid a small sigh; if only he knew.

Kori coughed and let out a chuckle. “Right, because nothing says ‘grounded’ more than having you drive her around in Lambos.”

Lydia nodded along and bit her lip, trying not to laugh at the clear irony Kori had just pointed out. It was like the girl could read every situation like a book, with perfectly precise wit.

Aaron shot Kori a sharp look. If looks could kill, she would be six feet under by now. Kori, unbothered, smirked as she scooped macaroni onto her fork.

He rested his hand on Lydia's leg, and squeezed it with a strong grip, as if he was both being possessive of the girl, and getting out the anger he felt towards Kori. This was new, it had never happened before. Kori leaned back in her chair to get a clear view of what was happening under the table, to see what Aaron was doing to Lydia's leg.

Of course she noticed. Kori always noticed.

She reached for the breadbasket, and in the middle of it she deliberately nudged Lydia's arm with her elbow. When Lydia looked at her, she mouthed the words "you good?" as if trying not to draw attention to what was happening.

Lydia nodded, and kept her perfectly rehearsed smile.

Somehow, Kori doing that made her embarrassed that she was in a weak position, yet grateful that Kori was there for her, that she was seen. Lydia's heart raced.

Dessert arrived: Apple pie.

Aaron immediately took charge, cutting a slice for Lydia and sliding it toward her. "She shouldn't lift a finger, she's delicate," he said proudly.

“Thanks… my love,” Lydia murmured, trying not to roll her eyes at his overprotectiveness.

Kori lifted her fork smoothly, a grin on her face. “Delicate, huh? I thought models had to be tough—starving, standing in heels for hours, dealing with guys like you.”

Aaron shot Kori another death stare, like he was holding back saying something to her.

His hand squeezed Lydia’s leg once again, possessive and protective.

There was a brief moment of silence, which Angela tried to fill by coughing. "So... Obama, right?" she said, awkwardly redirecting the conversation.

Lydia was relieved that the conversation was not centered around her anymore, and how at this moment, Aaron made her feel small in front of Kori, by gripping her leg with such force, it hurt.

After dinner, they all spent a few hours silently watching reruns of Seinfeld and other sitcoms. The only noise in the air being the TV shows and laughs whenever a funny joke was made.

When it was time for bed, Kori paused by Aaron. "You know how I am, but I promise I won't do anything to Lydia. At least, nothing you’d need to be concerned about," she smirked.

This was a callback to their earlier conversation.

●●●

"The delivery truck will bring another bed tomorrow. Tonight, you two girls can share." Angela said.

“That’s ridiculous. She can just sleep with me. You know how Kori is.” Aaron stood up.

Grandma suddenly stiffened and got defensive over Kori. "Well, she's not dating Lydia, you are."

●●●

"Should I be worried? What are you like?" Lydia tilted her head, and asked in a playful tone, but still slightly concerned.

"I'm a serial killer, but I can't make promises for tomorrow night. If you snore tonight, you might not make it back to California.” She flashed Lydia a playful wink before immediately putting on a poker face to look at Aaron.

Lydia laughed softly, shaking her head. “Not a chance. I don’t snore.”

"We'll see."

One question was still in Lydia's mind: What the fuck is Kori like.

Aaron yawned, leaning down. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight, Lydia.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips, and she quietly sighed in relief—no more kisses until tomorrow morning.

It didn't go over Lydia's head that Aaron hadn’t even acknowledged Kori. Only her. Would it kill him to be kind to his own sister for once?

The two girls silently went over to the guest room, with a tension so thick it could be cut with a butter knife.

"Welcome to our very luxurious five star suite," said Kori, as if she knew Lydia found her funny and was trying to make her laugh. It was like she could read Lydia's mind.

The room was classically Bostonian—slightly old-fashioned, a bit chilly for summer, yet inviting. The queen bed was neatly made, and from one look, Lydia could tell it had stiff sheets.

It was official. Tonight, Lydia would be alone in a room with Kori.

Lydia slipped into the bathroom, changed into her soft cotton pajamas, and brushed her teeth. The routine felt strangely comforting after a long day of travel and chaos.

She laid in the bed, looking at the closed window, staring at the curtain pattern. A lot of white roses over a navy-blue background, with green leaves. Beautiful, but very grandma-like.

Kori came out of the bathroom after brushing her teeth, and Lydia stared at her with wide eyes.

The tall blonde girl was an enigma. Lydia could not tell why she was so drawn to her of all people. Why my boyfriend's sister?

Kori took off her shirt. Lydia's gaze lingered, not because she wanted to see Kori undress, but because she was distracted by her own thoughts.

“You wanna see me naked, huh?” Kori quipped, voice playful. She had a way of saying anything in a way that would make Lydia laugh. A blessing for Kori, a curse for Lydia.

Lydia hid her face in the pillow, hoping her thoughts wouldn’t make her blush.

“Sorry,” Lydia mumbled from the pillow. “I was… thinking about stuff and didn’t realize you were changing.”

"It's fine, you can look." Kori paused for a moment. Of course she would be ok with Lydia looking, she was dating Aaron, which meant Kori knew Lydia was heterosexual. "What were you thinking about?"

Lydia could not be honest—not now. After Kori's attitude earlier in the day, she’d rather have swallowed her tongue than admit the truth.

“Family stuff,” Lydia finally murmured, vague enough to be safe, but sounding honest enough to be true.

Kori’s expression softened. For the second time in weeks of having known her, she seemed genuinely sympathetic. “Wanna talk about it?” she asked quietly.

“Not really,” Lydia replied, turning her head back to the pillow.

Kori turned off the lights and climbed into the bed. The two girls laid as far apart as the mattress would allow, each lost in her own thoughts.

The quiet of the night settled over the room, dense and uncomfortable.

Minutes stretched on, silence only broken by the occasional creak of the bed.

Finally, Kori spoke. “Just so you know… I steal blankets.”

Lydia couldn’t help but giggle softly, the tension loosening slightly.

"I kick in my sleep," she said.

Kori chuckled softly in response.

Lydia turned her back to Kori, pulling the blanket around her. She tried to fall asleep, but she couldn't. How could she rest beside someone who might actually hate her?

But does Kori truly hate me, or is she just acting strange for some reason? Lydia’s mind spun with the question.

It was so hard to tell, and it stressed Lydia to not know the answer.

Silence stretched, but Lydia broke it by bringing up the elephant in the room. "Why have you been acting all weird?"

Lydia glanced at Kori. For the first time since they met, Kori looked… unsure.

Kori stiffened, and stayed silent for a moment. After a long pause, she finally spoke:

“Why didn’t you accept my friend request?” Her voice low, almost like she feared the answer.

Lydia froze. “I… I didn’t see it,” she said quickly. “I barely check MySpace."

"Sure."

Lydia looked around the room, there was nowhere to hide from the conversation, no escape from the tension in the dark room.

“So… that’s what this is about?” Lydia asked.

Kori’s gaze locked on Lydia. “Yeah. That’s basically public rejection. You might as well spit in my face.”

Lydia smiled, she was glad Kori brought humor into this. She made the facial motions as if she was actually going to spit.

Kori laughed softly. “Don’t,” she said, shaking her head.

“MySpace is not that deep. I’ll accept you when I get home,” Lydia reassured her.

“I thought we actually got along… guess I wanted proof it wasn’t just in my head,” Kori admitted quietly, vulnerability in stark contrast to her usual sarcasm.

"It wasn't. We did."

Then Kori cracked a sarcastic joke: “So much for MySpace beef... now we are sharing a bed."

The room fell silent again, but this time it felt different—lighter, comfortable. The unspoken tension had finally gone.

“I like you,” Lydia admitted. “I think you’re… cool.”

This went completely against her plan, she was supposed to dislike Kori, not think she's cool. But Kori's presence felt soothing, like she could finally be authentic for once.

"Don't say that to my family, or they'll make Aaron break up with you." Kori said, her tone serious for the first time. “I like you too, but I can’t call you cool if you’re dating a loser like him.”

Lydia cackled. “Maybe he’s a bit of a loser… but I like him as he is.”

As much as she liked Kori, she had to keep the facade. She had to pretend to love Aaron.

"See? I can't say you're cool."

Lydia looked at Kori, she looked beautiful even without makeup on. She was wearing pink pajamas, and her hair in a braid. She had the kind of beauty that made perfection sound like an understatement.

“I think we should sleep,” Lydia said, turning onto her side to face Kori, letting the calm of the night settle in.

Kori glanced at the clock on the wall, it was past midnight. "Yeah... we should. Goodnight, Lydia."

“If you steal blankets, I’ll post an emo status about you,” Lydia joked. “Night, Kori.”

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

Lydia found herself at Aaron’s cousin’s wedding—but now she was the bride, wearing a wedding dress that fit her like a glove, almost too perfectly.

She walked down the aisle, surrounded by white flowers. But these flowers weren’t soft or gentle—they glowed, almost blinding her.

The closer she got to the altar, red petals started to follow her. They resembled blood. The petals went up her dress, now covering the pristine white in scarlet. The guests vanished.

She was surrounded by an empty venue, just her and Aaron at the altar.

Aaron said, “I do,” his voice echoing in the empty hall.

Lydia’s eyes searched for an escape, but everything around her had turned white—except the red petals on her dress. The scene painfully reminded her of the Carrie scene when she was covered in pig's blood.

Her vision blurred. The world tilted, like she was about to pass out.

That's when she heard someone approaching her, laughing. It sounded like a woman, who walked down the aisle too. She stopped in the middle of it.

Lydia blinked, and her vision cleared. It was Kori—pink pajamas, hair braided, no makeup, standing calmly.

Kori held a closed laptop. When she flipped it open, the screen glowed with MySpace, only one message: 'Pending Friend Request.'

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

Lydia woke up, drenched in cold sweat, heart racing, Kori’s laugh still echoing in her head.

She turned her head. Kori was there, breathing evenly in her sleep.

Lydia felt warmth against her side. When she looked down, she realized Kori’s arm was draped across her waist.

Her heart skipped. Three times now, she’d felt Kori’s touch—once during the cookie incident, once at dinner, and once now in sleep—it felt surreal.

Why did a simple touch make her feel so many things? It made no logical sense, and yet it overwhelmed her.

Carefully, Lydia lifted Kori’s arm to avoid waking her up. She tried to sleep again, but her thoughts still lingered on the mysterious Kori King.

Chapter Text

༺ Kori ༻

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

Kori sat on the beach in her pink pajamas, staring at Aaron fifteen feet away. He raised his hand—and gave her the middle finger.

She opened her mouth to yell something nasty—but no sound came out.

She tried again, louder this time.

Still nothing.

She lifted her arm to flip him off—but the sand was sticky, holding her down.

So she sat there, defeated. There was nothing else she could do. She hated the hollow feeling in her chest. Aaron had won—not because he deserved it, but because she had no way to fight back.

She scanned the beach for a way out, when her eyes landed on Lydia, who was sitting beside her. Her hair fell in wet, perfect beach waves, and her blue eyes seemed to glow like she had never seen before.

Kori felt hypnotized.

“Lydia! Come here!” Aaron called. Kori let out a long sigh.

Not only does he win at everything—family, school, even bullying me without consequence—but now he has Lydia too. Life is unfair.

Lydia ran to him and pressed a quick peck to his lips. Gross.

The sky turned bright pink—Kori’s favorite color—but it made her stomach twist. It felt like the universe had painted a sign just for Aaron and Lydia, a symbol of their love.

"Look at my lesbo sister, isn't that gross?" Aaron whispered in Lydia's ear, yet Kori could hear it. The tone sounded like it was meant to reassure his own heterosexuality.

Lydia giggled. "Lesbo! Lesbo!"

A tear rolled down Kori’s cheek as her chest tightened.

Aaron and Lydia ran to the ocean, holding hands.

Kori sprinted after them, but an invisible barrier stopped her. She slammed into it, her hands pressing against the empty air. All she could do was watch them—laughing, holding hands, moving further away—while she stayed trapped.

They ran toward the horizon, disappearing into the pink sky, leaving Kori alone.

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

Kori’s eyes snapped open. Her heart raced. Just a dream—thank God. But her chest still felt tight. The sheets were cold, and Lydia’s side of the bed was empty.

She didn't even say good morning?

Kori sat up, stretched, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She undid the braid she’d slept in, then went to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on her face, she looked in the mirror. Her reflection stared back—a well-rested, calm face, the kind of peace she only felt in Boston.

She headed downstairs, so she could get breakfast from the kitchen. She heard laughs coming from there, her grandma's laugh.

She opened the door to find an unsettling scene: Grandma sat on a stool, chatting happily, while Aaron had his arm draped casually over Lydia’s shoulders. Lydia’s glossy smile and perfectly applied makeup made her look happy—but her eyes told a different story.

Kori saw the unease in Lydia's face and body language: slouched shoulders, brows arched in discomfort, breathing heavily.

For once, Kori didn't feel like she had caught Lydia in a lie, but sorry for her. She imagined being stuck with a man she didn't love—though it was different, because Kori was a lesbian, and as far as she knew, Lydia was straight.

Kori didn’t say a word. She opened the fridge and grabbed an entire carton of orange juice. Fuck breakfast. I can't spend another second in the kitchen with them, she thought.

And then it hit her: the perfect plan to spend more time with Lydia. She didn't know why she wanted to spend time with the girl so badly. At first, she wanted to scare her off, but after last night, she felt like she had seen Lydia's authentic side, and now the one thing she wanted more than anything was to be around the girl—without Aaron.

Kori barged into her mother's room, unannounced.

“Mom! Emergency! I forgot to pack bikinis!” A lie, of course. She brought nine pairs, but she needed a reason to take Lydia shopping with her.

Angela paused her hair brushing, frowning at Kori.

"That is not an emergency."

“Yes, it is! We’re going to the beach tomorrow. People are going to see me!” Would Kori care if it were true? No. But she was playing a game.

“I can take you shopping after lunch,” Angela said calmly.

"Mom, no offense, but your taste is... vintage. I was thinking of bringing Lydia. Please?"

“Why Lydia?” Kori’s mom asked, unconvinced.

“I need opinions from a girl my age. And since I can’t see Sam or Jewels, I could use a friend you approve of.”

"Fine. Don't max out the credit card." Mission accomplished.

"Thank you, mom! I love you!" Kori kissed Angela's cheek.

She returned to the kitchen and slammed the orange juice onto the counter.

She directed her gaze at the short girl. "Lydia, we're going shopping."

Aaron’s face changed immediately, his brows furrowing and the corners of his mouth lowering. “What? No.”

The hand that had been resting on Lydia’s shoulder suddenly gripped her arm. Possessive motherfucker—let me have her for just one day.

Kori put on her fakest sweet tone, mocking him: “Relax. I won’t kill her yet—she’s coming back in one piece.”

Lydia giggled for a split second, then fake-coughed immediately after. But the cough didn’t matter; making her laugh meant everything to Kori.

Kori knew Lydia would laugh at that joke—she had laughed at the same serial-killer joke last night. It made Kori feel accomplished knowing Lydia found her funny enough she had to hide it, because of how Aaron would react.

“Why her?” Aaron’s grip on Lydia tightened, his knuckles whitening.

"I need a girl's opinion."

"Why not Jane?" Aaron shot Kori a death stare.

"Mom said Lydia. That settles it."

Aaron tilted Lydia’s head toward him, gentle yet firm. “Stay here with me.”

Kori saw Lydia hesitate, eyes flicking between her and Aaron, back and forth.

"I'd... like to go," she said softly, but clearly, and Kori’s chest lifted with relief.

That, right there, was exactly what Kori needed to hear. Last night, Lydia had told her they got along, that it wasn’t all in Kori’s head. Now she had confirmation: Lydia did like her, she really did want to spend time with her. It wasn’t just politeness because Angela had suggested it—a tiny white lie—but genuine desire.

Aaron glared, jaw tight, eyes sharp.

“Thank you, Lydia,” Kori said, as if her world hadn’t skipped a beat. “Too bad she chose me, not you.” She stuck out her tongue at Aaron, to mock him.

Kori went upstairs to change.

She didn’t bother with heavy makeup—just nude Chanel lipstick and Maybelline Great Lash mascara would do.

She decided on a white pleated mini skirt, an I ♡ NY black top, and red earrings and sneakers to match the heart on her shirt.

She tied her hair into a ponytail as a quick way to style it—she wanted to get out the door with Lydia as soon as possible.

She went back downstairs to the kitchen. “Grandma, can I borrow your car?”

she should’ve thought of that part earlier—classic Kori move.

“Sure, sweetheart. Just don’t crash!” Grandma’s voice was as sweet as ever.

"I won't!"

Kori grabbed the car keys and Lydia’s wrist, leading her to the door.

Lydia’s skin was soft, her hand cold. Kori had felt her touch yesterday, when they both reached for the same cookie. But this time, it was different; this was deliberate. Her wrist was so tiny Kori could easily wrap her fingers around it, and she loved it.

Kori slammed the door and led Lydia to the car, a 2005 Toyota.

She unlocked it, and the beep was the cue for both girls to climb in.

Kori slid into the driver’s seat while Lydia took the front passenger spot. Once the car was running, Lydia turned on the radio.

'Girlfriend' by Avril Lavigne started playing.

Hey, hey, you, you
I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way
I think you need a new one
Hey, hey, you, you
I could be your girlfriend

If you swapped 'girlfriend' for 'boyfriend,' Kori had been there many times—falling for a straight girl with a douchey boyfriend, wishing she could be her girlfriend instead. She thought of it as a quintessential lesbian experience, a canon event.

After the song ended, Lydia tried to make small talk. “I love Avril Lavigne.”

Kori recognized it instantly, and it stung that, as much as she liked Lydia, they still weren’t past small talk. But it also gave her a new goal: become really close friends.

“I’m more of a Britney girl myself.” Kori had to go along with it—better than sitting in awkward silence.

“I can see that.”

Kori’s heart skipped a beat. Was that good or bad? Lydia’s tone was unreadable.

“What does that mean?” Kori tried to sound casual, pretending she wasn’t scared of losing the little bond she’d built with Lydia.

“Britney totally suits your vibe. I like her too, but I’m an Avril girl.” Phew.

Next, Christina Aguilera’s 'Dirrty' came on, and Kori sang along loudly, letting herself get carried away.

Gonna get rowdy
Gonna get a little unruly
Get it fired up in a hurry
Wanna get dirty
It's about time that I came to start the party

Lydia giggled nervously.

“You don’t like my singing?” Kori pouted, pretending to be offended.

Lydia kept giggling. "You're so bad!"

Kori placed a hand on her chest and gasped in mock offense. “Excuse me? That was Grammy-worthy.”

Lydia laughed harder, a sound that felt like music to Kori’s ears.

When they reached the mall, Kori got out of the car and circled around to open Lydia’s door. “M’Lady?”

"Ew!" Lydia cackled.

Lydia always seemed so... comfortable when Aaron wasn't around. This was more and more confirmation that she didn’t like Aaron—only the money—but she genuinely liked Kori. Every smile for Aaron felt rehearsed; every laugh for Kori felt effortless, the contrast sharpened by how carefully she masked it around Aaron.

As they walked toward the bikini store, Kori teased, “So you like it when Aaron does it but not me? I take great offense to that.”

Lydia hesitated, then admitted softly, “I don’t like it when Aaron does it either.”

Holy fuck.

Lydia had confessed something—trusted Kori with crucial information. She hadn’t seen it coming.

She looked over at Lydia, and her face had gone pale, her eyes were wide as daisies, and she was biting her lip. Kori could tell that she had instantly regretted it, but she would never betray that trust.

“Your secret is safe with me,” Kori said, trying to reassure her. As soon as the words left her mouth, Lydia’s shoulders relaxed.

Kori’s word was enough to earn Lydia’s trust—it felt sacred.

As they stepped into the store, Kori grinned. “I know you’re the model, but are you ready for the fashion show I’m about to give you?”

“Oh, I’ve never been this ready for anything in my life,” Lydia said. Kori felt her chest tighten at the warmth in her voice.

God, why do I feel so much at that? She’s being nice, she doesn’t actually mean it. But whether she liked it or not, Kori's stomach was fluttering.

Kori wandered the store, picking out bikinis, while Lydia browsed on her own.

“I’m heading to the fitting room!”

Lydia lifted her hand with a thumbs-up.

Kori slipped into a tiny black bikini and studied her reflection in the mirror. Slutty, but it makes my body look gooooooood.

She stepped out of the fitting room and found Lydia waiting right outside.

“Thoughts?”

Lydia’s cheeks flushed, and she glanced away. “It’s…” Her lips parted, but no more words followed.

“Too much?” Kori asked.

Lydia still couldn’t meet her eyes. “For your grandma? yes. For me? it’s fine.”

For her? She said 'for me'. Wearing this for her is fine? I feel like I'm going crazy. Why the fuck do I care so much? I know how to make friends, this is not different from that, but why does it feel that way?

But Kori had to play it cool.

“Translation: you like it.”

Still blushing, Lydia nodded with her eyes shut. “I do.”

She likes it. She said she likes it.

Kori went back into the fitting room to try the next bikini, a white one with lace trim.

When she came out, Lydia was waiting for her again.

“What about this one?” Kori asked, tilting her head.

Kori caught Lydia’s gaze sweeping up and down. For once, she felt self-conscious, like the girl was judging her body.

“It looks good, but I’d never wear white bottoms. Imagine if you get your period,” Lydia said.

Hearing 'it looks good' gave Kori such a wave of relief. Lydia wasn’t judging her body. Unless she was lying just to make her feel better. Or maybe Kori was just overthinking it.

"Then I guess I'm not buying it!"

"Yeah."

Kori tried on a third, sporty bikini. She checked the mirror, liked what she saw, and went out to show Lydia.

“That one! Red looks really good!” Lydia didn’t even hesitate—didn’t even give Kori the chance to ask. Her eyes traced the bikini, moving up and down Kori’s body. “It makes your eyes pop.”

Kori froze. Wait… did she just compliment my eyes? She realized she hadn’t moved for several seconds and blinked rapidly. “Uh. Yeah. Okay. I’ll get it.”

She hurried back into the fitting room, embarrassed by how strongly Lydia’s compliment affected her. How could a girl she wasn’t even friends with yet make her feel this much?

Last bikini: bright yellow, with mini shorts and a halter top.

Maybe this one’s too modest, but since I’m already getting the black slutty one, I might as well balance it out with one that makes me look like a grandma.

Kori stepped out of the fitting room in the bright yellow bikini, bracing herself for Lydia’s reaction.

The moment she saw her, Lydia whispered, “wow.”

As if she hadn't thought about it any deeper, as if she wasn't saying it to Kori, as if it was just her genuine reaction.

But Kori heard it.

"Wow what?"

Lydia flustered. “Wow… um… it suits you.”

Kori grinned. She wanted to beam, to laugh, to jump—but she had to play it cool. “Knew it.”

She went back to the fitting room to slip back into her own clothes. With one hand she grabbed the white bikini, the rest tucked under her arm.

When she came out, she handed the white bikini she’d rejected to an employee and went straight to find Lydia.

She found Lydia in front of a mirror, trying on sunglasses and a sunhat. She looked adorable. So this is what she does when she thinks I’m not around to see.

Kori snapped a picture with her iPhone to show her later. She looked beautiful in the picture, and in real life too. A human being this perfect is not fair to the rest of the world.

Well, Lydia had one fatal flaw... Aaron.

Kori went up to her and plucked the sunhat right off her head.

"Hey! Give it back!" 

The tall girl lifted her arm high, out of Lydia’s reach. “Give me the glasses too. I’m buying them for you.”

“What? I can’t accept that,” Lydia said.

Kori slipped the glasses off Lydia’s face, her pinky brushing against her cheek.

She had touched Lydia's face.

She could not believe it.

Lydia's gigantic eyes looked into hers, and time stopped for a moment, and the earth stopped spinning, because nothing else mattered.

Kori shook her head, snapping out of it. “Yes you can, and you will. You accept Aaron’s gifts all the time, and it’s all my dad’s money anyway, so it’s basically the same.”

"Fine, I'll allow it."

Kori carried everything to the register and paid for it all, satisfaction buzzing in her chest.

After paying, Lydia asked for the sunglasses from the bag.

Kori pulled them out, but instead of handing them over, she slid them onto Lydia’s head like a headband. “There you go. Looks beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Lydia’s cheeks warmed to the faintest pink—so subtle most people would miss it.

But Kori wasn't most people.

And that meant the world to her. She didn't need bright red, baby pink was enough.

“I’m starving. What time is it?” Kori asked.

Lydia dug her phone out of her purse. “Five-thirty. We haven’t even had lunch yet.”

“Food court it is,” Kori said, grabbing Lydia’s hand and tugging her along before she could even answer.

Holding hands with the prettiest girl in the universe. What even is my life?

At the food court, they both went for McDonald’s. Kori ordered a Quarter Pounder with a McFlurry and a Diet Coke; Lydia got a McNuggets Happy Meal.

Once they found a table, Kori needed an icebreaker. No way was she letting even a second of awkward silence creep in.

“Wanna see a picture I took earlier?” she asked.

"Show me!" replied Lydia, in the middle of biting a chicken nugget.

Kori pulled out her phone, and went to her camera roll to find the picture of Lydia with the hat and glasses.

“Kori… I…” Lydia’s voice trailed off.

And then it hit her—she must look like a creep, taking that picture without asking. She didn’t mean it like that. She was always going to show her… but God, it did look bad.

“I’m sorry. I’ll delete it.” Guilt chewed through her. How could I have done that? Of course it’s creepy. She’s my brother’s girlfriend, for fuck’s sake.

“No. I like it. Can you… send it to me?”

Relief flooded Kori—like her soul had just come back to her body.

“I will when we get home.” Kori smiled and exhaled slowly.

“Thanks for being the best photographer.” Lydia grabbed three fries, dunked them in ketchup, and popped them into her mouth.

“Thanks for being the best model.”

Lydia froze mid-chew and put the fries down.

“About that… can I tell you something? But you have to promise not to tell anyone.”

Kori could feel it coming, she was almost certain of what Lydia was going to say next.

“You’re not really a model, are you?”

Lydia opened her eyes so big, they could've gone all the way down to her mouth and up to her hairline.

“How did you—” Lydia stopped herself. “Does your family know?”

“They love Aaron too much to question anything his girlfriend says. But I…” Kori sipped her soda. “I don’t love him, so it was easy to see you were lying about something. If not, you were just… too perfect.”

Lydia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “So you think I’m perfect, huh?”

Kori forgot to breathe, leave it to her to fuck everything up. Great. I just said that out loud. Nice, idiot.

She had to distract Lydia, quick.

She swiped one of Lydia’s fries and popped it in her mouth.

"Hey! That's mine!" Lydia pouted.

“Driver’s tax!” Kori grinned.

Lydia cackled. Mission: distract—successful.

“So… I’m perfect?” Maybe not that successful.

Kori had no escape, all she could do was tell the truth.

"Yes."

After they finished eating, the two walked back to the car, bags in hand. Kori grinned like she’d just won a contest.

“Three bikinis, your glasses, your giant hat, and the fries I stole. Perfect shopping trip.”

Lydia’s smile stretched ear to ear—genuine, effortless. “You didn’t need three bikinis. And definitely not my fries.”

Seeing Lydia feel so comfortable in her presence made Kori's day, week, month.

“Um, actually…” Kori jutted her jaw in an overbite, mocking Aaron. “I needed the bikinis. And I deserved your fries.”

Lydia shut her eyes and bit her lip. Kori couldn’t read her exactly, but she looked like she might’ve been so happy she could burst—or at least, that's what Kori would have liked to believe.

Kori slid into the car. Lydia shook her head as she climbed in.

On the drive back, the radio played softly. Kori did not want to speak first, she allowed for silence between the two, because every minute or so she would look to her side, and see Lydia looking out the window. She appeared to be entranced by her own thoughts, and Kori thought it would be rude to interrupt. She had already gotten alone time with Lydia, there was no need to push things further.

When they pulled into the driveway, Kori immediately saw Aaron on his phone sat by the door with his arms crossed, as if he had been waiting like a guard dog the whole time.

He rushed to open Lydia’s door. Kori got out on her own.

“Finally. What did she do to you?” His expression was sharp. So annoying.

Lydia kissed him. Ugh. “We just shopped, Aaron. Nothing happened.” She sounded calm—like she’d actually enjoyed it.

Kori felt like it was her turn to speak, so she said the first thing she could think of. "Unless you count me buying half the store." She waved the shopping bags.

Kori headed inside and found Chris on the sofa with Jane and Grandpa.

The moment Jane saw Kori, she stood up. “I heard you went shopping! Wanna do a haul?”

For years, Kori had cherished Jane as if she were her own sister. When you’re stuck with a family like Kori’s, having an older girl to look up to means a lot.

"I'll show you in my room!" Kori said, then ran upstairs.

In her room, she saw the new bed with all the covers folded on top, along with a note that read: 'Grandma and I went grocery shopping. Make the bed.' 

Jane came in after, shut the door, and sat on the new bed. “Sister, show me!” Kori pulled the bikinis from the first bag, laying them out for her. Jane grinned. “Cute.” “What’s in the second bag?” Jane asked.

Kori opened it to reveal Lydia’s new sunhat.

She held it up. “I bought this for Lydia. She tried it on at the store, and it looked good on her.”

Jane smirked. “Now, I know damn well your mother didn’t ask you to bring that girl. So why’d you take her instead of me?” Her tone wasn’t upset or even curious—more like she was hinting at something Kori was not even aware of.

If there was one person Kori never lied to, it was Jane. “She’s fun to be around. Bed-sharing last night was fun.”

Jane’s eyes flicked to hers. “I’m sure it was.”

Kori only realized how that had sounded after the fact. “Not in a gay way! You idiot.”

She’d already come out to Jane, and they’d talked about it a few times. When Aaron had outed her—if you could even call it that, since the family ignored it—Jane had been the only one to support her.

“Well, I’ll leave you alone, in case you want to bed-share one last time with your new girlfriend.” Jane smirked once more before slipping out.

Kori stayed there, making the bed like her mother had asked.

When she finished, she lay down on the big bed to rest a minute.

She pulled out her phone and texted her friend Jewels.

KORI: i spent the day w lydia

KORI: shes funnnn

KORI: i like her

KORI: and she said that she likes me 2

JEWELS: damn kori thats ur brothers gf u cant date her

KORI: not like her like thatt

KORI: we went 2 the mall 2 buy bikinis

JEWELS: so u r tryin 2 date her and see her barely clothed??

JEWELS: damn

KORI: STOPPPP

KORI: ihy

JEWELS: u love me

KORI: u luv me more

KORI: im tellin u everything when i get home

Kori stared at her phone for a few minutes, then sank back into the bed to think about the day.

Lydia is so charismatic. Gorgeous. Sweet. Fun. Why the fuck Aaron, of all the men in the world? Is this some kind of joke? She could date any rich guy. Why him?

Maybe the universe put them together so we could find each other.

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

Kori woke up. The room was dark, except for a single beam of sunlight cutting through the window. What the fuck?

She was still in her mini skirt and I ♡ NY top, sprawled across the big bed. Her gaze shifted to the small one, where Lydia was asleep.

God, she looks gorgeous. No wonder everyone thinks she’s a model.

She glanced at the wall clock: 7:00 a.m.

So she’d fallen asleep in the queen bed after all. She’d meant to give that one to Lydia and take the small one herself.

She got up quietly, careful not to wake Lydia.

"Kori... Kori..." she heard in Lydia's voice.

Fuck.

"Yes?" she whispered.

“Mmh… Kori?”

She looked over—Lydia was completely asleep, just talking in her sleep.

Then why my name?

Kori slipped out, washed her face in the bathroom, then drifted into the living room.

With the house still asleep, she had MTV to herself for a few hours, until Grandma woke and joined her for breakfast in the kitchen.

By the time everyone was up—Lydia included—David arrived.

Chris opened the door. “Hey, old man!”

David gave him a hug, then glanced at Kori. "Did she cause too much trouble while I was not around?"

Kori rolled her eyes.

Angela chimed in. "Hey honey," she gave him a small peck on the lips. "She's been surprisingly good. Only thing is she forgot to pack a swimsuit, but that's been taken care of."

Aaron burst out of the kitchen. “Dad!”

Lydia trailed after him.

“Here you are, son!” David pulled him into a tight hug. “How’s everything? Lydia enjoying Boston?”

"Oh, it's been lovely." There she went again, with that fake smile.

But Kori didn’t care.

Because she had something no one else in that house could.

The privilege of Lydia Kollins’s real smile—and even laugh.

The rest of the morning, Kori barely saw her—Lydia was busy with her boyfriend, as much as Kori hated to call him that.

Not until after lunch, when the family went to the beach.

They were all under two parasoles, the grandparents on beach chairs, and the rest of them sprawled on towels.

When Lydia stripped down to her swimsuit, Aaron whistled. “You look amazing, babe.”

Lydia smiled politely and gave him a quick kiss.

Kori looked away; she couldn’t stomach seeing such a perfect girl with such an awful man.

But once it was over, Kori couldn’t help staring too long. She didn’t even notice at first, but her heart was racing.

Lydia rubbed sunscreen onto her legs while Aaron wandered a few steps off. “Babe, watch the frisbee!”

He threw terribly. The frisbee did not come back.

"Nice throw, Tom Brady!" Kori called.

Lydia instinctively covered her mouth, hiding her smile.

The smile Kori knew was there.

A real smile.

Lydia’s eyes locked on hers, as if to say: You know that was funny, but I can’t laugh.

And Kori understood.

“It wasn’t bad! The wind shifted—that’s why it didn’t work.” Lydia winked at Kori.

It felt like they were sharing a secret moment, right there in front of dozens of people.

"Sure." Kori winked back.

When Lydia was done applying sunscreen on her arms, she asked Kori: "Can you help me with my back?"

“On it!” Kori grabbed the lotion and traced a big smiley face across Lydia’s back.

Lydia must have felt something, because she laughed. “What are you doing?”

Kori wiped her hands on her legs, grabbed her phone, and said, “Art.”

She snapped a photo to show Lydia.

“Delete it!” Lydia covered her face, giggling. “I look awful!”

Kori could tell she didn't really mean it.

“Never! I’m putting it on MySpace until you accept my friend request.” Kori was laughing now too.

Lydia lunged for Kori’s phone, but Kori tightened her grip. They wrestled in the sand until Lydia nearly stumbled into her.

Their faces were just inches apart.

They both froze.

Kori cleared her throat. “Let me blend the sunscreen before you end up with sand all over it.”

Lydia straightened up, letting Kori finish the job.

Her skin is so soft and warm... Stop thinking that, Kori.

“Lydia, babe! Let’s go swimming!” Aaron shouted from thirty feet away.

Lydia sighed, giving Kori one last glance before jogging over to him.

The scene felt eerily familiar. Lydia sitting beside her, then running off with Aaron—just like the dream she’d had two nights ago.

But at least Lydia didn’t know Kori was gay. If she did, everything would’ve been so much more awkward.

Did that mean she shouldn’t get too close to Lydia—in case Aaron ever told her?

What if she turned out to be passionately homophobic? Kori hadn’t even considered that possibility.

And then she’d see everything—bikini shopping, the photos, wrestling in the sand, sunscreen—through a different lens.

For now, she had Lydia’s friendship. And all she could do was watch the couple from a distance—just like in her dream.

Back at their grandparents’ house, Kori stayed in her room, chatting with friends on the phone while her mom and Lydia helped Grandma make dinner.

"Dinner's ready!" yelled Angela, loud enough for it to be heard in every corner of the house.

Kori headed downstairs, where the family gathered around the table. David sat at the head, laughing loudly as he poured another glass of wine.

While the family chatted, Kori ignored it all, staring at Lydia—her small nose, her full lips, those impossibly long lashes. She must have reapplied her makeup after the beach; last time Kori saw her, her mascara had been smudged, but now everything sat flawlessly on top of her already stunning face.

David burst out laughing, pointing at Aaron. “See? Strong. Smart. Gets it from me.”

Kori was annoyed. Not only had her father pulled her out of her thought spiral over Lydia's beauty, but he had to do it by praising her brother. Double homicide.

"We know. You've said it a hundred times," she muttered.

David's big smile faded. "What was that?"

The table went silent. Aaron smirked into his plate, waiting for Kori to get scolded.

Kori opened her mouth, then shut it again. She didn’t want a fight, but she didn’t want to back down either.

Then Lydia spoke softly. “I think Kori means you’re really proud of him—you do say that a lot.” Her tone was gentle, not challenging at all. Kori’s eyes widened; no one ever defended her. Angela shot Lydia a look, as if she’d broken some unspoken rule. “It’s not a bad thing! How could you not be proud of the amazing son you raised?”

Grandma went "Awww!" and Aaron kissed Lydia's hand.

“I love you. You know that, right?” he said, kissing her hand again.

“I love you too.” She kissed his hand, and he draped his arm around her.

Luckily, the conversation drifted back to Aaron’s master’s program and what he’d be doing after summer.

Later that night, the girls went back to their room, and Kori flopped onto the small bed.

"Sorry for sleeping in the big bed last night, I meant to give it to you, but fell asleep," said Kori.

“Thanks.” Lydia smiled. “You know, I actually think sharing the bed was more fun.”

She liked sharing a bed... with me? Oh my fucking god.

“We can share again if you want—screw the tiny bed,” Kori said, shifting to the left side of the queen bed, the same spot she’d used two nights ago.

Lydia grabbed Kori’s phone from the single bed, sat down on the queen, and handed it to her. “Can you send me the pictures from the mall and the beach?”

“I thought you wanted me to delete the beach one,” Kori teased.

Lydia hesitated on whether to say something or not for a moment. "It’s just… Aaron was watching, and you told me your family shouldn’t know I like you, so I panicked.”

Part of Kori felt guilty, but hearing Lydia say she liked her—again—meant everything.

While unlocking her phone, one thought wouldn’t leave her head: maybe sharing a bed was wrong if Lydia turned out to be homophobic.

"Uh... This is kinda random, but what do you think about gay people?" maybe she shouldn't have asked it, she could regret it, but Kori was always the speak-before-you-think kind.

“Well, I’ve got two best friends—one’s a lesbian and the other’s straight. So I guess I’ve got a one-to-one gay–straight ratio.”

Lydia did not know it, but that line gave Kori the biggest relief of her life.

“No way! Me too! That’s why I asked. I can’t be friends with homophobes.” Kori tilted her phone toward her. “Give me your number so I can send the pictures.”

Lydia took the phone, typing in her number. “So we are friends?"

Holy shit. What if she doesn't want to be?

“I don’t know. Are we?” Safest bet for Kori was to throw the question back at her.

"We are."

Chapter Text

༺ Lydia ༻

It was another morning in the Kings' grandparents' house. The TV at full volume, the family buzzed with conversation, and the air smelled of coffee and freshly made pancakes.

Every moment with Aaron made Lydia wish she were spending time with Kori instead. On the couch, Aaron laughed at Futurama, while Kori sat across from them in an armchair, absorbed in her phone.

Is she texting? Who is she texting? What are they talking about? Could it—maybe—be about me? Lydia didn’t know why she was so obsessed with her boyfriend’s sister of all people. It was the biggest mystery spinning in her mind.

“Babe, I’m going to touch up my makeup before we head out,” she said, standing up.

“Okay, I’ll wait.”

Lydia got up and headed upstairs for her makeup bag. As she reached the stairs, she overheard a conversation between Jane and grandpa.

“Chris doesn’t know much about cables and tech stuff—maybe Aaron could help?” Jane asked.

Lydia forced herself to ignore the conversation this time, trying not to eavesdrop like she had done a few nights ago. She headed straight to the bedroom for her makeup. Once she gathered it, she went to the bathroom.

She studied her reflection for a moment, examining what needed touch-ups. Her skin looked slightly greasy—barely noticeable—but she knew if she didn’t powder it, the shine would worsen throughout the day. She applied some powder here and there. Her mascara was smudged, though luckily she wore brown eyeshadow on her lower lid, so she blended it to make it look intentional. She curled her lashes and reapplied mascara, then blotted her lips with nude lipstick in the shade ‘Caramel’ from MAC.

As she was reapplying her makeup, she thought of her plans for the day. She was supposed to go on a city tour with her boyfriend, who, having grown up in Boston, knew all the best spots. She wasn’t thrilled to spend the day with him—but it was a necessary part of her plan for a luxurious future. Is that even what I want? When she listened to her heart, she daydreamed of being a film director one day, though it felt nearly impossible while living out her mother’s vision for her. Still… at least I’ll get to explore the city, and that’s something to look forward to.

Finished with her makeup, she headed downstairs and found Jane chatting with Aaron.

Jane glanced at her and gave a quick wink. What does that mean?

“Grandpa needs your help installing WiFi in the house. Could you?” she asked.

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"

“He said Chris and your parents don’t know enough about this stuff, and since you’re such a great grandson—always willing to help—you’re the best option.”

Lydia knew Jane was lying; she had overheard the real conversation minutes ago, not to mention the wink Lydia had just received from her. What is she plotting?

Lydia settled back onto the couch beside Aaron, draping an arm around him. I hate this so much. Aaron took her hand, resting it on his lap with two light taps, then casually slung an arm over her shoulders—as if he was implicitly saying 'that's the man's role.'

"Fine. I'll do it," he said.

Now Lydia had to mask her true feelings, like always. "Weren't you going to give me a Boston tour today?" She pouted.

Before Aaron could speak, Jane interjected. “I can take you. I’m not from here, but I know all the landmarks and cool spots. I’ve been coming here for years, since I met Chris.”

Lydia had a choice to make: leave Aaron behind, what she truly wanted, or stay with him, what would be good for the relationship.

“Well, I’d love to go on the tour, if that’s okay with him,” she said, glancing at Aaron.

Aaron glared at Jane, with fire in his eyes. "Fine."

Jane spoke again. “Kori, wanna come instead of sitting there all day texting your friends like a loser teenager?”

Kori immediately sat up. Rather than being offended by the 'loser teenager' insult, she looked… excited?

"Oh, I'd love to! I'm going to put on shoes. Meet me at the door in a minute." She ran upstairs.

Lydia felt a surge of excitement at the thought of spending more time with Kori. She quickly followed Jane outside, trying to put enough distance between herself and Aaron so he couldn’t change his mind. Once they were outdoors, waiting for Kori, Jane complimented her. “Your dress looks nice!”

Lydia smiled. She wasn't expecting a compliment from her, but it was greatly appreciated. "Thanks!"

Kori joined them just moments later. “Grandma said we could use her car. Lydia, you’re going to love Boston.”

Before Lydia could answer, Jane said, “Girls, I’m so sorry, but I forgot I have to do some shopping. Kori, you give her the tour. I’m calling a taxi!”

Lydia wasn’t stupid; she knew exactly what Jane was doing. It reminded her of the conversation she had overheard two nights ago.

●●●

Lydia didn’t mean to eavesdrop; she was just about to grab her phone from the bedroom she was staying in but decided to wait until Kori was done talking to Jane. She thought interrupting them would be rude.

“Now, I know damn well your mother didn’t ask you to bring that girl. So why’d you take her instead of me?” Jane asked. Her tone didn't sound upset or even curious. What does she mean?

Hearing that the pair was talking about her made Lydia almost instinctively put her ear to the door. She knew it was wrong, but what's life without a little bit of toxic behavior?

Then Kori answered Jane's question, “She’s fun to be around. Bed-sharing last night was fun.”

She sounded honest, and Lydia agreed. Bed sharing had been way more fun than she had anticipated, and after talking to Kori about the MySpace drama, part of her knew she would miss sharing the bed too.

“I’m sure it was.” Jane sounded... almost like she was mocking Kori.

“Not in a gay way! You idiot.” Why would she say that? Of course it wasn't in a gay way, I'm literally dating her brother.

“Well, I’ll leave you alone, in case you want to bed-share one last time with your new girlfriend.” As soon as Lydia heard Jane’s footsteps, she quickly slipped into the bathroom to hide. Otherwise, she would have looked like she was trying to eavesdrop, which wasn’t true.

Well, maybe slightly true.

●●●

“I’d love for you to give me the tour!” Lydia didn’t know why, but more alone time with Kori sounded like the perfect day.

Kori grinned ear to ear, which Lydia noticed immediately. “Then let’s get in the car.”

Lydia walked over to the car, following Kori, who opened the door for her.

Kori lowered her voice, imitating Aaron's. "M'Lady?"

Lydia giggled. "You know I hate that!"

Kori chuckled, a slight glow in her eyes that Lydia immediately recognized. It was the same glow she had seen the other day at the mall.

"Well, I need you to pretend to hate me in front of my family. If anything, I'm giving you material," Kori said. But why? Kori circled around the car to open her own door. "Do you have an idea of where you want to go?"

Why does Kori need me to lie about hating her? Why can't we just be friends in peace? Wouldn’t her family like me more if I got along with everyone?

Lydia didn’t know where she wanted to go. But she had been determined for days to get to know Kori on a deeper level—and that thought sparked an idea.

“Places that are meaningful to you.” It felt perfect. Aaron had mentioned that they had grown up in Boston—and Lydia knew that someone's childhood is very telling of who they are as a person. 

As she said it, the question popped into her mind again: why do I have to pretend I hate her?

“Sounds good. Where do you want to start?” Kori’s smile was impossible to ignore—she even showed her teeth.

Lydia couldn’t focus. She needed to understand why she couldn’t be open about her friendship with Kori.

She scrambled for an answer to Kori’s question. It had been too long before anything came to mind. How would Lydia know if she didn’t know enough about Kori’s past?

Well, there was one infallible answer.

"Your old house?"

“Let’s go then!” Kori started driving. She tried to sound enthusiastic, but Lydia could tell she wasn’t. Takes one to know one. Maybe Lydia should’ve thought of a different place, but now it was too late. Ok, but why do I need to hate her?

The radio played a string of classic pop songs, while Lydia built up the courage to ask Kori the one question her mind played on loop.

“Kori, why do I have to pretend to hate you?” Lydia paused, looking at Kori’s reaction, but there was none. “I think you’re like… the coolest. Why can’t they know?”

Kori took a long breath and answered, “They don’t see me as the best kid, you know? And Aaron absolutely hates my guts. I love that we get along, but if they knew, they’d think poorly of you… and Aaron would absolutely break up with you.”

This was so sad to hear. It sucked that Kori's family thought poorly of her—especially Aaron—because she was genuinely one of the best one-of-a-kind people Lydia had ever known. After just a few weeks of knowing her, and even less time of actual friendship, Lydia could already tell she wanted the girl around for the rest of her life. The Kings’ disapproval made Lydia think less of them. It was all for appearances, with no real love for family. Terrible. But anything for the money, right?

"Then they won't know about us."

That sounded so… romantic? But I didn’t mean it like that. They won’t know about our friendship. Of course it’s not romantic—we’re both straight.

Questions still lingered in Lydia’s mind. Why could Kori be friendly with Jane but not her? Why did Kori’s family despise her so much? She chose to say nothing, leaving space for both of them to process their thoughts. After a while, they reached a street lined with giant houses—not exactly mansions, but close enough.

Kori got out of the car, and this time didn’t open Lydia’s door. The short girl climbed out on her own.

They walked a few steps, and Kori raised her arm to point at a white, beautiful house. “That’s where I used to live. It looks smaller now, but back then it felt huge.”

The house was large, but it made sense that it looked small compared to the giant, more-than-mansion Kori lived in now.

The windows were thick with dust, and the paint peeled. It looked as if no one had lived there for over a decade. “Do you think it’s abandoned?” Lydia asked.

Kori stepped closer to the windows, to look through them. Lydia followed and noticed the house was completely empty, no furniture inside.

“It looks like it,” Kori said with a grin, as if she knew exactly what Lydia was thinking.

"Do you want to break in?"

Kori did not hesitate for a second. “You know what? Sure, why not.”

Lydia ran to the door. Luckily, she always kept a few bobby pins at the bottom of her purse, just in case. Finding them, she quickly picked the lock.

The door clicked open in less than a minute. They stepped inside, and Kori said, “Wow, you’re good at this.”

Lydia smiled. “I like abandoned places. I’d like to think they’re haunted.”

"The only thing haunted in this house is my memories."

Fuck.

Had Lydia pushed things too far by asking Kori to not just come, but break in?

“We can go back to your car and drive somewhere else if you want.” She felt terrible—inconsiderate of Kori’s feelings. Lydia liked to think of herself as empathetic, but this time curiosity had overpowered her.

"No, my love." She called me ‘my love.’ She called me ‘my love.’ She called me ‘my love.’ “I think it’s fun to do this,” she added sincerely. “You want a house tour?”

“Of course I do.” Lydia looked into Kori’s dark eyes, and for a moment, she felt like she could die right there.

Kori took Lydia’s hand and led her to a giant empty room. The wooden floors were stained with dust and dirt, cobwebs clinging to the corners. “This was the living room.”

Lydia continued to look around, examining every corner and window. She imagined the life and chaos of a family with three children living there.

“What did this look like when you were here?” Maybe she shouldn’t have asked. She regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth, but it was too late to take them back.

Kori glanced around the room. “Back then, we had a huge leather couch in this corner.” She pointed, then gestured toward the wall. “And here was the giant bookshelf I climbed once. I fell and broke my leg.”

"I'm so sorry."

Kori locked eyes with her again. Lydia could’ve drowned in the dark depth of those pupils. “It’s okay now, but thank you for caring.”

They sat in silence, entranced by each other. Kori’s eyes sparkled. Lydia couldn’t believe Jane had unknowingly created this moment, and she was so grateful for it. How could she be friends with the most beautiful woman in the world? She couldn’t compare. Yet somehow Kori didn’t make her feel insecure. If anything, her immeasurable beauty filled Lydia with warmth, like she could spend forever staring into the beauty of those eyes.

But she had to look away, because the sight of such radiance was almost painful to look at. How the fuck can a human be this perfect? She said I am perfect, but has she looked in the mirror?

“Show me the rest of the house,” Lydia said, pressing her hands to her face. She faked a sneeze to hide the way she knew she was blushing. “Ugh. The dust.”

Kori gave her a knowing look—she always noticed—and it only made Lydia blush harder.

“Let’s go to the kitchen!” Kori grabbed Lydia’s hand and pulled her along.

She grabbed my hand. Oh my fucking god. I can't believe this. Is this a dream?

Lydia followed and found a dusty kitchen with only a sink and a few cabinets. It was far too big for a normal kitchen—the Kings had always been rich, but clearly not as rich as they were now.

“It didn’t look much different then than it does now. Cleaner, sure—but I always hated the kitchen.” Kori sighed.

Lydia looked around one last time. “Then let’s get out of here.” She stepped out before Kori could answer, and the girl followed.

Kori delicately grabbed Lydia's wrist and pulled her upstairs. Why my wrist instead of my hand? Did I do something wrong?

All the doors stood open. Kori looked around with a sad expression. Lydia couldn’t tell if it was nostalgia or pain—after all, Kori had said the memories of this house were haunted.

Kori walked into a room with faded pink walls, and Lydia trailed after. "This used to be my bedroom. Back then the walls were bright, and I had a canopy bed that made me feel like a princess."

Lydia imagined the scene, a tiny Kori jumping around from her bed to the floor, excited and energetic. She wasn’t sure if she wanted kids, but if she ever had one with Aaron, there was a good chance a daughter would be a mini Kori. And having a mini Kori sounded exciting.

She sat cross-legged on the floor. “It’s lunchtime. I brought sandwiches I made this morning. They were meant for Aaron and me, but eating them with you sounds way better. Do you want some?”

Lydia couldn’t believe what she’d just said. Was it true? One hundred percent. But she was meant to keep the facade. She couldn’t do that around Kori. With her, everything felt bare—she couldn’t hide, couldn’t lie. Being around Kori felt genuine, like being with Suzie and Lana, but not quite the same.

When Kori heard that, her face lit up. She smiled so wide it nearly reached her ears, eyes shining. She crossed her arms—not defiant, but almost… shy?

Kori sat on the floor in front of her. Lydia pulled four BLT sandwiches from her bag—two for each.

At first they ate in silence. It wasn’t awkward—they were simply enjoying each other’s presence. Every few seconds they glanced up, and Lydia could feel her cheeks get warmer. For once, she didn’t feel the need to hide it. If she was blushing inside, she had no reason to conceal it from Kori. It was like she could finally be her authentic self in front of someone from the King household.

"This is delicious, did you make it?" Kori looked into Lydia's eyes. This is going to kill me.

Lydia couldn’t focus on the words—all she cared about were those gorgeous dark eyes. Still, she couldn’t just ignore the question, no matter how much she wanted to. She caught the words delicious, you, and make, in the intonation of a question—that was enough information to piece it together. “I did! With your grandma’s help. She fried the bacon, and I put the sandwiches together.”

While Lydia ate carefully—determined not to look messy in front of her new friend—Kori devoured hers, smearing mayonnaise on her lips and the tip of her nose.

“Kori, you have mayo all over your face!” Lydia giggled—a sound that had become regular around the blonde. Kori tried to wipe her lips, only making it worse, spreading mayo to her cheek and even her hand. Lydia bit her lip at the sight of what she considered the most perfect being imaginable. Kori wasn’t just gorgeous, she was adorably clumsy too. “You made it worse! Let me fix it for you.”

Lydia dug into her purse and pulled out a tissue. Thank God for this big Louis V bag Aaron got me in SF.

She crawled closer with the tissue. First, she took Kori’s hand to wipe the mayo. Butterflies stirred in Lydia’s stomach, but she dismissed them. Of course I feel nervous—we basically became friends mere days ago. This isn’t something you do with friends you haven’t known at least six months.

Kori stayed still, letting Lydia continue. She moved closer to wipe the mayo from Kori’s nose. As Lydia brushed it lightly, the blonde sneezed.

"I'm sorry." Kori offered an awkward smile.

Lydia said nothing, moving her hand to Kori’s cheek. She couldn’t believe she was touching her face. Days ago, hers had been blessed by Kori’s touch—now she was returning it. Her skin was impossibly smooth, like she had the most expensive skincare routine in the world—she probably did. Then came the craziest part: wiping Kori’s lips. Lydia was careful not to brush against them. That would’ve felt too intimate, as if they were dating—which they obviously weren’t. Lydia was straight. Not to mention she was dating Aaron.

As Lydia wiped Kori’s lips, she remembered Jane had plotted this. If only Jane knew it would lead to this moment—her getting so close to Kori, their friendship strengthening with every passing second—she’d be proud. This was probably exactly what Jane wanted.

"There you go! Your face is clean now." Lydia grinned. "You're welcome!"

Kori looked into her eyes again. I don't know if I can survive this, Lydia thought.

“Thank you,” Kori said, her voice soft but sincere.

Kori took another careful bite of her sandwich, making sure not to get mayo on her face again. Lydia thought it was adorable, like she was trying not to mess up after Lydia had just cleaned her.

While they continued to eat, Lydia’s mind was consumed by the fact that she had...

Just.

Touched.

Kori’s.

Face.

And not only that—it had been her initiative. She felt proud; making friends had never been easy, and taking the lead in such an intimate moment was a huge milestone. It meant they were growing closer.

Kori finished eating first, as Lydia looked to her in between bites. While she was chewing, she noticed Kori looked around the room with a face that screamed 'nostalgia.' It wasn't easy to read that facial expression, but she had a soft smile with raised brows, that's the one thing that face could mean in a context like this.

Lydia finished her sandwich and stood up. “Let’s keep this tour going!”

Kori stood as well, and they walked downstairs, leaving the house and heading to the car. She started driving without asking Lydia anything. “I know where I’m taking you next.”

The drive was short. The car was quiet, with the faint sound of 'Fergalicious' playing on the radio. Lydia was still processing what had happened in Kori’s childhood bedroom, and Kori’s silence suggested she felt similarly.

They arrived at a park with a playground. Kori stopped the car and got out silently.

Lydia got out of the car on her own, missing the moments Kori opened the door for her saying 'M'Lady.'

They walked a few steps before Kori said, “This was my favorite park when I was a kid. I used to come here every day after daycare.” She looked happy to be back, which made Lydia happy too. Maybe the childhood tour had been a good idea. Kori walked ahead without holding Lydia’s hand, so Lydia trailed after her. She pointed to a slide. “When I was little, I thought this slide was the scariest thing in the world. Look at it now.”

Lydia stared at it. It was so small, shorter than her.

“You should go on it again,” Lydia said, glancing at Kori, who didn’t look back, still staring at the slide.

“Not a chance,” Kori replied.

Lydia climbed the playhouse to go down the slide. She slid down, which lasted less than a second as she was an adult, and not a tiny child.

“Now it’s your turn!” Lydia grabbed Kori’s wrist, leading her to the playhouse and giving her a gentle push, encouraging her to climb.

The playhouse looked comically small with Kori inside, almost completely full. She struggled to position herself to slide down, barely able to move in the cramped space.

And she did it, she slid down too.

“Well, it’s not so scary now. Fear conquered!” Kori grinned, and Lydia’s heart skipped a beat. This is totally normal. I’m socially awkward, of course having a new friend would make me feel like this.

“Where to next?” Lydia asked.

“Well, my favorite part here was the swings!” Kori ran straight to them, and Lydia followed. It didn’t feel strange, it felt playful. By now, Lydia was familiar with Kori’s presence and movements.

Kori settled on the middle swing of three and started pumping herself as high as she could. Lydia had to do the same, quickly turning it into a friendly competition to swing higher than Kori.

Kori leaned into it, trying to swing even higher. The friendly competition made Lydia feel warm inside.

The tall girl was almost out of breath from swinging. “I used to sit here and imagine I could swing so high I’d fly away,” she said between breaths.

“…Fly to where?” Lydia asked, slowing her swing until her feet touched the ground.

Kori slowed her swing to meet Lydia’s level. “Anywhere… anywhere but here.” Lydia felt a tightness in her chest. “And I ended up doing it—literally the other side of the country. As far as I could get!” Kori tried to pass it off as a joke, but Lydia sensed the loneliness behind her words.

“Well, yes. You did.” Lydia couldn’t force enthusiasm—not in front of Kori.

“I think it’s time for our next stop. I won’t tell you where. It’s a surprise.”

They returned to the car. Lydia clicked her seatbelt into place, but Kori didn’t bother with hers.

"Kori, you need your seatbelt!" Lydia playfully scolded.

She earned a grin from the blonde. "What are you, my mother?" Kori teased.

Lydia was growing fond of Kori's playfulness every second they spent together. "Yes, daughter. You could die!" she said in the most dramatic tone she could do, putting her hand on her chest for emphasis.

“Fine, only for you,” Kori replied with a smirk.

Only for me? Am I really that special, or is she just joking?

As Kori drove, Lydia couldn’t get over how much she loved her presence—the beauty, the small intimate moments, the honesty, and her incredible sense of humor.

She was the funniest person Lydia had ever met.

“…You know? I don’t think anyone makes me laugh as much as you do.” It felt crazy to admit, but it was true.

Kori smirked, with her eyes still on the road. "You should hang out with me more often. I'm basically free entertainment."

And now, it was Lydia's turn to tease Kori and make her laugh. "Yeah. You're like a circus act."

They grinned at each other, and Kori quickly set her eyes back on the road. How could Lydia feel this much? It felt like her heart was about to jump off her chest.

The silence stretched a little longer. But it did not feel uncomfortable in the slightest, it felt... full.

“I used to dream about leaving. Flying away, like I said. I spent whole days planning it out. I thought anywhere had to be better than here.” Kori said quietly. She wasn't trying to pass it off as a joke anymore, she was simply being sincere.

Are we really at that stage of friendship now?

Lydia did not quite know what to say. She felt sorry, but she also understood. Even now, she sometimes wanted to escape her own life and chase her dreams. Dreams that would likely never come true. Putting herself in Kori’s shoes was easy—as much as she wanted to run, she stayed. “But you came back.”

There was a moment of silence before Kori answered.

"Not for me, for my grandma. She's the only one in my family that actually loves me." Kori said, and Lydia's heart tugged. "And now I have Jane too." She shrugged. "It’s weird showing it all to you. Makes it feel less… ugly."

"You have me."

“I’m glad I have you,” Kori said with a small smile.

Lydia turned her face toward the window, pretending to watch the houses blur past. Her chest felt tight, Kori's life sounded like hell.

She tried to change the subject, unable to process more of Kori’s pain. “I don’t think Aaron’s ever told me a single story about when he was a kid.”

Kori glanced at her. “Maybe he just doesn’t have any good ones.”

"Maybe."

Kori didn’t press. She tapped the steering wheel to the rhythm of the radio, humming softly. Lydia found herself listening more to Kori’s voice than the song. She sounded terrible, but there was something incredibly endearing about it.

Suddenly, Kori stopped the car.

“Change of plans. I was going to take you somewhere else, but since this turned into a childhood trauma tour, my daycare is here.” Kori parked, and they both got out. She led Lydia to a small blue building with little kids holding hands painted around it.

Lydia did not know what to say. Childhood trauma was a strong word. She would have felt incredibly sorry for putting Kori in this position, but she didn't. Kori had chosen to open up, and she had said that showing all of this to her made it feel less ugly.

“It’s pretty. What was it like?”

“Well, this is where I spent most of my days. It was fun,” Kori said, staring at the building as memories seemed to flood back. “I once tried to run away by hiding behind the fence. Got caught in ten minutes.”

Lydia chuckled. "Of course you did."

“I was a terrible criminal,” Kori laughed along with her.

Kori kept staring at the building, quietly taking it all in.

“I’d love to have a kid someday, when I find the right—” Kori paused briefly, but Lydia caught it. “Guy.”

Why did she stop? ...Probably just the memories coming back. She's been emotional this whole day.

Lydia hesitated, unsure if she should say what she felt. Well, fuck it. “I don’t know if I want kids. I guess… I’ll do whatever Aaron wants.” The moment she said it, it felt wrong. She shouldn’t have shared that with his sister, of all people—especially the sister he hated. Yet somehow, she trusted Kori completely, like she could trust her with her life.

Instead of a sharp look, or disapproval, Kori gave her a warm look, yet it screamed 'pity'. Of course she would feel pity; Lydia had just admitted the most important decision of her life depended on her asshole brother. Not that Lydia thought of him as an asshole—maybe a little—but Kori certainly did.

“We should go,” Kori said.

"Agreed."

Walking back to the car, Kori said, “It’s getting late. We should have dinner. Luckily, our next stop has the perfect spot.”

Once in the car, Lydia looked at the window, all the passing streetlights. She kept her hands on her knees, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Her words about Aaron and kids lingered in her mind.

Why the fuck did I say that? Well… because it’s true. And the problem is, I hate that it’s true.

Kori glanced at her briefly, eyes soft and warm. Lydia’s stomach tightened; she could feel the pity. She had no choice but to look away.

"I don't even know why I said that. About my future kids. About Aaron."

Kori kept her eyes on the road. "You're worried that it sounded... wrong?"

Lydia sighed, letting the tension leave her body. “Yeah. Or like I don’t know what I want.” She paused, feeling like a complete mess. “Maybe I don’t.”

Kori tapped a finger against the steering wheel, following the rhythm of the music.

"Lydia... it's okay not to know. But don't let anyone decide for you." How could Kori look so sure of herself while saying this? And why couldn't Lydia feel that same confidence and certainty about what she wanted?

Lydia looked out the window. “It just feels easier to let him decide… and I have to go along with it. I don’t want to imagine what would happen if I don’t.”

Aaron's rage issues came to the forefront of Lydia's mind, and what Kori had told her, if he knew she got along with his sister, he would dump her. Lydia needed him for the financial security.

"Easier doesn't mean right. You don't have to shrink yourself for anyone. Not Aaron. Not me. Not your family. Not the world. Not anybody." Her tone was soft, sweet. Not a twinge of humor or sarcasm, just completely genuine. Does this mean she actually cares about me and what I do with my life?

Lydia’s throat tightened. She wanted to apologize but couldn’t. The truth was, she would end up going along with whatever Aaron wanted—it was the price she paid.

She did not say a word. Instead, she watched Kori's profile. She enjoyed admiring the girl when she wasn't aware that she was being seen. It felt more real this way. She noticed the way Kori's golden blonde hair fell on her shoulders in perfect waves, and the gentle curve of her lips when she smiled faintly.

When she finally felt ready, she spoke. “You make it sound simple.”

Kori gave her a quick smile, and Lydia savored the brief moment, wishing it had lasted longer. “It’s not simple, but it’s worth trying.”

The rest of the drive was quiet, just pop songs playing on the radio while Kori hummed along. It didn’t feel awkward—it felt familiar. Lydia had never been around someone who felt so natural and welcoming, even in silence.

At a stop in traffic, Kori glanced at Lydia. Their eyes met, and Lydia wished it could last forever. If only they were in a taxi—then Kori wouldn’t have to focus on driving, and she could give Lydia all the attention she was already getting in return.

Lydia noticed they were nearing the harbor. So this is where Kori wanted to take me.

They pulled into a parking lot, and one of Lydia’s countless wishes came true: Kori circled the car, opened her door, and offered her a hand.

When Lydia stood, Kori didn’t let go. She closed the car door and led her toward a small food truck—still holding her hand the entire way.

Lydia felt Kori’s smooth skin, her long nails lightly brushing the back of her hand. She’d held Aaron’s hand countless times, but this felt different.

As they approached the truck, the smell of greasy food filled the air. It smelled delicious.

“This place has been here since the ’90s. It’s my favorite place to eat in all of Boston. It's messy, but worth it.”

"Well, I can't wait to try it!"

Still holding Lydia’s hand, Kori stepped up to the truck. “Two footlong hot dogs, please.”

“Yum!” Lydia said, making Kori giggle

I made her giggle. I made her giggle. I made her giggle.

They walked about ten feet from the truck. “I’m glad I got to come here with you.”

Lydia felt special. She no longer wondered if she was special to Kori, those words were enough.

“I’m glad you got to come here with me.” Lydia’s cheeks burned. How the hell does she make me blush more than Aaron?

“Food’s ready!” the worker shouted, and Kori dropped Lydia’s hand to pick it up.

Lydia already missed her touch. She wanted it back, and knowing it might be a while before it happened again hurt more than she expected.

It hurt a lot.

Kori returned with the hot dogs—huge and delicious-looking. She handed one to Lydia, then grabbed her hand again.

"Come with me!"

The moment Kori grabbed her hand, Lydia felt over the moon. So grateful to have Kori right now, to have her like this.

Give it a few weeks and we'll be best friends.

The thought of being best friends excited Lydia. She wanted to be close to Kori—no, she needed it.

Kori led her to the curb and sat down. Lydia followed, and Kori immediately started eating fast, licking mustard off her fingers.

"You eat like you haven't eaten in a week," Lydia teased.

Kori grinned, speaking with her mouth full. "What can I say? Childhood favorites bring out the beast in me."

Kori’s eyes locked on Lydia’s. It had happened so many times that day she was almost used to the feeling—a feeling she never wanted to let go of. She felt lucky to have spent so much time with Kori, yet disappointed knowing it would be hard to keep this up back home. Now, she needed a distraction before her thoughts drove her insane. She took a big bite of the hot dog; the taste was pleasant, yet ordinary—but eating it with Kori by her side made it extraordinary.

“This is really good!” Lydia said, covering her mouth as she spoke through her chewing.

This was the kind of casual behavior she only allowed herself with Suzie or Lana. Never in a million years had she imagined acting like this in front of a King, especially Kori.

Yet here she was, Kori by her side. She felt more comfortable than ever.

Kori shook her head. “So… I’ve told you a lot about my childhood. Now it’s your turn—I want to know about yours.”

Lydia's heart skipped a beat. She's interested in my life? Oh god, this is getting real.

"There's not much to say. I'm from Pittsburgh, but I moved to Cali when my mom married George, which you correctly clocked." Lydia shot Kori a playful glare, smiling. “Thank you for that, by the way.”

Kori sighed and looked up at the dark sky. “I didn’t want Aaron to get a girlfriend…” She paused. “But when I talked to you at the wedding, I realized I wanted you around. I know the other night I said you’re not cool—but you really fucking are. That’s why the MySpace thing stung.”

Lydia felt her cheeks burn, her heartbeat racing so fast it might as well have buzzed. Her mind went blank—not even she likes me! Just… nothing.

She’d never expected Kori to open up like this... but she had. And it meant everything.

Lydia took a deep breath to ground herself. “Why didn’t you want him to have a girlfriend?”

Kori looked down, avoiding Lydia’s eyes. “He’s the worst. I don’t want to say too much—because you’re his girlfriend—but I just feel like… no girl should have to put up with him.”

Lydia buried her face in her hands. First: she hated hearing Kori call her his girlfriend. Second: Why—why was he the worst? Third: it hurt to admit to herself that she really did have to put up with him. She had no choice.

"Wow..." She sat straight, and tried to feel the silence. "Do you want me to keep telling you about my childhood?"

Kori took one last bite of her hot dog. "Sure."

Kori’s vulnerability made Lydia feel safe enough to share too. “So back in Pennsylvania, life felt normal. My mom and I lived in a one-bedroom apartment, but other than that I felt average. Moving to Silicon Valley... that’s when shit got crazy. I know you see me as your brother’s gold-digger girlfriend. The reason it doesn’t faze me is because, when I was seven and the new girl at school, the other kids’ parents told them not to hang out with me, because they said my mom was one.”

Kori’s eyes met hers. Not a deep stare, just sympathetic. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

Lydia cut her off. “It’s fine now. What I’m saying is… I guess what didn’t kill me made me stronger. Have you heard of the butterfly effect?”

"No. What is it?" Kori tilted her head.

“It’s like… small things can trigger a chain of events that lead to something major. If those parents hadn’t gossiped and made my life hell, I might’ve hated you after that dinner—maybe even broken up with Aaron. And then we wouldn’t be sitting here right now.”

In that moment, Lydia learned a lesson. She felt grateful for everything that had gone wrong, because what seemed like the worst thing in the world thirteen years ago was the reason she had Kori as a friend now. Maybe everything would turn out fine in the end.

“So this is the major event? Eating hot dogs on the side of the road?” Kori teased.

Lydia’s eyes went wide, her cheeks flushing as she realized how it sounded. God, she’s going to think I’m a lonely loser who gets excited over what's nothing to her.

Lydia parted her lips. “I meant—”

Kori cut her off.

“Don’t try to fix it. I liked what you said.” She stood, brushed off her pants, and offered Lydia a hand. “But if you thought that was major, you haven’t seen the best part yet.”

Kori grabbed Lydia's hand.

Again.

By now, it didn’t feel new. It had clearly become Kori’s favorite way to lead her—and secretly, it was Lydia’s favorite too. She was getting used to it, happily. If it were up to her, she’d spend the rest of her days being brushed by those long nails or holding something even half as soft as Kori’s palm. Slightly sweaty, sure—but Lydia thought it was endearing.

Kori led her all the way to a long pier, where they sat on a bench.

City lights shimmered on the sea as the waves crashed, making it feel almost like they were floating. The sight was comforting in a way Lydia could hardly describe. This would have been the perfect place to kiss someone.

If I could marry for love instead of money, I’d bring my husband here.

It stung that she would never have a real romantic scene on this beautiful pier, on a stunning night like this one. But at least she had her new friend, rather than experiencing this all alone.

Though, if anything, having her there only made things worse. It made the amount of beauty in one place feel almost overwhelming, and Lydia knew a girl like Kori could make anyone fall in love with her. Kori would probably get to marry someone she truly loved—a luxury Lydia couldn’t afford.

“This is my favorite place, that’s why I saved it for last,” Kori said, still gazing at the water. “That and because it’s prettier at night. I used to come here with my grandma a lot. We’d spend hours just watching the boats. I was… dumb, so when I saw them disappear into the horizon, I thought they fell off the earth. I even cried about it once!”

“You weren’t dumb. You were a kid!” Lydia gave Kori’s shoulder a light tap, and Kori smiled instantly. Immediate… maybe instinctive.

They fell into silence. While Kori stared at the ocean, Lydia studied her profile—the curve of her lips, the glow of her skin, the arch of her brows, the way her eyeshadow elongated her eyes—until a ringtone broke her thoughts.

Kori pulled her phone from her bra. Didn’t know she keeps it there—that’s such a hot girl thing. “I should pick this up. It’s Jane,” she said, and Lydia nodded. “Yeah. At the harbor. Twenty minutes. Be there as soon as possible. Bye, sister!” Kori turned to Lydia and clasped her hand between both of hers. “We’ve got to go. Now.”

Kori speed-walked to the car. Lydia hurried after her, struggling to match her pace—those long legs she’d already admired at the beach made it impossible.

They climbed into the car, and Kori immediately pushed over the speed limit to get back as fast as possible.

“Today was a strange day. Having all those memories come back was… weird. I was so different back then, it feels like I walked through someone else’s memories,” Kori said, glancing at Lydia at a red light. She looked gorgeous even in the red glow of the brake lights ahead.

“Did you like it? Coming back to all these places?” Lydia twirled her hair, nervous for the answer.

“Yes and no. I liked showing you, but if it were up to me, I wouldn’t come back. I’d rather forget my past—and even my present—and just look forward to a better future.” When the light turned green, she kept driving.

“I hope my future doesn’t suck.” The words came out harsher than Lydia intended, but it was too late to take them back.

Kori took a deep breath. “Same. But if we have each other’s friendship, I’m sure it won’t.”

Friendship.

That was all Lydia wanted from Kori. So why did it sting so much to hear the word?

"Then we need to keep each other around forever."

"Agreed. Deal?" Kori asked.

"Deal," Lydia replied.

The rest of the drive was silent—no music, just the hum of the engine and the comfort of each other’s presence. Somehow, it was enough for Lydia.

They pulled into the driveway, where Jane hurried up to the car.

“I’ve been waiting forever! We need to go in,” she said. Lydia noticed the house was completely dark. “Be quiet.”

Kori dug into her purse for the house keys and slowly opened the door. Jane slipped into her own room, while the other two tiptoed upstairs to theirs.

As soon as Lydia closed the door, Kori flopped onto the bed. Lydia sat quietly, slipping off her shoes. “We should sleep. Like, now.”

They both climbed into bed—no time for pajamas, brushing teeth, or anything. Lydia still wore her dress, and Kori her jeans.

After a day of nonstop running around, it didn’t take long for Lydia to fall asleep.

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

Lydia looked around—it was dark. The clock on the wall read 4:30 a.m. She’d woken up in the middle of the night again. Great

She thought she was hugging a pillow, but it was too warm, not the soft cotton she’d grown used to in this house. Turning her head, she realized she was hugging Kori. Arms around her waist, their legs tangled.

For a moment, she did not move. She inhaled Kori's scent. Warm, still smelling slightly like the harbor, and a faint trace of foundation. She thought about turning away, but simply couldn’t.

So she did what her heart told her—pretend it was an accident, but don’t let go.

Chapter Text

༺ Lydia ༻

When the couple pulled up into the driveway, the mansion came into view. White marble columns glowed in warm lights, every inch of it flaunting its wealth.

Get ready to perform.

Lydia was growing used to playing the perfect girlfriend in front of the Kings. Light as a feather, pretty as a flower, laughing at jokes but never too loudly, kind without a flaw, effortlessly classy. Honestly, she deserved an Oscar for best actress.

She smoothed her hair, making sure not a single strand was out of place, and then flipped down the visor mirror to check she didn't have lipstick on her teeth.

"You look perfect, babe. You don't need to fuss," Aaron said as he parked, giving her a quick peck—she was finally getting used to it.

"I like to look perfect for you."

The valet opened Lydia’s door; Aaron handed over the keys.

They stepped into the mansion. Aaron hung his coat, then offered his hand for Lydia’s purse.

He took her hand. She didn’t hate it. She never had. Holding hands was innocent enough that it didn’t churn her stomach—but after holding Kori's, he could never compare. 

“Back here again. Feels nice, doesn't it?” Aaron said.

Lydia forced a soft smile. “It does feel good here. Like stepping into a dream.” She wasn’t lying—a little thrill ran under the performance. This was a different scale than what she was used to: she’d grown up around millionaires, but this was billionaire-level elegance.

Aaron kissed her hand. “Glad you like it. I want you to feel at home with my family.”

She stepped closer for a brief hug. “You make it easy. Your family’s the best.”

Aaron’s family wasn’t the best, not really. To him, sure—but the way they treated Kori was awful.

They walked toward the dining room. Chris, Jane, and David were already seated at the long table, glasses of red wine in hand, chatting and laughing.

Showtime.

“Look who decided to show up!” Jane grinned, rising to give Lydia a tight hug—one Lydia genuinely appreciated. Jane had plotted her alone time with Kori; it felt like she was a secret ally, someone who knew. No wonder she could read Lydia so well: how much she liked Kori, what she felt. Jane had once stood in these shoes, navigating this family’s strange dynamics.

Seeing Jane gave Lydia hope. If Jane could assimilate into this household, maybe she could too.

“We thought Aaron had traded you for textbooks!” Chris said with a chuckle, before taking a sip of wine.

“He almost did!” Lydia laughed politely. The rest followed suit.

Aaron and Lydia sat. She deliberately chose a chair with an empty spot beside her, hoping her new friend Kori would take it.

As the men talked, David poured Aaron a glass of wine. Reaching for another for Lydia, she spoke up. “I’m twenty. I can’t drink.”

David paused, setting the bottle down. “Oh, I love that you respect the law. Cheers to Aaron for finding a good girl!” If only he knew.

Everyone—minus Lydia—raised their glasses. “Cheers!” Jane gave her a look that said: 'I know you’re lying, but I respect it.'

The conversation continued, but Lydia stayed quiet, playing the perfectly compliant girlfriend. Her mind, however, was elsewhere—on the one person missing from the table. Since Monday, when they’d flown back to California, they hadn’t seen each other. They spent that entire day in front of the family, which kept them from speaking a word. Six hours of silence on that flight had felt like hell. How could they be so close, yet so far away?

Now Lydia hoped the blonde would appear at her own family dinner. Every second without her, she had to mask her anticipation—forcing laughter, faking smiles. She was a pro at it, but genuinely caring for her only made it harder.

Everything vanished the moment Kori’s silhouette approached. Her hair fell in perfect waves, makeup flawless, outfit perfectly chosen to impress—impress whom?

Angela followed, taking the seat beside Lydia the moment she reached the table. Great.

Kori slid into the seat across from Lydia. Once settled, she locked eyes and mouthed, "I missed you."

Lydia’s heart fluttered. This wasn’t a for-the-trip friendship; it was real. "Me too," she mouthed back.

The chef arrived with the main course: filet mignon and truffle mashed potatoes.

“Thank you,” Lydia said as the chef placed the filet on her plate.

“So, Aaron,” Chris asked. “How’s your first week of grad school? Killing you yet?”

Aaron laughed. “Pretty much. I like the challenge, though.” He leaned back, attempting to exude boss energy, but at best, he looked like Boss Baby.

Kori shot Lydia a sly smile—that didn't go unnoticed by the blue-eyed girl—then said, “Now he won’t have as much time for poor Lydia.” Her gaze landed on Lydia. Will I survive this?

Aaron didn't give his girlfriend the time to answer, saying, "I'll make as much time for her as I can."

Kori rolled her eyes.

“And you, Lydia? What will you do without him?”

Lydia bit her tongue. “I’ll work around his schedule. Other than that, I’ll make time for friends, my dad’s apprenticeship, and modeling.” Half true. No modeling. No apprenticeship. I don't even call George my dad. But I will navigate Aaron’s schedule and make time for my friends.

“That’s our girl! Working model, future lawyer. The best girl he could’ve found,” Angela said, raising her glass.

Our girl, right.

As the conversation shifted to Angela, Lydia scanned the table. Nobody noticed her—except Kori.

She shot a playful wink at Kori—the only one who knew she’d lied about modeling. It was like passing notes in secrecy across the table.

Kori grinned, mouthing "Liar" and returning a wink.

Lydia bit her lip. This is exciting. She shrugged lightly.

Aaron grabbed her hand under the table as conversation drifted to David’s business—something Lydia couldn’t care less about. As long as he earned enough for her to lean on, she was content.

A kick hit her shin under the table. She kept her face neutral but glanced at Kori, who was already watching.

Kori stuck out her tongue. Lydia wanted to giggle, but not here—not in front of the family.

So she rolled her eyes instead. It wasn't true annoyance, just a way of teasing Kori without speaking a single word.

Kori gave her a wink.

A rush of warmth flushed her cheeks—juxtaposed to the icy fingers she held with Aaron beneath the table.

She couldn’t endure the contrast any longer. “I’m sorry, I need to use the bathroom,” Lydia said, rising politely.

She walked all the way to the bathroom. She didn't really need it, she just wanted a break from the family, and most importantly, Aaron.

In the bathroom, she checked her phone. A message from Lana lit up the screen.

LANA: hows the nite goin? :3

Lydia texted back.

LYDIA: fine i guess T.T

LANA: whats that supposed 2 mean?

LYDIA: boring as fukkkk

Not entirely true, but Aaron was indeed boring, and she didn't have enough time to explain all the Kori stuff to Lana. Maybe later.

Then, a notification made her heart skip.

KORI: u wanted a break didnt u??

Lydia smiled. It’s like she can read my mind.

LYDIA: maybe XD

She waited for the screen to light up again.

KORI: yeah my dad can be exhausting lmao

LYDIA: its not ur dad.

LYDIA: justtt idk aaron was holding my hand n its hard 2 eat w my left hand only :(

KORI: come back pls i need u here

She needs me there? Oh god.

KORI: ur my only source of entertainment </3

Oh.

Lydia slipped her phone back into her pocket and left the bathroom, walking straight back to the dining room. As she sat, Kori leaned over.

“Oh Lydia, those jeans look so cute on you.”

My cheeks are on fire. Thank god for full-coverage foundation. She knows how to make me blush like no one else.

“Thanks! Got them at Forever 21. Cheap, but they were so cu—”

Kori cut her off. “Doesn’t matter — they won’t look as good on me as they do on you.” My cheeks are burning. “It’s kind of crazy that Aaron found a girl this perfect, isn’t it?"

Angela chimed in, "Kori, stop."

Lydia had to save the situation. "Well, he is perfect to me. No one makes me laugh as much as he does."

The family all said "Awww" in unison. Once again, Lydia quickly checked the table, making sure no one's eyes were on her. Not even Kori's.

She nudged Kori’s leg under the table. When Kori looked, Lydia mouthed, "You do."

Kori mirrored her, scanning to make sure no one was watching, then mouthed, "I know."

Lydia felt a rush of euphoria through her body. She dug her nails into her palm, trying to let it out somehow. When that failed, she took a sip of her water to hide her gigantic smile.

Conversation kept going. Lydia laughed along with everyone else, while her thoughts echoed one name: Kori.

After dessert, everyone got up from the table. The parents headed upstairs, and Chris prepared to leave with Jane.

Aaron yawned, rubbing his temples. “I’m sorry, Lyds, but I’m too sleepy to drive.” I hate it when he calls me that. “I’ll call you a taxi.”

How thoughtful.

Kori jumped up. “I’ll drive her,” she said. “Can’t see my friends, so I’m taking any company I can get.”

Ouch. We’re not real friends; she’s just using me for now.

Aaron sighed. “Fine, just don’t kill her, Miss Serial-Killer.” He kissed Lydia and went upstairs.

Kori went to her room to get her car keys, leaving Lydia alone to look around the house.

They had two giant leather couches, a massive TV, and tons of paintings that looked like they could've cost millions. Lydia had seen all of this before, but the further inspection she was doing now was another reminder of how insanely rich the family was—and the lifestyle she'd inherit once she married Aaron.

Kori returned with the keys. “Let’s go, loser,” she said, sticking out her tongue.

Lydia held out her hand, expecting Kori to lead her to the garage. Kori shook her head instead.

“Follow me,” Kori said, striding ahead. Lydia’s chest sank with disappointment.

She just followed the blonde. They made it to the garage, full of the most luxurious cars one could think of.

“There are cameras here, so I couldn’t hold your hand,” Kori said, and the tension melted from Lydia’s shoulders.

“My bad. Noted for the next time I want to rob a car… or grab your hand,” Lydia joked as they climbed in. Kori laughed.

Nothing felt more significant than making Kori laugh. It was proof that their friendship wasn't all in Lydia's head.

Kori offered her hand. “I can’t tell you to rob my family, but they can’t see us here. So… go ahead.” Lydia took her hand, and she felt wonderstruck. Kori checked her phone for GPS. “What’s your address?"

“Ugh,” Lydia groaned.

Kori’s eyes narrowed in concern. “What’s wrong?”

Lydia sighed. “I don’t want to go home. My family is a mess.” She dropped Kori’s hand and buried her face in her own.

Mom and George argued daily, teetering on divorce but staying together for appearances. No wonder Lydia wanted to escape.

Kori’s hand rested on Lydia’s shoulder, tracing soft circles with her thumb. “We don’t have to go there yet. I can take you somewhere else first.”

Unlike the family's fake niceties, and Aaron's terrible attempts at treating her like a princess, Kori's thoughtfulness felt real.

Kori turned on the engine and started driving. Lydia loved feeling like a passenger princess when her chauffeur was Kori.

“So… you’re using me to sneak out since you can’t see your friends?” Lydia teased, though there was a grain of truth in her question. She dreaded the answer.

Kori chuckled. "I still go out with them, I'm just not supposed to. But if you want, I can drop you off now."

And just like that, the world went back to technicolor.

“I could use an escape. Where are we going?”

“Somewhere casual. Just wait.”

There was no music. Just the comforting presence of each other.

“So… a field? Am I about to be murdered?” Lydia joked.

Kori giggled, and Lydia's heart felt full.

"How did you know?" Kori bit her lip, glancing at Lydia.

Lydia hummed, trying to come up with something to counter Kori's quick remark. "In Boston, you said you'd kill me if I snored. I don't know if I did because I was... you know... asleep."

"Well... we'll see."

Kori parked outside a 7-Eleven. They stepped out together.

“Phew, you had me worried,” Lydia said, grinning. Kori returned the smile.

Kori grabbed her hand to walk her inside. "Lucky for you, you didn't snore." And Lydia giggled. "I thought you said no one makes you laugh as much as Aaron does, huh?"

“I had to flatter his ego. Imagine if I said his sister does! in front of everyone!” Lydia laughed, the sound bubbling up from her chest, coming from the deepest part of her soul.

Kori smiled. “I’ll have you know I took great offense. You’re forgiven.”

Lydia bit her tongue. "I had to!"

Kori grabbed a two-liter Coke from the cooler and went back to Lydia.

“You like this?”

Lydia looked into her eyes. "I'd say diet Coke to keep up the model appearances, but I'll have regular Coke just because it's you, and you already know all my secrets."

Kori closed her eyes shut, grinning ear to ear.

“You want a pizza?” Kori asked. Lydia nodded.

She wasn't the biggest fan of 7-eleven pizza, she was more of a Papa John's girl. But the pizza didn't matter, what did matter was getting to spend more time with Kori.

While waiting for the pizza, Lydia asked, “So… why 7-Eleven of all places? I like it, but… why?”

“I liked our major hotdog event at the harbor, so I thought this would be a fun way to recreate it.”

Our major event.

This was huge.

"I liked it too."

A moment of silence passed.

“Pizza’s ready!” the worker shouted.

Kori handed Lydia the Coke and went to grab the pizza. Returning, she balanced it on one hand while taking Lydia’s with the other. Outside, she led her to a bench, placing the pizza and Coke between them. They faced each other. "Look at us, upgrading from the curb to an actual bench!"

Lydia giggled, opening the pizza box. They each grabbed a slice and clinked them together.

Kori took a massive bite, dripping tomato sauce onto the napkin. Lydia burst out laughing, shaking her head.

“Wow! Real graceful. Truly a lady,” Lydia teased, sipping from the Coke bottle.

“Don’t judge me! You don’t look much more glamorous drinking regular Coke straight from the bottle. Think of all that sugar!” Kori said, speaking with her mouth full.

“Damn, you just ruined my modeling career in one sentence,” Lydia laughed, pouting.

"Please, you could be a model if you actually wanted to. They'd call you quirky and relatable."

Could be a model if I wanted to... she's calling me pretty. Oh god.

Lydia bit her slice, trying not to smile ear to ear like a loser that has butterflies in her stomach after getting a compliment that was most likely just flattery. They both swigged from the soda, passing it back and forth without a second thought.

By the time Kori was on her third slice, Lydia grabbed her second.

“So… why can’t you see your friends?”

Kori tried not to laugh. “Remember the wedding? My parents grounded me. At my age.”

Lydia took another bite of her pizza slice. "That's tragic."

Kori smiled. “I know! My parents are crazy,” she paused. “By the way… you’ve got grease on your left cheek.”

Lydia’s eyes widened. “Where?” she asked, trying to wipe it.

Kori laughed. “You don’t. Sometimes I lie for fun. Your reaction was cute.” She called me cute. Holy shit. Kori looked up at the sky. After a long pause, she said, “You know… you normally can’t see stars around here—”

Lydia cut in. “I know. I live here too.”

“Shush. Let me finish—look at the sky. It’s beautiful tonight,” Kori said. Lydia looked up and saw dozens of tiny lights scattered across the sky. “I’d say the night is sparkling.”

“Wow… are you a poet now?” Lydia teased.

“It is sparkling! Like your sparkling water.”

While Kori star-gazed, Lydia looked at her instead. She looks adorable… I could die at any moment.

“You remember that?” Lydia asked, heart racing with excitement.

“I have a very good memory,” Kori said, returning her gaze to Lydia.

"Damn. I no longer feel special," Lydia pouted.

"You will always be special."

Always special.

Holy fucking shit.

Kori was special to Lydia too. She was the one genuine person she had found in a world where everybody put up walls of insincerity, even Aaron to his own girlfriend. She was Lydia’s anchor, her sense of security. Most definitely special. Hearing it was mutual made Lydia want to giggle and kick her feet like a teenager.

"You are special too."

She took a deep breath, unable to believe they’d exchanged these words.

They looked up at the sky, admiring a rare night of shining stars. Comfortable silence settled—the kind that only comes when two people truly understand each other.

“I’m claiming that star,” Kori said, pointing at the sky.

Lydia couldn’t tell which star she meant, but she had to respond, fast. “You can’t claim a star! That’s so greedy of you!”

Kori giggled. "Well, it's mine. Claim one for yourself!"

If Lydia could claim a star, it would be Kori. She needed to have Kori in her life, for the emotional support, for the laughter, for the overall calming aura she exuded.

But she needed something better than 'I claim you.' That would've sounded creepy.

“I don’t need a star. I am the star,” she joked, flipping her hair.

Lydia saw Kori turn to her from the corner of her eye, so she looked back at her.

"You are."

She sounded sincere. They looked into each other’s eyes for minutes, noticing every minute detail. Kori was stunning: perfect eyebrows, enchanting dark eyes, a nose that seemed hand-crafted by a god, cheeks that plumped when she smiled, white teeth in that grin, glossy lips, and—

“I think we should go.” Kori looked away, quickly standing and picking up the pizza and Coke. “My parents will start wondering why I haven’t returned yet.”

Lydia knew it was a lie.
1. She saw Kori’s parents go upstairs, presumably to their room.
2. Kori had said she still hung out with friends even if she wasn’t supposed to.

It felt too abrupt, as if Lydia had done something wrong.

Did I stare too much? Never again.

They walked back to the car in silence. No holding hands.

After Lydia gave Kori her address, the car ride was silent. Cold. Awkward. Kori didn’t look at her once. Lydia dug her nails into the leather seat, trying to release the uncomfortable energy that ran through her body.

Once they arrived, Kori finally looked at Lydia. "See you soon, I guess."

"See you!" Lydia smiled awkwardly. She thought she was past giving Kori fake smiles, but apparently not.

As soon as she stepped inside, Lydia sank to the floor and sighed. Everything had gone perfectly… until that last moment.

But it didn’t stop her from remembering the night fondly—all the inside jokes no one else got, the glances across the table, passing the Coke bottle, star-gazing.

Aside from the ending, this had been a perfect night.

The foyer light flicked on. Lydia’s mother walked from the living room and saw her on the floor, back against the door.

“Did something happen? Why are you there?” her mother asked, not concerned, just judging as usual.

Lydia could not tell her the truth. How was she going to say she was simply thinking of her new friend, who coincidentally happens to be Aaron's sister? And how on earth could she explain that the friendship was hidden, because Aaron's parents—whom she really needed to impress—hated their own daughter? There was no way Lydia could tell her that Kori made her feel more than Aaron ever could, even if just platonically.

"It's Aaron, mom."

Vivian, her mother, held out a hand to help her up. “Don’t break my nails,” she said, and Lydia rose. “So… what’s up with him? You didn’t fumble another guy, did you?”

Lydia hated how much pressure her mom made her feel. She tried her best to keep guys around, and for once, when she did, her own mother made her feel small again. She was constantly reminded of the fact that contrary to what Kori would say, she wasn't perfect.

“Quite the opposite. We’re falling in love. I think I love him.”

Lies. Not a word of it is true.

But it didn't matter, because she was enchanted to have spent the night with Kori.

Chapter Text

༺ Kori ༻

The first Saturday night of the school year could only mean one thing:

The first frat party of the year!

Thanks to Sam and Jewels’ sorority, the trio skipped the line and walked straight into the lobby. The place was a mess: boxes, textbooks, red cups scattered across the floor. Within her first few steps, Kori stepped on some gooey liquid she definitely did not want to identify.

As they started down the stairs, Jewels suddenly shouted, “Crystal!” and ran to hug her sorority big, leaving Sam and Kori alone.

On the way down to the basement, Kori stumbled into a couple already making out this early in the night. “Sorry! My bad.”

Once they were downstairs, Sam asked, “Wanna dance?” She offered her hand, and Kori took it. The gesture reminded her of all the times she’d grabbed Lydia’s hand to lead her places. It was normal within her friend group, but with Lydia... it felt different.

They stepped onto the dance floor. Sam did her best at awkward 'white-girl dancing' while Kori moved freely, shaking her ass without a care—uninhibited for the first time in weeks, free from the pressure her family had been putting on her lately.

Jewels returned with Crystal, both carrying two drinks each. “Here you go!” She handed a red cup of jungle juice to Sam, then one to Kori.

They clinked their cups, spilling juice onto the floor. Kori downed hers in seconds, the mix of extreme sweetness and alcohol burning her throat. Yum, she thought sarcastically.

“Damn, Kori. You want a whole jug of that stuff? Who hurt you?” Sam teased, nudging her elbow into Kori’s side while sipping from her cup.

God, if she only knew.

Kori sighed. Let’s not think about that girl now. “I need to forget some things. Now, where’s more alcohol?” She looked over her friends’ heads until she spotted a table stacked with empty vodka bottles, a guy behind it serving cocktails to everyone.

She rushed toward it. She needed more of the devil’s juice flooding her veins, needed to forget Lydia—to never think of her again.

Just two nights ago she’d shared that 7-Eleven moment with the short girl, staring into those bright blue eyes for far too long. That was when she realized she might spiral if their secret friendship kept going.

Lydia was just some innocent straight girl dating Kori’s brother. But Kori was not. She’d been down this path too many times—befriending a straight girl only to end up with a soul-crushing obsession. She knew she was already halfway down that pipeline, and she needed to stop before it got out of hand.

She already missed Lydia’s soft touch, her radiant glossy smile, the way her laugh sounded like music. But it wasn’t too late. She didn’t have a crush yet. She’d managed to quit Lydia before things truly started.

But you have to replace one drug with another, right?

So she approached the guy behind the table and put on her best smile and fake-nice tone. “Oh my god, hey! Can you pour me something strong?” she asked, offering her empty cup for him to fill with whatever he was willing to give.

He looked her up and down, pausing on her cleavage far too long while biting his lip. I swear, all men are pigs. “I know you from somewhere, right?”

Kori looked at his face, and after a second recognized exactly who he was: Crystal’s boyfriend.

“I’m Crystal’s friend!” Half true—she knew the girl through Sam and Jewels, but they weren’t close. Still, Kori was willing to tell a little white lie if it meant getting all the alcohol she could.

He quickly shook his head and straightened his expression, as if he hadn’t been creeping on her less than a minute ago. “Right! So, how strong do you want your drink?”

Lydia popped back into Kori’s mind. She needed to forget her—needed enough alcohol to block her out, at least for the night.

"As strong as you can make it."

He grabbed a vodka bottle. “I can give you pure vodka—just don’t tell anyone besides Crystal,” he said.

“Oh, I’d love that.” Fuck yeah, exactly what I need right now. She needed to avoid awkwardness by making some small talk. Luckily, Kori was an expert at that. “She looks so pretty tonight, doesn’t she?”

“She always does. You know, I was thinking about proposing this year before graduation, so she can wear the ring in all the pics. Don’t tell her though.” Thinking of proposing when they’ve been together less than a year—and he was staring at my tits moments ago? Crazy.

“I think she’d love that!” Kori lied. She’d tell Jewels about the interaction later, but for now she needed the alcohol.

When he finished, he handed her the cup. “Here!”

“Thanks.” She took a sip. Her chest burned, but fuck it.

So there she was, with a full red cup of straight raspberry vodka in her hand, drinking it alone in the middle of a crowd, hoping she’d stop her mind from spiraling back to those pouty lips and big, ocean-blue eyes.

She checked her phone again and pulled up the text Lydia had sent earlier.

LYDIA: what happened? :(

Fuck this girl. Fuck her for being too perfect. Too stunning. It isn't fair. Kori was glad she’d caught herself falling before it was too late; otherwise she never would’ve pulled herself out. For once, she had a leg up on Aaron—she’d managed to quit Lydia. And if Lydia ever left him, he’d be doomed. Lydia was one of those unforgettable girls, the kind who ruin your life.

She gulped more vodka, spilling some on her shirt, but fuck it. Anything to free her mind from the chokehold Lydia had on her.

“Kori! Everything okay?” Jewels’ voice cut through the haze. Kori flinched and shook her head.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus on having fun with her friends instead of that black-haired girl. “Yeah. Why?”

“You ran to get a cup of pure vodka. You don’t seem okay.” Jewels grabbed her arm, as a small gesture of support. “Is there anything you need to talk about?”

Yes, there was. But she didn't want to talk about it.

"No. Can we go back to the dance floor?"

Jewels grabbed Kori’s hand and walked her back.

Kori started dancing and shaking her ass again, her mind mostly free of Lydia. Not completely—the girl still popped back every few minutes, but not every waking second. Progress. Yay.

As the alcohol hit, Kori danced sloppier and sloppier, spinning Sam in circles and shouting the lyrics to every song that played.

Eventually she found herself dancing alone. Crystal had gone to her boyfriend—if only she knew—Jewels was with some guy, and Sam had apparently vanished.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a guy slipped an arm around Kori’s waist. She was too wasted to notice at first, but in this state she was willing to dance with anyone—even a man.

He pulled her closer, burying his face in her neck. Gross. “You know, I’ve been looking at you from across the room all night,” he whispered. “You’re hot. You know that, right?”

Ew.

Kori hadn’t thought she’d want to deal with annoying dudes, but at this point she’d gladly take any attention she’d—realistically—never get from Lydia. “Of course I do.” She knew exactly what she was doing, and she didn’t like it. She hated herself for it.

He grinned and bit his lip.

“Do you think I’m hot?” His voice was deep, rough, nothing like Lydia’s.

Why not lie? "Yes."

He gripped her waist harder, steered her into a corner of the dark basement, and pressed his chapped lips to hers. They tasted awful. His stubble scraped against her smooth skin. But if kissing a man was what it took to forget Lydia, she’d be willing to kiss every man in the world.

She opened her mouth, letting his tongue in. She felt disgusting. Gross. How could she do this to herself?

The room started spinning. Even with her eyes closed, the faint colors on the insides of her eyelids spun too.

She didn’t care. She kept devouring this man’s mouth like her life depended on it.

She felt like she could throw up at any moment—whether it was the alcohol or the guy’s disgusting breath, she didn’t know. Either way, she wasn’t about to back down now.

"You know... I live here. We could go to my room," he said.

The thought of going to his room scared her.

Kori groaned. She didn’t want to. She didn’t even want to make out with him anymore—she hadn’t really wanted to in the first place. But she had to; it was the one thing that would keep her sane. “Let’s stay here. I like the taste of your lips right now.”

Luckily, he settled for that, pulling her closer.

With her eyes closed she was horrified at the thought that kept returning again and again: if she imagined softer skin, a smaller frame and long, luscious hair, it was like she was kissing Lydia.

The image in her head was painfully vivid.

So much for drinking and kissing him to forget her.

"Kori! I've been looking for you everywhere!" Sam said. "Sorry, I need her for a minute."

Sam grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the basement, spilling the remaining half of the red cup of vodka Kori had been holding.

“Are you okay?” Her eyes were genuinely concerned, as if she had just witnessed a train crash.

Kori gagged.

“I am,” she lied. “Just… I’m going to throw up. Where’s the bathroom?”

Stupid of her to even ask. Frat bathrooms were the grossest places on earth. Luckily, Sam was sober enough to recognize it was a bad idea.

“You are not putting your knees anywhere near that bathroom floor. Come on, outside.”

She led Kori out to the curb and they sat down together.

Kori gagged again, then finally threw up every drop of alcohol in her stomach. “Sorry.”

Sam dug a tissue from her purse and helped Kori wipe her face.

“So are you going to tell me what’s going on? You’ve been weird all night. You’re a lesbian… and you’re making out with a dude?”

Kori sighed. It was obvious. She couldn't hide it from her friends anymore.

"There's this girl," she said, interrupted by a hiccup halfway through. As if that was a sign from above not to tell her friend.

“Oh no.” Sam rubbed Kori’s back in quiet support.

“It’s not like that. Basically, my brother’s girlfriend is… too perfect. I was starting to crush on her. I can’t believe I’m even saying this,” Kori rambled. “So I stupidly pushed her away, hoping I’d stop thinking about her. Not even alcohol can save me. It’s platonic now, but I’m scared it won’t stay that way. And now I feel guilty. She texted me.”

Sam shot her a look that screamed 'Girl… you’re already crushing on her.' But she ignored it. Maybe Kori was just projecting—maybe Sam didn't think that at all. If her friends didn’t think it was real, maybe it wasn’t.

"Show me the text."

Kori fumbled her phone out of her pocket, squinting at the screen. She could barely make out the words. When she opened the Messages app, she found a flood of texts from Lydia sent throughout the night.

LYDIA: what happened? :(

LYDIA: i miss u

LYDIA: did i do smth wrong?

LYDIA: i hope its not weird that im texting u so much

LYDIA: i just wish we could talk about whateva happened

LYDIA: still thinking of u T.T

LYDIA: why did ur attitude switch all of a sudden

LYDIA: i thought we were friends :(

LYDIA: maybe it was all in my head

LYDIA: r u ignoring me?

LYDIA: sorry 4 texting u 2 much

Instead of showing Sam the screen, Kori drunkenly typed a reply.

KORI: srry i jst didnt umm idk i got in my jead abt hew we were gettin 2 close whn we werent spsd 2 be friends in thd fidst plsce but i miss u 2

Kori handed the phone to Sam. “Is this okay to send?”

The short blonde carefully read Lydia’s messages and Kori’s reply, pausing long enough for Kori to second-guess every word. God, she must think I’m stupid for even typing that.

“Don’t send anything while you’re drunk.” She deleted the message and handed Kori’s phone back. “Been there, regretted it. Now I’m going to find Jewels and tell her we’re leaving. You stay here. I’m sober enough to drive us back to my sorority house—I’ll sleep on the couch, you can take my bed. You need it more. And tomorrow, I’m giving you every Powerade we have in the kitchen.” She stood.

"Thank you. I love you."

༺ Lydia ༻

Lydia slouched on Suzie’s sofa, completely wasted, watching the ad break between South Park episodes.

The mix of weed and alcohol hadn’t sat well. She felt amazing, and also like she might lose her mind and go permanently insane at any moment. Maybe that was why it felt so good—losing your mind could be fun if you’re in the right crowd. Suzie and Lana were the perfect crowd.

Lydia glanced at her phone one last time at the drunk texts she’d sent Kori, before Suzie snatched it away.

“Stop texting that poor girl, you’re going to scare her off!” Suzie shoved Lydia’s phone into her pocket.

It’s not fair. Maybe if I text her enough she’ll reply.

But maybe Suzie was right. Maybe it was for the best. If Kori could flip from hot to cold in seconds two nights ago and then ignore her now, she probably didn’t care at all.

It's like I don't even exist to her.

Lana got up to get Suzie’s bong, which had been resting by the TV for over an hour. “Who wants more weed?” she asked, not waiting for an answer as she packed and lit it. She inhaled deeply and then coughed as she exhaled. “Fuck.”

Getting high with her friends was Lydia’s favorite activity. She wondered what it would be like to smoke with Kori. Every sense would be heightened, and her touch might feel like the smoothest, sweetest thing in the world.

Lydia, stop it. She hasn't replied. She doesn't care.

Lana interrupted her thoughts by passing the bong and lighter to Lydia, but as she raised it to her lips, Suzie cut in: “You really shouldn’t. You’ve already texted Kori a thousand times. You don’t need any more substances in your system.”

Ugh. What a mom friend. Love her, though! God, I really am super high and drunk. Maybe she’s right.

But Lydia didn’t care. “Fuck it. I need something to forget her.” She lit up, and as the comforting burn filled her lungs, her body finally let go of the blonde’s touch that had lingered since the day they both reached for the same cookie.

Now she could breathe deeply, enjoying the moment with a Kori-free mind.

She passed the bong to Suzie, who took a hit as well.

Lana got up and grabbed some ice cream and diet Coke from Suzie’s kitchen. "For the munchies!"

Coke, like that day at 7-Eleven. Fuck. I’m thinking of her again.

After God knows how long—Lydia had completely lost track of time—all three of them were laughing at the TV. South Park was on: the episode where Cartman, the fat kid, pretends to be a robot to prank his friend. It was hilarious. They laughed as loud as their lungs would let them. When the next episode started, Lydia yawned, her eyelids already heavy.

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

The Kings had decided to spend one last evening on the family yacht before summer officially ended. Lydia sat beneath a giant chandelier scattering light across the bar area. Her fingers tightened around a glass of sparkling water while Aaron sipped champagne. She could hear classical music playing among voices rising in laughter, and the crew walking around quietly. It should have been a dream scenario—the kind she fantasized about stepping into, the very reason she was dating Aaron at all. Yet her gaze kept returning to one person.

Kori lounged in the jacuzzi, phone tilted toward her face. She had not spoken a single word to Lydia, which she expected, since they could not be open about their friendship in front of the family. What hurt was that Kori wouldn’t even look her way. What happened to the friendly dynamic we had at the family dinner on Thursday? Where did I go wrong? Lydia guessed it had to do with Kori’s attitude flipping before she dropped her off—maybe from staring too much, or smiling too long. Still, she missed Kori’s warmth.

Lydia sat stiff, faking a smile whenever someone glanced her way. All while her gaze kept drifting back to Kori, hoping their eyes would meet one more time.

When Kori laughed at something on her phone, Lydia’s heart clenched. For half a second she imagined Kori’s eyes flicking up, that laugh being for her. But that wasn’t how things played out. The truth was, Kori had discarded her.

Aaron got up from his seat, stretching his back. He slipped an arm around Lydia's waist, indicating that he wanted her to stand up too, so she did just that. “Come on,” he murmured, with lips brushing her temple. “Let’s get some air.”

He led her onto the deck, his hand clamped at her waist like he feared she’d vanish if he let go. Lydia risked one final glance at Kori, but the blonde didn’t lift her head—not even a twitch.

At the railing, the sea looked stunning. Golden lights reflected on the water, sparkling like liquid glitter crafted by nature itself. The salt-scented air filled her lungs, calming her. If it weren't for Kori’s indifference, everything would have been perfect.

Aaron gently tilted her chin, redirecting her gaze toward him. They locked eyes. Looking into Aaron’s felt disingenuous; with Kori, it had always been instinctive, natural, enchanting, it always left Lydia wanting more.

He leaned in and kissed her gently. Lydia forced herself to accept it, guilt tightening her stomach. He was a kind, good boyfriend—everything a girl was supposed to want. Yet every time his mouth pressed hers, she counted the seconds until it was over, like she was being tortured by the relationship she willingly got herself into.

Aaron’s hands slid to her ribs. With playful strength he lifted her onto the railing, the hot metal burning her thighs. “Perfect. Now you’re finally my height.” He pressed another peck to her lips.

Lydia let out a laugh. It felt fake, rehearsed, but necessary. How could she tell her own boyfriend to put her down? This is dangerous. Her stomach churned; she felt like she might throw up. What if I fall to my death? But her feelings didn’t matter—they never did. The show must go on.

Lydia took a deep breath and let herself enjoy the moment as much as she could. Ignore the fear, she told herself. He’ll make sure you’re safe.

She couldn’t stop fantasizing about what it would be like if someone else stood in his place, someone she actually loved. She imagined looking into dark eyes like Aaron’s, letting out a genuine laugh, being held by the strong grip of someone else—but her mind was blank. There wasn’t a single man in the world she could think of who she actually loved. So she was stuck there, trying to enjoy the salt air on her nostrils, the warm sun on her skin, and the light breeze blowing her hair.

It was rare for her to look at Aaron with anything but practiced sweetness, but when she thought of all those details—ignoring that he was the man in front of her—if she pretended hard enough, if she blurred him out of the frame, she could give a real smile.

She leaned in, pressing her lips to his again, and looping her arms around his neck as a safety measure. When the kiss ended, she rested her head on his shoulder, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

That’s when she saw Kori walking around in her red sporty bikini. That bikini. They had bought it together in Boston. All the memories came rushing back: Kori trying on bikinis like a movie montage, how gorgeous she looked, all the laughter, the secret pictures Kori snapped, Kori insisting on buying her the hat and sunglasses, the honesty and playfulness at the food court. And now… Kori didn’t even look at her. Not once. Lydia’s chest ached. If Kori can’t even give me one second of her attention, then fine. Screw it. Aaron wants me. Aaron is here. He’s good to me. He’s the one I should love.

Suddenly, a cork burst open with a violent pop, sounding like a gunshot. "Who wants more champagne?" David shouted in booming cheer.

The sudden sound made Lydia flinch, her body jerking back before her mind caught up.

Her legs slid against the railing, her arms flailing like a windmill as she sought balance. But it was too late. Panic tightened her throat. “Aaron!” she gasped.

She felt her back hit the air. The sky was spinning. And suddenly, a violent cold slap of water on her back.

She heard distant screams through the water in her ears. "Lydia!" "Oh my God!" But when she looked up, the water in her eyes got underneath her contact lenses. The deck was just a blur of faces she couldn’t make out.

She thrashed wildly, arms slapping against waves that only dragged her down further. She tried to stay afloat. Salt water rushed into her mouth, burning her throat as she gagged and coughed. Her eyes stung from all the salt in them. Every gasp she managed filled her with more water than air.

She looked up, trying to figure out how to swim back to the yacht, but it kept drifting away with the current. The more she swam toward it, the further it seemed to slip away. The ocean she had admired earlier was now betraying her.

"Wait! Don't leave me here!" Lydia screamed, torn from the deepest part of her lungs. She was more desperate than ever. But it was a lost cause, the sound of her voice had been swallowed by the wind and the engine noise.

Her soaked dress clung to her. Her hair stuck to her eyes, blinding her. Each kick felt heavier than the last, but there was no choice. Sink or swim.

She fought to push forward, but the waves kept rising and collapsing against her body with full force. Every time she surfaced, the yacht was smaller, slipping further from reach.

Still, she forced her limbs to keep moving, refusing to give in.

Her arms burned with fire, muscles screaming, her strength bleeding out with every stroke. The ache wasn’t just physical, it was mental. Is this really how I'm going to die?

She kept going. Forcing herself to swim faster, as if she could catch the yacht, bridging the impossible gap. But then her calf seized, a savage cramp that spread like fire. Pain ripped through her legs until every kick was agony.

She could feel her body give out. She broke the surface once, gulping half-air and half-water. Twice, she choked on another mouthful of salt. The third time never came. Exhaustion dragged her under.

She sank, unable to breathe. She closed her eyes to avoid getting any more salt in them, and puffed her cheeks with the last scrap of air she had managed to hoard, trying to keep as much oxygen as she could. Her face burned, shifting from heat to numbness, her skin tight and raw as though it had turned purple.

This is it. That was my last breath. I have nothing left.

I’ll miss Lana. Her stupid jokes, the way she could make me laugh until my ribs ached.

I’ll miss Suzie. Her sharp humor, her endless facts about everything under the sun.

And Kori—God, I wish I’d spoken to her one last time. Just one touch before the end. But I didn’t. She sat there with her phone, eyes locked on everything but me. She won’t even know until it’s too late.

It already is too late.

All of a sudden Lydia gasped awake, coughing and spitting seawater. Her chest heaved as she fought to reclaim air that had been stolen by the sea.

Her vision was blurry, so she blinked, each blink wiping salt from her lashes. She kept blinking enough times until she could see Aaron was above her. He pinched her nose with one hand and pressed his mouth to hers with the other, giving her mouth-to-mouth. He was shirtless, but his pants were soaking wet.

"She's alive!" Angela shouted.

She heard voices around her, but the only one she could focus on was her boyfriend's. “Lydia—oh my God, Lydia. Thank God. I thought I lost you.” He gave her a tight hug.

Lydia was extremely confused, everything felt too loud and too close. Her body felt weak, but she still returned the hug out of instinct, burying her wet face in Aaron’s chest.

She struggled to sit, shivering, teeth chattering. When she finally did, she looked around: the entire family and crew were in a circle surrounding her. All their faces looked relieved.

She spotted Kori in the crowd—wide eyes, hair tangled from the jacuzzi, phone abandoned—but the sight pricked like an aftershock, not a wound. Right then, Kori’s presence was a small, irrelevant detail. Lydia could have drowned; Kori was the least of her priorities.

"W-what..?" Lydia could not even get the words out. She was freezing; the teeth-chattering chill made every thought stumble. If the ocean hadn’t finished her, the cold might have.

David knelt to her, offering a white towel. “You fell in—you were going under. Aaron jumped after you and dragged you back.”

Lydia’s trembling hand reached for the towel but couldn’t hold it. Aaron gently grabbed it, magically wrapping it around her shoulders like a straitjacket—a straight jacket. “There you go,” he whispered, pressing his lips to her forehead.

"More towels! And a hot drink!" Chris shouted, and Lydia heard steps, presumably the crew running to bring her just that.

She coughed weakly, struggling to form a sentence between hiccups. “Can I…” Another cough released more water from her lungs. “…hug?”

That was the best she could do at getting words out, both mentally and physically.

Aaron hugged her again. For the first time, Aaron's presence felt comforting.

Water dripped from her hair and dress. The flood of attention and concern—after she’d been unconscious for God knows how long—should have been comforting, but it made her feel exposed and small instead.

Aaron struggled to catch his breath too, but that didn’t stop him from pulling Lydia closer, his arm tightening protectively around her, anchoring her against him. His voice was rough, almost breaking as he whispered, “I will always protect you. You’re my princess.” For the first time, Lydia thought he was truly sweet. He had risked everything to keep her alive. How could she not love him after this?

Guilt swelled heavy in her chest, sharper than the cold itself. How could I ever resent him, even in secret, when he nearly died saving me? 

Another set of towels arrived, thicker and warmer, pressed into her lap by steady hands. Someone offered her a steaming mug, and she wrapped her trembling fingers around it, drawing strength from the heat seeping into her palms.

Suddenly, she was dry, sitting on a black velvet couch with Aaron, his arm pressed firmly around her waist. She didn’t hate it. She loved having someone who cared enough to do what he did. If she were going to marry anyone, she was glad it was him.

Aaron’s fingers brushed her temple, smoothing back a damp strand of hair and tucking it beneath the towel on her head. Then he tilted his face toward hers and kissed her softly.

To her surprise, she liked the kiss. She liked the reassurance of how much she was loved, and after what he had done, she was finally starting to love him too. Better late than never, I guess.

“For a second…” Aaron’s voice cracked as he kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then the corner of her mouth. “For a second, I thought you were gone. Don’t ever—” another kiss. “—ever scare me like that again.”

"I won't," Lydia promised. "You saved me." Her voice was thin but firm as she slid her arms tightly around his shoulders. She clung to him tightly. "I love you."

The moment the words left her mouth, her eyes flicked sideways. From the corner of her vision, she saw Kori standing. The sight felt like a wound was reopening, but she wouldn't let it happen.

Kori doesn't matter anymore. Aaron does.

Kori doesn't matter anymore. Aaron does.

Kori doesn't matter anymore. Aaron does.

If she repeated it enough times like a mantra, maybe it would come true.

Just days ago, when Lydia's mother asked what was wrong with her, she said 'I think I love him' which was one bold lie; just the one thing that came to her mind while she was thinking about how much she platonically loved Kori. Funny how everything had flipped: she loved Aaron now, had no idea where Kori was, and didn’t feel the need to know—because the man who had saved her was right in front of her.

“I love you too,” Aaron breathed, his voice trembling with relief. He leaned in, kissing her again.

┈┈・ ✦ ・┈┈

The sound of Suzie hitting a pan on the stove jolted Lydia awake. She was safe on Suzie’s couch. No Aaron. No Kori. No water. Just Lana and Suzie chatting in the kitchen.

She hadn’t drowned. It had all been a vivid dream—more like a nightmare. But it didn’t matter; it was over.

However, one thing remained true: Kori still ignored her, just like in the dream. Maybe she should learn from the nightmare and focus on Aaron instead of the gorgeous blonde—after all, he was her boyfriend, not Kori.

The thought hurt. She wished she weren’t with Aaron and could be platonic girlfriends with Kori instead. But apparently the universe had other plans.

“Good morning, sleepy princess!” Suzie teased. “I’m making pancakes. Want one?”

“I do. Can I have my phone now?” Lydia asked, knowing she was about to hurt herself by checking, but the heart doesn’t follow reason.

“It’s on the counter.” As soon as Suzie said it, Lydia ran for her phone and opened Kori’s chat.

Nothing.

She still hadn’t replied.

Not only that, she was horrified by the number of texts she’d drunkenly sent the night before. God, I seem desperate.

Chapter Text

༺ Kori ༻

It was another Thursday evening. Kori sat in her room with her back pressed against the headboard, staring up at the blank white ceiling, completely unsure about how she should act or what she was feeling in regards to Lydia.

The morning after she received a dozen texts from the blue-eyed girl, Kori lay in Sam's bed scrolling through them, rereading until the words blurred together. She thought long and hard about replying, her thumb hovering over the keyboard more times than she wanted to admit, but each time she ended up locking the screen and tossing the phone aside. The only way to forget Lydia was to starve the feeling—to force her out of her mind until the image of soft hands and that gorgeous face finally stopped coming.

For three days, she couldn’t get the messages out of her mind. Every time she unlocked her phone, she went back to the Messages app, tapped Lydia’s name and opened the thread just to stare at the words. She never typed anything—only thought about it.

The itch to text back lasted until Tuesday, but the last two days were surprisingly easy. Once Kori realized it was too late to reply, the expectation of texting her back had died down. She was still consumed by thoughts of her: Is she still waiting for an answer? Could she possibly be thinking of me right now? I wonder what she's doing. She still hoped the obsession might end, but at least the texts no longer felt like an issue.

Now, she just hoped Lydia was busy this week and wouldn’t come to the family dinner. That would make tonight easier, more normal. But with Aaron back in school—classes, projects, study groups—he had less time for Lydia, which realistically meant that dinner with the Kings was the chance for them to spend more time together. The odds of Lydia skipping out tonight weren’t just against Kori; they were practically nonexistent.

So there she was, sitting on her bed with a full face of makeup and hair done, and a pit in her stomach as she wondered if Lydia would come, and how she should react if the beautiful black-haired girl sat at the dinner table with her.

Would it be weird if she acted nice? After leaving those messages unread for almost a week, probably. And if she let herself be nice, it might pull Lydia closer again, undoing all the distance she’d been trying to build. That was the last thing she needed. The chances of developing a crush were dangerous enough already; so being nice might not be the smartest choice.

But being cold felt wrong. Lydia deserved better than that—the silence, and how Kori had let almost a week pass without a reply. The guilt weighed on her chest. She knew it wasn’t fair for their newfound friendship to vanish from one second to the next, but it was too late; she had already made the bed.

She had ignored Lydia for almost a week and even made out with a man—ew—but nothing could shake the thoughts of the black-haired girl out of Kori's head. Every corner of her mind still belonged to Lydia, and maybe it always would. Maybe it was already too late. Still, there was a chance of letting go if she redirected her focus, if she really tried. Maybe if she gave it her full effort—forced herself to ignore the obsession instead of feeding it—all was not lost.

Maybe the problem was that she wasn’t trying hard enough. But she had to. No matter how she reacted to Lydia on the outside, she had to convince herself to look away, to stop letting Lydia affect her so much. Even if the effort felt impossible right now, she’d have to fake it 'til she made it.

After checking her hair in the mirror, Kori walked to the door and gripped the handle. Sooner or later, she’d have to face it. Instead of overthinking even more, she inhaled, pushed the door open, and stepped into the hallway without a clear answer in mind.

Her heart raced. Maybe she should’ve waited longer, given herself more time to plan before throwing herself to the wolves. After all, she had no idea how things would go.

She’s probably over me already. No girl should spark this intense of a reaction from the mere possibility of her sitting at the dinner table. How dare she.

As Kori reached the first floor, she checked the coat hanger: only Jane’s purse, no one else’s. It would’ve been a great sign, except Aaron’s coat was missing. Lydia might still appear. Her stomach lurched. Jesus Christ.

Kori walked into the dining room, where her parents were already chatting with Chris and Jane.

“Hey, sister!” Jane’s bright, cheerful voice cut through Kori’s nerves. She offered a warm smile.

The only person in the house who didn’t hate Kori was her sister-in-law. Meanwhile, the thought of her potential new sister-in-law already hating her made Kori’s chest tighten. That was just... sad.

Kori didn't want Lydia to hate her. She just wanted distance. Or maybe not even that. Being a young gay woman was already complicated enough, and her feelings for Lydia made it almost impossible to know what she truly wanted.

If she hates me tonight, I might fake my death and start a new life. And if she doesn't hate me... God, then I really might need to start a new life away from her.

The family talked and laughed, sharing anecdotes, while Kori anxiously waited for Aaron’s entrance. She had never imagined anticipating his arrival this much, yet there she was, counting down the minutes until he showed up—hoping Lydia wouldn’t be with him.

Her mind wandered through countless scenarios, each more nerve-wracking than the last. She had rehearsed every possible reaction, from indifference to warmth, never settling on one. But she hadn’t stopped to consider how Lydia would respond—the most important part of the equation.

Maybe Lydia would cut her off completely, say nothing at the table, then tell her afterwards she never wanted to hear from her again. Wasn’t that what Kori wanted? Then why did it hurt so much to think about?

Or maybe she'd be forgiving, hear Kori out—even if Kori didn’t know what to say—and they’d go back to being friends like before. But that possibility was terrifying too. Being close again meant opening the door to all the feelings she had tried so desperately to escape. Letting herself fall back into that rabbit hole was exactly what she had feared.

As she reached for her wine glass, her hands trembled and a muscle in her cheek twitched. She blinked hard, then gripped the glass firmly to keep her body from showing any signs of stress. I am not under stress right now. She means nothing. I’ve just been making a big deal for no reason.

Sometimes, all you can do is lie to yourself.

Footsteps echoed softly from the hallway. High heels. Oh no. Kori's stomach knotted.

She choked lightly on her wine, coughing. Of course I have to embarrass myself the second Lydia walks in.

“Hey everyone! Sorry we’re late!” Aaron said, wearing his usual smug look. His arm looped possessively around Lydia’s waist, and she looked uncomfortable—though maybe Kori was just projecting what she wanted to believe, because Lydia did have a wide, flawless, and polished smile. But Lydia was a professional pretender, so who's to say what she was really feeling?

Lydia looked radiant. Her pin-straight hair shimmered under the dining room lights, every dark strand gleaming. Her long lashes cast delicate shadows over her cheeks, and looked as if they could fly with just a flutter. Red lipstick complemented her naturally flushed cheeks. Black pants and a fitted black shirt made her look like Audrey Hepburn herself, paired with high red-bottom heels. Her hands looked soft and delicate, with a perfect french-tip manicure. She was the embodiment of the word beauty.

Everyone said hello, but Kori barely heard a word. Lydia slipped into the seat directly across from her, leaving the chair beside her for Aaron. Could she have done that on purpose? Kori didn’t have time to wonder, because the moment she looked at Lydia, their eyes locked.

But this wasn’t comforting like the times she'd seen those blue eyes sparkle.

No.

This time, Lydia was glaring. There was nothing in those eyes but pure rage.

Kori had expected—even wanted—to keep her distance from Lydia. But in that moment, that look made her feel as if she had been shot.

David poured Aaron a glass of wine while Lydia sipped her sparkling water.

Sparkling water.

Like the sparkling night they had shared exactly a week ago—but now everything had changed.

“So, Aaron, how’s business school?” Chris asked, leaning back in his chair with one leg crossed over the other.

“Well, this quarter I'm taking a course on international markets,” Aaron began. “My professor says I have a real instinct for global strategy. Few students think long-term like I do.” Kori clenched her jaw.

“He’s right. Most people are too short-sighted. Long-term vision is what sets leaders apart. Cheers to that!” David raised his glass, though no one joined him besides Aaron.

“All those late nights are paying off, sweetheart. I’m proud of you,” Angela said.

Aaron grinned, and Kori tightened her grip on her fork. “Thanks, Mom. Sleep’s overrated. I’ll rest when I’m at the top.”

When he’s at the top? Aaron was born at the top. How can he be this tone-deaf? Kori wasn’t surprised. If she had one thing he didn’t, it was the ability to recognize her own privilege.

“That sounds… exhausting,” Jane said with a faint smile. Kori knew it was just flattery. They both hated Aaron. At least someone in the family was on her side, and that bit of support went a long way.

“It is, but it’s worth it,” Aaron said, chin up. “You don’t build empires by clocking out at five.” He sounded like a magazine quote, completely oblivious to Jane’s indifference.

Lydia turned toward him and smiled. Ugh. “That’s so impressive, babe,” she said softly, like she’d rehearsed the exact cadence for praising Aaron.

Babe. God. Why do I hate hearing it? Why is she even humoring him? Kori knew the answers to her questions, yet she chose to ignore her gut.

As Angela cooed “Awww,” Kori grabbed a napkin and twisted it under the table to release tension, keeping her face neutral. Without pause, Angela shifted to Lydia: “And how’s modeling going? Between that and your apprenticeship, you must be juggling a lot.”

Well, at least now I’ll be entertained by the lie that's about to come out of Lydia’s mouth.

For a split second, Lydia looked at Kori. They shared a secret—something she’d trusted Kori with. At least one sacred thing remained between them, something nobody could take away.

“I had a long shoot this Monday—it was fun!” Lydia said brightly. Bullshit.

Kori looked down at her plate, playing with her peas to avoid the conversation—but she couldn’t help smiling. She had a leg up on Aaron in Lydia’s trust.

Then Aaron cut in: “I went to visit her at the shoot after my 9 a.m. class! She looked stunning!” Real modeling? And he was there? Maybe I don’t have a leg up on him. “Show them how you pose, baby.”

Kori looked up to watch Lydia pose. Selfishly, she wanted to see her at her best—showing off her beauty not because she was a show off, but because she had been asked. She didn’t need to pose to be the prettiest girl in the world, so Kori couldn’t even imagine the level of gorgeousness she was about to witness.

Lydia blushed and looked down. "I don't know... I don't think they want to see that."

Jane flashed Kori a grin, then leaned towards Lydia. “I want to see. Show us!” Fucking Jane. She knows what she’s doing. How did I forget to tell her my change of plans?

As far as Jane knew, Kori was still trying to get closer to Lydia. It wasn’t her fault for teasing indirectly, but God, it stung.

Lydia rose from her seat and walked a few steps back. “I think the pose they’ll use for the final product is this.” She placed one leg in front of the other, slouched her shoulders slightly, and pulled her elbows forward. Then she stared above everyone’s heads, hollowed her cheekbones, and parted her lips just a little.

Kori was in awe.

Lydia looked devastatingly stunning. Kori had told her she could be a model—well, a full-time model—if she actually wanted to, and she had been completely right. Every minor detail of her appearance was flawless.

Okay.

It’s a full crush.

At least I’m admitting it.

Lydia walked back to her seat and continued eating.

“You look gorgeous, dear. No wonder you’re a model,” David said. Lydia slightly arched her brows while keeping that pageant smile. It was subtle enough that most wouldn’t notice, but Kori could tell she was uncomfortable—it was the same look she’d had when her father complimented her at her first Thursday dinner. Kori was a beautiful young woman too, so she understood the discomfort that came with praise from old men.

Kori looked at Lydia, trying to offer some emotional support, but Lydia didn’t look back. Her eyes went straight to Jane, sitting next to her. When Kori met Jane’s gaze, she could see that Jane had grabbed Lydia’s hand under the table, giving the support Kori hadn’t been able to. Kori felt an odd, complicated relief—less jealous than grateful that Lydia had some warmth tonight, even if it wasn’t coming from her.

That’s what love is all about, right? Caring about the other person’s needs being met, putting them before your own.

“You two balance each other so well. Aaron’s drive and brains with Lydia’s beauty and charm. A perfect match,” Angela said.

Lydia’s lips curved into a small, polite smile. “Thank you,” she murmured.

Kori felt her stomach twist. She doesn’t belong with him. She doesn’t belong in this conversation where everyone is clapping him on the back. She should be—

She caught herself mid-thought, jaw locking so tight it ached. She couldn’t let the sentence finish; she knew what she’d been about to think, but it was too much to process. Suddenly she wasn’t hungry.

Dessert arrived: lemon tartlets, each neat and glossy with custard and dusted with powdered sugar.

Lydia took a bite and delicately dabbed her lips with a napkin, leaving the faintest smear of red lipstick. “These are really good! Please thank the chef for me!”

Angela’s face lit up, her smile stretching wide. “Actually, I made these—thank you!”

God, of course she’s perfect. Even when she isn’t trying. Even when she unknowingly gives compliments.

The conversation drifted to sports—something about the San Francisco 49ers and the New England Patriots. Mostly the men talked while the women stayed quiet. Lydia leaned forward with a polite smile, nodding at the right moments, eyes flicking between speakers as though she cared who had the better quarterback. She looked invested, though she probably wasn’t; she was playing the perfect girlfriend role.

Eventually, when the meal ended, Aaron said he had to drive Lydia home immediately because he had class early in the morning. Everyone moved to the foyer to say goodbye.

“Dinner was lovely. Thank you for having me,” Lydia said, grabbing her purse from the hanger.

Angela stepped forward and wrapped Lydia in a warm hug. “Of course, sweetheart. You’re always welcome here.”

Then David added, “We’re very glad you came, Lydia.”

Lydia gave everyone a goodbye cheek kiss—except Kori.

Instead, she looked Kori up and down, then walked out the door with only a general “Goodnight.”

Kori whispered, mostly to herself, "Goodnight."

The sound of the door shutting behind Lydia was deafening.

Kori went up to her room and shut the door behind her. She sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the carpet, thinking about what had just happened. So much to process from so little interaction.

At this point, the crush was undeniable. Kori knew she’d never get over Lydia, which left her with two options.

1. She could keep ignoring her, pretending not to care while dying a little more inside each time she saw Lydia get closer to Aaron. One day, years from now, she would be sitting at their wedding: clapping and faking smiles while wishing she’d done something when she had the chance.

2. Or she could try to win Lydia’s friendship back and settle for just being friends. It would still hurt every time Lydia smiled at Aaron instead of her, but at least she’d be close enough to hear her laugh, feel her breathe, and watch her hair blow in the wind.

The choice felt clear.

She yanked her car keys from the hook by the door and practically ran down the stairs so she could get to the garage as soon as possible.

“Off somewhere?” Angela called from the living room as Kori hurried out.

"Just a short drive. I need to clear my head."

She sprinted to the garage, flung the car door open, and slid into the driver’s seat. Her hands trembled slightly as she started the engine and drove down the long driveway, questioning herself.

Am I really doing the right thing? What if she hates me forever? What if I’m wasting my time?

There's only one way to know.

She pressed down on the brake for a moment, heart hammering, weighing her options: turn back and keep things as they were, or drive to Lydia’s house and fix them.

Or at least attempt to fix them.

The gates slowly swung open and she hit the gas without hesitation. She didn’t look back.

The choice was made.

She sped through the quiet streets, rehearsing her words over and over. No more doubt, no more hesitation. Lights flickered in windows as she passed, and by some small miracle, the roads were clear. Before she knew it, she was pulling into Lydia’s driveway.

She got out of the car and practically ran to the front porch. No backing down now.

Her heart burned and her hands trembled as she pressed the doorbell. Oh my fucking god, I might die of a heart attack right now. But I’d rather die from this than regret never doing it.

Lydia opened the door in a robe, hair in a top bun, and makeup smudged as if she’d been in the middle of taking it off. How can she look this gorgeous even in such a messy state?

Lydia furrowed her brows and narrowed her eyes slightly. “Kori, what the fuck?” Her voice was full of disbelief.

God, maybe I shouldn't be doing this. But I want to—no, I need to.

All the words Kori had rehearsed in her head vanished the moment Lydia's eyes met hers. Her mind went blank, and she had no choice but to speak straight from the heart. “I’m sorry, I just… I’m sorry for being an asshole. I should’ve replied to your texts.” She started shaking, feeling as if she could barely breathe.

“Continue,” Lydia said, crossing her arms and shifting her weight against the doorframe.

“That day… a week ago… when we were, you know, staring into each other’s eyes, I chickened out. I was scared we were getting too close when we weren’t supposed to." Saying it out loud made Kori realize how stupid she had been. "I shouldn’t have done that, or at least I should’ve told you. Again, I’m sorry.” Kori shut her eyes. She’d skipped a crucial part of the story. She felt guilty, but a love confession would've been too much.

Lydia bit her lip and buried her nails in her palm. Kori felt terrible for putting her through this.

“What about the texts?” Lydia asked.

Oh god. Now she’s questioning me. And it’s all my fault.

Kori took a deep breath. “At first I was drunk, and my friend told me not to send texts while drunk—”

“Your friend was smart,” Lydia interrupted. Her tone was dry. “What about the rest of the week? What’s your excuse for that?” 

Kori bit her tongue. “Not an excuse. I’m just... stupid. I got scared to say what I wanted. I didn’t know how you’d react, so I acted like a coward.” She twisted the car key between her fingers, tracing the metal edge.

Lydia bit the edge of her thumbnail, and her eyes softened.

“Do you know how you made me feel? I thought we had… something. And then you left me in the dark. No explanation. Not even a reply. Just nothing.” Her eyes turned slightly watery—so subtle most people would barely notice, but that glossy look was enough to break Kori’s heart. Lydia hadn’t deserved this. Kori had acted selfishly and now regretted it more than anything.

“I can’t apologize enough, but I really am sorry. If you give me another chance, I promise it will never happen again. This has been the longest week of my life,” Kori rambled. “I wish we could go back to the way things were; like that day at the harbor when we talked about the butterfly effect, or the sparkling night eating pizza, or even the small chat at the wedding. It’s okay if you don’t want to forgive me. I get it—”

Lydia cut her off. “It’s okay? You don’t care? Then why are you here?”

Every time Lydia spoke, Kori felt dumber for her word choices—but she was speaking straight from the heart, with no time to calculate the best answer for forgiveness. “Not that it’s okay. It’s just… I acted stupidly. As much as it would hurt, I’d understand.”

"Fine."

Just one word. She's over it. I lost her for good.

But something stubborn inside Kori refused to let go. She inhaled deeply and forced herself to speak again. “If you need time, I’ll wait however long it takes… because you’re really special to me.”

Lydia paused, blinking slowly, then closed her eyes as if gathering courage. “You’re really special to me too. You’re forgiven.” Special. Forgiven. Oh my god. Kori's chest warmed, and a wave of relief ran through her body.

Lydia stepped forward and gave Kori a tight hug, burying her face in the blonde’s arms. Kori closed her eyes and let herself savor the moment. Lydia had given her what she’d yearned for most: forgiveness, closeness, connection. Now she got to hold her. Kori could feel that soft black hair brush against her bare skin. She got to wrap her arms around Lydia's small frame, and smell her citrusy perfume. Yes, it was a crush, but maybe it was okay. Maybe Kori didn't have to worry so much about what she would do in the future, maybe she should just live in the present moment instead.

After a few moments that felt both infinite and too short, Lydia slowly pulled back. Her hands lingered on Kori’s shoulders a few seconds longer than necessary, and Kori gave herself permission to hold onto the feeling.

“You should probably go home, or your parents will think you snuck out again,” Lydia said with a soft smile. She looked relaxed now, as if the tension had dissolved.

“They lifted my grounding last week—they knew I’d sneak out regardless.” Kori paused before speaking again. “I’m about to sound like an annoying man, but you gave my entire family a goodbye cheek kiss—except me. Can I have a goodbye kiss?”

Lydia laughed—the sweet sound Kori had missed most that week. “You do sound like an annoying man. Aaron always asks where his goodbye kiss is.”

Lydia had called Aaron annoying. Just like that, they were back to their usual dynamic.

“I won’t tell a soul that you said that. Secret’s safe with me.” And Kori meant it with every inch of her mind, body, and soul.

Lydia leaned closer, stood on her tiptoes, and cupped Kori’s face, gently tilting it before pressing her mildly wet, soft lips to Kori’s cheek.

Not just touching cheeks. No. A full, deliberate kiss planted on the side of her face.

It felt magical.

I will never wash my face again after this.

As Lydia stepped back, Kori forced herself to straighten and act casual. “I should go now… Night, Lydia.”

"Goodnight, Kori." Lydia gave her one last glance and closed the door.

Kori gave the door one last look, still in awe of what had just happened. A small, soft giggle escaped her lips. Then she walked to her car, entirely wonderstruck. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt Lydia’s lips on her cheek again: soft and warm.

She got into her car and sat for a moment, just breathing.

A smile spread across her face.

She had taken a chance, and Lydia had forgiven her. Her chest felt lighter. Tomorrow she’d have to figure out what came next, but for now, she allowed herself to bask in this small victory.

She started the engine and slowly backed down the driveway, still thinking about Lydia’s kiss. The night air was cool, and for the first time in days Kori felt at peace. Her thoughts drifted back to Lydia—the way her eyes had softened, the way she had forgiven her.

The streets were quiet, lit by the soft glow of street lamps, and the world felt almost magical. She thought about the week, how much she had missed Lydia, and how foolish she had been to let fear stop her. But now, after taking the risk, she felt lighter than she had in days.

Chapter Text

༺ Kori ༻

It was Monday night. Kori was tucked into her bed feeling the kind of relief that only came after a long, social day. Earlier, she had met Sam and Jewels for coffee at their campus café. They chatted, gossiped, planned what parties they'd be going to, and Kori's friends told her about their classes—overall, she just had a lot of fun, enjoying her friends' presence.

Back home, Kori stepped into her room, kicked off her heels, wiped away her makeup, twisted her hair into a messy braid that fell over her shoulder, and slipped into her favorite Victoria’s Secret PINK pajamas.

Now she was cozy, laptop balancing on her knees as she watched her favorite anime, Nana, on some sketchy website she probably shouldn’t trust, but had relied on a hundred times before. She was finishing the third episode when a sharp sound cut from her nightstand.

Ding!

And then another one.

Ding!

Who the fuck dares interrupt my binge-watch session?

She reached over to her nightstand and grabbed her phone, expecting to see Sam or Jewels lighting up her screen. No one else really texted her on the regular, so she imagined one of them asking her about when they could hang out next, or maybe texting her updates on the sorority drama they had gossiped about earlier. Her thumb hovered over the screen while her other hand adjusted the blanket around her legs.

Her eyes widened when the name lit the top of her Messages app.

LYDIA: hiii

LYDIA: r u busy

Oh my god… she’s texting me? Her heart fluttered wildly, with surprise, delight, and excitement.

Her heart screamed at her to entertain this. To close to her. To let her in. To secretly admire her every move for as long as her relationship with Aaron lasted. That could be the rest of her life; she’d already overheard Aaron mention marriage to their parents, and the thought tightened her stomach—not to mention Kori still suspected Lydia might be a gold digger. Crushing on her brother’s girlfriend—maybe wife someday—felt wrong. But so what if it’s exciting?

Her brain, on the other hand, screamed at her, saying it was a terrible idea. To get lost in her eyes forever, crave the touch of the hand that belonged to her brother. It’s wrong. I shouldn’t. I can’t. But even as she chastised herself, she felt the magnetism of Lydia’s presence already sinking into her chest. If I let myself… I might never stop. I could fall down this rabbit hole and never climb back out.

She had a choice: follow her heart or listen to her brain. Her chest raced; her mind spinning with warnings and excitement at the same time.

Fuck it. What’s life without a little danger? 

She set the laptop aside, rolled onto her stomach, propped on her elbows, and took her phone with both hands. Her fingers raced as she typed with excitement.

KORI: not rlly busy rn. just watching a show

KORI: wbu

Was that okay? Did it sound casual enough?

Stop, Kori. She likes you. It’ll be fine. Just… don’t overthink it.

Her phone buzzed almost instantly, pulling her out of her thoughts.

LYDIA: im bored

LYDIA: i was wondering if u wanted 2 go out

LYDIA: like 2 a bar or smth

LYDIA: just the 2 of us

Wait… what? Just us? A bar? Alone? Kori’s stomach dropped. Oh god. She of all people is inviting me to a bar. Alone. Nobody else. Unlike Boston, nobody plotted this. Unlike 7-Eleven, this isn't a thing of the moment that just kinda happened. No. She wants this. What is my life?

She inhaled deeply, letting the warmth fill her chest. Kori kicked her feet beneath the blanket, as she could feel her cheeks burning. She let a soft giggle escape her throat.

KORI: arent u 20? we cant go to a bar silly

LYDIA: i have a fake id duh

LYDIA: r u down

Am I down? is she joking? of course I am. Without a doubt. Kori bit the inside of her cheek and smiled so wide her face ached.

KORI: absolutely. where we goin?

LYDIA: carl's, be there in 20?;)

Wink. She just winked at me through text. Kori’s chest tightened, and she had to press her teeth to her thumb to keep herself from hyperventilating.

Twenty minutes was not enough. Kori needed more time to get ready and look good for Lydia. She felt dumb, trying to impress a heterosexual girl who would never like her back or think she's attractive. But just the thought that Lydia might notice her, might think she looked cute or pretty, sent a heat through her body.

KORI: be there in 40 <3

LYDIA: fine:( XD

Was the heart too much? Kori wondered. No, she probably won’t mind. Straight girls send hearts all the time. Okay. I can do this.

Kori tried her best to get ready as quick as she could. She needed to see Lydia as soon as possible.

She pulled her hair into a high ponytail and straightened the ends until each strand sat right. Her makeup was deliberately flawless: full-coverage foundation, shimmering shadow to make her eyes look bigger and brighter, and thick glossy lip gloss in the hopes that it would redirect Lydia's attention to her lips. Lastly, she slipped into a hot-pink-and-black striped mini dress that hugged her body in all the right places.

Her heart told her she had to look good for Lydia.

She lifted her phone again, typing quickly as the excitement bubbled in her chest.

KORI: leaving now!!!

LYDIA: good! me 2

She grabbed her purse, locked the door, and moved quickly down the hallway. It was time.

She silently sneaked all the way to the garage. Her parents might see she left through the cameras, but it would be late enough that they couldn't stop her. For now, she needed to be quiet enough to leave without her family noticing.

The garage door opened quietly. Kori slid into her car, sped through the driveway, and out the gates. Time to go get the girl.

I’m going to see her. Just her. And nothing else matters tonight.

Kori played Britney Spears' self-titled album as she rushed through the quiet streets, but her thoughts were loud. What am I doing? Why am I this excited? She’s just… Lydia. But no—she’s not just Lydia. She’s Lydia, and she’s mine tonight, even if just for a little while.

She was about to break all her plans.

At first, she wanted to scare Lydia away.

Then, she wanted to befriend Lydia so Aaron would leave her.

Later, she wanted to push Lydia out of her mind to let go of the feelings she was developing.

Now she was doing the opposite: meeting Lydia in secret, clutching at the friendship-crush so she could keep a hold on whatever this was. Funny how things change. Being near Lydia had become less a want and more a need.

As she got to the bar's parking lot, the butterflies in Kori's stomach were undeniable. Her heart was rushing. Her palms were sweaty. Her cheeks were burning. But she had to get out of the car and find the girl she so desperately needed to get more of.

As she shut the car door, she saw the short black-haired girl dressed in dark jeans and a fitted Beetlejuice T-shirt that somehow made her look effortlessly cool. Kori’s stomach lurched as Lydia ran toward her.

༺ Lydia ༻

She hadn’t meant to hug Kori so tightly—honestly, she hadn’t even planned on hugging her at all. But as she ran closer, excitement filled her chest, and before she knew it, her arms were around Kori’s waist. Her face pressed into the soft fabric of Kori’s dress, dangerously close to her boobs, but it didn’t matter. It was fine between two straight girls. She’s here. She’s really here. I can’t believe she’s here. This is perfect.

The hug lingered a second longer than she intended, as Lydia realized how lucky she was that Kori had said yes. Now they’d get to spend a night together away from Kori’s family—just the two of them as friends. It felt like stepping into a tiny world where only they existed.

Kori finally pulled back, her dark eyes meeting Lydia’s as she smiled. “So… hi! How are you?”

Warmth spread through Lydia’s chest at the question. She knew it was just manners—but coming from Kori, it felt different, like her heart wanted to believe it was genuine.

Normally she would’ve given a simple answer—just a 'good, how about you?'—but with Kori, she needed to be honest. She couldn’t help it.

“I was so bored. I thought it would be fun to spend time with you. Here. So now I’m doing great.” As Lydia's words left her mouth, a wide smile spread across her face until her cheeks ached. Kori smiled back almost instantly, her eyes lighting up.

“Then let’s go in!” Kori said, as she started walking toward the entrance.

She didn't grab Lydia's hand.

Are we still not back to normal? Is she still pushing me away—even just slightly?

Lydia followed in silence.

Luckily, the bar was nearly empty on a quiet Monday night, so they slipped past the hostess without waiting. They headed upstairs to the rooftop bar.

As Kori led the way, Lydia couldn’t help stealing glances. The way her dress hugged her tiny waist. The flex of her arms on the handrail. The swing of her ponytail with every step. And how her black Nikes gave the whole look a casual vibe. Every movement seemed effortless, and Lydia’s chest tightened just watching her. God, she looks perfect.

When they finally reached the rooftop, a second hostess greeted them with a polite smile. “Table for two?”

“Yes!” Kori answered confidently, flashing her signature grin.

The hostess guided them to a corner table on the terrace overlooking the bay. They sat across from each other; close enough to talk easily, and the perfect angle for Lydia to admire Kori’s features. The moonlight caught the highlights in Kori’s hair, making her look almost unreal.

Kori thanked the hostess with a warm smile. It was a friendly interaction, unlike how Aaron had treated the hostess at the San Francisco restaurant—and it didn't go unnoticed by Lydia.

A waiter appeared almost immediately, and they both ordered mojitos. As Kori spoke, Lydia couldn’t help staring at every curve of her face: her lips, her nose, the arch of her brows.

Kori looked so perfect that Lydia had to look away, down at the view of the bay. She wished she could keep staring uninterrupted, but if she did, she felt like she might die from the sheer force of Kori’s beauty.

"I love this place,” Lydia said softly, letting her gaze sweep over the bay and the dark water sparkling under the lights. It was a beautiful sight, sure, but incomparable to Kori.

“Why?” Kori asked, her voice light and curious. Lydia’s eyes lifted automatically, meeting Kori’s gaze. Not like at that dinner when she’d wanted to show her fury. No—this was warmth, passed through a simple look.

“I don’t go out much,” Lydia admitted. “Usually just at my friend’s apartment on weekends. But I’ve been here a few times, and it feels… special.” Speaking to Kori relaxed her in a way that surprised her—as if she'd just spent hours meditating on the mountains.

“And you brought me to your special place? I’m flattered.” Kori tilted her head slightly, sending Lydia a playful wink.

Lydia felt her heart rush, full of euphoria that took over her. She bit her lip nervously, smiling so wide it almost hurt. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the excitement inside her.

“Of course I wanted to bring you here! I’ve only ever come with my best friends, Suzie and Lana—and now you,” Lydia said, fiddling with the napkin on the table.

Kori’s grin widened, her eyes sparkling. “So… does this mean I’m officially one of your best friends now? Wow, we’re moving fast.” She leaned forward, elbows on the table, as if testing the waters of Lydia’s reaction.

Before Lydia could answer, the waiter returned with their mojitos. Two for each. Kori reached for hers with a small laugh that sounded like music to Lydia's ears, and Lydia couldn’t stop herself from watching, noting the curve of her lips as she sipped.

Lydia blinked a few times, momentarily distracted by the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. What did Kori mean with that question? Does she want to be my best friend? Is it good that we're moving fast?

After all, the reason why Kori pulled away from Lydia was precisely because things were moving too fast, because they liked each other too much. Yet now she’d said they were moving fast with a smile on her face.

When Kori's attitude flipped from one second to the next, and then ignored Lydia's messages, the way Lydia hurt left her unsure where they stood. But it didn't matter, because Kori was so magnetic that even if they couldn't make any promises, at least Lydia could enjoy this moment, this night, with her.

They sipped their drinks silently for a minute, while Lydia stole a few glances and appreciated the sight in front of her: the most stunning woman in the world. For a moment, everything else faded—the bar, the city, even her thoughts—leaving only Kori's presence.

Somehow, Lydia didn't feel insecure when looking at her friend. The comparison between the two didn't even come to mind. All she wanted was to admire Kori’s beauty, like gazing at a rare flower—or the brightest star in the sky.

Kori’s glossy lips caught the light, gleaming as they brushed the straw of her drink. Lydia couldn’t stop wondering what lip gloss she was wearing—she wanted to try it herself, just to have her own lips shine like Kori’s.

Knowing Kori, Lydia guessed the lip gloss probably tasted like bubblegum—or maybe mango. Curiosity buzzed through her. Lydia was extremely curious about the taste. She could’ve asked, but the thought of saying, 'Can I try your lip gloss? I’ve been staring at your lips all night and I wonder what they taste like' felt… weird.

Lydia forced herself to push those thoughts aside. The alcohol was hitting, and she refused to let lip gloss ruin her night. “This mojito is amazing,” she said, lifting her glass. “See? This place is really cool.” The warmth of the drink spread through her chest, loosening her nerves

Kori took a long sip, finishing her second mojito. “Agreed. Thank you for bringing me to—”

Lydia wanted to listen to Kori's voice. She really did. But her vision wobbled slightly, the room tilting in soft waves. A laugh slipped out as she swayed on her seat. “You’re spinning!” she exclaimed, pointing at Kori, who raised an eyebrow.

Kori tilted her head, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “I’m what? Spinning? No, I’m perfectly steady.”

“You are! I swear you’re going round and round,” Lydia said, laughter bubbling from her chest.

Kori got up from her seat, spun on her tiptoes, and laughed. “Now I’m spinning double!” Her blonde ponytail whipped around her head, catching the light, and Lydia couldn’t help but stare, utterly captivated.

Lydia laughed as loudly as she could, drawing attention from the few patrons in the bar.

“You’re so fun to be around. The other day… I had to forgive you, because I like you a lot.” Lydia froze for a split second, cheeks heating, then acted on impulse. She stood and wrapped her arms around Kori. Kori laughed, as if she had been caught off guard, but didn’t pull away.

Lydia wasn't one of those drunk people that immediately go for physical contact—but the memory of Kori showing up at her doorstep to open up about her feelings made Lydia weirdly emotional. The kind of emotional that warrants a hug.

Lydia hadn’t noticed earlier, but Kori’s perfume smelled exactly like bubblegum—just like the flavor she imagined Kori’s lip gloss would have.

She let herself savor the moment, the warmth of Kori’s body against hers, the sweet scent of her perfume. Every heartbeat seemed to sync with her own, and Lydia realized she could stay like this forever.

As Lydia stepped back and both girls sat down, her eyes met Kori’s, and she got lost in her thoughts: God… she had to step back because she liked me too much? And now… I’ve found the one King I can truly be honest with. She likes me for me. That’s rare.

Kori’s eyes caught the light from the white marble table, shining brilliantly. Their almond shape made them even more mesmerizing. Lydia found herself staring longer than she probably should have—the curve of her lashes, the way light bounced off her hair, every detail making Kori seem impossibly perfect.

Lydia cleared her throat softly, forcing herself to speak before the silence grew too long. “So… don’t tell anyone, but when I first met you, I thought you hated me,” she admitted, cheeks warming. “I even told my friend Lana you had scary eyes. But then I realized… they’re not scary. They’re just… really pretty, unfairly pretty… and now I probably sound like a creep.”

Now I sound like a creep? Who even says that? Lydia shook her head slightly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

Kori took a long moment to answer, allowing Lydia to stare at her beauty even more. It wasn't just her eyes—it was her entire face.

“You have really pretty eyes too,” Kori said finally, her voice soft and genuine. “And this dark eyeliner… it really suits you. I like it.” Lydia’s chest swelled; that compliment felt like the world itself.

“Thank you!” Lydia blurted, cheeks reddening. “But seriously… your eyes are the prettiest. They’re… distracting. And it’s not just your eyes. I probably shouldn’t say this, and I might regret it tomorrow, but… every time you’re around, I can’t breathe right. I can’t think straight. You’re so pretty… I can’t believe you’re real.” She glanced down at her drink, hoping she hadn’t sounded too intense—but she meant every word.

But would Kori be cool with Lydia saying all that? It was just a compliment... but maybe it was too much. Lydia’s stomach fluttered. She looked up, hoping Kori wouldn’t take it the wrong way.

“Are you kidding? You are stunning, Lydia. Look in the mirror.” Kori glanced down at her drink, and Lydia wished she’d meet her gaze instead.

After realizing how much she had just confessed, Lydia had a moment of clarity and decided to redirect the conversation before Kori could think she was completely unhinged. “There are no mirrors here!” Lydia said, pouting dramatically and nudging her mojito with the straw. Kori laughed, leaning back in her chair and tilting her head.

“Well, next time you’re in front of one, remember I said that.” Kori smiled. She probably didn’t mean it entirely—but Lydia knew she’d never forget.

Lydia couldn’t believe she was sitting here, actually talking about all this with Kori. Her pulse raced, still uneven from confessing something so major without even bringing up everything that was on her head.

All these days, all Lydia could think about was Kori's beauty, even when she wasn't around, even when Lydia was with Aaron. It was ridiculous, almost intrusive, how one person could take over her thoughts like that. It felt like this friendship was so precious that Lydia had to treat it like something delicate, so it wouldn't slip through her fingers. She wondered if Kori thought of it as something delicate too. Would Kori be chill with Lydia thinking of her so much?

Looking at Kori too long was like staring into the sun, so Lydia turned her gaze toward the bay to give her eyes a break. At night, the water looked dark. All the city lights shined on the waves that crashed on the shore, just like at the Boston harbor. It was a pretty view, but Kori was better looking for sure.

All the nerves, the pacing in her room, the hesitation before hitting send on her text to Kori—it had all been worth it, just to sit across from her now. Lydia never imagined she’d see someone this way in a non-romantic sense, but admiring Kori’s beauty felt like looking at a beautiful painting in a museum: every brushstroke, every shade, every detail was worth memorizing.

Eventually, the check arrived. Kori reached for it, but Lydia shook her head. “Absolutely not. I invited you, so I’m paying.”

Kori let it go with a small smile, accepting Lydia’s insistence.

As they stepped out of the bar, the scents of cigarettes and spilled beer filled Lydia’s nostrils. Just as she moved toward her car, Kori’s fingers wrapped around her wrist, halting her in place.

“We’re not driving yet,” Kori said, her tone firm. “I don’t know about you, but I’m far too drunk for that. I refuse to kill someone tonight.” Lydia’s chest tightened—if only Kori knew she had already died a thousand tiny deaths just from watching her all night.

Lydia hesitated, torn between wanting every extra second with Kori and fearing that having nothing to do might make the moment awkward.

“Well…” Lydia stalled. “I heard walking sobers you up. Maybe we should try that!” She knew she was still a little tipsy, so walking seemed like the safer choice.

“Is that even true?” Kori asked, her eyes narrowing, a mischievous twitch tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Lydia shrugged, lifting her hands in a helpless gesture. “I don’t know… My friend Lana says it works, and my other friend, Suzie, says it doesn’t.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s a myth,” Kori said, smirking slightly.

Without warning, Lydia reached for Kori’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “Why not try?” Before Kori could respond, Lydia started skipping down the street like a child, sneakers thumping against the pavement, her hair bouncing with every step. Kori laughed softly and fell in step behind her.

Kori looked utterly adorable, her ponytail bouncing with every step as she followed Lydia.

Kori slowed, catching her breath, one hand braced against her knee as laughter escaped her. She paused, and Lydia stopped as well.

Lydia’s gaze lingered on Kori’s face—the shine of sweat along her hairline, a single droplet tracing her temple. Her skin glowed, the faint dampness highlighting every curve of her face.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the wind tugged Lydia’s hair across her face, tangling strands beneath her glasses and slightly blinding her.

Suddenly, Kori’s warm fingers brushed against Lydia’s cheek. Her pinky and ring finger swept back stray hairs—four fingers, and Lydia’s heart skipped. Oh my god.

Kori tucked all of Lydia’s hair behind her ears, letting her fingers graze Lydia’s earlobes in the process. The intimacy made Lydia’s chest flutter, as if their friendship had deepened in an instant.

Then Kori grabbed Lydia's shoulders, making her turn around. Kori had touched Lydia's face, ears, and shoulders within the span of seconds. That was a lot for Lydia to process. Sober, she would've made herself dismiss this, but drunk, she couldn't help but think of every second her face and shoulders had been blessed by Kori's touch—she wished she would've worn a tank top, but even through the fabric of her shirt, it was enough for her stomach to flutter.

Kori slipped the hair elastic from her wrist and tied Lydia’s hair into a loose low ponytail. Lydia turned slowly, suddenly conscious that she now carried a piece of Kori with her.

Lydia’s eyes widened. Now I have her hair tie… wow.

“There you go,” Kori said with a smile, as if tying Lydia’s hair had been the most natural thing in the world.

This moment had been too much for Lydia to process. So intimate. She wanted more, but she shouldn't—feeling more for Kori than she could ever feel for Aaron felt wrong. "I think I'm sober enough to drive now. Maybe I should go." She had no choice but to lie, it was safer than admitting the truth.

“Me too. Want me to walk you to your car?” Kori asked, taking Lydia’s hand once more. Lydia’s chest tightened; it felt like she might die, like her heart might give out right there on the sidewalk.

Lydia loved the idea. There was something almost romantic, though purely platonic, about it. “I’d actually like that.”

Kori began walking, and Lydia trailed two steps behind. They moved in silence, which Lydia savored, watching Kori’s long, smooth legs catch the glow of passing headlights with every step—until her admiration of the blonde's legs, and honestly butt, got interrupted by Kori trying to fill the silence.

“Being at the bar tonight reminded me of the last time I went to one,” Kori said. “Two weeks ago, my friend Jewels lost her phone at this karaoke bar. Not misplaced—lost. She was freaking out. My other friend, Sam, tried to ‘help’ by interrogating every single bartender like she was a detective. I just sat there sipping my vodka cranberry, trying not to laugh. They even made the workers turn down the music! It was crazy. Eventually, Jewels realized she’d left it in her own backpack at home the whole time.” Kori laughed, tilting her head back, and Lydia watched her ponytail swaying.

Lydia blinked, feeling warmth twist into something sharper—jealousy? The idea of Kori having other friends stung. She didn’t want anyone else getting Kori’s attention. She didn’t want to share her.

They reached Lydia’s car. “Bye, Lydia. Tonight was fun!” Kori said, her eyes lingering on Lydia’s. Lydia caught her own reflection in the glow of Kori’s dark irises. It doesn’t matter if she has other friends—tonight, she’s mine. Right now, she’s mine.

“Bye, Kori. I had fun too.” Before letting go, Lydia got on her tiptoes, gently cupped Kori’s chin, and tilted her face to the side, planting a soft kiss on her cheek—just like last Thursday. A flutter of nerves raced through her, but she’d wanted to do this again ever since the first time on her front porch. Kori’s skin was smooth and carried that faint bubblegum scent. Maybe the kiss was too much, but Lydia didn’t care. “Text me when you get home!” she added. She pulled open the car door, letting go of Kori’s hand for the last time that night.

“You too!” Kori grinned, her smile wide enough to light up the street, before she turned and walked away.

Lydia watched from her car window, memorizing every detail of Kori’s silhouette. She was stunning, almost untouchably flawless. Her ponytail had loosened slightly over the night, and her hips swayed gently with each step. The hot pink and black tiger-print dress captured her vibe perfectly. Everything about her aura felt unreachable, yet utterly captivating.

Even after Kori disappeared around the corner, Lydia could still hear the faint echoes of her skipping down the street.

Does she think of me the way I think of her? She said I’m perfect when we were in Boston… but does she think of me as often as I think of her? Does she ever dream of me like I dream of her?

It doesn’t matter, she told herself. Even if Kori didn’t feel the same, just watching her was enough. Admiring her was enough. The sight of her was enough.

Lydia dug her phone out of her pocket, deciding she had to thank Kori one last time with a text.

LYDIA: this was a fun night <3

LYDIA: thank u for coming

Chapter Text

Fall of 2007.

༺ Lydia ༻

Lydia sat on the black leather seat of Aaron’s car on the way to his mom’s birthday. The speakers blasted 'Queen’s Greatest Hits' as always, and the car smelled faintly of a fart Aaron had probably let out before she climbed in, making her wrinkle her nose despite herself.

Before leaving her mansion, Lydia had picked her outfit carefully: black red-bottom heels with a long zebra-print dress, mildly inspired by what Kori had worn Monday. She smoothed the fabric over her hips and made sure the hem fell exactly right. Tonight she wasn’t only trying to impress Aaron’s family—she needed to impress their whole social circle, but the attention she actually wanted most belonged to Kori.

Aaron said over a hundred people would be there, Lydia thought, and a nervous flutter ran through her. If the wrong person disapproved of her, it could ruin all her plans. She wasn't completely ready for this, but she had to force herself to fake it 'til she made it like she had been doing before, but now the stakes were bigger.

She did not want to be in Aaron’s car. She didn’t even want to go to this huge event, but she had to—to secure the life she wanted, or thought she wanted... more accurately, the life her mother wanted for her.

The only thing that made Lydia’s heart race was the thought of seeing Kori again: dark almond-shaped eyes, shiny blonde hair catching the light, delicately manicured hands, the curves Lydia couldn’t stop noticing. Maybe, just maybe, she’d feel Kori’s soft touch again. She felt lucky to have a friend like her.

They hadn’t seen each other since Monday night at the rooftop bar, though they’d texted during the week. Lydia couldn’t wait; seeing Kori was the one thing she wanted more than anything. No—it wasn’t just wanting. She was yearning. Every thought of Kori made her stomach tighten the good kind of way, the kind that made waiting unbearable.

With Aaron’s eyes on the road, Lydia allowed herself to open her phone and reread their texts. Each word felt like a secret to treasure; her stomach fluttered at the thought of seeing Kori again.

●●●

Monday

LYDIA: this was a fun night <3

LYDIA: thank u for coming

KORI: r u kidding? thank u for inviting me

LYDIA: theres no one i wouldve rather spend the night with

Wednesday

KORI: sorry i just saw ur text

LYDIA: thank god i thought u were ignoring me again :( </3

KORI: i would never :)

LYDIA: u scared me tho

KORI: my bad

KORI: k i feel weird for double texting but i need 2 know

KORI: is aaron as annoying w/ u as he is with me? XD

LYDIA: depends

KORI: depends on what

LYDIA: idk sometimes he is but i like him that way

KORI: so the answer is yes

LYDIA: well idk how annoying he might be when im not around T.T

KORI: oh its bad XD

KORI: glad he treats u better than he treats me lol

Thursday

LYDIA: sorry i fell asleep

KORI: i thought u were ignoring me now

LYDIA: r u kidding? ofc not T.T

LYDIA: ily 2 much for that

KORI: awwwww ily2

KORI: r u coming 2 the dinner?

LYDIA: can't, im in pittsburgh

KORI: PITTSBUFGGH?? wyd there? lol

LYDIA: i was born here lmao

LYDIA: my mom wanted 2 visit my grandparents but im going back 2 cali on saturday for ur moms bday

KORI: ur coming? wow

KORI: did u schedule the trip 2 see me? ;)

LYDIA: u wish lol

LYDIA: my mom has smth to do on sunday so we goin back saturday morning

KORI: damn im offended

LYDIA: im excited 2 see u tho ;)

KORI: im not offended anymore ;D

LYDIA: wish we could talk in front of ur family and be friends w/o hiding it

KORI: same :( maybe when u marry aaron and they won't get rid of u for that

KORI: thats lowkey how jane and i became close

LYDIA: thats crazy lol

KORI: yeah my family is nuts idk how u didnt leave aaron when u met them

LYDIA: idk lol i like them

KORI: cant relate

LYDIA: id love 2 keep talking w u but im sleepy :(

KORI: gn!!!

LYDIA: gn <3

●●●

The texts made Lydia’s chest tighten with warmth. Every playful message from Kori was a treasure she carried, a secret that made the world feel smaller—as if Kori had been whispering in her ear even from across the country.

“Who are you texting?” Aaron asked, his voice cutting through the music as his eyes flicked to her phone at the stoplight.

Lydia’s stomach knotted at the thought Aaron might’ve glimpsed Kori’s name. No—it was impossible, the screen was tiny. But what if he had? Her fingers tightened on the phone.

"My mom." Lydia's voice almost trembled with anxiety, but she had to push through it and hide her feelings. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay calm. “She wanted to know if everything was okay. I told her we hadn’t gotten to the party yet.”

“I love that she’s protective, but she has nothing to worry about—I’ll always be the most protective person in your life.” Ugh. So annoying. Kori was right.

Then an idea struck her. Aaron had a faint resemblance to Kori—a male, much uglier version of her, but close enough that with imagination she could almost trick herself. After all, they were related.

If she imagined Aaron was Kori, she could tolerate him, just barely. It wasn’t the same—her interactions with Kori weren’t romantic—but picturing Kori in his place made the situation almost bearable. Almost.

Suddenly Aaron’s claim about being protective sounded almost appealing. For a second her mind fooled itself.

“I love that you’re protective. Thanks, babe.” Lydia pressed a quick kiss to his cheek at the stoplight, pretending his rough stubble was Kori’s smooth skin.

Picturing her lips on Kori’s cheek made Lydia ache; there was no chance of kissing her goodbye in front of a hundred people. She forced the disappointment into a small thrill: next time she was alone with Kori she might touch her face with her lips again, maybe her hand too. Maybe.

Her phone buzzed, the screen lighting with a soft glow.

“You should probably answer that.” Aaron’s voice was flat and dry, the kind that made her feel guilty just for breathing. Even talking to her mom felt forbidden. He wasn’t just protective; he was possessive.

She counted the seconds until the light turned green—thankfully it didn’t take long. Aaron glanced away and drove on.

She opened Messages. Her pulse quickened: it was Kori. Lydia’s lips curved into a small secretive smile.

KORI: im excited 2 see u

LYDIA: me 2

LYDIA: im in aarons car rn so it wont take long

“That was my mom—she wanted me to text when we got to the party,” Lydia said, a perfect lie. It could backfire; Aaron was possessive and wouldn’t want her attention drifting even a second. Still, it was far safer than admitting she’d been texting Kori.

“Cool.” He tightened his grip on the wheel. It was absurd he could be jealous of her mom, but this was the price Lydia paid for the lavish life she’d convinced herself she wanted.

They passed through the mansion gates; Lydia presented her driver’s license with practiced politeness.

Ugh. Can’t wait to get married so I won’t have to. Or at least until the guards know me well enough to skip the ID check every time.

Aaron drove on, while Lydia’s eyes scanned the grounds. She reminded herself that enduring the car’s fart smell was a small price to pay for the life she was chasing.

Aaron didn’t head to the mansion as Lydia expected; he turned down a path toward the tennis court, which was covered up in some tent-like thing.

Aaron opened his door and strode ahead, leaving Lydia behind. I want to picture him as Kori, but he’s making it impossible. Kori would’ve opened the door for me.

Lydia longed for Kori’s playful 'M’Lady.' She opened her own door and sprinted to catch up. Frustration filled her chest; she wished she were in Kori’s car instead. Well, that’s how the cookie crumbles.

They approached the event tent. Inside everything was immaculate: gleaming chandeliers, a bar lined with crystal glasses and expensive liquors, tables arranged with surgical precision and vases of blue flowers. Everyone wore black and white, per the dress code.

It somehow outshone his cousin’s wedding—every corner immaculate, every detail screaming wealth.

Within moments Chris approached, David trailing close behind.

“Hey, brother! We were wondering when you’d show up!” Chris exclaimed, pulling Aaron into a firm hug. He glanced at Lydia, flashing a smile that revealed perfect white teeth.

Just from Chris glancing at Lydia for a split second, Aaron possessively wrapped his arm around Lydia's waist, as if he was jealous of his own—married—brother. "Traffic was bad. My apologies," he said.

Lydia felt the strength of his grip, the pressure almost bruising. She reminded herself to hold a perfectly neutral expression and play the ideal girlfriend: no complaints, a glossy smile, light and understanding.

“What matters is that you’re here, son,” David said with a wide grin. He swept his gaze over Lydia from head to toe and lingered too long. It felt... creepy.

Kori said this family is nuts. She was right.

“Babe, we should go get something to drink,” Lydia said, forcing a light, cheerful tone. She wanted to avoid David, and her mouth was already getting dry.

Aaron slid his arm from her waist and caught her hand, steering her toward the bar.

Remember, pretend he’s Kori, Lydia told herself. She closed her eyes for a heartbeat, picturing the warmth of Kori’s hand. The contrast was impossible to ignore—Aaron’s grip was rough, where Kori’s would have been soft. If it were Kori, it would feel gentle, sweet… never like this.

How would you act if it had been Kori’s arm around your waist? That’s how you should treat Aaron. Lydia tried to summon that same ease, channeling Kori’s gentleness to make him bearable.

Aaron leaned over the bar. “One glass of red wine, and plain water.”

Sparkling water.

I only drink sparkling water.

Kori would’ve remembered.

It didn’t matter. She needed to impress Aaron, not Kori. He was her boyfriend; Kori was just her friend.

The bartender set a glass of red wine in front of Aaron and a crystal glass of water for Lydia. She accepted it with a practiced smile and forced herself to sip.

“Babe,” Aaron said, and Lydia’s stomach twisted. She hated that word. Just imagine it’s Kori playfully calling you ‘babe’ while teasing you. “I need to go to the bathroom. Can you hold my drink?”

He didn’t wait for her response. Aaron handed over his glass and walked away, leaving Lydia holding both drinks.

“Sure,” Lydia whispered. She wished for a thoughtful, considerate boyfriend. Like Kori, if she were a man.

She scanned the crowd for that familiar blonde hair. Kori. Just seeing her face—bright, almond-shaped eyes, glossy smile—was enough to calm the anxiety in Lydia’s chest. Even from across the giant tent, without words, it was enough.

A light caught on golden strands of hair across the crowd. Lydia’s heart raced. It was Kori. She had found her. Her pulse surged, as if it had been held captive for hours, finally released at the sight of the one person who made her feel safe.

Lydia wanted her to look back. Just once. She needed that eye contact, craved it. Even the tiniest acknowledgment would make the world feel lighter.

For now, she could only watch Kori from across the room.

She looked breathtaking. Her hair fell in perfect waves, shining under the chandelier light. The tight black top clung to her, enhancing her bust—don’t think about that, Lydia, it’s creepy. A white pleated mini skirt curved over her hips, flaring out just enough to enhance her figure. Black boots with fur trim and heels added unreal height. A delicate silver heart necklace rested on her collarbones, and matching bracelets caught the light with every small movement of her wrists. Even from across the room, it was impossible not to notice her.

When Lydia looked up to admire Kori's face, Kori’s eyes were on hers. For a heartbeat, the music and chatter melted away. The world shrank until it was just them.

I will die. She looks perfect, and now those gorgeous eyes are on me.

Kori pulled her phone from her skirt pocket, holding it up and pointing to it without breaking eye contact. Her lips curved into a small, teasing smile that made Lydia’s stomach flip.

Both of Lydia’s hands were full. Why now? Frustration knotted her stomach. She scanned the room and spotted the nearest empty table. She ran to it, spilling a bit of Aaron’s wine onto the floor.

She set down Aaron’s wine and her water with a small sigh. Digging her phone from her purse, she stole one last glance at Kori—she was already typing.

KORI: i wish i could dance w u lol

That text made Lydia’s heart race as if they were staring face to face. Her fingers flew across the screen, replying as quickly as she could before Aaron returned.

LYDIA: me 2 but imagine how ur family would react </3

LYDIA: we could dance across the room and pretend were dancing together

Kori’s reply came instantly, and Lydia’s chest fluttered. Her fingers trembled as she read it.

KORI: sounds good enough :D

Lydia looked up just in time to see Kori slip her phone into her pocket and glide toward the dance floor. She followed, sliding her own phone back into her purse, draping it over her shoulder, and gathering both drinks. Her pulse raced as she moved toward the other side of the dance floor.

She moved with the music. She wasn’t much of a dancer, yet somehow, dancing across the room felt intimate, like a secret only she and Kori shared. She tried her best, hoping to impress the girl she longed for.

As she danced, Lydia watched Kori move with effortless grace, as if she were the most skilled dancer in the world. Her knees bent slightly, hips swaying side to side, arms raised elegantly. Kori was lost in the music. For a moment, the world stopped, as if no one else existed in the room.

How could I focus on anything else when she looks like that? Perfect, careless, untouchable. Lydia’s chest tightened. It shouldn’t be possible for someone to be this flawless. It’s not fair.

She hadn’t entered her relationship with Aaron, or the King family, expecting to feel anything—let alone love. She didn’t even want to. And now she was obsessed and in love with Kori, even if it was just platonic.

Their eyes locked briefly before Kori closed them, losing herself in the music. What would it be like to dance close to her? Skin to skin touch. My arms around her neck. Feeling her hair brush my arms as she moves. Dancing with my head on her chest, feeling her heartbeat. For now, distance would have to do—and it made Lydia's heart ache.

Suddenly, an arm looped around her waist, and a hand on her shoulder spun her abruptly. It wasn’t soft like Kori’s touch—it was rough. Lydia stiffened. Ugh, I hate this.

Aaron’s face and body were inches from hers. He pulled her closer, their bodies pressing together. He kissed her with brute force and started swaying his hips. Kori wouldn’t do this. She’s delicate.

He had dragged her out of the fragile world she shared with Kori. He’d ruined it. And now… she had to slip back into the perfect girlfriend act, smiling and compliant while her mind screamed.

Lydia moved with him, forcing her body to follow the music while her mind imagined dancing with Kori instead—but God, it was hard.

Her stomach twisted violently. Nausea bloomed like fire in her gut. She needed to escape him, needed Kori—but Kori wasn’t an option in front of all these people. Being alone would have to do. Just some space. Just some air.

"I need to use the bathroom to go retouch my makeup, where is it?" she asked, forcing lightness into her voice.

He stepped back slightly, eyes scanning her face. “You look perfect, babe. Nothing to touch up.” His tone was clipped.

God, am I really stuck with him?

"I’m starting to feel sweaty. I need to powder my face before it melts off." Perfect lie. He had to say yes. She needed him to say yes.

He nodded toward a corner. “There.” His tone clipped, clearly irritated that Lydia was leaving him for a moment. Lydia didn’t care. This was her little victory.

She gave him a peck and handed him the glasses she’d been holding. She walked away, heart hammering, while he sipped his wine, eyes already back on the dance floor as if nothing had happened. I’m free. Just for a few minutes.

On her way out, Lydia stole one last glance at Kori. She was deep in conversation with Jane, laughing softly, her hair catching the light as she leaned in.

I wish she were talking to me instead.

Lydia stepped into the women’s restroom outside the tent and slid into a stall. A private place away from Aaron, the music, and the crowd. Just some quiet.

Unsure what else to do, she dug her phone from her purse. Texting Suzie came to mind. Of course, Suzie will understand. Lydia typed quickly.

LYDIA: god aaron is so annoying T.T

SUZIE: oh i love shit talking men. tell me everything

As Lydia was about to reply, she overheard two women talking. She knew she shouldn’t eavesdrop, but she couldn’t help it—she loved gossip.

“Poor Angela, having to deal with Kori. Did you see her dancing? On her mother’s birthday? Like that? That kid’s a lost cause,” said one of the women

Kori? My Kori? When she was secretly dancing with me? Lydia’s stomach twisted. No. Poor Kori, having to deal with her crazy family.

The second woman added, “I know! Such a problem child. At least Angela got lucky with Chris and Aaron—a thirty-three percent chance of a bad kid, I guess!” Both laughed, voices cutting through Lydia’s nerves like knives.

Lydia felt sick. How dare they talk about Kori like that. Her fingers clenched around the phone, knuckles turning white.

"Right? Chris is married, and Aaron is on the path to getting engaged to his girlfriend. Angela told me she's lovely," the first woman said. Me? At least she thinks I'm lovely, I guess. "But Kori—she's not even dating anyone."

The idea of Kori not dating anyone somehow sent butterflies fluttering in Lydia’s stomach. She had been… jealous… over Kori having more friends, but at least she wouldn’t have to share her with some stupid guy.

The second woman spoke again, “I know, right? She’ll be single forever.” Both laughed again.

If only they knew Kori like I know Kori.

“Don’t tell anyone, but I heard she’s a… lesbian,” the first woman whispered, though loud enough for Lydia to hear.

Kori? A lesbian? Of course not. She shook her head slightly. She would've told me that day in Boston when I told her Suzie is gay.

“Oh, God. Poor Angela,” the first woman sighed. “I have a gay friend, but it’s… weird for women to be gay.”

Lydia pressed her phone to her chest. That's so homophobic. Kori is probably not gay, but if she was, that's none of their business.

Lydia stepped out of the stall, heels clacking against the tile. She couldn’t stand hearing one more word of Kori being talked about. As soon as they saw her, both women froze mid-laugh, going pale as if they’d seen a ghost.

When Lydia walked outside, she heard one of the women speak from inside: “That’s Aaron’s girlfriend. See? She’s gorgeous.”

But Lydia didn’t care about the compliment. If someone spoke poorly of Kori, she wouldn’t trust a word they said.

As she walked back into the giant tent, searching for Aaron, the thought of Kori being a lesbian lingered in her mind. She would’ve told me, right? Is she scared to tell me? She wouldn’t be. She trusts me. It was just a homophobic rumor. It wasn’t about Kori being gay as much as it was about trust. Lydia chose to believe Kori trusted her and that these women didn’t know what they were talking about.

Lydia scanned above the crowd, hoping to find either Aaron or Kori—Aaron because she had to, and Kori to admire her beauty one more time.

After a long moment, she couldn’t find either of them, so she sat at the nearest oak table. Its surface felt cool under her palms as she pulled out her phone.

She thought of texting Suzie, but her mind was elsewhere.

Kori.

She sat by her phone, hoping for a notification from Kori. A text. Something. The hum of conversation faded as Lydia imagined a hug she might not get that night—but a virtual hug would do, if only Kori texted her.

As she waited, her mind stayed fixed on that gorgeous tall blonde. Did Kori think poorly of her? Did she still think Lydia was a gold digger? Was that why, if she was gay, she didn't trust her enough to come out? Was the lack of trust the real reason she pushed Lydia away? She clenched her phone tighter.

The friendship reminded Lydia of a short story she’d read in middle school about the Gardens of Babylon. The idea of the gardens was real, but whether they physically existed at all was uncertain. That was exactly how she felt about her friendship with Kori at the moment.

But then she thought of those dark almond eyes again. The night they looked at the stars. The time they ate hot dogs on the side of the road at the harbor. The silly smiley face Kori drew on her back at the beach. When they shared a bed, and Kori was upset that Lydia hadn’t accepted her friend request. The night at the bar, hugging and holding hands. Kori was honest and real. She wouldn’t hide it from me… right?

She kept staring at her phone, hoping Kori would text her. The black screen reflected her face. She remembered when Kori had said, 'Are you kidding? You are stunning, Lydia. Look in the mirror.' A small, shy smile tugged at her lips, warmth spreading through her chest.

She was losing hope that a text would ever come, leaving her chest hollow. Kori could have been talking to anyone, dancing, or already in her room asleep. But when Lydia checked her Messages app again, she saw a text from Kori.

KORI: chris is about 2 invite u 2 my pool party

KORI: pls say yes

KORI: go talk 2 aaron

LYDIA: i will <3

Lydia scanned the room, pulse accelerating, stomach fluttering with anticipation. Aaron could be anywhere. Finding him wouldn’t be easy, but she had to. She was determined to accept the invite to the party.

She assumed Jane had helped Kori orchestrate this and felt extremely grateful. She would get to go to Kori’s party, and since she had been admiring her beauty so much, she felt a brief flutter of excitement at the thought of seeing her in a bikini—stop thinking that, Lydia… don’t be a creep. Her cheeks heated, heartbeat racing faster.

She sprinted across the room until she found Aaron. Relief washed over her.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere! Where were you?” Lydia asked, forcing a smile as she pressed against him in a quick hug. She didn’t want to, but she knew faking warmth was the only way to get him to agree to the party.

“I’ve been here the whole time,” he said, lips brushing her hair. A shiver ran down Lydia’s spine involuntarily.

She cupped his face gently and pressed her lips to his. Her stomach churned. Love bombing so he will accept. It’s wrong, but anything for Kori.

“This party is amazing. If we see your mom, remind me to say thank you.” Another quick kiss, and Lydia’s pulse thudded. The taste of his lips was bitter in contrast to the sweetness she imagined Kori’s would have. Why am I even thinking of this?

Right after the kiss, she heard footsteps approaching. Her heart raced when she realized it was Chris and Jane.

It's about to happen. I can't believe this.

“Hey, bro! How’s the night going?” Chris called out, one arm casually hooked around Jane’s waist as if she were an accessory. He leaned forward and bumped fists with Aaron.

“Great. How about you two?” Aaron answered, eyes flicking to Chris’ arm around Jane. A flash of competitiveness passed over his face, and he tightened his hold on Lydia’s waist, fingers pressing in a little too firmly.

“Really good too.” Lydia noticed Jane stayed silent, letting Chris speak for them both. It made her seem less like a partner and more like a prop, a pretty object Chris could parade around, as if he were showing off the beautiful Russian woman he’d managed to get. And then the realization hit—wasn’t that exactly what she was for Aaron? A display, not a person. “You know, Kori’s throwing a pool party. Jane thought it’d be good for you two to be there.”

Lydia caught Jane’s eyes, and Jane smirked as if they shared a secret the men couldn’t decode. Jane knew Lydia knew. Maybe they were objects, but they could use it to their advantage.

Lydia turned toward Aaron. His brows furrowed, and his lips pressed inward until his mouth was just a tense line. “I don’t know. It’s Kori," he said.

Lydia glanced at Jane, who gave her a quick, unreadable look. Whatever it meant, Lydia chose to take it as encouragement—this was her chance to speak.

"I'd love to!" Lydia said with a bright smile.

Aaron’s brows furrowed deeper. “Why would we want to be at Kori’s party?” It wasn’t even a question—it was a statement. Practically a hard no.

Lydia placed a hand on Aaron’s chest. “Babe, can we talk? Just for a second.”

"Sure."

Lydia hooked her fingers around his arm, tugging him a few steps away from the others.

“Don’t you think it’d be hot if I was in a bikini, and even with other guys around it wouldn’t matter—because I’m yours?” The words twisted her stomach, but she’d say anything if it meant getting to Kori. Aaron smirked, eating it up. Perfect. She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “And when other girls look at you, I won’t get jealous. They can stare all they want. You’re still mine.” He wasn't hot enough—or at all—for other girls to even look his way, but she had to flatter his ego.

Aaron bit his lip, grinning. “You know what? That does sound hot.”

Men are simple creatures.

He laced his fingers through Lydia’s, pulling her back toward Chris and Jane.

“We’re in. When’s the party?” Aaron said, voice confident, like he’d been the one to decide.

Jane finally spoke. “Next Saturday.” Her gaze slid back to Lydia with a knowing grin, as if she were quietly celebrating the accomplishment they’d pulled off without speaking a single word to each other.

The men kept talking, while Lydia smiled and focused on looking pretty—smoothing her hair, nodding at the right moments, playing the trophy girlfriend role.

Fifty feet back, beyond Chris’ broad shoulders, Lydia spotted Kori. She pretended to scan the tent, but her eyes kept snapping back to the only girl who mattered.

Even after Kori vanished into the shifting crowd, Lydia’s mind drifted back to the spot where she’d stood moments earlier. Her chest ached with the effort of pretending not to care.

She knew this friendship could be her downfall—losing Aaron, losing everything—but getting lost in Kori’s beautiful eyes felt worth it. Fate had plotted against them from the start. This was a star-crossed friendship. One day, when she married Aaron… God, ew… at least she’d be able to be friends with Kori openly, like Jane was. That sliver of hope almost made marriage seem bearable. One day, this friendship will last forever. Maybe I’m deluding myself, but it’s such a sweet thought.

After knowing Kori, she could never fully love Aaron. He couldn’t compare; he wouldn’t even open doors for her or remember she liked sparkling water. His car smelled like farts, for God’s sake. But Kori… Kori was flawless. The cruel truth was that Lydia’s own boyfriend could never be her favorite King.

Kori came back into view, her eyes locking with Lydia’s across the room. Her hair was pulled into a casual ponytail, a fitted hoodie hugging her frame. Every time Lydia saw her, she was more beautiful than the last—her magnetism was overwhelming, impossible to resist.

Eventually Chris and Jane wandered off. Aaron’s hand clamped around Lydia’s waist, steering her toward an empty corner and yanking her gaze from Kori. He leaned close, breath warm against her ear, and whispered with a mischievous smirk that made her stomach drop. “Babe, I just had a fun idea.”

“What is it?” Lydia asked carefully. The gleam in his eyes made her chest tighten; whatever he was planning, it wouldn’t be good.

He took Lydia’s hand, and she forced herself to pretend it was Kori’s instead. She had to—otherwise every touch would make her skin crawl. “Follow me,” he said, tugging her forward.

He dragged her out of the glowing tent and suddenly started running toward the mansion.

He was much taller than Lydia, his strides were faster. Every step drained her, it was exhausting. Kori would’ve slowed down, matched her pace, thought of her comfort. So Lydia forced herself to picture Kori leading instead—it was easier that way, at least mentally.

"Where are we going?" Lydia asked. She knew they were headed towards the mansion. The thought of being alone inside with him, while the rest of the world partied outside, made her stomach twist with dread.

"You know how my parents won't let you in my room because of their stupid rules? Nobody will see us now." He kept running. Lydia’s legs were tired, her lungs burned, her heels catching in the grass—but she pushed forward anyway.

The thought of being alone with him in his room churned Lydia’s stomach, a tight knot of dread she couldn’t untangle. She didn’t want this—not now, not ever—but one day she would share a bed with him. And even… she didn't want to think about it. Her pulse quickened. She had no choice but to follow.

"I love the idea, babe," she lied, nerves pricking her throat as they reached the mansion. “But won’t the cameras see us?” Each word felt heavy, a last desperate barrier against the reality of what she was about to do.

“I’ll take the blame if my parents check them. You have nothing to worry about,” he said, swinging the front door open.

Lydia had a lot to worry about.

Just pretend it's Kori. Just pretend it's Kori. Just pretend it's Kori.

It helped her calm down a little. If she imagined stepping into Kori’s room instead, it wasn’t as scary.

Each step creaked beneath her as they climbed the stairs. Pretend it’s Kori. Pretend it’s Kori. She forced her mind to replay the image of Kori on the bar’s stairs—her hair, her toned arms, her legs, her dress, her curves. It will be okay.

Aaron led her down the hall until the door swung open. Lydia blinked, momentarily stunned.

The room was enormous. Lydia’s room was already big, but this was double the size. It smelled of body odor mixed with Axe body spray. Navy blue walls were crowded with band posters—Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, and others she didn’t recognize. A lot of dad rock, for sure. He had a huge desk with a computer, a laptop, and neatly stacked textbooks. His king-size bed had black-and-white striped covers with footballs on them. Two armchairs and a coffee table sat nearby, with an open door leading to a giant walk-in closet.

Aaron flopped onto the bed while Lydia sank into one of the armchairs, trying not to recoil from the smell. “I love your room… it’s so… you,” she murmured, forcing a smile. That was all she could come up with, while in her mind she imagined stepping into a room she’d actually enjoy—bright pink walls, Britney Spears posters, bubblegum perfume in the air, a vanity cluttered with magazines. The contrast made her chest ache.

“Thank you, baby,” he said with that careless smirk that made her stomach twist. “Don’t be shy, come sit here.” He patted the bed twice, the gesture tugging her forward reluctantly.

She was scared of what would happen next. She tried to anchor herself with the thought of their purity rings, a tiny promise they wouldn’t cross certain lines. But even that was shaky; Aaron had already brought her here. Still, that rule was bigger. There was hope.

She had no choice. Just picture him as Kori. You love Kori’s touch. She repeated it like a mantra, clinging to it like a lifeline. If he were Kori, she could endure this. He’s Kori. He’s Kori. He’s Kori.

Her feet moved slowly, weighted with anxiety, toward the bed. Her stomach coiled into knots as she thought of running away. But she forced herself to ignore the gut-deep warning pulsing through her body.

She sat on the edge of the bed, knees pressed together, heart hammering. “Wow, this bed is really comfy,” she murmured, feeling the slight wobble beneath her. A water bed, just as she suspected. She hated them, but it didn’t matter. It was never about what she wanted; it was about what he wanted.

He didn’t answer. Instead, his arm wrapped around her waist, firm and possessive, pulling her closer than she was comfortable with. His other hand tilted her face, and then his lips attacked hers as if he had been starving for days and she was the most delicious meal in the world. Lydia’s body stiffened, trapped between the weight of his arm and the force of his kiss.

She had gotten used to kissing him, but never like this. Lydia’s lips moved with his while her mind scrambled for an escape, anything else to think about. Maybe a movie she'd watch when she got home—Tim Burton, or John Waters, possibly David Lynch.

She hadn’t seen Corpse Bride in a while—why not that? After all, she felt like she had to leave her body to get through this make-out. She felt like a corpse.

Or maybe music instead. Blasting Avril Lavigne, but in the morning, since by the time she'd get home it would be too late for speakers.

But she could use her headphones.

In fact, she could sing the lyrics to her favorite songs in her head right now to block this out.

He was a skater boy
She said, 'See you later, boy'
He wasn't good enough for her
She had a pretty face
But her head was up in space
She needed to come back down to earth

It worked, a little. Her chest loosened, if only slightly. Maybe another song—something faster, something to flood her thoughts completely—might push him out of her mental space completely.

Hey, hey, you, you
I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way
I think you need a new one
Hey, hey, you, you
I could be your girlfriend

And as she repeated the lyrics in her head, a thought struck her.

Hey, hey, you, you
I don't like my boyfriend
No way, no way
I need to take my mind off him
Hey, hey, you, you
Help me get distracted

Brilliant. If she shifted her focus entirely to Kori—in a platonic way, of course—she might get through this. Kori was safe, grounding. A friend, an image she could hold onto just to breathe.

She imagined Kori’s soft skin instead of Aaron’s rough stubble. She’d touched Kori’s face three times already, enough to memorize the smooth texture. Mental note: ask her about her skincare routine next time we talk. The thought was oddly comforting.

Instead of his chapped lips, she imagined Kori’s soft, glossy smile. She loved looking at it—she had nearly touched those lips once, back in Boston at her childhood home. She wouldn’t kiss Kori; they were just friends, and Lydia wasn’t into girls. But she’d stared at her lips often enough to imagine their texture. Instead of kissing him, I’m just touching Kori’s lips to feel how soft they are.

Instead of his body odor and Axe, Lydia forced herself to recall Kori’s bubblegum perfume. Next time I hug her, I need to breathe it in and never forget the scent.

And his bad breath? Lydia wondered what flavor Kori’s lip gloss was—maybe mango, maybe bubblegum, maybe something else entirely. She blocked out Aaron’s taste by pretending she was cycling through every possibility.

Suddenly, the moment didn’t feel quite as unbearable.

The fragile calm shattered when Aaron’s hand slid from her waist to her rib, creeping upward with deliberate pressure, getting dangerously close to her bra. Her chest tightened, her stomach twisted violently. Panic surged. Kori would never—and if she did, it wouldn’t be like this. She would never make me feel trapped.

She jerked back instinctively, pressing a trembling hand to her forehead. Her pulse thundered in her ears, and nausea filled her stomach.

“Sorry, babe… I feel dizzy. My whole body’s hot, and I think I might throw up.” Well, she did feel nauseous, so she wasn't entirely lying. "I think I have a fever." But everything else was a lie.

Aaron pressed a hand to her forehead. “You’re not hot. Want me to grab a thermometer?” His brows furrowed in concern.

“I… I need you to drive me home so I can sleep. Is that okay?” She forced a gag to make the lie believable, though she did feel sick. Every muscle in her body was tight.

“Anything for you, baby. I’ll go get the car. You stay here.” Relief flooded her chest in a rush as he left. She could finally breathe.

༺ Kori ༻

Kori hadn't seen Lydia or Aaron in a while. It felt agonizingly long. Fear twisted her stomach. Had they slipped away to… something she didn’t want to imagine? The thought made her chest tighten, but she tried to ignore it. After all, that's what couples do.

Still, she trusted Aaron—or at least his purity ring. And she hoped, desperately, that Lydia hadn’t gone along with anything like that.

Had Lydia really pulled an Irish goodbye? It made sense—she couldn’t just walk up to Kori in a crowded event—but it still hurt deeply. Her chest felt hollow.

Her dad’s voice suddenly boomed across the tent. “Everybody, come! Time to sing happy birthday!” The shout cut through Kori’s anxious thoughts, pulling her back into the bustling crowd.

Guests shuffled into place, forming a semicircle around the large table where Angela stood at the center. Kori’s mind, though, stayed elsewhere—fixed on Lydia’s absence.

In front of her mom sat a three-tier white cake decorated with blue sugar flowers, with big 'fifty-five' flickering candles at the top. Photographers took a thousand pictures of the moment. While all eyes stayed on Angela, Kori slipped away quietly, moving outside the tent for air—and for space to think about the one person missing from the party.

Kori sank onto the cool grass, crossing her legs as dampness seeped through her skirt. Her fingers hovered over her phone, heart hammering. Just ask her. Just find out what happened.

KORI: did u leave? :(

KORI: im offended at the irish goodbye lol

She typed quickly, trying to inject humor to mask the tightness in her chest.

She waited by the phone for an answer, laying it on the ground unlocked so she could see Lydia reply as soon as possible. Her heart skipped with each tiny vibration that wasn’t the blue-eyed girl. Anticipation knotted her stomach.

From inside the tent came the chorus of voices singing:

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Angela,
Happy birthday to you

She didn’t care about the singing or the crowd. Only the phone mattered. She missed Lydia already. Even if they hadn’t gotten the chance to be close at the party, even if it had only been dancing from across the room, it was enough—enough to make her imagine that next time they would dance together for real.

They would see each other at the pool party but Aaron would be there. Afterward, she would make sure to invite Lydia somewhere—maybe her favorite bar, maybe a club where they could actually dance, maybe dinner. Would dinner be too formal? I think she'd like it. The possibilities were endless, but right now, what mattered was that she was waiting for Lydia’s reply. And she still hadn’t responded.

She checked her phone again. Fifteen minutes had passed. Not much in the grand scheme of things, but in Kori’s chest, it felt like hours. Just a reply. Just a little reassurance. Please.

She bit her nails anxiously, breathing deeply to calm herself. She bit her tongue too; all she needed was a text from Lydia to feel okay, to feel like she hadn’t been abandoned out of nowhere.

She could hear everyone laughing, the music, the chatter, yet her thoughts were louder.

Kori closed her eyes briefly, forcing herself to replay the night and hold onto memories that made her feel close to Lydia despite the distance.

She remembered how Lydia looked.

She looked stunning in that long zebra-print dress. The movement of her hair and the subtle flush on her cheeks whenever her eyes met Kori’s made the blonde’s chest flutter. Those blue eyes locked on hers again and again, sending adrenaline and something softer through her veins. Lydia moved in heels with natural grace, smiling in a way that seemed effortless, genuine, impossible. The sway of her hips made Kori force herself not to linger on her curves; it felt somewhat predatory on a straight girl—ugh, internalized homophobia sucks.

And those quick text messages from across the room... They felt like a secret handshake, a whisper shared only between them. The crowd roared, the music was loud, but in those moments, Kori and Lydia existed in a private, sacred space.

Then, dancing on opposite sides of the room, while Kori stared at Lydia’s beauty—her elongated eyes, her perfectly waved black hair shining under every light from the mirrorball. The way she moved was hypnotic, as if they were still connecting from fifty feet away.

Kori replayed the moment she had invited Lydia to the pool party. She had imagined Lydia saying yes, or maybe hesitating out of secrecy, but it had worked perfectly. Lydia would never know it, but Kori had been planning the invite for days—and everything went according to plan.

And then, without warning, Lydia was gone. No wave, no smile, nothing. Just empty space where she had been, leaving Kori’s chest hollow.

Kori stared at the sky for a long moment, trying to distract herself. Her fingers trembled as she unlocked her phone; over thirty minutes had passed since her last text.

She couldn’t go back to the party, not feeling like this. She settled on the grass and started a game of Snake, tapping the screen mechanically, hoping the familiar game might dull the ache of Lydia’s absence.

After a few minutes, her snake grew longer with each swipe. She was doing great—until a sharp sound came from her phone.

Ding!

Kori ran to check the notification as her heart fluttered, hoping it would come from the girl she wanted to hear from more than anything or anyone. Please be her. Please be Lydia.

LYDIA: i had 2 leave cuz i started feeling sick

LYDIA: sorry 4 not saying bye :(

LYDIA: if it makes u feel better i imagined hugging u and kissing ur cheek as a goodbye

Kori bit her lip. Lydia had imagined a hug and even a kiss on the cheek. Her chest fluttered uncontrollably. Even if it was imaginary, the thought of her embrace and gentle kiss felt intimate and precious. Even if it was all platonic for her, it felt special to Kori.

KORI: it does make me feel better thank u

Kori didn’t know if Lydia would respond again, but the thought that she had even imagined saying goodbye filled the hollow ache with something soft. She laid the phone on the grass, eyes lifting to the dark sky above.

Ding!

Kori rushed to check her phone and found another text from Lydia. Opening a text from her has to be one of the best feelings in the world. It feels like opening a present.

LYDIA: dancing across the room was fun ;)

A slow, delighted heat spread through Kori’s chest. The winky face made her practically see Lydia’s smirk.

It was fun. She liked it. She likes me.

KORI: it was before he ruined it :(

Lydia replied within seconds.

LYDIA: it was fun while it lasted

LYDIA: can't wait 2 dance across the room again

Kori's stomach was full of butterflies. She took a deep breath. She couldn't believe this was really happening.

She thought about what to reply for a long moment. Her mind came up with something that might be too much, but after all, Lydia thought she was straight, so it would probably be okay.

KORI: can't wait to dance w u 4 real

LYDIA: me 2

And Kori felt warmth fill her heart.

Chapter Text

༺ Kori ༻

Through the week, Kori and Lydia only had a couple of text exchanges that never went past small talk about the weather. The messages were short and simple; they felt like just an excuse to keep in touch.

Then Lydia missed Thursday dinner due to family obligations, which only made Kori’s parents love her even more, picturing her as the perfect girl who loved her family—that one day she’d be the perfect mother to Aaron’s kids. Hearing all that praise while sitting at the table made Kori's stomach twist at the idea, as she was reminded of the inevitability of her heart eventually being broken.

Kori would’ve been bummed, but instead, excitement ran through her all week, because with every day that passed, the pool party came closer. She would get to see Lydia again. Possibly dance around the room again. Maybe, just maybe, if she was lucky, they’d dance for real... or even have some alone time.

There were around seventy people invited, but only one person mattered. Those big blue eyes that glowed like bright stars. Those lips that looked as soft as rose petals. That black hair that shimmered like silk. And that glossy smile—the one that made the apples of her cheeks round so adorably it made Kori want to pinch them.

In anticipation, Kori shaved carefully, moisturized from head to toe, and did a full face of waterproof makeup. Most importantly, she remembered how Lydia couldn’t take her eyes off her ponytail that night at the bar, so she used half a can of hairspray trying to get it just right. Remember: no getting your hair wet today.

She’d spent nearly an hour debating what bikini to wear while Sam and Jewels sat in her room, saying, "You look good! You've tried on enough already!" every time Kori stepped out of the closet in another one.

Now she stood in front of the mirror wearing the black bikini—the one she’d bought with Lydia in Boston. Her final choice.

"Kori," Sam began, and Kori braced herself for her brutal honesty. "That's too slutty. Your parents are going to see you."

Jewels looked up from the magazine she had been reading, and carefully analyzed what Kori looked like. "I think it looks good!" she said, in her usual bright and cheerful voice.

“I didn’t say it looks bad—it looks amazing. But I repeat, Kori’s parents are going to see her in this,” Sam said, flopping dramatically onto Kori’s bed.

Kori glanced at the mirror one last time before turning to her friends. “The thing is… when I tried it on in Boston, Lydia said it looked good. She liked—”

“Kori, she’s straight,” Sam cut in, her tone flat but not unkind.

Kori had already told her friends about her crush on Lydia. She had nothing to hide—they were the least judgmental people she knew.

“I know. Trust me, I think about it a lot. But I still want her to think I look pretty—is that such a crime?” Kori shut her eyes and drew in a deep breath, reminding herself just how wrong it was. Might as well be a crime, she thought, considering she’s literally my brother’s girlfriend and will never feel the way I do.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt.” When Kori sat down on the bed, Sam placed a hand on her arm, tracing slow circles with her thumb.

“I support it. Wear the black bikini.” Jewels tossed the magazine onto the comforter and jumped from the bed. "You're a big girl; I trust that you won't get hurt."

“Yay! I’ll wear it. I hope it brings back the memories,” Kori said, standing up and twirling once in front of the mirror, and Sam sighed.

“We should go downstairs! People will start arriving any minute now.” Jewels opened the door, her bracelets jingling as she disappeared into the hallway. Sam followed with a groan, and Kori trailed behind.

As Kori went down the stairs, her stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and dread. Yes, it’s wrong. Yes, I’ll get hurt. Yes, she’ll never like me back the way I want her to. But still—just seeing her again will make everything worth it.

All three girls stepped out into the backyard. The pool glittered beneath the afternoon sun, framed by bright floaties. Stacks of beer cans sat in coolers by the patio, and at the corner, a bartender in a crisp white shirt was arranging bottles.

As Sam and Jewels talked, Kori’s ears went on mute. Her eyes stayed locked on the entrance. Any second now, Lydia could appear—just a glimpse of that dark hair would be enough. She knew they’d barely get to talk with Aaron around, but that didn’t matter. Seeing Lydia, even for a moment, would make her world feel complete.

One person walked in and greeted her. Not Lydia.

Then two people. Not Lydia.

Another person. Not Lydia.

Kori got a piña colada and gazed into the distance. She told herself Lydia would come. She told herself to enjoy her own party, to stop obsessing. But the truth was, the world seemed to revolve around that one girl—and until she arrived, nothing felt right.

"Kori, come here!" Jewels called, and Kori turned.

And there she was. Lydia. Blue sandals, a white sundress, a Louis Vuitton bag slung over her shoulder, and the sunglasses they’d bought in Boston perched on her head. Her glossy black hair framed her face perfectly. No Aaron in sight. She was laughing at something Sam had said.

In disbelief at what she was seeing—Lydia, without Aaron—Kori set her drink aside and walked over to her friends. Every step felt like walking on a soft cloud, excited just to see her up close and talk again. The butterflies in Kori’s stomach fluttered so hard she knew she’d never recover from this crush; but she didn’t care, because the presence of Lydia made the inevitable heartbreak worth it.

As she reached the group, Lydia leaned in close, draping an arm around Kori’s neck. The side of her face pressed lightly against Kori’s chest, warm and comforting. “Thanks for inviting me!” she said in a warm voice—so warm it made Kori’s cheeks feel like they were on fire.

“No, thank you for coming,” Kori said quietly. She put her arm around Lydia’s shoulders and felt her soft, warm skin. Her eyes caught two tiny freckles on Lydia’s left shoulder, and for a brief second she imagined she was one freckle and Lydia the other—God, I’m pathetic. Lydia would never know, but this wasn’t just a polite ‘thanks.’ It was something deeper, a truth Kori had meant straight from her soul.

Lydia gently took one of Kori’s hands and pulled away from the hug. Kori’s gaze fell to Lydia’s delicate hand, fixated on her manicure’s perfectly polished French tips accented by tiny hibiscus flowers on each nail. Her chest tightened, and she had to take a deep breath to stop herself from hyperventilating.

“Where can I get changed?” Lydia asked softly, glancing at Kori as she lightly tugged on her hand.

Before Kori could answer, Jewels swooped in, taking Lydia’s other hand and tugging her toward the house. “I’ll show you!” As they disappeared inside, she glanced back at Kori and winked.

What the fuck is she doing?

Kori’s blood boiled. Why would Jewels take Lydia away from her, knowing exactly how much she liked her? And that little wink to twist the knife? Seriously?

"Go get your crush. Jewels probably took her to your room," Sam said.

"You think so?" Kori asked.

“I know so. Now go!” Sam said, giving Kori a gentle push forward—both physical and metaphorical.

So that's what the wink meant.

Kori sprinted, catching sight of Jewels walking back along the way. “Thanks,” she said to her friend. Then she climbed the stairs, and before she knew it, she was standing in front of the bedroom door.

Her heart raced. She was about to have actual alone time with Lydia—in her room, no less. This was huge. How am I supposed to act casual?

She inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself, then lifted her hand and knocked lightly on the door.

"Occupied!" Lydia shouted in her sweet voice.

Kori cleared her throat, trying to keep her voice steady. “It’s Kori! But I’ll wait.”

“Oh, you can come in! It’s your room,” Lydia called.

Oh god...

I can’t believe this is happening…

Kori’s hand trembled on the way to the doorknob. She twisted it carefully, reconsidering whether it was a good idea—to walk into her room while her brother’s straight girlfriend, the one she was helplessly in love with, was changing.

When she pushed the door open, Kori froze. Lydia was in her bikini bottom, fumbling slightly with the halter top. The soft shade of baby blue perfectly complemented her eyes. Kori felt her chest tighten so sharply it hurt. How dare a woman this gorgeous walk into her life without a warning.

“Uh… can you… help me tie the back?” Lydia’s voice trembled, her cheeks warming with embarrassment.

Why is she trembling? Does she know I’m gay? Does she know I’m obsessed with her? But… she wouldn’t ask if it made her uncomfortable, would she?

“Sure.” Kori gently closed the door behind her and stepped carefully toward Lydia, second-guessing whether this was a good idea. She thought about backing out, but Lydia had asked, and she had already said yes. There was no turning back now.

She positioned herself behind Lydia, careful not to let her eyes wander over to areas she shouldn’t see.

Lydia gathered her hair with one hand, pulling it forward over her shoulder and revealing more skin than Kori felt ready to see.

Don’t be weird. She’s your friend. Treat this like you’re helping Sam or Jewels. Just… normal.

Kori’s fingers trembled slightly as she worked the knots, taking care not to touch Lydia’s skin. The last thing she wanted was to play into the homophobic 'predatory lesbian' stereotype. She was just helping her friend, that was all.

As Kori secured the second knot, her pinky brushed against Lydia’s bare skin. A wave of guilt and embarrassment washed over her. She had tried so hard to avoid touching her, only to end up failing. But the shame didn’t stop her heart from fluttering, wishing it could have lasted just a second longer.

“There you go.” Kori stepped back, silently scolding herself for enjoying the touch of Lydia’s skin.

“Thank you!” Lydia’s cheeks flushed a deeper pink as she wrapped her arms tightly around Kori’s waist.

Their bodies were touching. Nothing in between, except for the places where it was completely necessary. Kori’s stomach twisted with guilt—Lydia had no idea she was hugging a lesbian. Yet secretly, she was thrilled, savoring every second.

The world seemed to stop. The laughter and music from outside faded to nothing. The room disappeared. It was just the two of them, and nothing else.

Kori wondered how Aaron would react if he saw this. She imagined him bursting in like he had that time she was kissing Alex, her ex-girlfriend. The door swinging open while he asked a question, only to find his girlfriend’s arms around his sister—who he hated more than anything. In bikinis. God.

He’d probably throw a fit, yelling at her to never lay hands on Lydia again. He would never let his guard down around Kori and Lydia and would ensure they never spent a second alone together—yet somehow, they'd still find ways. Deep down, Kori knew that whatever they had going on was stronger than him.

Even more dangerously, Kori wondered what it would be like if Aaron opened the door and, instead of a hug, he found her kissing Lydia. As awful as that would be, she wouldn’t feel sorry for it—not even for a second.

Imagining the chance to kiss Lydia felt more important than anything he could do to stop it. Even if it would realistically never happen—since she was… straight—just thinking about it was enough.

Even if Lydia’s feelings were purely platonic, Kori already had things Aaron didn’t: her authenticity, her trust, and the ability to make Lydia laugh.

And now? This hug. It already was more than Kori could ever need. Her life felt complete.

She had already crossed every line she wasn't supposed to: crushing on Lydia, secretly befriending her, going out in secret, this very moment—but she didn't care.

Lydia pulled back from the hug. “We should go!” She grabbed Kori’s hand, intertwining their fingers, and tried to pull her out of the room.

“Actually, I think I’ll stay here for a minute. I’m guessing Aaron is already wondering where you are, so… see you later at the pool.” Saying that Aaron was probably already wondering where Lydia was made Kori want to rip her skin off—but it was probably true.

Lydia leaned closer, her voice soft and warm. “In case I don’t get to do this later.” Her lips brushed against Kori’s cheek.

Every second felt magical. Lydia’s lips were slightly wet, leaving a trace of saliva behind. As she pulled away, Kori’s cheek felt cold, already missing the touch.

Lydia released Kori’s hand with a light, airy giggle and walked toward the door, closing it softly behind her.

Kori didn’t actually need to stay, but if they left the room at the same time, it would’ve looked suspicious. Knowing Aaron, he’d assume the worst—as if he’d actually caught them kissing.

Kori brushed her fingers across the spot Lydia had kissed. She hadn't been wearing lipstick, so there wasn't a visible mark—but the kiss lingered like a tattoo in her mind.

She walked over to her vanity to check her makeup. It sat flawlessly, and she could still see where Lydia had pressed her lips—slightly wet, barely noticeable, yet notorious in Kori's heart.

Instead of rubbing it away and ruining her makeup, Kori grabbed the magazine Jewels had been reading and fanned her cheek with it, almost as if trying to set the kiss in place.

It was the third time Lydia had kissed her cheek. Was this becoming their thing? Would there be another—or many more? Each question sent a rush through her.

Once the dampness faded, Kori reapplied a thick layer of lip gloss for good measure. The sweet mango scent filled her nose as she left the room.

She ran downstairs; now it was time to get her mind off Lydia. She was excited to steal a few glances, but there were seventy other guests, and she'd be around Aaron the whole time anyway.

Sam and Jewels were chatting in the pool, so Kori carefully made her way down the steps and swam toward them.

“Oh, hey Kori!” Sam said.

“She was so sweet!” Jewels gushed immediately, shaking her head and opening her mouth like she wanted to scream. “I’m straight, but I get it.”

Kori’s eyes widened at Jewels’ 'I’m straight' line. If Lydia or anyone else overheard, they might assume Kori wasn’t. She wasn’t ashamed of being a lesbian, but seeing how some people treated Sam, she wasn’t ready to come out yet.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry!” Jewels gasped, slapping a hand over her mouth. A small panic flickered across her face.

“Okay, from now on we call them ‘that person,’” Sam whispered, leaning in so no one else could hear. “Use ‘they’ instead of ‘she,’ so no one can tell who we’re talking about.”

“Sounds good,” Kori whispered back. “So that person… God, so much just happened.” The memory of the room hit her, tightening her chest and making her slightly hyperventilate.

“Tell us everything! I’m all ears!” Jewels smiled broadly.

Kori bit the inside of her cheek to keep from squealing, scanning the crowd to make sure Lydia couldn’t overhear. Luckily—or unluckily—Lydia was across the pool, Aaron’s arm draped over her shoulders as he sipped a Corona.

“Okay, so… first of all, thank you, Jewels, for making it ha—”

“Bitch, thank me too! I was the one who told you to go upstairs,” Sam interrupted, pretending to be offended.

Kori cackled. “Yes, thank you too.” She paused, glancing at Lydia, locked in a kiss with Aaron and not looking up. Ugh. Kori swallowed. “So I knocked, and they said ‘occupied.’ When I told them it was me, she… they,” she corrected herself, “said I could come in. I opened the door slowly, and they were in the middle of chang—”

Sam interrupted again. "Kori, what?" she almost screamed.

“It’s not like that,” Kori said quickly, softly tapping Sam’s arm to stop the teasing.

“People always say it’s not like that when it is, in fact, like that,” Sam replied, splashing water in Kori’s face.

Jewels reached out, catching both their arms. “Okay, enough of that—” she laughed. “I want to hear the story! Now, Kori, keep going.”

Kori glanced over Jewels' shoulder, her stomach tightening as she checked where Lydia was—still kissing Aaron. Double ugh. She turned back to her friends. “So, that person was changing,” she began, lowering her voice slightly. “They asked if I could help tie their top. I tried not to touch their skin, I didn’t want to be weird, but when I finished, they hugged me so tight. It just felt… strange, with how little we’re wearing.”

"Awww," Jewels cooed. "Maybe they like you back."

“Probably not, considering…” Kori hesitated. How could she say out loud that she was her brother’s girlfriend? “The circumstances,” she finally muttered, exhaling. “That’s not all. After the hug, that person kissed my cheek—it’s the third time. I kinda hope it’s becoming… our thing.”

Jewels bit her lip, as if she wanted to cheer but had to hold it back. “You did say they probably don’t like their partner,” she spoke quietly, “so there’s still a chance they could like you.”

Suddenly the possibility sparked a million butterflies in Kori's stomach. In reality, there was no chance—but for a fleeting second, she let herself imagine it.

“Well, I’m not exactly their type,” Kori muttered, glancing down at her chest, as if she was pointing out the obvious.

“Kori! If their partner isn’t their type, but you are—or, you know…” Jewels mouthed the word ‘girls.’ “Then all isn’t lost. They might like you.”

Sam leaned back. “Or maybe both of you—like, you and their partner—could be their type. Then maybe they like you, not them.” She tilted her head slightly, hinting at the possibility of Lydia being bisexual.

It made sense in theory, but in practice, all of Lydia’s actions lined up with those of a completely clueless straight girl. A gay girl aware of her feelings wouldn’t just go around kissing her crush’s cheek—that was exactly why it was always Lydia doing it, not Kori.

“I doubt it,” Kori muttered.

“Look,” Sam began. “I’m not saying they like you. What I am saying is you shouldn’t close yourself off to the possibility—you never know for sure. That’s how things started with me and my ex.”

"Easy for you to say, you're in college. Everyone's gay in college." Maybe I should go to university and stop wasting my time on her.

"Correction: Everyone wants to experiment with the one gay girl they know of. If that person is... you know... into..." she hesitated before speaking again, as if she was finding a way of saying 'men' without being too obvious. "If you're not their type." Sam glanced around to make sure no one was listening. “Come out, and you’ll get plenty of girls like her—straight, experimenting with you. It’s worth a try!”

Kori laughed, splashing water at Sam. “You stupid bitch! My family would literally kill me!”

Sam retaliated immediately, splashing water back at Kori.

"Girls, I'm so sorry to leave, but a guy from one of my classes is staring at me, and he's hot. Be right back, or not, hopefully not!" Jewels swam away.

“Enough about that person—let’s get cocktails until you’re so drunk you can’t even remember their name!” Sam pulled Kori out of the pool.

Kori glanced at Lydia one last time. She was looking back. Her heart skipped a beat. But Sam was right: she shouldn’t stay so fixated, especially since—even if Sam and Jewels didn't believe it—Lydia was most likely straight.

“Two piña coladas, please!” Sam called to the bartender, grinning brightly.

“So… how’s the sorority drama going?” Kori asked, forcing her mind away from Lydia.

Sam smiled as if she was about to give the most magnificent gossip as a gift to Kori. “So, Jessica got kicked out.” Earlier that week, Sam had explained that Jessica had slept with Crystal’s boyfriend, the same guy who had been eyeing Kori at the last party she went to. “The wild part is why she got kicked out. She tried to fight Crystal, but Crystal wasn’t having it—she didn’t fight back and just ran. Jessica chased her down the street with a shoe to throw at her.”

“Is Crystal okay?” Kori asked, only half-listening. The gossip helped her mind wander from Lydia, at least for a moment.

The bartender placed both drinks on the table with a smile. “Here you go!”

“Thank you!” Sam grabbed both drinks, handing one to Kori. “Crystal’s okay—more than okay. When Jessica got kicked out, she bought a wig to avoid cameras and keyed her car. Jessica knows it was Crystal but can’t prove it.”

They returned to the pool, settling into a corner.

“That’s insane. Crystal’s ex was such a creep—she really dodged a bullet. He did give me a cup full of vodka, though, so I’m not complaining on my end,” Kori said, raising her glass to her lips.

“Yeah. He cheated on Crystal and gave you so much alcohol that you ended up making out with some guy. An ugly one, I might add. You’re not complaining, but I am.” Sam sipped, wincing. “Oh, this is strong!” She laughed.

“I told the bartender to make mine strong before you got here. Guess he figured strong for me meant strong for you too,” Kori said, laughing along.

“I can’t drink that—it’s too bitter. I’ll ask him to make me a lighter one. You can have mine,” Sam said as she began wading through the water.

“Wait!” Kori said, downing Sam’s entire drink in one go. “Can you give him this empty glass?”

Sam chuckled, shaking her head as she took the glass from Kori. “Sure thing.” Then she turned and walked off.

As soon as Sam left, Kori’s thoughts snapped back to Lydia. She scanned the crowd and finally spotted her—standing alone across the water.

Lydia was already looking right back at her.

Their eyes met, and Lydia smiled, her cheeks lifting almost to her lashes. She looked so effortlessly sweet that Kori felt her chest tighten.

Lydia’s grin stretched from ear to ear. She closed her eyes and bit her lip lightly. Kori smiled back, completely stunned by how someone could be that beautiful just by existing.

Lydia winked and spun in a quick, effortless twirl. Then she blew a kiss in Kori’s direction.

God. She’s just being friendly, but she has no idea what she’s doing to me.

Kori winked back. She didn’t have the confidence to blow a kiss, but a wink would have to do.

Then an idea sparked. She could get closer—not to talk, not to make it weird, just be physically closer.

She slid to the edge of the pool and climbed out. She felt her hair get wet, she didn't want it to—to look good for Lydia—but at this point it was already wet enough that it wouldn't make a difference.

She approached the side of the pool where Lydia stood, rehearsing the move in her head: dive in, surface beside her, act casual. Just a few feet away, close enough to feel part of her world for a moment.

But when she reached the spot, Aaron was already there, his arm looped around Lydia’s waist like he owned her. He had ruined all her plans.

Even if she couldn’t and knew she shouldn’t, Kori still wanted to be closer—to breathe in Lydia’s presence and feel her aura.

She did it anyway. Carefully setting her drink on the pool’s edge, Kori bent her knees, lifted her arms, and launched herself headfirst into the water, surfacing just a few feet from Lydia.

As Kori surfaced, she glanced at Lydia. Their eyes met, and with Aaron’s attention elsewhere, Lydia winked at her.

Kori's heart melted instantly.

She couldn’t respond in this silent exchange; it was too risky with Aaron nearby. Still, she treasured the moment, her lips curling into a small smile.

Climbing out of the pool, Kori grabbed her drink and walked to the far edge, sitting with her feet in the water. Her eyes flicked to Lydia, but her face was turned toward Aaron.

Sam came back with a piña colada in her hand. "Cheers!" She took Kori's hand that was holding her drink and clinked their glasses.

"Cheers."

“Oh, I know that tone. What’s wrong?” Sam asked, raising an eyebrow. Kori exhaled. “Is it about that person? How are things going with them?”

“Amazing and terrible at the same time. We keep having these somewhat intimate moments, but now…” Kori sighed. “Look at them.”

"Where is the person in question?" Sam asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Look around."

Sam’s eyes scanned the entire area until they landed on Lydia. Squinting, she tracked the scene, and Kori followed her gaze. Lydia had both hands on Aaron’s face, pressing her lips to his.

“Oh… well, that was expected,” Sam said with a shrug. “What matters are those semi-intimate moments. Even if that person doesn’t feel the same way—after giving it more thought, there's a high chance they don't—and even if I wouldn't waste my time, what you want are the semi-intimate moments. That's what you're getting, so enjoy them and ignore the bad parts."

“Yeah… I guess I should be grateful.”

“Exactly!” Sam said brightly, trying to cheer Kori. Then she leaned in, her eyes glinting mischievously. “Now, want more sorority drama updates?”

“Oh, absolutely.” Kori welcomed the distraction. Maybe gossip could mute Lydia’s name echoing in her mind. She turned her body away from Lydia, forcing herself to focus on Sam.

“So while waiting for my cocktail, I ran into Crystal,” Sam began, a sly grin on her lips. “She gave me updates. Some girl in the sorority told her that her ex had bought a ring to propose to her.”

"Wow, he told me he would propose, but I didn't think it would be this soon!" Kori laughed.

“That’s not all. Since they broke up, he’s proposing to Jessica instead,” Sam continued. “Crystal knows exactly when and where because a guy from his frat told her. She and Jewels will key his car the night before. She even has a blonde wig for Jewels already!"

Kori's eyes widened. "Our Jewels?"

"Bitch, have you ever met another girl named Jewels?" Sam cackled.

Kori laughed too. "So like... When?"

"Exactly two weeks from today! Fucking crazy how fast things moved between them!"

“Well, my crush on that person moved fast too. I met them less than two months ago.” Kori bit her lip, realizing how crazy that sounded out loud.

“That’s different. First, it’s just a crush, not a proposal—” Sam began, but Kori cut her off before she could finish.

"Trust me. If I could, I'd marry them right now." Kori's heart ached as she spoke. It was true on her end, but not Lydia's—if anything, she was on the path to marrying Aaron.

"Let me finish!" Sam said. "Your thing didn't start because of cheating—"

Kori spoke up again, her voice lower this time. “I wish it would, though.”

“I said let me finish! People like you, like us, move fast. U-Hauling is a thing for a reason. But those people—you know, that species, Jewels’ species.” Kori laughed at how Sam had called straight people a species. “They go on a few dates, then make it official, and eventually they get married. That species doesn’t move as fast as we do.”

"Yeah, I guess you're right. And now I'm helplessly in love with someone from that species."

Sam reached out, taking Kori’s hand and tracing slow circles with her thumb. “Well, that was your choice,” she said gently.

“Bitch, you’re from my species,” Kori shot back with a grin. “Isn’t the whole ‘you can’t help who you fall for’ our entire thing?” She plunged her hand into the cool water and splashed Sam.

“Hey! That was uncalled for!” Sam splashed water back at Kori. “Now... I’m kind of in the mood to make out with someone. Is anyone from our species around?”

“You’re like the only person from our species I know,” Kori said. “But there is someone I made out with at a party here. She said it was just to get boys’ attention, but I’m pretty sure she enjoyed it way too much for that to be true. You could totally go for her. She’s a short emo redhead with blue eyes and a black bikini.”

Sam stood up. “Sorry to leave you alone, but our whole species thing is ‘the heart wants what it wants,’ and this is what my heart wants right now. Can I use your room if I need to?”

“Sure,” Kori replied, and Sam walked off.

And there was Kori, alone. Her eyes scanned the place, hoping for a glimpse of Lydia, but she was nowhere to be found.

She took a deep breath, sipping her piña colada as she watched everyone around her.

Then, Kori saw Jewels running to her around the pool.

“Kori!” she shouted, dropping to her knees beside her, bringing their faces to the same level.

“Jewels!” Kori replied playfully, curious why she was running so urgently.

“You won’t believe this!” Jewels said, her voice bright and cheerful as always.

“What happened?” Kori asked, bracing for a story about some guy or the sorority chaos Sam had mentioned earlier, though curiosity still sparked through her anyway.

“So… they told me not to tell you. You know who ‘they’ is.” Jewels made exaggerated finger quotes, still slightly out of breath. “They asked what lip gloss you use because they can’t stop staring at your lips. They said they’re so cute and glossy that they need the same one—”

Kori, in her usual habit of interrupting her friends when excited, did exactly that. “Oh my God!” she screamed.

"Not just that. They want to know the flavor because they're curious about what it tastes like." Jewels had a giant smile, as if she was the happiest one could be for their friend.

“Are you serious?” Kori could hardly believe it. She must be pulling a prank. There’s no way this is true. Her pulse quickened in disbelief.

“As serious as I’ve ever been. And there’s more!” Jewels began. “They were alone; their partner was in the bathroom. They said they needed to step outside the property for a moment. Your parents can’t see the cameras outside. This is your chance to follow them!”

Kori jumped to her feet. “You know how much I love you, right?” She smiled at Jewels and handed her the drink. “You can finish this if you want. I'll go get the person."

“Go!” Jewels took the drink and gave Kori a gentle push.

Kori dashed to the side of the pool where she’d left her sandals, slid her feet into them, and ran as fast as she could.

I’m about to get alone time. More alone time. Maybe another cheek kiss? Or maybe not. Either way, I’m about to be somewhere the cameras can’t see us. Oh my God. Her stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation.

She was out of breath, her legs starting to cramp. Why did my parents need such a big property? Completely fucking unnecessary. But it didn’t matter; anything for Lydia.

That’s when she saw the pale, short girl in a baby blue bikini, the ends of her wet hair swaying gently with every step she took.

"Lydia!" Kori shouted and ran faster.

The short girl turned, her gaze locking with Kori’s, and Kori felt her breath catch.

Kori felt like she could drown in those ocean-blue eyes.

She drew closer, slowing her pace to catch her breath, her pulse racing.

“You followed me?” Lydia asked, her cheeks flushing and eyes sparkling.

“Of course I followed you. You’re my guest, and most importantly, my friend,” Kori said, still catching her breath.

“That’s so sweet,” Lydia said with a soft smile, biting her lip as if to release all her excitement. A red blush spread across her cheeks.

Kori's heart skipped.

“So why are you out here?” Kori asked. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

Lydia inhaled and looked at Kori up and down, her gaze lingering just enough to make Kori’s stomach tighten. Suddenly, the tall blonde felt self-conscious. What if she's judging?

“I told your friend… Julia? I can’t remember her name, but that’s beside the point,” Lydia began. “I said I was stressed and needed a cigarette, but I couldn’t smoke because of the security cameras. She told me your parents can’t see the cameras outside, so I told Aaron I was going to the bathroom—and now I’m here.” She glanced down at her shoes, biting her lip nervously.

Kori raised an eyebrow teasingly, a playful smirk curling her lips. “You smoke?”

“Only when I’m stressed.” Lydia paused, eyes lingering on Kori’s lips. “Are you coming?”

“Well, there are still three quarters of the way to go. I can show you the nearest blind spot,” Kori said, her voice slightly breathless, feeling a strange warmth in her chest as Lydia’s gaze stayed locked on her lips.

She wished Lydia’s eyes would meet hers, but the focus on her lips felt even better, a thrilling tension twisting in her stomach.

"I'd love that, actually. I'm tired of walking."

“Then come with me!” Kori led her toward the helipad.

She wished she could grab Lydia’s hand, but it would be too risky. Her parents regularly checked the cameras, and they would not have appreciated seeing Kori, the lesbo, grabbing poor delicate Lydia's hand.

At the blind spot, twenty feet from the helipad, Kori sank onto the grass. “Here, they won’t see us.”

Lydia sat cross-legged in front of Kori, pulling a cigarette from her purse and lighting it. The faint scent of tobacco reached Kori’s nose.

She inhaled deeply. “Thank you for bringing me here. My legs were so sore, they were about to give out.”

Kori felt her cheeks warming. She finally had alone time where the cameras couldn’t see. Nothing would happen, of course, but butterflies fluttered wildly in her stomach.

“So, what’s stressing you out?” she asked. “It’s okay if you don’t want to say, I just—”

Lydia interrupted. “Aaron consumes all my energy. I came here because I like you… a lot.” She inhaled from her cigarette, smoke curling upward. “I wish I could’ve spent more time with you. Thank you for following me.”

Kori didn't even feel warmth in her heart anymore—it was fully on fire, every word from Lydia igniting another flame. Her stomach twisted with excitement.

Kori hesitated for a moment before saying anything. "Well, now we're around each other," she started, fidgeting with the grass, contemplating if she really should say what she wanted to. "Remember when we wished we could've danced together for real instead of across the room? No one can see us now."

Lydia giggled, biting her lip. “There’s no music, silly!”

Kori closed her eyes, gathering courage. Did Lydia mean she didn't want to? Kori's heart ached. But there was one way to find out for sure—by shooting her shot. "We can dance in silence... I'm just saying."

Lydia replied immediately. "I'd like that." Her tone was warm, inviting.

She stood gracefully, and Kori followed, feeling a surge of nervous excitement pulse through her veins.

Lydia pressed against Kori, leaving no space between them. She intertwined her fingers with Kori’s with her free hand, while her other arm wrapped around Kori’s waist, careful not to burn her with the cigarette. Kori felt the warmth of her skin and her heartbeat matching her own.

Kori placed her hand on Lydia’s back, feeling the subtle curve of her spine, and stepped to the side. Lydia mirrored her, matching each movement fluidly. Step by step, side to side, they moved together, a silent rhythm between them.

Dancing with Lydia felt natural, as if they had done it a thousand times before. Kori closed her eyes, absorbing every second. No music was needed—just the presence of one another.

Lydia stepped back, lifting Kori’s arm for a double twirl. In her excitement, she stumbled on her own foot, collapsing onto the grass with a startled laugh.

"That was so fun! You are like the best person to dance with!" She kept laughing.

She crossed her legs on the grass and took a drag from her cigarette.

Kori sat in front of her. “You know... I don’t smoke, but cigarettes feel like such a hot-girl thing.”

Lydia grinned, her eyes sparkling as she bit her lip teasingly. “Really? I’m a hot girl?”

Then it hit Kori. As much as she wanted to avoid falling into the stupid 'predatory lesbian' trope, she felt just like that. Internalized homophobia strikes once again.

But she wasn't about to say Lydia wasn't, that would've been rude.

Straight girls say things like this all the time, Kori reminded herself. It's okay.

"Yes."

Lydia giggled, as if the laughter was coming from genuine happiness, from her soul. She inhaled from her cigarette and blew smoke gently toward Kori’s face, the warmth of her breath brushing against Kori’s cheeks.

Kori chuckled. This would've been such a turn off coming from anyone else, but from Lydia, it felt intoxicatingly amazing. That's how you know you're in love.

"Now you're a passive smoker." Lydia kept giggling. "You're officially a hot girl too. Well..." she paused, a subtle glint in her eyes. "You already were."

Kori could feel her cheeks burning. Thank God it isn't showing.

"Really? Wow." Those were the only words that Kori could come up with as she was feeling a swirl of emotions inside.

"Are you kidding? You're like... the hottest girl in the world." Lydia took another drag of her cigarette, then tapped it out on the sole of her sandal before tucking the butt into a pocket in her purse. “I’ll throw this away at home so Aaron won’t see it.”

Kori wished Lydia were gay like her friends suspected, so those words about her being hot held real meaning rather than just being a friendly compliment.

Then an idea sparked in Kori’s mind.

"You know... I've never smoked, but I might want to try. Can I?" Anything to be seen as hot in Lydia's eyes.

“Of course, my dear,” Lydia said warmly, a slight smile playing on her lips.

She called me 'my dear.' Oh my fucking God, I'm about to die.

Lydia pulled a Marlboro pack from her bag and took out two cigarettes. She placed one between Kori’s lips and one in her own. A bit of Kori’s lip gloss got on her fingers, so she removed her cigarette and wiped it on her lips.

“Mhhh… Mango. I like it,” she said, inhaling deeply as if trying to absorb the scent of Kori’s lips.

“I love mango,” Kori said awkwardly, pulling the cigarette from her mouth. Jewels’ words echoed in her mind, how Lydia had been curious about what her lips tasted like. A rush of warmth flooded her chest—she felt like she was in heaven.

“It’s so… you.” Lydia inhaled again. “I asked your friend Julia the flavor of your lip gloss, and she said pineapple. She’s sweet, but a liar.” She playfully narrowed her eyes and tilted her face downward, pretending to be angry.

Kori giggled. “I do have pineapple lip gloss too, but today I went for mango. Also, her name is Jewels.”

Lydia’s face softened into a gentle smile. “Jewels is a pretty name.” Her smile widened as she lit her cigarette and inhaled deeply, eyes fixed on Kori. “Now put your cigarette back in your lips. When our cigarettes touch, inhale as deeply as you can through your mouth.”

Kori returned the cigarette to her mouth. She had never smoked before, but she was thrilled that her first time would be with Lydia.

Lydia returned her cigarette to her mouth, and Kori followed her lead. Lydia leaned closer and closer, until they were just four inches apart. Their cigarettes touched.

It felt almost like kissing, an indirect, electric connection through Kori’s first cigarette, sending shivers down her spine.

God, I wish she were gay.

Kori barely had time to process the moment before coughing violently, her vision swirling with dizziness.

Lydia exhaled smoke. “That’s normal the first time. These are Marlboros—they’re strong. Just breathe in and out, and you’ll feel fine.” Her calm presence was grounding.

Kori hadn’t mentioned her dizziness and nausea, yet Lydia seemed to know, as if reading her mind.

But in reality, Lydia probably just understood, having gone through it herself at some point—and perhaps guided others through their first cigarette.

She may have even done the indirect cigarette kiss with others before.

Suddenly, Kori felt less special.

After a few steady breaths, Kori felt stable again. She took another drag of the cigarette.

“Do you feel better now?” Lydia asked softly. Kori nodded, feeling her pulse slowly calm.

“Yes, thank you.” Kori’s hands itched to pull Lydia into a hug, but she held back—that was the clueless straight girl’s role, not the awkward lesbian’s.

Lydia moved lightly on her knees toward Kori, resting her head gently on Kori’s shoulder.

“Thank you for taking my stress away. I feel calmer than ever now,” she murmured, and Kori could hear her breathe.

Kori’s heart raced like a drum. It was overwhelming, almost unfair. How could Lydia be so perfect, radiant, and untouchable that Kori couldn’t resist her?

She would have confessed her feelings in that moment—it was hard not to—but it would have been stupid and pointless. Still, she wanted to, even though she knew she never would.

“I’m glad I helped,” Kori whispered. The weight of Lydia’s presence on her shoulder sent shivers down her spine.

Lydia took Kori’s hand, fingers intertwining naturally with hers. Her hand was soft, nails freshly manicured, warm against Kori’s. Kori squeezed, as if she could fuse their hands completely.

She wanted to cry. It wasn't fair.

“Can you like… stay closer to me for the rest of the evening? I can’t be the one to make it happen—Aaron would kill me,” Lydia whispered. “You have this amazing energy, and I just want to feel it near me.”

“I will,” Kori whispered back.

“I think we should go back. Aaron will start wondering where I am if we don’t.”

Kori drew a deep breath, thinking about the surveillance cameras and Aaron’s temper. “You go first. I can see how possessive he is. If we go back together, he’ll be furious. Even us spending a second alone would set him off.” In bikinis. He would kill me if he knew his lesbian sister was alone with Lydia in bikinis.

Lydia raised her eyebrows and frowned, and the small gesture broke Kori’s heart.

“Fine. Can I give you one last cheek kiss?” Lydia asked softly.

“Always.”

Lydia cupped Kori’s chin gently, her lips pressing softly against Kori’s cheek and sending a rush of heat through her body.

Kori savored every second, memorizing the moment.

After pulling away, Lydia tapped her cigarette out in her sandal, and Kori mirrored her. Then Lydia collected both butts and tucked them into her purse. “I’ll go now. Make sure to stay nearby—or at least where I can see you.” She stood, giving a small wave before walking away, leaving a fluttering emptiness in Kori’s chest.

As Kori watched Lydia walk away, her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. This whole thing was insane. An indirect cigarette kiss, dancing silently together, holding hands, Lydia resting her head on her shoulder—it was as if Lydia was deliberately trying to give her a heart attack.

How could a girl be this straight, so oblivious to the homoerotic undertones of whatever they had going on? So freaking clueless.

When Kori returned to the party, she stayed true to Lydia’s request: always nearby, always in sight. They exchanged a few secret glances, and Kori felt both crushed and exhilarated—wanting her brother’s girlfriend so badly, yet her heart fluttered every time Lydia looked her way.

More than an hour had passed since their secret moment in the blind spot, when Jewels came running toward Kori. Now, both girls were lounging in the pool, Jewels holding a mojito in her hand.

“Sorry I didn’t come earlier, I was caught up with that guy I told you about,” Jewels confessed.

“Did you—?” Kori asked, but Jewels cut her off.

“No! That’s for the third date minimum. We only kissed,” Jewels said, splashing water at Kori playfully. “So… what happened when you went outside with that person?”

Kori sighed. “So much, I can’t even tell you yet. That’s for whenever we get coff—”

Jewels interrupted with wide eyes. “So much? Oh my freaking God!” Excitement radiated off her.

That’s when something magical happened. Lydia and Aaron—ugh, Aaron—walked toward Kori. Lydia’s presence alone made her heart skip; she was the first to speak.

"Bye, Kori! Thank you for inviting us, this was fun," she said. She dared to wink at Kori, because Aaron's eyes lingered on Jewels—what a creep, his girlfriend is literally right next to him.

Kori's heart nearly melted.

“Glad you had fun,” Kori replied. It felt like she was speaking a private language only she and Lydia could understand.

“Bye. See you later,” Aaron muttered, rolling his eyes, oblivious to the subtle secrecy between the two girls.

Then the couple walked away.