Chapter 1
Debut
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Kiara's point of view
One step to the right hands up and now!
1234 5678 I can't mess this up! I need to get into the school. Hi! My name is Kiara pronounced key-are-a. I know odd name right? Right now I'm with my dance group aka very close friends and we are dancing to a song to get into the unified arts music academy, UAMA for short. It's a school for people who are talented and like to sing and dance. Right now me and my dance group are all auditioning for the school. Oh shoot right foot not left! Hopefully the judges don't see it!
Finally I finished my dance!
"Nice job guys!" Mikayla said, Mikayla is one year older than me so she is 16.She is tall has brow hair and eyes and is very pretty. She is one of the dancers in my group there is 5 of us in total counting me and I'm the youngest. There is Me,Mikayla,Adeline,Cora,and Grace. Adeline is short compared to Mikayla but tall compared to me, she has has brown hair with blonde highlights blue eyes and is very sweet. Cora is short, but not as short as me, green eyes long hazel hair and it's very wavy but not wavy enough to be curly and sometimes she is moody. And Grace,She is the tallest in our group, she has shortish brown hair, and a mix of brown and blue eyes. And me, I have dark straight brown hair, brown eyes, and I'm pretty short I guess. We are all very close and have known each other for a long time.
Chapter 2
The other group
While sitting down we watched the other performers play, then there was a new group with a lot of boys all boys. They all looked my age about but one was staring at me he had messy brown hair and brown eyes. Then the music played their dancing was so good it was scary! After that a few more groups went and it was done. After and hour of waiting the judges gathered us up to announce the people who would make it into the school. They called up a few random bands names then they called that one band that was really good.
"Michel.L, Ram.P, RJ.H, Lucas,A, and Kieran,D can you please come the the stage?" The boys came up and the boy who was staring stating a me came last Kieran was his name.
"Oh no! They only have one spot left I guess we didn't make it."Adeline said
"It's ok we can try next year." Grace replied
Oh yeah shoot there is only one more spot there is no chance that I will make it
"And the last person who will get to join UAMA is…
Chapter 3
Huh?
Kieran's point of view
I'm standing upstage waiting for the judges to call the last person to be called up to join the school. Why do I care? Idk just want to know.
"And the last person who will get to join UAMA is" The judges took a suspenseful pause. Ahhhh just say it already!
"Kiara V" The judges announced. Isn't that girl part of a group? Who cares as long as she is not part of our class I'm good.
"If you choose to join school will start on Monday so in 2 days. We will fund materials but all you need is a bag and lunch"
Chapter 4
5 boys 1 girl
Kiara point of view
Huh I still can't believe I made it without the girls. They are all trying to be happy for me but I know they are sad. But they did make it into MADA, which is my schools rival but it's ok I can still see them.Today is my first day and right now I'm walking because it's 5 minutes away.
I walking into the school, it has a big lawn with a path to the office. The school is huge and is section of in groups, Group A all the way to Group H. I walking into the office and go up to a big desk with two people.
"Hi how can I help you?" A nice girl who is probably part of student council asked She had brown wavy hair with brown eyes and a pearl headband.
"I am a transfer here to this school do you know what group I am in?" I asked
The nice girl responded " Ok name?"
"Kiara Verrazav"
"Ok," she typed my name in her computer "You will be in group F. I'm in group G so if you need anything just ask! I'm Elisa!"
"Thanks Elisa!"
I walking out of the office and find a sign that points to the groups. Wow they have elevators! I walking into the elevator and press Group F when I get out I can see the classroom and I walk in. Huh? Why is there all boys? Maybe the girls are late or lost. When I walk in all the boys stop what they are doing and stare at me. The teacher looks at me and smiles.
"Welcome who are you?" He asks
"I am Kiara Verrazav"
"Ok Ms.Verrazav! Boys please introduce yourself starting with Mr.Luster"
"Hi I am Michel" A boy with brown hair says. He is kind of tall but not that tall.
"Hi I am Ram" A boy who has messy black hair and brown eyes says
"Hi I am RJ" A guy who looks kind of rude says, he has blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
"Hi! I am Lucas but I go by Luke!" A small guys says. He has brownish hair with dimples, and a smile that can even make the grinch smile(not In a lovey dovey way)
"Hi I am Kieran, why are you here you are just a girl and we are all boys?" The guys says and smirks. Waitttt this is the guy who was staring at me at the auditions wow he got some nerve.
"Why are you here" I responded
"Because I made it into the auditions"
"Clearly they made a mistake"
"Your the mistake"
"Your life's a mistake," I felt my voice get higher and stronger
"Why don't you go to the bathroom and glam your self up?" He responded
"Why don't you go throw yourself off a cliff" I responded and the whole class ooohhhs
"Ok that's enough!" The teacher says like he is used to it. "Miss Verrazav please take a seat you can choose also name is Mr.Fernandez but you can call me sir " Sir said
I look over and there was only 2 chairs one by the door and one by Kieran. I choose to sit by the door.
I waited for the girls to show up maybe they were late but no, no girls showed up.
Chapter 5
Lunch
Finally class was over and it was time for lunch. But we had to eat in our classes. :/ Everyone knew each other but me. The classroom was big so in the back there was a big table and long benches like the ones from a cafeteria but a little smaller. Everybody seemed to pack a lunch and I was very hungry. I reached in my bag and tried to find my container that I packed of lunch but I could not find it. SHOOT I FORGOT MY LUNCH.
I sat there watching the boys eat in front of my starving face it felt like forever but it was only 10 minutes later and it's a hour lunch period how am I gonna survive?
"Are you hungry?" Luke asks
"Well I haven't had breakfast so I think you can guess from there."
"Here do you want some of my chips I packed extra"
"Um thank you?"
"Bro why are you giving her your chips" Michel asks with attitude
"Yeah what?" RJ says
"Wow you guys really want me to starve to death" I reply
"Guys chill you would not survive not having lunch or breakfast so stop picking on her" Luke replies. Wow I guess the guys nice after all.
Finally lunch was over and even though the chips were not that filling, they were still something.
Chapter 6 The plan part 1
Kieran's point of view
Everybody was talking to each other but that new girl Kiara, and Sir was trying to get our attention. I have been at this school for 6 years but every year you have to re-addition.
"Attention! Attention! Everybody listen!!" Sir said. Finally the talking went down and Sir was able to talk again.
"As most of you know the first annual competition has came. Your whole class has to come up with a song to sing and dance to. It's not that hard and you guys will come up with it. For the next two weeks you guys will have time in class to practice today you will come up with a song I will be in the teachers lounge. You will see me for 5 min each day and then I will leave you to practice" Then the teacher left.
"Ok I have a plan" I said then I smirked I had an idea "Kiara right?"
"Yea" she responded
"Ok why don't you go in that closet for a sec, there is some supply's" Her face lightened up when I said that she probably felt included"
"Ok!" She walks into the closet and quickly I close the door and lock it.
She bangs on the door "HEY" she shouts "Let me out!" Everybody starts snickering and then starts laughing but Kiara.
"Ok" I whisper
"Bro we can't preform with her it's going to ruin our reputation" Ram whispered
"Yea what are we going to do?" Michael reply's
I think for a second and finally it hits me "Well we have to make her transfer classes so what if we make her love this class a lot but then we do something that makes her mad so then she will transfer" I say
"Like what?" Luke says
"Well we need to win the competition right?" RJ reply"s
"Yea?" I ask confused
"And you saw her dance so I'm not the only one thinking she is really good at it and singing."
"So what?"
"Well could use her for the year then we can just ignore her until she transfers or something" He replies
"Sure" I say. Then I finally notice the banging on the door. Then smash! The door breaks, the literal freaking wooden door! We I look over and see Kiara panting with a hammer in her hand.
Chapter 7
2 dances one choice Kiara's point of view
Its been a week and the boys have been nicer it's strange but maybe they are afraid of me, good I am scary. Right now I am walking to school on my path then I hear a scream
"OUCH" I look over to see what happened and I see Michael sitting on the side walking bleeding. Frick, blood. I am so afraid of blood but I have to help him.
"Here let me help you" I pull out a bandage from my bag and wrap it around him even though I am getting dizzy. All I hear is him saying thanks then it goes black.
I feel tapping on my shoulder "Kiara, Kiara?" I am closing my eyes but then I opened them. I'm laying in the school the teacher is gone but all the boys are there.
"Yay you woke up." Luke says
"It's You have been asleep for 2 hours" Ram says. Two hours! I check the time on my phone and see it's 10:37. Wow I have been out for that long? Usually it's just an hour.
"Hey are you ok what happened?" Luke asks
"I don't know I saw blood usually I just like faint" I respond
"Why is there a story?" Michel asks
"Well it's been going on ever since- No I won't go back" I can't tell them just no, it's to much I tried so hard but I can't forget about it-
"Kiara just tell us" Ram replies
Should I tell them?
"Me and my brother Kaleb were inside a store when an active threat came inside. We didn't know until we tried to walk out and my brother was shot. I tried to get help but when I came back with help he was dead." That's when I found tears falling down my eyes.
.....
The boys had been working on a dance without me. They didn't say it, but I could tell. Every time I walked into the studio, their music stopped. Their formation broke. Their faces shifted like I'd walked in on a secret.
Whatever. I made my own routine.
I was mid-rehearsal when the door swung open and the three of them walked in—Ram, Luke, and the one who always acted like he invented breathing: Kieran.
"What are you doing?" Kieran asked.
I kept dancing. "Practicing my routine."
"We can only have ONE dance," he said, stepping closer. "And it's going to be mine."
I stopped, chest rising with heavy breaths. "Who put you in charge?"
He lifted his chin. "ME. I'm the class president."
"So?" I said.
"So," he huffed, "that makes me the boss."
"That doesn't make you the boss of me," I shot back.
Luke snorted, earning a glare from Kieran.
"You weren't here when we started this," Kieran said sharply. "We already have spacing and timing. You'll just… throw it off."
"So I'm supposed to sit on the side and clap for you?" I asked.
Luke shifted uncomfortably. Ram stayed silent.
Kieran crossed his arms. "We need a clean routine. We don't have time to redo everything."
"You haven't even SEEN my dance," I said.
He opened his mouth, probably to say something bossy or annoying, but stopped. Something in his expression changed—curiosity slipping through the cracks of his attitude.
"Fine," he said. "Show us."
My heart thumped, but I nodded and walked to the center.
The music started, and I danced—not for him, but for me. To prove I belonged here, in this class full of boys who didn't think I fit.
When the final beat hit, the room went quiet.
Luke whispered, "That was actually… really good."
Kieran ignored him. He stepped forward instead, eyes narrowed like he was trying to decode every move I made.
"Do it again," he said.
"Why?"
"Because if we're going to work together, I need to see how you move."
His words caught me off guard. Work together?
But I didn't question it. I moved back into place and started again. This time, Kieran watched differently—less annoyed, more focused. Almost impressed, though he'd never admit it.
When I finished, he nodded once. "Alright. We'll try to fit you in."
"Fit me in?" I repeated. "I thought you said I'd throw everything off."
"I said we'd try," he muttered.
Luke smiled. "A mash-up could be sick."
Ram nodded. "Yeah… it could work."
Kieran didn't look at them. He looked at me.
"From the top," he said. "Let's run it together."
He moved beside me—closer than expected—and for the first time since I joined this class, he didn't seem like he wanted me gone.
Just challenged.
Just intrigued.
Just… watching.
The music played again.
And when he matched my steps, it didn't feel like competition.
It felt like the beginning of something.
Chapter 8
Practicing
Once Kieran finally agreed to "fit me in," the room didn't feel as tense.
Still awkward — but not unbearable.
Kieran stayed bossy, Ram stayed quiet, and Luke… Luke was the first one who actually made me feel like I wasn't an intruder.
During a short break, he walked over with two water bottles.
"Here," he said, handing one to me. "You look like you need it."
"Thanks," I said, opening it. "I'm trying to keep up."
"You're doing more than keeping up," Luke said honestly. "You learned our section way faster than most people do their first time."
I blinked. Compliments weren't really something I got a lot. "Really?"
"Yeah," he said with a nod. "Ram and I had trouble with that part at first."
Ram, sitting on the floor stretching silently, raised his hand in agreement without looking up.
A small laugh escaped me. "Good to know I'm not the only one who struggles."
"Oh, we struggle all the time," Luke said. "Kieran just pretends he doesn't."
We both glanced across the room. Kieran was re-tying his shoes with unnecessary aggression, clearly frustrated about something that probably wasn't even related to shoes.
Luke leaned a little closer — not flirting, just being a friend. "He's intense. But once he decides you're part of the team, he's loyal."
"I can't tell if he wants me on the team," I admitted.
Luke shrugged. "He doesn't like change. He definitely doesn't like surprises. And you're… both of those."
"Oh. Cool," I said flatly.
Luke laughed. "No, I mean — you came in with actual skill. That wasn't part of his plan. He'll adjust."
I let out a breath. "I hope so."
"You will," Luke said simply. "You work hard. That's all that matters."
Like someone finally saw me as part of the group, even if the others didn't yet.
Across the room, Ram stood and tapped Luke's shoulder, motioning for him to come help go over footwork. Luke nodded and got up.
Before he walked back, he looked at me and said, "If you ever need help with the steps, just ask. I got you."
"Thanks, Luke," I said, meaning it.
He jogged over to join Ram.
I stood up too, but when I glanced toward Kieran, he wasn't looking at them.
He was staring at me — a look I couldn't quite read.
Not jealousy.
Not anger.
Just… something.
Then he blinked and turned away.
"Break's over," he called. "Positions."
And just like that, it was back to work.
Part 2
KIERAN'S POV — Break Time
I retied my shoe for the third time, even though it wasn't loose. I just needed something to do—something to look at that wasn't Kiara and Luke talking across the room.
They were sitting against the mirror, sharing water, laughing about something.
Laughing.
I didn't even know Luke could laugh in the middle of practice.
Ram was stretching quietly beside me, not paying attention, but I couldn't tear my eyes away.
Why did it bother me?
It shouldn't.
Kiara was just the new girl. The one messing up the spacing. The one I didn't ask for. The one who walked in and… did her routine perfectly like it was no big deal.
She was good.
Too good.
Maybe that's what annoyed me.
But the way Luke talked to her, like they were already best friends? The way she smiled back? That irritated me more than it should've.
Luke never smiled like that at practice. Not at me. Not at Ram.
Why was she getting that version of him?
I tightened my laces again, jaw clenching.
Stupid shoe.
Ram glanced at me. "You okay?"
"Fine," I snapped.
He went back to stretching.
I hated that I sounded annoyed, but I couldn't help it.
Across the room, Kiara laughed again—this time louder. Luke said something that made her shake her head and smile. He nudged her the way friends do, easy and natural.
Why did that make my stomach twist?
It wasn't like I wanted to talk to her.
I didn't even like her.
She questioned me. She challenged me. She didn't listen when I told her how the routine was supposed to go. She came in and acted like she belonged.
…But maybe she did belong.
No.
No, that wasn't the point.
The point was, we came here to practice, and Luke was wasting time flirting—no, not flirting, just… being friendly. Too friendly.
Friendly in a way that pulled Kiara away from the routine. Away from me.
I hated how that thought felt.
Ram stood. "Break over soon?"
"Yeah," I muttered automatically, but my attention stayed locked on Kiara.
She was leaning toward Luke, listening to him. She looked comfortable. Settled. Like she'd already found someone to rely on.
Why did that bother me?
I didn't know.
And I didn't like not knowing.
Something hot and sharp twisted in my chest, something I didn't recognize—something that felt like someone messing up my choreography without permission.
I stood up abruptly.
"Break's over," I called out, louder than necessary.
Luke looked up, surprised. "Already? It hasn't even been—"
"I said break's over," I repeated, sharper this time.
Kiara blinked, confused, but she got up.
Good.
We needed to work.
We didn't need… whatever Luke was doing.
As everyone moved back into position, I avoided looking directly at Kiara. But every time she stepped into my peripheral vision, something inside me tightened again.
I wasn't jealous.
I wasn't.
I was just trying to keep the group focused.
That's all.
At least… that's what I told myself.
Chapter 8
The middle finger
Kiara's point of view
It has been two weeks in since I transferred into this school and everyone was close, kind of. We were all friends but Kieran He is messed up. Today is not my day but what can I do my rude and annoying parents are gone for vacation for 2 months. We have been working a lot for this competition and it's 2 weeks until we get there. It is 80 degrees out and I am going to faint. Finally I make it to school and sit in my seat. I feel faint but it's fine I'm fine everything is fine. Sir passes out a math work sheet for homework and leaves the classroom.
We are practicing the song which we are in the middle of learning. The song is fast and the moves are hard you move from the ground to the floor and back it's very tiring. We are in the middle the suddenly Kiran stops the music
"Stop! What are we doing? This is not going to make us win!" He paced in front of us, waving his arms like an over-caffeinated flamingo. "Bla bla bla—" he kept ranting, not even taking a breath. "Especially you, Kiara!"
I blinked. "Huh?"
He marched right up to me. "Your hands! What were you even doing? Do you know what your hands do? Do you know how they work?"
I stared at him for a second. The whole class watched, waiting for me to shrink. But no—if he wanted an answer, he was getting one.
"Well yeah," I said, slipping into a sweet smile. "My thumb is for texting… my pinky helps with my handwriting… my ring finger is for when I get married… my pointer finger is for pointing…"
I paused.
"And my middle finger," I added, raising it slowly, "is made for you."
The studio went dead silent.
Even the music stopped—as if the speakers themselves were shocked. For a full three seconds, no one moves.
It's like the entire studio collectively forgets how to breathe.
Then—
"OH MY GOD—" someone whispers, way too loudly.
A couple of the boys burst into laughter, trying to muffle it behind their hands. One of them actually falls onto a mat because he's laughing so hard. Another goes, "Bro, she COOKED you," which only makes the laughter louder.
But Kieran?
Kieran doesn't laugh.
His jaw clenches so tight I'm surprised it doesn't crack. A vein actually appears on his forehead—didn't know people really got those. He looks like he's trying to decide between yelling or combusting on the spot.
"You think you're funny?" he finally snaps.
I shrug, pretending my heart isn't thudding in my chest. "Only when I am."
A couple more snickers echo around the room.
Kieran looks around at all the guys losing it, and that only makes him more furious. His eyes snap back to me, sharp and angry.
"You know what?" he says, stepping closer, way too close. "If we lose this comp, it's because of YOU. Because you can't keep up. Because you don't take anything seriously."
The room goes quieter. Even the boys who were laughing stop.
And that's when something in me snaps right back.
"Funny," I say, soft but steady. "Because every time we mess up, it's you who stops the entire routine to throw one of your tantrums."
One of the boys whispers, "She's got a point…"
Kieran whirls on him. "Shut up!"
Then back at me. "You don't even belong in this class."
That one stings.
Hard.
But I don't let it show.
"Maybe not," I say, lifting my chin, "but at least I don't spend all my time acting like the world revolves around me."
A few gasps. Someone mutters, "Damn…"
Kieran opens his mouth—probably to scream—but before he can, the classroom door rattles. Our teacher isn't back yet, but everyone suddenly pretends to be stretching or practicing.
Kieran glares at me one last time, eyes burning.
"This isn't over."
He walks off to the other side of the room.
And just like that, rehearsal starts again…
except everyone keeps glancing between us like they're waiting for round two.
Chapter 9
Sick part 1
Kiara's point of view
A month has passed since the whole "middle finger incident," and, surprisingly, things have… softened. The boys joke around less about me falling over, more about me actually being good at dance. Even Kieran barely snaps at me anymore—though his glare still has that "don't test me" edge.
I'm exhausted today. My head feels like it's stuffed with cotton, my throat is scratchy, and I can feel the fever burning under my skin. But the comp is in 1 month. Missing
rehearsal isn't an option. I walk into the classroom and every says their hi's to me and goes back to goofing off Kieran stares at me from his desk with a worried look on his face but I don't look at him back.
I drag myself into the studio, clutching my water bottle like a lifeline. The music starts, and I force my body into the rhythm. Step, turn, leap—I push through each movement, telling myself it's just temporary, just until the music stops.
Kieran's across the floor, focused as ever. His occasional nods are no longer grudging—they feel… almost supportive. And the rest of the class? They've finally started treating me like one of them, not like the girl who sticks out.
Halfway through the routine, my vision starts to blur. I can feel my heartbeat in my ears, faster than the music. I stumble through a spin, gripping my legs tighter, but the heat in my body is unbearable.
"Kiara?" someone calls, but I shake my head, forcing myself to keep moving.
The music swells to the finale. I hit the last pose, arms reaching high, chest heaving—not from exertion, but from sheer determination.
And then—my legs give out. The world tilts, the music warps into static, and I can feel myself sliding to the floor.
The last thing I see is Kieran's eyes widening in panic, a hand reaching for me, before everything goes black
Chapter 10
Sick part 2
Kieran's point of view
I'm sitting at my desk, trying to focus on the warm-up notes the teacher left, when the door opens. Kiara walks in, and something about her immediately makes my chest tighten. She looks… off. Paler than usual, hair messy, that forced smile she always wears when she's hiding something.
The guys all call out their usual greetings, and she nods at them, going along with the chatter. But I can't stop staring. Every movement, every little sway tells me she's not okay.
She doesn't look at me. Of course she doesn't. That's Kiara. Stubborn. Defiant. Always pretending she's fine.
I chew on the inside of my cheek, debating if I should go over, ask if she's sick, tell her to sit down. My stomach twists. I know she won't listen—she never listens—but I can't just sit here and do nothing.
Her shoulders slump slightly as she drops her bag under her desk. My gut tells me she's pushing herself too hard, and I can't shake the worry that's been building ever since she stepped in.
Later, in the studio, the music starts. Kiara steps into the routine, moving through the steps like she always does—but slower than usual. I notice the little things: her spins aren't as clean, her arms are tense, and she glances at her hands more than once.
I keep my distance, staying calm, but I can't take my eyes off her. She's clearly not feeling well. She doesn't say anything, doesn't ask for help, just keeps going. My chest tightens slightly, but I tell myself to stay calm—panicking won't help her.
She reaches the last section of the routine. Her arms rise, her chest heaves, and I notice her legs trembling slightly as she tries to hold the final pose. She's holding it… but just barely.
Then her knees give out. Slowly at first, and then she collapses completely. I step forward immediately, but still calm, kneeling beside her and gently supporting her as she lies on the floor.
"Kiara… hey, it's okay. I've got you," I say quietly, my voice steady. I check her pulse, her breathing—it's fast but regular. She's conscious enough to be aware, but she's clearly fainted from exhaustion and fever.
The other boys freeze, unsure what to do, but I keep my hands on her shoulders, keeping her safe. "Just rest, okay?" I tell her. My tone is calm, almost soothing. I don't yell, I don't panic. I just make sure she knows she's okay.
Her eyes flutter slightly, and I squeeze her shoulder gently. "You pushed yourself too hard," I say softly. "It's fine. I'll stay right here."
And for the first time that day, I let myself feel a little relief—she's safe. That's all that matters
The other boys are frozen for a moment, staring at Kiara lying on the floor. A few whisper to each other, unsure what to do.
"She fainted!" someone finally says, voice a little panicked.
"Yeah… I can see that," I reply calmly, keeping my hands on her shoulders. My voice is steady, because yelling or panicking isn't going to help her.
"Should we call the teacher?" another boy asks.
"No," I say firmly, shaking my head. "She just needs rest. I'll take care of her." I glance at Kiara; her eyes flutter slightly, and she makes a faint sound, but she doesn't open them. That's enough confirmation—she's okay for now, just needs to get somewhere safe to rest.
"Wait, where are you going to take her?" someone asks, clearly worried.
I straighten slightly, keeping my tone calm but assertive. "I'll take her to my place. She needs to lie down, get some fluids, and let her fever break. She's fine, but she shouldn't stay here pushing herself."
A few boys exchange glances, still unsure, but none argue. They know better than to try to stop me when I'm serious.
I gently lift her into my arms. She's light, though her body is warm and limp against me. "It's okay, Kiara," I murmur quietly. "I've got you."
As I walk toward the door, I glance back at the rest of the class. "Keep practicing, but don't push yourselves like this. Safety first."
The room is silent, but I can feel their eyes on me as I carry her out. Calm, steady. She's going to be fine. I won't let anything happen to her.
Chapter 11
Rich idiot
Kiara's point of view
I wake up feeling very hot, so I put my hand on my forehead. Crap. I'm burning up. I position myself up and that's when I realize I am not sleeping in my room. Wow! Whoever owns this house is rich. The room is so big and it has a couch a tv the bed is Velvet sheets and it has its own bathroom and closet and they are huge I mean as big as my room. I get up and open the door. HOLY MOLY! This house is HUGE. There is a chandelier two stair cases and the fancy type, and an elevator. The floor is a fancy wood but the path has red carpet. I counted about 5 rooms up here holy. I walk down the fancy stairs and I see a huge open kitchen and living room. The back of the living room is all glass like a sun room and you can kind of see a beach! Wow! I look over and see Kieran sitting on the couch like he owns the place.
"Kieran why are you here?" I ask
"This is my house" He reply's without looking at me to focused on whatever the hell he is doing. Wow the idiot is rich!
"Then why did I wake up in a bedroom?"
"You fainted at class you were sick"
"That explains why I am burning up."
"Your burning up?!" Kieran looks up at me. I nod and he gets up and but his palm on my forehead.
"Oy yeah you are" he goes over to his fancy kitchen an gets a towel wets it and motions me to sit on the couch. Wow this couch is so comfy this must be the rich life hehe
"Kieran put the towel on my head with care
"I can do it" I say grabbing the towel "So where is your parents?"
"My parents are on a work trip they are usually never here so you might not see them a lot"
"Got it"
"I called your parents," How did he get my parents number? "I told them what happened and told them your staying but they acted like they could care less,are your parents usually like that?" He asked
"Well ever since the accident my parents declared that it was my fault that my brother died so they stopped caring for me." I didn't notice that some tears fell down my cheeks
"Hey no it's ok" Kieran says wiping the tears of my face
I flinch at first, more from surprise than anything else. He pulls his hand back a little like he thinks he's crossed a line.
"Sorry," he mutters.
"It's… fine," I say, even though my voice sounds weak.
He studies me for a second, like he's trying to figure me out. Then he sighs and sits down on the couch across from me, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.
"That's messed up," he says plainly. "What your parents did."
I shrug, staring at the floor. "They had their reasons."
"No," he says immediately. "They didn't."
I glance up at him. There's no anger in his voice, just something close to pity. Not the gross kind—more like he actually feels bad for me..
"You should've had someone on your side," he adds.
My chest tightens. I swallow and nod once, not trusting myself to speak. A few more tears slip out before I can stop them. I quickly wipe them away with my sleeve, embarrassed.
"Hey," he says, softer now. "You don't have to pretend here."
That makes me pause.
Here.
I don't know why, but the word sticks with me.
Chapter 12
Unsteady
Kiera's point of view
I wake up tangled in blankets that aren't mine, head pounding, the kind of quiet that makes me miss the chaos of home.
It takes me a second to remember where I am.
Kieran's house.
Throat dry, I stumble toward the hallway, following the faint light from the kitchen.
He's there, hoodie on, hair messy like he's been up all night—not that I'm impressed. He notices me and raises an eyebrow.
"You shouldn't be up," he says.
"Water," I reply, blunt.
He grabs a glass, hands it to me, and our fingers brush. Just barely, but enough for me to glare instead of say anything.
"You feeling better?" he asks.
"A little," I snap.
"Good," he says, like that's the end of it.
I pause. "You… checked my fever?"
"Obviously."
I narrow my eyes. "Why?"
"Why? Because you're a walking disaster, apparently."
I glare at him. "I don't need you looking after me."
"I never said you did," he says, deadpan.
I stumble, the glass slipping.
"Kieara—"
He catches me before I fall, hands firm, like he's trying not to crush me.
"Dizzy?" he asks, as if it's obvious.
"Yeah, thanks," I mutter, pulling away the second I can.
"Suit yourself," he says, letting go, though I notice how careful he was.
Still enemies. Just… slightly less lethal enemies.
Chapter 13 – A Cup of Joe
Sunlight filters through the curtains, bright and smug. I sit up, head heavy but functional.
I pull on a hoodie and follow the sound of clinking dishes. The smell of coffee hits me before I see him.
He's at the stove, glancing at me like I'm an inconvenience.
"You're vertical. That's an improvement," he says.
"Barely," I reply.
He slides a mug toward me. "Drink it. Don't argue."
"Is that an order?"
"Yes."
We sip in silence. Not awkward. Just tense.
"You almost face-planted last night," he says.
I groan. "Don't remind me."
"Too late," he mutters.
"Did you tell anyone?"
"No," he says, shrugging like it's heroic.
"Thanks," I mutter.
"You're welcome," he says, but only barely. Eyes back on the stove.
Still not friends. Still sniping. But… something's changed.
Chapter 14 – Nothing but a Sizzling Pan
He flips something in the pan without looking at me. I set my mug down harder than necessary.
"You didn't have to stay up all night," I say.
"Do what?"
"Check my fever, catch me mid-fall—whatever."
"You're mad I helped?"
"No! I'm mad I had to be saved by you."
He stares, unamused. "So you're grateful but angry. Typical."
"Don't make it sound nice," I growl.
"You make it sound worse," he counters.
We go quiet. The pan sizzles between us.
"That's not true," he mutters finally. "I care more than you think. I just don't show it."
"Good. Keep it that way," I snap.
"Fine," he says, calm. "But I'm still not heartless, apparently."
Tension stretches between us like a taut wire. Neither of us moves. Neither of us yields.
Chapter 15 – Doctor?
I'm lacing my shoes when he appears in the doorway like he owns everything.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Out. Revolutionary, I know."
"You're not cleared for 'out,'" he says.
"Oh, so now you're the doctor?"
"Yes."
I stand just to prove I'm capable—sway immediately.
"Very convincing," he deadpans.
"I'm fine," I insist.
"You almost face-planted into my kitchen last night," he says.
"I did not!"
"You did. I caught you. Don't try to deny it."
"I slipped!"
"You slipped into me."
"That's your problem," I snap.
He laughs. "You're impossible."
"Yeah? So are you."
We bicker until we're practically yelling in whispers. Every word is a jab, every glance a challenge.
"You worry too much," I say.
"You fall too much," he fires back.
"Maybe if you stopped hovering—"
"Maybe if you stopped pretending you're invincible—"
We freeze. He steps back first.
"You should rest."
"I will, if you stop bossing me."
"No promises."
I turn to leave. "For the record…"
"Yeah?"
"You're not that smart, idiot."
Then I sprint.
I don't look back but I just know he is pissed
Chapter 15
Drink
Kiera's point of view
It's the week before the dance and song performance and we are ready I know it. Today is when we check in so we are in the performance and it's dress rehearsal.A guy is throwing a party and is inviting everyone from every school to this party but sadly the girls have to rehearse their dance. Kieran Luke and ram are not here but RJ is but he is hanging out with his girlfriend. This guys house is huge! But not as big as Kieran's but still huge in the backyard there is a huge pool and fire pit with a grill. And then there is a huge sun room that has turned into a snack room. I go inside to get water or something hydrating because it's pretty hot and also because RJ ditched me for his girlfriend so now I'm bored. As I reach the kitchen I don't see a water pitcher.
"Hey are you looking for a drink?" (A guy asks)
"Um yeah is there water?"
"Well I have some other drinks if you want"
"I don't drink"
"Don't worry it's non alcoholic"
"Um no water is good."
"Just try it, it's my family's specialty" he says and smirks
"Fine" I say and take his drink. I stare at it then him he is smirking and I don't feel good about this but I don't want to be rude so I take a sip.
"Wow. Heh." I start coughing "That's really strong" suddenly I feel very dizzy "what is in it?" I say and then I pass out.
Chapter 16
Kidnapped
I wake up and I am sitting on a wooden chair inside what looks like an abandoned basement or something it's kind of dark and there is only a few lights. I try to get up but my hands are tied behind the chair with rope.
"Finally you woke up" the guy who gave me the drink said
"What do you want betch!"
"Well we want Kieran to come and since your his girlfriend-
"Woah wait a minute who said he is my boyfriend?"
"We just assumed"
"Well he is not so let me go idiot."
"No! You are staying here until he comes."
"Fock you why do you need him so bad I have dance auditions"
"Well me and Kieran have always been rivals. And 2 years ago me and my group were about to audition but Kieran and his group locked us in a closet until finally a teacher came but it was to late to join."
"So you don't need to get me involved"
"Your his girlfriend"
"HE IS NOT MY FOCKING BOYFRIEND!"
"Ok ok chill we just need to tell him to come here and I will let you go" then he takes a photo of me and sends something to him.
Chapter 17
Rope hurts
Finally after about 15 minutes I hear someone call my name
"Kiara!" I look up it's Kieran! Finally it took him so long.
"Frick you for getting me involved with this mess get me out of here betch"
"What do you think I here for?"
"Dance class"
"Very funny"
"Shyit Kieran look behind you!" Before he gets to turn around Kieran gets punched by that guy. He keeps punching Kieran and he can't get up. I start crying no not crying sobbing he is getting beat up in front of me and I'm just sitting here. I try to pull my hands apart and finally my hands are free but frick that hurts really bad. I run up to the guy and punch him as hard as I can then I go up to him and I keep punching and punching him until he is bleeding pretty bad. I ignore the blood as best as I can and even though I'm shaking and still crying I help Kieran up.
"Kieran" I whisper and then I break down crying
"Shh it's ok ok your ok right your not hurt" he says now hugging me I don't know why but he reminds me of my brother for some reason the was he calms me down. He pulls away from the hug and Now I can tell he is bleeding pretty bad suddenly a man I don't recognize comee behind Kieran ready to punch him. I push Kieran out of the way and punch the random guy. After that suddenly I feel a sharp pain on my shoulder and fall. Oww it hurts so bad by now I'm sobbing. Kieran punches the other guy and he passes out. I look around and they are all passed out bleeding. Kieran comes up to me.
"Kieran! Are they dead did I kill them!" I say worried then I burst out in tears again.
"Shh no no you didn't kill them maybe just hospitalized ok, your ok, don't worry." We stay there for a long time him patiently waiting for me to calm down