"I can't live with him, Lynx! What can't you understand?" I yelled at the phone, frustration boiling over.

Is he thinking that I would live with him just because he's his friend? No way in hell!

"Listen Nyx, he's the only reliable friend I-" Lynx began but I cut him off.

"I can just live at an apartment if you're worried about the distance! Why should I live under the same roof as Lucien!" I exclaimed, anger washing over me.

Lucien De Valeroi, my brother's best friend, is a total piece of shit. I never hated someone as much as him before. My first impression of him was that he was awesome, and hardworking. I admired him very much, but admiration turned into hatred that day.

"Apartments are expensive, Nyx. And there are random people, weird people living in apartments," he put emphasis on 'weird', obviously hinting me not to go.

"Plus, since I finally started working, I'm saving up for a new house, for us both."

I could hear him sighed.

"So please, just this year, stay with Lucien."

I give up.

It's basically impossible to win an argument with my brother. He's as stubborn as a mule.

"Alright, you win."

"But don't stress much about the house, you're an attorney. Jobs like these tends to be stressful, so take a break from time to time."

I don't want to stay with Lucien, but I also don't want to worry my brother, he has done so much for me, so I guess I will just comply.

"I should be the one saying that, you're going to uni now, don't be overwhelmed, call me something's wrong, okay? I can't believe you have grown so m-"

"Let's save the emotional talk for another day, shall we? You have work tomorrow, so you better sleep early, Lynx."

"Right, so I will go now. Good night, Nyx," I could see him smile from here.

"Good night, Lyn."

OH MY GOD

WHY DO I NEED TO LIVE WITH HIM OUT OF ALL PEOPLE?

Let's take a deep breath.

Sigh

There's no use crying over spilled milk. I just need to bear it for one year...

One year

365 days

52 weeks

8,760 hours

Just kill me right now.

Luckily, I'm moving next week and don't have to see his face for now. Speaking of his face, I haven't seen him for a while, he probably changed.

Why am I even thinking about him? Let's just forget it. I only have one week.

One week to enjoy my life, then Uni start...and I'm going to live with Lucien.

I shake my head

Anyway, what will I wear to the date for tomorrow? I can't go meet someone looking like a zombie, that's impossible.

"Mhm...no, it wouldn't fit the atmosphere. No, no..."

"Ah, finally!"

"Choosing an outfit isn't for the weak," I mutter, collapsing onto my bed.

I can feel my eyes closing slowly.

As I drift off, my mind wanders back to Lucien.

I haven't heard about him from my brother for a while. I wonder if he's the same as the last time I saw him...

Ugh...Just thinking about living with him makes me nauseous. I need to focus on the present. Tomorrow's date is my priority, not Lucien!

How in the hell did that happened? Why is he here again?

 I was hoping that it would be a wonderful day, that I would finally go on a peaceful date, but why did I run into him today and here out of all places?!

...----------------...

"Finally!" I muttered under my breath. Just as I was about to close the door, I saw Leone, my date, waiting at the gate.

Did I seriously take that long to get ready?

"I'm so sorry, Leone!" I exclaimed, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me.

"It's alright, Nyx," he replied with a warm smile, dimples appearing on both of his cheeks.

I hurried down the steps, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment.

Leone is someone I met on a dating app. I got matched with him, and I reluctantly started chatting with him a week ago. At first, I thought we wouldn't get along well, but his easy-going demeanor put me at ease.

Plus, he's handsome. His curly brown hair, emerald green eyes, and tanned skin attract me. I never felt this drawn to someone before. And his attire is impeccable. He is wearing a navy blue blazer that accentuated his broad shoulders, paired with a crisp white dress shirt that peeked out from under the jacket's lapels. The shirt's top button was casually undone, giving him a relaxed yet sophisticated look. A subtle silver watch adorned his wrist, and a hint of cologne lingered in the air, adding to his overall charm and elegance.

We walked towards the car, engaging in small talks. As I was about to open the door, he did it instead, gesturing for me to get in.

I couldn't help but chuckled.

"What a gentleman," I teased him.

"I need to take care of my date and give her the best experience ever," he smiled, his dimples appearing again.

His dimples. They are damn cute.

Aah no, no. Focus. Let's not get distracted by those dimples. I quickly but carefully get into the car and he closed the door.

As we drove to the restaurant, I couldn't help but feel anxious. It's actually my first real date. Imagine being 21, and have never dated anyone? It's embarrassing.

The car is silent, I want to say something but I don't know what to say. Earlier he was the one leading the conversation, but now...

Will he even like me? What if he finds me boring? What if he-

"Are you alright, Nyx?" His silvery voice stopped my thoughts from spiralling.

"Nyx?"

"Oh yeah, yes I'm fine," I mumbled.

"It's just that it's our first date and I'm nervous, so I don't really know how to act and-" I started rambling whatever came to time but he cut me off.

"Don't worry. First dates can be nerve-wracking," he said, glancing at me reassuringly. "Let's just enjoy the evening."

I took a deep breath.

"Thanks, I thought you wouldn't like me or find me embarrassing to be with-" he cut me off again.

"In no way would I find you embarrassing, you're looking stunning, Nyx," he smiled softly at me then his eyes went back at the road.

"Not just appearance, but since the time we started talking, I just felt attracted to your personality..." I could see his flustered face shining under the street lamp.

I couldn't help but let out a giggle.

"Wha...Hey! It's true..." he mumbled.

"I didn't know you would have this side of you, being flustered and all," I smiled.

"Look the restaurant, we have arrived, I will just search for a parking space" he quickly changed the topic.

I couldn't help but teased Leone, but thanks to him, I feel better now.

He opened the door for me.

"Ladies first," his voice sounds heavenly.

"Oh my, thanks Leone," a smile crossed my face.

The restaurant looks like a cozy and elegant place with soft lighting and a warm ambiance. Leone pulled out my chair for me, and we settled into our seats. The menu was filled with enticing options, and we both took our time deciding.

As we waited for our meal, Leone led the conversation, talking about our interests, hobbies, and favourite movies. He was easy to talk to, and I found myself laughing and relaxing more with each passing moment.

Just as our meals arrived, I caught sight of a familiar figure entering the restaurant. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Lucien.

Lucien turned around and spotted me almost immediately.

Leone could definitely see that something was wrong, following with the question, "What happened? Are you feeling well?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine," I looked the opposite direction of Lucien. I don't want to talk to him right now, plus it looks like he got company with him.

A tall and slim woman, wavy black hair, and a face that screamed 'rich and famous' is by his side.

"Are you sure? You look..."

I couldn't hear any words that Leone is saying, all that grabbed my attention were the steps approaching us.

More like 'me'. I could feel his gaze making a hole in my face.

"Nyx, so it's really you, huh?" his deep voice startled me even though I knew he'd be coming.

"Oh hey Lucien, haven't seen you for like what, 5-6 years?" my voice cracked.

My voice literally cracked.

I can't do this today.

"Nyx, are you really alright?" Leone worriedly asked me.

"Yes, don't worry, I'm just...surprised that Lucien is here..." I looked down, avoiding Lucien's eyes.

"I just have some...well business here today," he looked at the woman that were sitting at the table opposite ours.

"Yeah, I can see that," I looked over at the beautiful woman.

"Did you finally found someone after all those women from the past?"

"Wait, what women?"

He's asking me with such innocence as if he d-

"Lucien, was it?" Leone's voice made me escape my thoughts.

"As you can see, we're on a date, and perhaps you're too, since that lady over there seems to be glancing over here since earlier."

Why do I feel like he's trying to say it as politely as possible?

"So if you can, would you please leave us alone, and rather keep your lady company?"

My heart is about to burst out. What is this atmosphere?

I was hoping that it would be a wonderful day, that I would finally go on a peaceful date, but why did I run into him today and here out of all places?!

Lucien glared at Leone for a second before saying, "Sorry for disturbing you. I will go then. Have a nice evening," his silver eyes lands on me as I was looking at him.

And we made eyes contact.

"We'll talk later," he said then left.

Sigh

"I'm sorry about him. He's my brother's friend, and I'm supposed to be living with because of u-"

"Calm down Nyx, there's no need to explain yourself," I looked at him blankly.

"But he interrupted our date, I'm sure you were annoyed," I argued.

"Yes, I was...but it's alright now, so let's forget it. I don't want you to be upset," his hand find his way to my cheek, "Cheer up, next time I will bring you somewhere more amazing," my face lit up with a smile.

"Thanks, Leone," I mumbled.

"Let's eat before the food gets cold," I brightened up.

After that, he took me home and the evening was over. My first date ever went half-amazing, due to the appearance of Lucien. But overall, Leone seems nice, I hope we'll go out again.