Days went by easily, and it's already Friday we don't have projects or group studies to do. Tonight, I'll have dinner with Nicholas. We go to the same university, but since he's studying engineering, his building is quite far from mine.

I was waiting for him in the parking lot on his bike. Since it was already past five, there were only a few students scattered around campus. As I scrolled through my phone, something caught my attention—a group of three boys and two girls walking together.

For some reason, they were captivating its like there is an unexplainable connection towards them . They didn't look particularly unusual, except that what they were wearing seemed quite expensive. I decided to tear my gaze away from them, but a strange curiosity lingered.

Minutes later, Nicholas approached with a smile.

"Hey, they're pretty. Where do you want to eat?"

I laughed, taking the extra helmet from him.

"Hmmm... I want pizza and pasta."

"How about the new place that opened up? It's a thirty-minute drive, but I heard it's good."

"Yeah, let's go! I don't have class tomorrow, so I'm fine with it."

As we left the university gates, I saw the group again. They were all drop-dead gorgeous. My heart skipped a beat when one of the guys looked directly at me and gave a lopsided smile. It was like he knew exactly what I was thinking. I quickly looked away, pretending I hadn't seen him.

At the restaurant, Nicholas and I settled in while waiting for our orders. I called Joshua, who immediately launched into his plans for tomorrow.

"Hey, babe?" I greeted.

Nicholas glanced over but relaxed when I mouthed, "Joshua."

"Where are you? I thought you were joining us tomorrow!" Joshua exclaimed.

"Having dinner with Nick, but what's going on?"

"We're going shopping! A house party of the school year, and you know what that means!"

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I smiled, imagining Joshua's excitement.

"You've been talking about this party all week, but I don't think I need to shop..." I whispered the last part, knowing Nick was listening in.

"Excuse me? Arwen Latrelle, you are coming with me, and I won't hear any excuses! I, Joshua Brandt, the school's number-one fashionista, will make sure you're ready for that party!" Joshua's dramatic tone was impossible to resist.

I sighed and smiled at Nick, who was grinning back.

"Okay, pick me up at 10."

"Nope! 9 AM sharp. See you tomorrow!" And with that, the line disconnected.

Nick chuckled.

"So, you're going shopping, Barbie?"

"Don't call me that," I groaned, but I couldn't help smiling.

We ate, and I put the whole shopping trip out of my mind—until the next morning.

I woke up early, dreading the day ahead. It wasn't that I didn't like shopping, but shopping with Joshua? That was a different story. As I sipped my hot chocolate, Nick emerged from his room, dressed in his jogging outfit.

"Up early for someone with no class today," he commented, stealing a sip from my mug.

"I have a meeting with the devil," I grumbled.

"Ah, shopping with Joshua. Here, take my card," Nick said, handing me his card with a grin.

I was about to joke about getting new shoes when Nick stopped me with a more serious tone.

"Arwen, don't get drunk at that party, and be home before midnight, okay?"

"Got it, Mr. Latrelle," I teased.

"Oh, that's Dad. I'm Mr. Hot Guy."

"Ew!" I laughed. "Shut up, you're buying me shoes!"

As he headed out the door, I called after him.

"Love you!"

"Love you too, sis."

After finishing my chores, I glanced at a photo of Nick and me, taken last summer. How could I describe Nick? He's tall, around six feet, with striking features that draw people in—strong jawline, expressive blue eyes, and smooth, clear brown skin. His cheekbones are high, and when he smiles, it's effortless, revealing a dimple that makes the girls at school swoon. With his short, cropped hair and athletic build, he looks like someone who should be on the cover of a magazine. He's got this natural confidence about him, —charismatic, approachable, and effortlessly cool.

Despite his good looks and popularity, Nick is just my goofy older brother. He's always teasing me, making jokes, and causing chaos wherever he goes. It's hard to believe sometimes how much attention he draws. Like last year, when he came to pick me up from class. The moment he stepped into the hallway, my classmates practically lost their minds, screaming and giggling like he was some kind of celebrity. I could only roll my eyes, but I couldn't help but laugh at the memory.

I shook my head, smiling, as I put the picture down and turned my focus back to the day ahead. Joshua was going to arrive any minute, and knowing him, he'd be extra early, buzzing with excitement for our shopping trip. Today was only just beginning.