Mike's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, arrived home in the evening, and during dinner Mike recounted the school incident. Mr. Smith listened intently as he emptied his cup, his expression stern. "Can't you and Christina just settle your differences or, better yet, embark on a peaceful relationship?" he suggested after hearing the whole story.

Mike's face contorted in disappointment. "Dad, are you drunk?" he asked, sniffing the air. “Everyone here knows how strong our hatred is for each other, and what!? Embark? Relationship? Oh gadd!”

Rachael burst into laughter, her infectious giggles spreading to Mrs. Smith. The tension dissipated as everyone at the dining table focused on Mike.

"Don't worry, son," Mrs. Smith reassured, patting Mike's shoulder. "I and your dad will visit your school tomorrow. We'll settle everything."

Mike smiled. "Thanks, Mom," he said.

Mr. Smith's concern shifted to Mike's injuries. "Did you treat your wounds?" he inquired.

"Yes, Rachael applied some ointment earlier," Mike replied.

Mr. Smith nodded in satisfaction and poured himself another glass of water. His gaze shifted to the kids' attire.

"But... what's with your outfits?" Mrs. Smith who also noticed their outfits asked.

"Are you guys going somewhere?" Mr. Smith inquired.

"Yes, we're attending a birthday party tonight." Rachael replied.

Mrs. Smith raised an eyebrow.

"My friend Tina's birthday party," Rachael clarified.

The adults' smiles faltered, their faces turning intense.

"Are you thinking of a way to persuade us not to go?" Mike asked, deciphering their expressions.

Mrs. Smith's voice was laced with surprise. "You're attending a birthday party dressed like that?"

Mike and Rachael exchanged skeptical glances before turning to their mother. "Dressed like how?" they chimed in unison.

Mr. Smith chuckled. "One would think you're going hiking. And Rachael, why dress like a boy? Why wear a coat to a birthday party?"

Mike's smile hinted at mischief. "It's a cold night, Dad. And… we're on a mission."

The word "mission" hung in the air, sparking concern. "Mission!? What mission?" Mr. and Mrs. Smith asked in tandem.

Rachael's eyes widened, her glare at Mike a mixture of alarm and frustration. "Why not take a megaphone and announce it to the whole world?" she whispered.

Mike's whispered response was matter-of-fact. "They wouldn't understand. I'm giving them a hint, just in case we get into trouble later."

Rachael shook her head, uncertain whether Mike's words were a testament to his intelligence or his foolishness. Mrs. Smith exhaled in resignation. "Well, I don't have anything else to say except 'be careful.' I hope it works for you."

Rachael grasped Mike's hand, pulling him toward the door. "Be careful’l works for us, don't worry, Mom, Dad. We'll be home before 12."

Mr. and Mrs. Smith exchanged a concerned glance again, their eyes widening in unison. "12 a.m.? Be back here before 11!" Mrs. Smith called out.

Rachael's face contorted in frustration. "We're going to be fine, Mom! Stop treating us like kids!" She glared at Mike, expecting him to intervene with an assuring words to calm their parents down.

But Mike's intervention ruined it, his tone reassuring. "Um, well...we'll be careful. And, as you said, we'll be back before 11."

Rachael's glare cut through Mike, her eyes flashing annoyance. "I asked you to convince them, not agreeing with them! Old-fashioned set of people!" she muttered, rolling her eyes. "I shouldn't have involved you in the first place."

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"Let's go!" She yelled, causing Mike to flinch. As they stormed out, Mike turned to face Rachael whose anger was visible. "Let's just get the books and come back home. There's nothing we'll be doing there till 12 a.m." he whispered.

Rachael sighed, relenting. "Whatever." Their footsteps echoed into the night.

*****

As Mike and Rachael reached the front of Tina's house, they began to hear the sound of music. Tina's house is a majestic two-story building that exudes luxury and elegance. The exterior walls are painted a warm, creamy white, with large windows that sparkle like diamonds in the light.

The roof is a deep, rich brown, with intricately designed tiles that add a touch of sophistication. The front door is a sturdy, dark wood with a gleaming brass doorknob and a heavy-looking iron knocker in the shape of a wolf's head.

“Whoa! This place is stunning!” Mike marveled at the building' structure and beauty. “It looks like a fairy-tale palace!”

Rachael looked at Mike and scoffed. “Dammit! Mike. Stop your palace's fantasy! Your exaggeration is so obvious, palace? My foot!”

“Whatever! Are you sure we're gonna get what we came for?” Mike asked in anticipation. “My instinct is telling me something feels off”

“Your instincts are always wrong, Tina's parents went on a business trip, so stop whining,” Rachael scoffed.

“Today might be right, you never know what will happen.” Mike said and entered the house.

As they step inside, they're immediately struck by the grandeur of the high ceilings, adorned with intricate moldings and crystal chandeliers that refract rainbows of light. The floors are polished marble, gleaming like mirrors, and the walls are painted a soft, creamy color that seems to glow in the light.

The living room is spacious, with plush, velvet sofas and armchairs in a rich, berry-red color. The walls are adorned with expensive-looking artwork, and the coffee table is a gleaming slab of black marble. The room is filled with the sweet scent of fresh flowers, arranged in a stunning bouquet on the coffee table.

The room was filled with several students, some familiar and others unfamiliar, all dancing to the rhythm of the music playing.

“Strawberry please.” Rachael said and the waitress passing by handed over a cup to her. She took a sip and moaned softly in satisfaction. “Dammit! That hits the spot!”

“Pineapple please.” Mike said and took the glass from the waiter beside him. He took a sip and nodded.

Tina emerged, radiant in her party attire. "Hi Rachael!" she exclaimed.

Rachael's eyes widened. "You look stunning! Jaw-dropping, really."

Tina's cheeks flushed. “Thanks, nice outfits by the way. You look like the one hosting the birthday party.”

Rachael furrowed at Tina and burst into laughter. "You mean the opposite, right?"

Tina's smile faltered. Then, her gaze shifted to Mike. “Well…” she trailed off.

“Ohhh, meet my older brother, Mike. You must have seen him before, in school.” Rachael introduced.

Tina's eyes sparkled. "Of course, we've met. Who wouldn't know Mike. Christina's—"

"Keep it down! We don't want this party to turn into a boxing ring," Rachael swiftly intervened.

Tina chuckled. "Right! Wouldn't want that."

Mike leaned in, whispering, "What's going on?"

Rachael's smile wryly. "It's better you don't know. We might get thrown out... or worse."

Mike raised an eyebrow. His gaze drifted upstairs, where a couple was locked in a passionate kiss. "Whoa!" he breathed.

Tina's voice broke the silence. "You two look alike. No one would believe that you're not twins."

Mike's gaze fixed, lost in thought, until Rachael's voice snapped him back.

“Mike!?”

"Mike!!?"

Mike flinched, regaining composure. "Wh...what!??" he stammered, licking his lips.

Rachael's eyes locked onto his, gesturing toward Tina. Mike's attention returned to Tina, her outstretched hand awaiting his greeting. "I'm Mike Smith. Nice meeting you," he said, his handshake was firm.

“I knew you, Mike. I'm in senior class C,” Tina replied, her smile warm. "I'm Valentina Edwards. The pleasure is mine."

"Over here, Tina!" A voice called from across the room, interrupting the mood.

Tina waved and excused herself. "Mi casa es tu casa," she said before leaving.

"Gracias," Mike replied as she disappeared into the crowd.

Rachael's stare was piercing. "So you like my friend?" she asked jokingly.

Mike's intensity was palpable. "Did I tell you that!?" he grumbled.

“Sorry! Sorry!! Sorry!!! My bad!" Rachael hastily apologized.

Mike's determination resurfaced. "What about the books?"

"Oh! That's right, follow me," Rachael whispered after confirming Tina was occupied with a conversation with her friends.

Mike followed without asking anymore questions. They slipped upstairs, navigating the corridor to the third room on the left.

Rachael halted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She pushed open the door, gesturing for Mike to enter. "After you."

Mike hesitated, his voice filled with apprehension. "After who? In this dark room?"

Rachael urged, "The sooner you go in, the sooner you get what you came for."

Mike stepped cautiously, his slow footsteps echoing through the darkness. "Someone's coming!" Rachael whispered urgently, shoving Mike inside and slamming the door shut.

In the darkness, Rachael's frustration boiled over. "We almost got caught because of you!"

"We're not caught, anyway. Let's just get what we want and get the fuck out of here!" Mike retorted, irritation edging his voice. He paused, blinded by the darkness. "And... I can't see a damn thing!"

Rachael flipped the light switch, bathing the room in a warm glow.

Mike's jaw dropped. The room was a treasure trove of dusty tomes and ancient texts. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, packed with leather-bound books. A majestic wooden desk dominated the center, surrounded by piles of papers and quills. Mike's eyes widened, drinking in the bibliophilic paradise.