🎶: Yellow - Coldplay
The day of another charity event meeting had arrived, and the campus buzzed along as usual. Caitlyn Kiramman was already in the campus conference auditorium, organizing the space with her usual precision. She stacked the folders neatly at the speaker's podium and double-checked the sign-in sheet without missing a beat. Her outfit struck the perfect balance between polished and modern—a fitted navy blazer over a crisp white blouse, paired with a high-waisted pleated skirt that fell just 2 inches above knee, showing off her long legs in a way that felt effortlessly confident. She'd paired it with ankle boots that gave her look a slightly edgy twist, making her look even taller, modelesque. A to-go cup from the campus café sat on the podium beside her notes, the faint smell of her somewhat passable favourite latte cutting through the auditorium's stillness. It wasn't anything flashy, just Caitlyn doing what she always did—keeping things orderly and on track.
"You're making the rest of us look bad," Samantha called out with a grin, balancing a stack of pens as she approached Caitlyn.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I feel more like a very tired event coordinator," she replied, straightening the edge of a sign-up sheet. "But I'll take the compliment."
"Relax, sweetie," Samantha said, walking over to the front row to be closer to Caitlyn, tossing her Prada bag onto the table with a casual grin. "If you're worried no one's gonna show up. I mean," Samantha sizes her up and down and gave an approving nod. "Have you looked in a mirror lately? Who wouldn't volunteer for you?"
Before Caitlyn could respond, the door swung open, and in breezed Seraphine, phone in hand, mid-vlog. "Hey, lovelies!" she chirped into the camera, her soft-pink hair bouncing as she struck a quick pose by the door. "Just arrived at the big charity meeting, where all the magic happens—stay tuned for behind-the-scenes vibes!"
She turned off the recording with a dramatic flourish, only then noticing Caitlyn and Samantha watching her. Seraphine grinned unapologetically as she slung her guitar off her shoulder and set it in the corner like it was a perfectly normal part of the setup. "Sorry, did I just nail the grand entrance, or what?" she said, spinning around to face them, her energy as contagious as ever.
Caitlyn arched an eyebrow amused, crossing her arms. "Sera, I really don't know where you get the energy."
"Glad to inspire," Seraphine said with a playful wink, tossing her hair over her shoulder. She gave Samantha a quick hug before turning to Caitlyn. "Figured I'd strum a few acoustic tunes, keep the vibes chill. Totally free of charge. Just point me where to park myself."
"Right there by the corner works," Samantha said with a teasing grin, gesturing dramatically toward the refreshment table. "You know, far enough away that Caitlyn won't start stress-planning where your guitar case should go."
Caitlyn shot her a pointed look but didn't argue. "You're impossible," she muttered, shaking her head with a faint smile.
One by one, the room started to fill with volunteers, a mix of familiar faces and new ones. Caitlyn and her team greeted everyone warmly, their smiles easy and practiced. The quiet hum of conversation grew louder as people found their seats, interrupted now and then by bursts of laughter or introductions. Seraphine sat off to the side, strumming her guitar softly. The melody floated through the room, creating a laid-back vibe that seemed to put even the most awkward newcomers at ease. A small group drifted toward her, pulled in by the music and her effortless charm. Samantha, meanwhile, was a blur of movement, weaving through the crowd and greeting people like she'd known them forever. She stopped in front of a wide-eyed freshman juggling a massive folder. "Whoa, you came loaded," she said with a grin. "Starting strong—I like it."
Caitlyn stayed on the sidelines, watching the room with her usual attention to detail. She checked the sign-in table, adjusted the snack spread, and tugged at her blazer for what felt like the tenth time that morning. Samantha slid back over to her, holding a half-empty cup of coffee. "Relax, boss," she said, nudging Caitlyn's arm. "Look around. It's actually coming together."
Caitlyn hesitated, glancing around the room. People were laughing, talking in small groups, already throwing around ideas. Seraphine's guitar strummed on in the background, warm and unobtrusive. Caitlyn let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "I just want this to go well," she admitted, quieter than usual.
It was a feeling she knew too well, one rooted in years of trying to meet her mother's impossibly high standards. Growing up in the Kiramman household meant everything had to be flawless—grades, appearances, behavior. But at the same time, her mother had shielded her from anything that might disrupt that carefully crafted perfection, wrapping her in a bubble of protection that left little room for mistakes. Somewhere along the way, Caitlyn had absorbed the belief that success wasn't just expected—it was the only option.
Now, even in something as small as a campus event, that perfectionism clung to her. It wasn't just about the event itself; it was about proving to herself—and maybe even to her mother—that she could handle it, that she could be more than just the carefully sheltered girl her family had raised.
🎶: Style - Taylor Swift
At that moment, the door swung open, and a ripple of attention passed through the room. A figure entered with an effortless presence that didn't demand attention—it simply pulled it. Dressed in a black leather jacket and dark jeans, Vi Kane's arrival was as unassuming as it was impossible to ignore. Her burgundy hair, messy in that perfectly undone way that seemed both natural and impossibly cool, caught the light with a deep, almost coppery sheen. Her piercing powder-blue eyes swept the room with a casual, assessing gaze. A slow, easy smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, and that was all it took—half the room forgot what they were doing.
Vi didn't demand attention. She was attention, whether she wanted it or not.
Heads turned as Vi made her way through the crowd, her movements unhurried, almost languid. It was as if time itself had slowed to match her deliberate pace, each step measured but effortlessly cool. Whispers rippled through the volunteers, curiosity lighting up their faces as they tracked her path across the room. Samantha caught Seraphine's eye and mouthed, Oh, this just got interesting. Seraphine's grin widened, her fingers gliding over the guitar strings in a playful, almost teasing flourish, as though setting the moment to music. The energy in the room shifted, drawn to Vi like gravity itself had shifted in her favor.
Caitlyn's gaze locked with Vi's, and for a brief, charged moment, the rest of the room seemed to fall away. Her heart skipped just slightly at the quiet intensity in Vi's eyes—steady, raw, and unflinching. "Vi," Caitlyn said, her tone carefully cool, though the faint thread of surprise betrayed her. She hadn't expected to see Vi here, and the realization left her momentarily off balance.
Vi's lips curved into a lopsided smirk, her electric-blue eyes glinting with a mix of charm and something almost playful. The flicker of surprise at Caitlyn's reaction was there, buried beneath layers of practiced ease. Her voice dropped, low and smooth, carrying an effortlessly cool tone edged with just enough charm to disarm.
"Figured I'd see what all the fuss was about," she said, her gaze steady on Caitlyn's, holding it just a moment longer than necessary, taking a seat facing right infront of Caitlyn. Then, with a slight tilt of her head toward the door, where a small group of students was filing in behind her, she added, "Oh, and I brought some friends. Hope you don't mind, Cupcake."
Cue the commotion as Loris strolled in, grinning like he owned the place, followed closely by Garen, who towered effortlessly over the group with his easy charisma. A mix of students followed—a few Zaunites, Ionians, Demacians and Piltovans—all chatting and laughing as they entered. Their presence injected a burst of lively energy into the room.
"Hey, thought we could use a little extra muscle," Loris said, stepping forward and flexing his arms in an exaggerated show of bravado. "You know, keep the vibes strong, morale higher. Plus," he added with a sly grin, letting his eyes linger on Samantha for just a beat too long, "every team needs a little eye candy."
Samantha crossed her arms, tilting her head as she gave him a long, unimpressed look, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Right. Because clearly, that's what this event was missing—more distractions."
"Distractions?" Loris placed a hand over his chest as if wounded, his grin unfaltering. "You wound me, Sam." His tone carried just the slightest edge of suggestion, enough to make Samantha roll her eyes even as she fought to suppress a smile.
Garen followed behind, clapping Vi on the shoulder with a grin that was pure older-brother charm, even though they were practically the same age. "She didn't tell me this was a formal meeting. Would've swapped the hoodie for something more serious, like a tie or something."
"You'd wear a tie to a charity planning meeting?" Caitlyn asked dryly, her eyebrow arching.
"Hey, gotta keep the image intact," Garen shot back, his grin widening. "Captain of the football team can't be seen slacking. Sets a bad example."
"Ah yes, the paragon of responsibility graces us with his presence," Caitlyn replied, her tone dripping with mock reverence. A faint smile tugged at her lips despite herself.
"Careful, Cait," Vi interjected with a slow smirk, stepping forward just enough to reclaim the conversation. "Big brother over here might start thinking he's actually the star of the show."
"Jealous, Kane?" Garen teased, crossing his arms. "I thought you liked flying under the radar."
"Not when it's crowded with egos this big," Vi quipped, her smirk widening as she glanced at Loris and Garen in turn.
Caitlyn raised a hand, cutting through the banter with an air of exasperated authority. "While this… fascinating display of teamwork is lovely, I'm more interested in knowing if you're all here as volunteers or just to crash the meeting."
Vi shrugged, her smirk never wavering as her blue eyes locked onto Caitlyn's with that same smoldering intensity that always seemed to leave the room a little quieter. "Depends," she said smoothly, her voice low and deliberate, every word landing like a challenge. "What's the job?"
Caitlyn felt the weight of that gaze, sharp and unrelenting, like Vi could see more than she let on. For a moment, it was as though the bustling room faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in a silent standoff. Caitlyn straightened her posture, refusing to look away, even as a flicker of heat crept up her neck.
Samantha leaned toward Seraphine, muttering just loud enough for everyone to hear. "This is going to be fun, isn't it?"
"Oh, absolutely," Seraphine replied, grinning as she strummed another playful chord.
🎶: pretty girl I'll make you famous - Chandler Leighton
Just as they were about to start, the door opened once more, and in walked Lux. It was as if time slowed for just a moment, the golden-haired cheerleader's arrival commanding the kind of attention that couldn't be manufactured.
She was stunning, dressed in a tailored white blouse tucked into a pastel blue skirt that flared just slightly at the hem, giving her an air of effortless sophistication. Lux's golden hair cascaded down in soft waves that seemed to catch and hold the light. Her nude heels clicked softly on the tiled floor as she stepped in, carrying herself with a natural confidence that made her stand out even among the crowd. The room seemed to pause as people turned to watch her enter. Her bright smile was radiant, a carefully measured combination of warmth and charm that instantly lit up the room. She was a picture of grace, perfectly poised yet somehow approachable. From his spot in the corner, Loris let out a low whistle. "Looks like royalty just walked in," he muttered, earning a nudge from Seraphine, who stifled a laugh.
From her seat directly in front of Caitlyn, Vi leaned back slightly, resting one arm across the back of her chair, her posture effortlessly casual. Her expression was unreadable, though there was a flicker of something as their gazes met briefly. It wasn't quite interest, not yet, but something sharper—assessing, perhaps. Vi's smirk lingered faintly, but she said nothing, watching as Lux made her way across the room.
"Sorry I'm late," Lux said, her tone bright and cheerful. She addressed Caitlyn directly, her smile turning slightly apologetic. "I hope I didn't miss anything too important."
Caitlyn blinked, as if pulling herself out of a deep thought she hadn't realized she'd slipped into. For a split second, her expression was unreadable, a flicker of something that Vi couldn't quite place. Then she shook her head, her composure sliding neatly back into place. "Just about to start," Caitlyn said, her voice steady but a fraction softer than usual. "Glad you could make it."
Vi tilted her head slightly, her brows knitting for the briefest moment before smoothing out.
Lux slid gracefully into the seat next to Vi, her movements fluid and confident, as though the choice had been inevitable. Her golden hair caught the light as she turned her head just enough to meet Vi's gaze, her bright blue eyes locking onto Vi's electric ones. The glance they exchanged wasn't casual—it was deliberate, charged with an unspoken energy that hung heavy between them, like the static crackle before a thunderstorm.
Vi didn't flinch or look away, her smirk softening into something closer to intrigue, a faint flicker of amusement dancing in her expression. For a moment, the air between them seemed to still, the noise of the room fading into the background. Then, with an almost imperceptible shrug, Vi shifted her focus back to Caitlyn at the front of the room, her posture as effortlessly relaxed as ever, though the faint spark of their silent exchange lingered in her eyes.
Caitlyn cleared her throat, drawing attention back to the matter at hand. "Alright, let's get started," she announced, her commanding presence refocusing the volunteers. "We have a lot to cover today, and every role is crucial to making this event a success."
As the room settled into focused anticipation, Caitlyn's mind briefly wandered. She hadn't meant to let her thoughts stray, but the weight of the last few days clung to her like static. Her gaze flickered toward Vi, who now leaned back in her chair with an air of casual confidence, completely at ease despite the attention she drew.
-ਠŕ§-
That night at Garen's party…
Caitlyn had left earlier than planned, citing exhaustion and an early meeting, but the truth had been more complicated. Lux's persistent flirtation with Vi had grated on her nerves in ways she hadn't anticipated. Watching Lux maneuver closer, batting her lashes and laughing at every dry quip, had stirred an odd discomfort in Caitlyn—a tension she couldn't quite name.
She'd told herself it didn't matter. What Vi did, who Vi entertained, was none of her concern. And yet, Caitlyn remembered the moment she'd glanced back before leaving. Vi had been standing by the bar, her arms crossed and her attention fixed on Lux, though not with the warmth Caitlyn had feared. If anything, there'd been a flicker of something guarded in Vi's expression, like she was weighing her options—or waiting for an out.
Yet, even as her face gave her away, Vi's actions had told a different story. By the time Caitlyn reached the door, she'd caught a glimpse of Vi leaning toward Lux, her posture relaxed and her words—whatever they were—eliciting another bright laugh from her companion. The sight had lingered in Caitlyn's mind, leaving a strange, hollow ache in its wake.
Vi had chosen to stay, to play into the moment despite the flicker of something deeper Caitlyn had seen in her eyes. And that, Caitlyn realized, was what unsettled her the most.
-ਠŕ§-
It doesn't matter, Caitlyn reminded herself, shaking the memory loose. What's important now is this event.
Vi leaned back in her chair, arms draped casually over the sides, her smirk still faintly tugging at her lips as she caught Caitlyn's gaze. It was the kind of look that should've felt like a victory—drawing the attention of someone so composed, so untouchable—but instead, it left her off-kilter, her pulse thrumming just a little faster than she wanted to admit.
Caitlyn didn't look away this time. That sharp, focused gaze held hers, and for a second, the room seemed to dim around them. There was something in Caitlyn's expression—calm, poised, but with the smallest flicker of something else, something just under the surface—and Vi felt it, like a hook pulling at her chest.
Her jaw tightened slightly, and she forced herself to look away, her smirk faltering for just a beat. What was it about her? She didn't want to think too hard about it. Thinking about it meant letting it sit in her head longer than it should, and Vi didn't have the patience—or maybe the courage—for that.
Attraction? Sure. Caitlyn was stunning, that was obvious. But it was more than that, and that's where Vi hesitated. There was something about Caitlyn that gnawed at her, a pull she didn't entirely understand. Maybe it was the sheer difference between them—Caitlyn with her perfect posture, her polished demeanor, her background steeped in privilege and tradition. Vi, with her scars and messy upbringing, was everything Caitlyn wasn't. Oil and water, clashing in a way that shouldn't work but somehow kept colliding.
And yet, wasn't that what made it so hard to ignore? The sheer audacity of their differences, the way Caitlyn's sharp edges seemed to carve right into her? Vi's fingers drummed lightly against the armrest, an unconscious habit she couldn't quite control. Was it enough for her to act on it? She didn't know. Did she want to know?
She didn't have an answer for that, and she hated the ambiguity of it. It wasn't like her to sit on the fence about something—or someone—but Caitlyn made things… complicated. She doesn't do so well with complicated. It's beyond her style. The thought of pulling her into Vi's world, or even trying to fit into Caitlyn's, felt like a mess waiting to happen.
Her eyes flicked back to Caitlyn, who had turned her attention back to the room, her voice steady as she addressed the group. She's not for you, Kane, Vi told herself. She wasn't sure if it was a warning or a reassurance.
"All right," Caitlyn continued, her voice clear and steady, "let's make this count."
-ŕ¨ŕ§-
🎶: Sweet Delusions - Bella Poarch
The auditorium was starting to clear out, volunteers trickling out in small groups, their chatter fading into the background. Garen had pulled Lux aside earlier, murmuring something about an errand their parents had insisted on. Lux had pouted, reluctant but ultimately compliant, and within minutes they were making their way toward the door.
Vi had offered a casual wave and a quick, "See you around," as they left, her tone light, easy. But as the door swung shut behind them, she couldn't help the faint exhale of relief that followed. It wasn't anything specific—she didn't mind Lux or Garen, really—but their absence left a kind of quiet that Vi appreciated.
She glanced across the room, spotting Caitlyn still by the refreshments table, busying herself with what looked like reorganizing a stack of papers. Vi lingered for a moment, debating whether to head out herself. But the thought of catching Caitlyn alone, even for just a few minutes, tugged at her enough to make her stay. Caitlyn stood by the refreshments table, organizing leftover cups and papers with the same precision she gave to everything.
"Good turn out huh," Vi said, her voice low and casual as she stepped into Caitlyn's space, close enough that Caitlyn couldn't brush past without noticing. There was an ease in her tone, but beneath it, something heavier—something Caitlyn couldn't immediately place.
Caitlyn looked up, her sharp gaze locking with Vi's. For a moment, she didn't reply. There was no witty retort, no quick-fire quip—just a flicker of something else in her eyes. Tiredness, maybe. Not exhaustion exactly, but the kind of weariness that came from carrying too much for too long.
"I suppose," Caitlyn replied finally, her voice steady, but softer than Vi expected. She reached for a stray stack of cups, her movements precise but lacking her usual energy. "I'm glad you're taking this seriously."
Vi tilted her head, her smirk edging toward a grin that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Wouldn't miss it. Besides, you make it sound like I'd flake."
Caitlyn's response had been cool, distant even, and Vi couldn't quite read if it was deliberate or just her default. Was it indifference? Frustration? Something else entirely? Vi's smirk stayed in place, but her sharp eyes searched Caitlyn's expression for a clue, a crack in that polished armor. Nothing. Leaning back slightly, Vi crossed her arms, her grin softening as she tried to play it off. Whatever Caitlyn's coldness was about, Vi wasn't about to chase an answer. If Caitlyn wanted distance, Vi could respect that—she just couldn't quite ignore the small, nagging voice in her head asking why.
As if she'd read Vi's thoughts, Caitlyn's demeanor shifted.
Caitlyn straightened, an almost imperceptible flush brushing her cheeks. "I didn't mean—" she began, then stopped herself, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. "All I'm saying is, this isn't exactly your usual scene. And I would have understood if you didn't."
Vi's smirk faltered just for a moment, her eyes locking onto Caitlyn's with a sudden intensity that seemed to steal the air between them. "You'd have understood?" she echoed, her voice lower now, softer but carrying a weight that made Caitlyn's words feel heavier than she intended.
There it was again—that gaze. It wasn't just eye contact; it was sharp, purposeful, as though Vi could see past Caitlyn's composed exterior straight to the thoughts she didn't say out loud. Caitlyn felt her pulse quicken, her carefully curated poise wavering under the quiet scrutiny.
She's not supposed to look at me like that—like she sees something. Like she's daring me to look back. Caitlyn swallowed hard, willing her face to remain impassive even as her thoughts churned. It's just eye contact. You're overthinking it. She doesn't see through you. She can't.
And yet, as the moment stretched between them, Caitlyn couldn't shake the unnerving sensation that Vi wasn't just looking at her. She was dismantling her, peeling back layers Caitlyn had spent years perfecting and guarding. It wasn't hostile, but it wasn't gentle either—just relentless, like Vi had decided that whatever Caitlyn was hiding wasn't meant to stay hidden. That piercing gaze wasn't just seeing her; it was knowing her, uncovering something raw, something unspoken, something Caitlyn herself had barely dared to confront.
And worse—far worse than the vulnerability that flared hot and sharp along her spine—was the realization that Caitlyn didn't want it to stop. She didn't want to look away, didn't want to retreat into her practiced calm. Not from this. Not from her.
Vi straightened slightly, taking a step closer. "For the record," she said, her tone steady but the edge unmistakable. "This might not be my usual scene, but that doesn't mean I don't show up when it counts."
Caitlyn's breath hitched, her cool demeanor slipping just slightly as her cheeks warmed. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words stuck. All she could do was nod, feeling that unspoken tension simmering between them.
Vi let the moment stretch just a beat too long, then leaned back with a faint, self-assured grin. "Thought so," she murmured before stepping away, leaving Caitlyn standing there with her thoughts—and that gods be damned gaze—lingering in her mind.
ਠEND OF MINI CHAPTER ŕ§