nightmare

Y/N's POV

I opened my eyes slowly, trying to sit up, but the moment I did, my head started spinning.

"Aah—where am I?" I groaned, rubbing my temples as I looked around. My heart pounded in my chest as I took in my surroundings.

It was my room.

Oh… it was just a dream…

I let out a relieved sigh. "Really? It was just a dream?" I mumbled happily to myself.

But just as I was about to smile, a sharp pain shot through my head. "Aah—my head!" I winced, gripping it tightly.

Despite the pain, I still felt relieved. That was the worst nightmare of my life. Thank God it wasn't real…

I pushed myself up from the bed, determined to shake off the lingering unease. I hate both of them. I don't ever want to see them again!

I turned toward the bathroom, ready to freshen up, but the moment my eyes landed on my clothes, I froze.

I was still wearing the same outfit from the date.

Wait… what?

Panic crept up my spine as I frantically looked around the room. My gaze landed on my phone and an envelope sitting on the nightstand.

I swallowed hard.

No… no, no, no…

I grabbed the envelope and ripped it open, my fingers trembling as I pulled out the photos inside.

They were the same ones.

My breathing quickened. "No… no… it wasn't a dream—" My voice barely came out as a whisper before the door suddenly swung open.

"Hey! You're awake!"

I jumped slightly as Emma rushed toward me, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.

"I was so scared, Y/N!" she murmured, holding me even tighter before pulling away and forcing me to sit on the bed with her.

"Now, tell me everything!" she demanded, her eyes filled with concern.

I avoided her gaze. What am I supposed to tell her?

"W-What?" I let out a nervous chuckle, pretending not to understand.

Emma wasn't buying it. She grabbed my hands, her expression serious.

"Y/N… do you know Lucas from before?"

I stiffened. I should have known she'd ask this…

"I-I…"

Emma let out a sigh. "Don't worry. He already told me everything."

My eyes widened. "WHAT?! What did he tell you?"

Emma gave me a long look before speaking. "He said you were in the same college… and that he always liked you. But you asked for time to think about your relationship. Then, another girl came between you two, and you decided to move away."

I stared at her in disbelief. Is he mentally ill? Why would he lie like that?!

"Emma, he's—"

Before I could finish, the door opened again.

Max stood there, looking at me with a gentle smile. "Hey, Y/N… are you okay?"

I nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. And… I'm sorry about earlier, I mean—"

Max waved his hand dismissively. "You don't have to worry, Y/N. We're fine. And please, don't say sorry, okay? You're like a little sister to me."

I smiled warmly. "Oh, thanks! I mean, I'd love to be the sister of a handsome guy. And plus, if Emma and you get married, she'll be my sister-in-law, right?"

Emma gasped and playfully smacked my shoulder. "Hey! No! You're my sister first!" she pouted.

Max chuckled. "Sorry, Emma, but Y/N and I look like siblings, so you better back off."

We all laughed.

Max grinned. "Alright, let's head downstairs for dinner."

Emma and I nodded as he left the room first.

I turned to Emma and whispered, "I'll tell you later."

She gave me a serious look. "You better."

We walked downstairs, and as expected, Lucas was there. My stomach twisted as I saw him sitting at the table. He was looking directly at me.

I quickly averted my gaze, my nerves creeping up again.

Max must have noticed the tension because he spoke up. "Lucas, she's here, so please… don't bring up the past, okay?"

Lucas frowned slightly but didn't say anything.

Max turned back to us with a bright smile. "Come on, beauties! Take a seat!"

I hesitated before finally sitting down. Emma sat beside Max, and unfortunately, Lucas was right in front of me.

Lucas cleared his throat. "Hmm… are you alright?" he asked in a polite tone, as if he didn't know what he had done in the past.

I inhaled deeply, keeping my voice steady. "I'm fine."

Emma and Max sensed the tension between us, and Max quickly changed the subject.

"Emma, I'm sorry, but we have to leave after dinner. I have some work to do."

Emma frowned. "What? But I thought you were free today?"

Lucas shot Max an irritated look. "Yeah, Max, you said you were free."

Max scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "O-Oh… I just got a call from my office. And my dad wants to see me there."

Lucas clenched his jaw. "But—"

I silently prayed, Please, Max, take him with you!

Max turned back to Emma with a small smile. "I promise, after this, I'll take a few weeks off, and we'll go somewhere, okay?"

Emma's face softened. "Don't worry, Max. I'm not mad at you." She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

So sweet…

Lucas suddenly stood up. "Hmm… excuse me, I need to use the washroom."

I stiffened when he turned to me. "Um… Y/N, can you—"

Before he could finish, Max quickly stood up. "I know where it is. I'll show you."

I let out a silent sigh of relief as Max led Lucas away.

Emma leaned in. "Y/N, you need to talk to him."

I swallowed hard but gave a small nod. "But not now."

She nodded in agreement.

A few minutes later, we heard footsteps returning.

Max: "So—"

Lucas suddenly clutched his head and groaned in pain.

"Ahh—my head!" he cried out.

Max rushed toward him. "Bro! What's wrong?"

Lucas gasped, struggling to breathe. "I-I don't k-know… my head… h-hurts—ahh!"

His knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the floor.

Emma: "OH NO!"

I jumped to my feet. "Max! Call the doctor! Now!"

Emma ran to get water while I knelt beside Lucas, shaking him gently.

"Hey! Wake up! Oh no… he has a fever!"

Emma returned with a glass of water, and I sprinkled some on his face.

Lucas groaned, barely opening his eyes. "Y/N… please… save me…"

I sighed, placing a hand on his forehead. "I'm here, Lucas."

His gaze softened as he looked at me. "Y/N… finally…"

I pushed the glass of water toward him. "Drink this."

Max returned, panting. "The doctor is on the way!"

Lucas nodded weakly. "M-My head…"

Max helped him up. "Come on, let's get you upstairs."

Lucas leaned against him for support but suddenly hesitated.

"W-Where is Y/N's room?"