A Mixer?

Mia looked at herself in the mirror. She had already formulated a plan to ruin Sakura's reputation. But this time she had to do it herself. She was already for college. She applied makeup and left her hair fall down.

As she drove off to Historia college she searched for Sakura's car. "Bingo." Mia said to herself as soon as she spotted it. After she parked her car she stepped inside the college and walked to her first lecture of the day.

As Mia entered the lecture hall, her eyes immediately found Sakura sitting at the front. The moment their gazes met, Sakura's face brightened, and she eagerly rushed over to Mia.

"Mia!" Sakura exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and joy. "I haven't seen you in days! Are you okay now? I was so worried about you!" Without waiting for a response, she threw her arms around Mia in a warm embrace, clearly concerned.

Mia, feeling a brief wave of annoyance at the closeness, quickly returned the hug with little enthusiasm. "Yeah, I'm fine, Sakura. Just needed a little time to myself, that's all," she replied, her tone forced, but calm.

Sakura pulled back, her eyes still filled with genuine concern. "Are you sure you're okay now? Those bullies—" She lowered her voice, checking to see if anyone could overhear. "I made sure they won't bother you again. It's all sorted."

Mia gave her a tight smile, masking any true emotion. "Thanks, Sakura. I knew you'd handle it. You always do." She was careful to sound grateful, but inside, she wasn't particularly moved.

Sakura beamed, clearly proud of herself. "It's nothing. I can't stand seeing you upset. You're my best friend, Mia. I want you to be happy again."

Mia nodded, though she was already growing bored of this display of sincerity. She didn't need Sakura's sympathy—she had a bigger goal in mind. The time had come to make her move.

"Sakura," Mia said, trying to sound casual, but her voice held a hidden purpose. "There's a mixer tonight at the karaoke place. I'm going, and I thought maybe you'd want to come with me? I don't want to go alone."

Sakura was taken aback. "A mixer? Tonight?" she asked, her voice hesitant. "I don't know, Mia. I've got a lot to catch up on... and I'm not really in the mood for that."

Mia's lips curled into a faint smile, her eyes calculating. "Oh, come on, Sakura. You can take a break. It'll be fun, I promise. Besides, I really don't want to go alone. You're my best friend, remember?" She put a touch of emphasis on that last part, knowing it would tug at Sakura's heartstrings.

Sakura seemed to hesitate, then shook her head. "I really can't tonight, Mia. I'm focusing on something important."

Mia's smile didn't waver; she wasn't taking no for an answer. "Something important? What could be more important than spending some time with me?" Her tone was sweet, but underneath, it was edged with a subtle sense of entitlement. "Please, Sakura. I really want you there."

Sakura looked conflicted, her eyes darting around as if searching for an excuse. Mia could see the internal struggle playing out, and she was ready to pounce. "Is it because you have someone else in mind? A crush or something?" Mia's voice dropped, feigning innocence but pressing just enough to get a reaction.

Sakura's face flushed, and she quickly shook her head. "It's not that… I just…" She stammered slightly before cutting herself off, trying to find a way out without giving anything away. "I just don't feel like it tonight."

Mia's eyes darkened for a fraction of a second, but she quickly masked it with a more earnest expression. "But why won't you come? I thought we were close. Don't leave me hanging, Sakura. I really want to go with you. It won't be the same without you."

Sakura's gaze softened, but Mia didn't care for that—she only wanted to manipulate it. She needed Sakura to say yes, and her words were more calculated now. "Please, you know I need you there. I've been kind of off lately, and I really want to have fun tonight. It'd mean a lot to me."

Sakura hesitated, her eyes searching Mia's face, almost as if she was trying to find a reason to say no. But Mia wasn't letting up. She kept her voice steady, giving off the impression that there was no room for argument. "Just come with me, Sakura. You're not going to waste your time. We can just enjoy the night."

Finally, Sakura gave in, unable to stand the pressure. She sighed softly. "Alright, alright. I'll go with you." There was no real enthusiasm in her voice, but she had no idea what else to say. Mia's persistence had worn her down.

Mia's smile grew, and she mentally congratulated herself. It had taken more effort than she'd anticipated, but it was worth it. "Great! It's at the karaoke place close to McDonald's, 8 PM. I'll meet you there." Her voice was almost too cheerful, a sharp contrast to the darker thoughts brewing beneath her calm exterior.

Sakura nodded, still feeling a knot in her stomach. "I'll see you there," she said quietly, though her mind was already elsewhere. Haru. He was all that mattered now.

Mia turned away and walked toward her seat, her expression neutral. But inside, she was already anticipating how tonight would unfold.