Chapter 17: A Day Like No Other

Classes were over. At home, Mia sat in front of her mirror, scrutinizing her reflection with intense focus. Ever since she met Jessy, her mind had been a whirlwind of unfamiliar emotions. She had spent the previous evening thinking about the perfect outfit for their date. After hours of hesitation, she finally settled on a black mini-skirt and a light shirt that revealed her belly button. To finish it off, she carefully applied a deep red lipstick.

Her phone vibrated on the table. She answered absentmindedly:

— "Hello?"

A familiar voice, tinged with tension, replied:

— "Mia, stop avoiding me. I want to see you."

It was Jason.

— "Jason… stop," she replied coldly.

— "It's because of that bastard Jessy, isn't it? That prick… Are you with him now? You're mine!"

Mia let out a long, tired sigh.

— "If that's all you had to say, I'm hanging up."

— "Wait—"

But she hung up before he could finish. No sooner had she put the phone down than another call came through. She answered with a sigh, ready to put someone else in their place.

— "I told you not to call—"

— "Whoa, what did I do? Should we cancel maybe?"

It was Jessy's amused voice. Mia suddenly sat up straight.

— "J-Jessy? Is that you?"

— "Yeah, who else would it be?"

— "Sorry… I had a fight with a friend earlier."

He chuckled softly.

— "I see. Anyway, I'm already at the mall. Just wanted to let you know."

— "Okay, I'm heading out. I'll be there soon."

She hung up, took one last breath in front of her mirror, then rushed out to meet him.

When she arrived, she spotted Jessy standing near the central plaza, where a giant red decorative heart was displayed. He wore a simple yet stylish urban outfit and smiled as he saw her.

— "You look amazing."

She blushed.

— "Thanks…"

— "Did you run here?"

— "Ah… no, it's just the heat," she replied, avoiding his gaze.

Jessy smiled, took her hand, and said:

— "Let's go."

They walked into a clothing store. Mia tried on several outfits, each more flattering than the last. In front of the fitting room, Jessy received a message.

Grimm: "Boss, everything is ready."

A subtle smile played on his lips. The timing was perfect. Mia then stepped out of the booth and asked shyly:

— "Do you think this looks good on me?"

— "You look stunning," he replied without hesitation.

After making a few purchases, they headed to the mall's terrace to eat. They sat on a bench, shopping bags at their feet. Jessy took a deep breath and said:

— "It's a good day."

— "Yes… a wonderful one," Mia replied, clinging to his arm.

— "So, Mia, I want to know more about you. Who are you really?"

— "Hmm… I don't know where to start."

— "Your hobbies? Do you have any siblings?"

— "I'm Jessy Kedwell. I like movies… and I'm an only child. I don't really have close family."

Mia seemed fascinated by his answers. Jessy took the opportunity to dig a bit deeper:

— "Tell me… how long have Saya and Nikolas been together?"

She thought for a moment.

— "There are two weeks left in the month, so… almost a year. Why do you ask?"

— "Just curious. We're talking about ourselves and those close to us, that's all."

Mia smiled.

— "I see. Well, Saya is very close to Nikolas. He's her first boyfriend. She always avoided guys because of her status and personality. But Nikolas… he pursued her for a whole year, turning down other girls. Only after a year did she agree to go out with him. And she promised… if their relationship lasts one more year, she'll accept his engagement proposal."

Jessy kept a calm expression, but inside, he thought: Unfortunately, I'm going to destroy that relationship. Saya is essential to my plan.

He picked up a crepe, cut a piece, and brought it to Mia's lips.

— "Here, try this."

She accepted happily. A bit of cream stayed on her cheek. Jessy gently wiped it off, then licked his finger.

Mia blushed furiously.

— "I think I… really like you," she murmured almost inaudibly.

— "What did you say?" Jessy asked, raising an eyebrow.

— "N-Nothing important," she said quickly.

Jessy looked at her, then gently cupped her face. He pulled her into a soft embrace, his arms wrapping around her neck and back, reducing the distance between them.

Without warning, he pressed his lips to hers. A tender kiss, charged with tension. Mia welcomed the moment with passion. The world around them seemed to fade away. They held each other for a long time, forgetting everything else.

Their day at the mall continued in a soft, romantic atmosphere. But beneath the peace, threads were being woven.