Chapter 54

KAIA

Callum helped me out of my coat, then pulled out my chair like a gentleman, and I sat down, trying not to look like I was seconds away from combusting from nerves.

The waitress returned moments later with a tall green bottle and two elegant wine glasses. She poured a deep red into each and set the bottle down before quietly vanishing again.

Callum raised his glass and smiled.

"To us."

I clinked my glass against his, the sound soft and delicate, and took a sip. The wine warmed my chest, quieted my nerves, and let me breathe just a little easier.

"So," Callum began, leaning back slightly, "you know how impossible it is to get a reservation here, right?"

I blinked. "Yeah, I've heard the rumors."

"Well," he smirked, "I may or may not have begged my agent to work his magic. I booked this three days ago, actually. Wanted to make sure I could take you somewhere special."

I was impressed. Like, genuinely.

"That's... really thoughtful. Thank you. This place is beautiful."

His smile grew.

"I hope you don't mind," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, "but I already ordered for us."

My brow arched slightly. "Oh?"

"It's the restaurant's specialty tonight. Figured we could try it together. First time for both of us."

I narrowed my eyes, mock suspicious.

"Great. As long as it's not Ramen noodles, then I'm all in."

He laughed—a real, deep laugh that made his eyes crinkle.

"Definitely not."

He reached across the table and took my hand again, and we smiled at each other like maybe—just maybe—this night wouldn't be so hard after all.

Soon enough, our waitress returned with our dinner—Truffle Butter Filet Mignon with Herb Mashed Potatoes and Garlic-Rosemary Asparagus. It looked like art on a plate. The steak was perfectly seared, the mashed potatoes whipped like silk, and everything smelled like heaven.

We did a little toast with our forks before taking our first bites.

"Oh wow," I said, eyes widening. "Okay, this is amazing."

Callum chuckled.

"Right? The steak's unreal. I'm not huge on asparagus though."

I nodded.

"Same. I'm pretending to be healthy by eating one."

Our conversation drifted naturally. He told me about hockey practice, I told him about a dumb debate Amy had with our RA, and before I knew it, I was laughing. Actually laughing. It felt easy again. Comfortable.

After dinner, dessert came—a warm Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla bean gelato and fresh raspberries. I took one bite and melted in my seat.

"This," I said with my mouth half-full, "this is better than dinner."

Callum grinned. "Agreed."

As we finished up, Callum leaned slightly forward.

"Okay, don't freak out—but I have something for you."

"What do you mean something?" I asked, confused.

Just then, the waiter returned with not just something—but a massive bouquet of long-stemmed red roses and a sleek, medium-sized rectangular box.

My jaw dropped.

"Callum—what...?"

He looked excited, like a little kid who couldn't wait for you to open your birthday gift.

"Open it," he said.

I gently set the bouquet aside and lifted the lid of the box.

Inside, nestled in soft velvet, was a stunning diamond necklace. But not just any necklace—it had a sapphire clover pendant, delicate and shimmering, with tiny diamonds surrounding the edges like frost.

My breath caught.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"Callum... it's so beautiful," I whispered, staring at it like I couldn't believe it was real.

He stood and gently took the necklace out.

"Can I put it on you?"

I nodded, too stunned to say anything else. I lifted my hair and let him fasten it around my neck. The sapphire clover settled against my collarbone like it belonged there.

I ran my fingers over the pendant and looked up at him.

"Thank you."

And I meant it. Every word.

Because even though my heart was still confused, even though Adrien's face kept flashing through my mind like some kind of warning, I couldn't deny what I was feeling now.

Something was stirring inside me—something warm and fluttery and dangerous.

And for the first time, I realized I might actually be starting to embrace my real feelings for Callum.

Callum glanced at me from across the table, his fingers gently drumming the stem of his wine glass. Then he asked, voice low and slightly nervous, "Have you... thought about what I said? You know... about us?"

I nodded slowly, setting my glass down.

"I have."

His eyes searched mine, waiting.

I took a breath.

"When I started college, I wasn't really big on dating. I figured I'd just focus on school, on making it through the chaos. But if I ended up liking someone, I actually wanted it to be special. Like, really special. I wanted it to feel right. Traditional, even."

Callum tilted his head slightly.

"Traditional? What do you mean?"

I smiled a little and shrugged.

"Since I'm half-Filipino, I always thought it'd be nice to try something from that side of me—like the courtship phase, the way they do it back home. You know, before actually becoming boyfriend and girlfriend."

He blinked, absorbing that.

"So... I get to court you first?"

I nodded.

"Yeah. Before I say yes to being your girlfriend, I want us to go through that stage. I know it's not very modern or whatever, but... I think it'll help me figure out what I really want."

What I didn't say—couldn't say—was that it'd also give me time to sort through this emotional mess in my heart. Between Callum and Adrien, I needed clarity. I needed to know who I truly wanted to end up with, without regrets.

Callum's lips curved into a soft smile.

"Okay. I'm in."

"You are?" I blinked.

He nodded.

"Absolutely. Honestly? It sounds kinda refreshing. It's always been the same boring routine with the girls I've dated. Nothing really... different. I'm excited to try something new."

I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

"I'm glad. I was worried you'd think it was weird."

He shook his head.

"No way. It's you. I want to try whatever makes you comfortable."

After dinner, Callum drove me back to campus. He didn't let go of my hand the entire way. When we reached the dorm building, he came around to open my door like a true gentleman.

"Goodnight," I said softly.

"Goodnight," he replied, then leaned in and kissed me.

Warm, gentle. Sweet.

I stepped back, cradling the giant bouquet of roses in my arms, and watched as he got back in the car. His headlights faded through the gates and into the night.

As I turned to head up the stairs, I heard loud voices coming from the path ahead. I froze when I saw Amy with two other girls—Jenna and Cassie—coming down the walkway. Behind them were Adrien, Nate, and Amir. They looked like they were just about to head out.

My eyes immediately locked on Adrien before he even noticed me. He looked good. Effortlessly good. Like always.

But Amy saw me first.

"Oh my god!" she squealed, rushing up to me. "Look at you! Look at these flowers!" She hugged me, then leaned back, her hands dramatically clutching her heart. "Tell me everything about your date with Callum when I get back!"

I smiled but couldn't help glancing past her at Adrien. He was standing still, watching me. His eyes swept over the red dress, the necklace glinting at my collar, and finally landed on the roses I was holding. Something unreadable passed through his gaze, but he didn't say anything.

Amy waved at the group. "Go ahead! I'll catch up!"

The others continued down the path, and Adrien followed behind them slowly. Amy turned back to me, grinning like she was sitting on the hottest tea ever.

"Okay, so don't freak out," she whispered excitedly, "but Jenna—yeah, the blonde one—has a huge crush on Adrien. I'm gonna set them up tonight."

I blinked. "Wait, what?"

Amy beamed.

"I've been planning it since yesterday. And get this—Adrien actually approved me and Nate hanging out. Like, officially. So I thought, why not return the favor? I think they'd be cute."

The smile I forced was shaky at best.

"Oh... cool."

Amy didn't seem to notice. She was too hyped about her 'mission'.

"I'll let you know how it goes, okay? Love you!" She kissed my cheek and rushed off, her curls bouncing as she disappeared into the night.

I turned slowly and watched them pile into Adrien's car. Jenna slipped into the passenger seat. Figures. Adrien was the last to get in. Before he shut the door, he looked back—right at me. Our eyes met for a heartbeat. Then he looked away and drove off.

And just like that, I felt my chest tighten in a way I hated.

I hated how confusing everything had gotten lately. I hated that I still felt this pull toward Adrien even when I was trying—really trying—with Callum. And I hated that it hurt to think about Adrien possibly dating someone else, even though I had no right to be mad or jealous.

If I could go on a date, why couldn't he?

It's not like we were exclusive. It wouldn't be fair of me to expect anything.

I blinked fast and sniffed, swallowing down the lump in my throat. No way was I going to cry over this—not tonight.

I hugged the bouquet closer and went inside.

Maybe if I was lucky, sleep would come fast.

And dreamless.