⌗ 9

Today's the day. Tonight holds The Celestial event—hosted by none other than Jennifer Huh herself. She's one of the most popular girls at school, if not the most popular. She's got everybody swooning for her, and for reasons I understand, but not me of course.

The only person that could ever possibly swoon me is Riley. Every little thing she does makes me feel all warm and giddy on the inside. I've been texting her all day. She's excited to see me.

My mum had been eyeing me all afternoon, wondering why I had a smile plastered across my face. "The smile on your face is starting to scare me." She said. "Why are you smiling anyway?"

I never answered her question. I just shrugged and left the kitchen with a piece of toast hanging from my mouth as I made my way back up to my room. I don't know why, but this toast is tastier than it usually is. Or is it because we're talking? Though I'm not too sure what the correlation between my toast and our texts are....

I spend the next few minutes talking to Riley about our plans for tonight. We both decided to meet at the venue and go from there.

"Kang Haerin." My mum called urgently.

I turn around to find her standing between my doorframe, a laundry basket attached to her hip, and a very annoyed look on her face.

"You leave in half an hour and you're not even ready," She said. "Get up now and get dressed. Your ride will be here any minute now."

I spring off my bed and check the time. We didn't talk for a few minutes. We talked for an hour. And in that hour, I was meant to be ready. By now I should be in my dress, in my heels and with a full face of make up. Mara and Mavis are gonna be here any minute. And until we pick up Elly, I'm gonna be third wheeling.

I throw my phone on my bed. I can't stay distracted. I'd rather be though. It's Riley. But I need to get ready. I need to leave. The quicker I get out of here the quicker I get to see her.

By four fifty seven, I was ready. I made my way downstairs and met my family by the living room. I wasn't sure if I should be happy or discouraged by the looks on their faces. My parents look like they're about to cry, my dog couldn't care less and my sibling looks like they're ready to puke into a bucket.

"You look gorgeous, Haerin." My mum smiled.

I roll my eyes as I took the last step off the stairs, "Save it. Your other kid looks like she's about to throw up." My mum looks over at my sister and nudges her to stop.

"Mara and Mavis are outside so I'm gonna go ahead." I hug them all goodbye before heading out. I can hear my mum try to hold in her sobs.

"Mum, she's going to a party. She's not getting married you're literally so dramatic."

I hear my sister yelp after what I assume was my mum hitting her from annoyance. Deserved.

I walk down my driveway and towards Mara's sparkling white Tesla. "Kang Haerin is that really you?!" Mavis yelled from the passenger seat.

"Who else would it be?" I questioned.

The two stare at me in shock. "There's no way that's you," Mara said. "No offence."

I open the car door and take a seat, "None taken. Now let's get going. There's a party to get to." I said, closing the door.

"As if you're actually that excited for some party that we attend yearly. Just say you wanna see Riley. Last year you said you were gonna come in sweats but this outfit...might drop some jaws."

I roll my eyes again. "That's not why."

"Liar." Mavis giggled.

Mara drives off and we make our way down to Elly's. Soon enough, I'll get to see Riley again. And I'm super excited. I really miss her. And I know she'll look absolutely gorgeous. She always does. Tonight will be no exception.

By six thirty we were on our last few kilometres. I was going to see Riley so soon. I wasn't starting to feel nervous. Something about tonight feels special. I've attended The Celestial every year since Year 7. But it's different this year. Maybe, just maybe, it's because of her. I have someone this time around. Even if she really isn't mine.

"By the way if you guys leave me at the table again this year I will actually throw a fit." Elly was making a fuss beside me.

"Throw a fit then. Just leave the table and go find someone to dance with," Mara suggested. "I don't think you realise how many people you turn down every year because they aren't 2D and purely fictional. Just give them a chance, El."

Elly sighs deeply. "What if they're ugly."

The three of us roll our eyes. I don't know how many times I've done this today. "Just give them a chance. Who knows what you'll find. Besides, I'm getting tired of Mason talking about Riley. No offence to Riley of course."

Mara and Elly laugh, "Agreed."

And without even realising it, we made it to the venue. A huge billboard outside displays 'The Celestial. Tonight. 7pm". As always, the venue is bigger and better than last. Jennifer never fails.

The venue is unbelievable. I could put my own house in here a million times and it would still have space to fit more. I grab my purse from the empty seat beside me, readying myself to get out of the car. "Excited much?" Elly laughed.

"Aren't you?" I questioned.

Mara parks her car in under a minute. I gotta give it to her, she's quite the talented driver.
"Alright, entry's over there and we'll—"

I open the car door and make my over to the entrance. A text from Riley shining brightly across my phone screen.

Just got to the venue. I'm by the drinks.

I hear the girls yell at me from behind.

"She is terribly down bad," Mavis sighed.

"Yup, just like you." Elly added.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mavis wondered.

See? Everyone knows how Mavis and Mara feel for each other. Except them of course.

I'm seeing Riley. Any second now. I don't think I've ever been happier in my life. I walk up to the doorman and show him my invitation that Jennifer had sent through email.

"Thank you. Enjoy your night, darling."

I thank the guard in return and make my way inside. The venue is absolutely stunning. I didn't think venues like this even existed in this town. But Jen proved me wrong. It's incredible.

There's a crowd. And there's everything you could possibly want and imagine at a party. Everyone is dressed on theme. And everyone looks great. But of course,

Someone stands out.

In fact, she makes the whole room seem dull.

I find myself glued to the floor. I can't move my feet. I'm so stunned that I feel my breath hitch.

Riley Marsh bas taken my breath away.