Han had been wandering the streets near his aunt's house, enjoying the familiarity of Singapore and the festive energy of Chinese New Year when he bumped into someone he didn't expect.
"Han! Didn't think I'd see you here!" Fiona exclaimed, her bright smile and confident energy immediately filling the small street.
Han laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fiona! Long time no see. How've you been?"
"Good, good," she said easily, looping her arm through his as they walked a few steps together. "I didn't know you'd be back for CNY. Are you staying near your aunt?"
"Yeah, just a few blocks away," Han replied. "How about you?"
"Oh, same, actually. Funny coincidence! You know my family lives just down the road from yours," she said, clearly enjoying the surprise. Then she added casually, almost like an afterthought, "And… I know Noelle too."
Han froze for a split second. He knew Noelle, sure. Quiet, sweet, the girl who had guided him through the neighbourhood when he first arrived. He remembered her fondly. But hearing that Fiona knew her as well… made his stomach twist in a way he hadn't expected.
"Small world," Han muttered, trying to sound casual.
Fiona laughed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Yeah, Noelle's nice. Quiet, a bit shy, but nice. You two… are you close?"
Han hesitated. How should he answer? He didn't want to make it sound like he cared too much, but he couldn't deny it either. "We've met," he said finally, careful to keep his voice neutral.
Fiona tilted her head, smiling knowingly. "Ah, okay… good to know. Well, maybe I'll introduce you properly next time. She's fun when you get her talking."
It wasn't until later that evening, after returning to his aunt's place that Han found himself thinking about the encounter again. When he saw Noelle a little while later, he decided to bring it up.
"Noelle," he said, trying to keep his tone light, "I ran into Fiona today. You know, the girl you mentioned a while back. Turns out she lives near my aunt too."
Noelle stiffened slightly. Her heart sank despite her best efforts to look calm. Fiona. Of course she knew Fiona. Of course Fiona was always around, always smiling, always the centre of attention.
Han continued, oblivious to the shift in Noelle's expression. "She says she knows you as well. Wants me to meet you properly sometime."
Noelle's stomach twisted. She liked Fiona, admired her even but there was a lingering unease. Fiona was exactly the kind of girl who effortlessly grabbed attention, especially from boys and Noelle knew it. Worse, Fiona's best friend, Jessica, was the kind of girl who made people stop and stare. Drop-dead gorgeous, tall, sharp-eyed, with that effortless confidence that made everyone else feel small by comparison.
Noelle's mind raced. If Han met both Fiona and Jessica together… there was no doubt in her mind where his attention would go. And suddenly, what had been a small spark of hope inside her chest began to feel fragile, like a candle flickering in the wind.
Han didn't notice the way Noelle's eyes dropped to the floor, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. He only smiled, unaware of the storm of insecurity quietly brewing beside him.
For Noelle, the festive streets suddenly seemed larger, louder and more uncertain. Chinese New Year, she realised, would bring more than just celebrations and lanterns. It would bring choices she wasn't ready to confront and a boy who might just be too distracted by someone else to notice her at all.
Jessica was impossibly beautiful. Not just in the way people were casually attractive but in a way that made heads turn instinctively, as if the world paused for a moment when she walked into a room. Her features were sculpted and delicate, yet sharp enough to command attention: high cheekbones, large almond-shaped eyes that glimmered with intelligence and a faint mischievousness and full lips that curved naturally into a smile that seemed effortless yet perfectly measured.
She had long black hair that fell like silk over her shoulders, always seeming to catch the light in the right way, whether she moved in the sun or under the glow of street lamps. Her skin was flawless, her posture impeccable and even her casual clothes seemed impossibly stylish, as if she could make anything look like couture.
There was something in the way she carried herself that made men instinctively want to protect her. Perhaps it was the slight tilt of her head, the way she sometimes looked around as if searching for reassurance, the hint of vulnerability that hid beneath her confident exterior. Men tripped over themselves trying to get her attention, offering help with bags, opening doors and lining up to be noticed by her. But no matter how much they tried, she was never satisfied. Her eyes were always scanning the crowd, always calculating, always on the lookout for someone "better."
It was this impossible combination: beauty, perceived fragility, and unrelenting selectiveness that made her dangerous in a way. Guys fell for her quickly and hard and even the most confident of them stumbled in her presence. Yet Jessica remained untouchable, never settling, never quite content with anyone, as though she was waiting for a challenge that had yet to appear.
Even from a distance, it was easy to see why people whispered about her. To Noelle, Jessica seemed almost unreal, like a character stepped straight out of a magazine or a movie. And Noelle, who had quietly admired Fiona's friendliness and energy, now faced the thought of Han noticing someone like Jessica and feeling drawn to her instantly.
The festive streets were alive with laughter, firecrackers and the rhythmic pounding of the lion dance drums. Lanterns swung overhead, casting golden and red light across the crowd with the scent of fried snacks and sweet pineapple tarts filled the warm night air.
Noelle clutched her hands together nervously, trying to focus on the lanterns above instead of the growing sense of dread in her chest. She knew it was coming. She could feel it; the unmistakable energy that made everyone around her pause.
And then she saw her. Jessica.
She moved through the crowd with the grace of someone completely at ease, her head held high, every step deliberate. Her long black hair shimmered under the glow of the lanterns and her eyes, sharp and alert, seemed to notice everything. Even at a distance, it was impossible not to feel her presence. People instinctively turned to look, whispers rippling through the crowd as if she carried her own quiet spotlight.
Noelle's stomach knotted. She had heard stories about Jessica and made her acquaintance once but seeing her in person was different. She radiated confidence and charm and yet there was something vulnerable in the way she sometimes glanced around, as if silently asking for attention or protection. It made boys and girls notice her in a way that was impossible to ignore.
Han, who had been speaking to Noelle just moments before, froze. His eyes widened slightly and for a heartbeat, Noelle thought he might forget she was even there. She could see it in the way his gaze lingered, a mixture of surprise and fascination crossing his features.
Jessica's entrance was subtle yet commanding. She didn't push her way through the crowd, didn't speak loudly to demand attention. She simply existed and the world seemed to pause around her. People instinctively made room, stepping aside or slowing their pace. Even Fiona, who had been laughing at a joke, glanced over, eyes narrowing slightly in mild envy and curiosity.
Noelle's hands twisted nervously. She liked Fiona and Fiona was kind and approachable but Jessica… Jessica was on another level. If Han met both of them at the same time, she knew exactly what would happen. His attention would drift. His curiosity would follow Jessica. Her heart sank.
Han blinked, realising Noelle was tense beside him. He looked at her and forced a small smile, hoping to reassure her but she barely noticed. Her focus was fixed on the striking figure moving closer.
Jessica's eyes swept the crowd and for a moment, they locked on Han. He felt a strange mix of curiosity and intrigue. She smiled faintly, a knowing, confident curl of her lips, as if acknowledging his presence without needing to speak. It was subtle but enough to make him aware of her completely.