The next day, by 4:00 pm, their dance class finally came to an end. Exhausted but still buzzing with energy, Hazel and Dior took a cab back to their dormitory, both already thinking about what the evening would bring.
The moment Hazel stepped into her room, she went straight to her closet and stared at the clothes like they were going to make the decision for her. She sighed loudly.
"What am I even going to wear?" she muttered, running her fingers through the hangers. "We should've just bought one outfit. Now I'm stressed for no reason."
Dior, sitting on the bed watching her struggle, rolled her eyes playfully. "Just pick something already."
"Ew, no. That one?" Hazel pulled out a dress and immediately shook her head. "I can't wear that."
"Why not? It's pretty."
Hazel frowned. "No. I want to look good… like, sexy babe level."
Dior laughed. "Since when do you care about that?"
"I do now," Hazel shot back. Then she paused again, scanning the clothes. "Okay… what about that red dress?"
"No."
Before they could continue arguing, the doorbell rang.
Hazel paused. "Huh?"
She walked out and opened the door, finding a delivery man standing there with a bouquet of flowers.
"Good evening, how may I help you?" she asked.
"A gentleman asked me to deliver this to you," he said politely.
"A gentleman?" Hazel repeated, confused, thinking for a moment. "Kaden?"
She signed for the delivery and brought the flowers inside, staring at them curiously.
"A cute flower…" she murmured. "Who sent this?"
"I think it's from Kaden," she said slowly, turning to Hazel "Who else would send flowers?"
Hazel shook her head immediately. "I don't think it's him."
"Why?"
"Because he's my cousin. If he was sending flowers, he'd probably show up himself, not send a delivery guy."
Dior nodded. "True…"
Then Dior noticed the small card tucked inside. "Read it."
Hazel opened it and scanned the message. Her expression slowly shifted from curiosity to confusion.
"I finally found you… I've been searching for years… I will never let you out of my sight again…" she read softly, then blinked. "This… feels wrong. This isn't from Kaden."
"Yeah," Dior said firmly. "Just leave the flowers on the table."
"Okay…"
Meanwhile, Kaden stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his blue suit and black tie. He looked unusually focused, even nervous, as he checked himself one last time.
"You can do this," he told himself with a small smile. "Tonight, don't mess it up."
Grabbing his car keys, he left immediately.
Back at the dorm, Hazel was still struggling between outfits when Dior suddenly rushed past her after another doorbell ring.
"He's here!" Dior called out excitedly.
Hazel almost stumbled back as Dior nearly knocked her over in her rush.
"Relax," Hazel laughed. "It's just a date, not a wedding."
Dior stopped in front of her, suddenly nervous. "How do I look?"
"Good."
"My hair?"
"Good."
"My dress?"
"Still good."
"My shoes?"
"Dior, everything is good," Hazel said, now slightly frustrated.
Dior finally smiled, calming down. "Okay… I'm going."
She paused at the door, then turned back with a soft expression.
"I love you, Hazel."
"I love you too," Hazel replied instantly, smiling. "Now go before he leaves you behind."
Dior laughed and finally stepped out.
Hazel followed her to the door, peeking out just in time to see Kaden waiting outside.
"Wow…" she whispered to herself. "My cousin really looks like a movie star."
Dior turned one last time and waved. "Bye, babe!"
"Bye," Hazel called back. "Don't ruin the date!"
The door closed, and Hazel stood there for a moment, watching them leave.
For some reason, she didn't know yet… the night already felt like it was going to change everything.o