chapter 2

**Luka's POV**

The music was loud, the lights too bright, and the table in front of us was a mess of empty glasses.

Perfect.

If I had to start college tomorrow, the least I could do was enjoy tonight.

I still didn’t get it.

Why college? Why now? I already had everything people went there for—money, recognition, a career that was doing just fine. But my mom wanted it, and when she wanted something, arguing didn’t really work.

“Tomorrow’s your first day, right?” Timothy asked, nudging me slightly.

“Yeah,” I said, staring down at my drink.

Lee let out a low whistle. “Our rockstar… going to college. Never thought I’d see that.”

“I don’t want to go,” I admitted. “But she insisted. So here I am.”

“You might actually like it,” Timothy said. “Normal life for once. New people, new space.”

Lee smirked. “Or at least get a girlfriend out of it.”

I scoffed softly. “Not happening.”

“Still stuck on that?” Timothy raised a brow.

“I’m not ‘stuck,’” I said, leaning back. “I just don’t trust it. Most people don’t see me. They see what I have.”

“Not everyone’s like that,” Lee said.

“Maybe,” I shrugged. “I’m not looking to find out.”

They didn’t push after that. They knew me well enough.

—

By the time we left, I’d had more to drink than I should have.

The night air hit me hard the moment I stepped outside, cool against my skin, but it didn’t really help. My head felt heavy, and the ground wasn’t exactly… stable.

“Come with us,” Timothy said. “Seriously, Luka.”

“I’m fine,” I replied, even though I wasn’t. “I just need some air.”

They didn’t look convinced, but I walked off anyway.

Each step felt slower than the last. The streetlights blurred slightly, stretching into lines when I blinked too long. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to clear my head, but it didn’t do much.

Then I heard a voice.

“Hey… are you okay?”

I looked up.

A girl was standing a few steps away, watching me carefully. Not curious. Not impressed.

Just… concerned.

“You don’t look well,” she said, stepping a little closer. “Do you need help?”

I frowned slightly, trying to focus on her face.

“Why?” I asked, my voice rough. “You planning to kidnap me or something?”

Her expression changed instantly. “What? No. I’m trying to help you.”

I let out a quiet breath, shaking my head. “Right. Sorry.”

She hesitated, then stepped closer anyway. “Can you stand properly?”

“Barely,” I admitted.

For a second, neither of us said anything. Rain started falling, light at first, then heavier, soaking through my clothes within seconds.

She sighed. “You shouldn’t be out like this alone.”

“Probably not,” I muttered.

I don’t know why I did it.

Maybe it was the alcohol.

Maybe it was the way she didn’t look at me like she recognized me.

Maybe it was just… a bad decision.

My hand lifted slightly, brushing against her wrist before I leaned in—

Not a proper kiss. Not intentional.

Just a brief, clumsy moment that shouldn’t have happened.

She pulled back immediately.

“What are you doing?” she said, more shocked than angry now.

That was enough to sober me up a little.

“Sorry,” I said quickly, stepping back. “That was— I didn’t mean to.”

She stared at me, trying to decide whether to be angry or just leave.

I exhaled, running a hand over my face. “Can you… help me get home?”

A pause.

Then she sighed again, softer this time.

“Fine,” she said. “Give me your address.”

I told her.

And as she helped me walk, steadying me when I lost balance, one thought kept repeating in the back of my mind—

She didn’t know who I was.

And for the first time in a long time…

That felt different.

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