Chapter 5 – Welcome Night

Friday evening.

Westbridge University looked nothing like it had during the day.

Fairy lights hung from the trees.

Music echoed across the campus lawn.

Students laughed, danced, and posed for photos in front of the decorated entrance.

The annual Welcome Night had officially begun.

Inside Hawthorne Hall...

Mia was standing with her arms crossed.

"No."

Evelyn looked up from her suitcase.

"No?"

"You're not wearing that."

Evelyn glanced down at the simple black blazer and jeans she'd laid out.

"What's wrong with it?"

"It's boring."

"It's comfortable."

"It's a funeral outfit."

"It's classy."

"It's criminal."

Before Evelyn could protest, Mia pulled a garment bag from her closet with a triumphant grin.

"I came prepared."

"...You planned this?"

"I've known you for four days."

"And?"

"I already knew you'd try to dress like a CEO at a college party."

Evelyn sighed dramatically.

"I hate how accurate you are."

Mia unzipped the garment bag.

Inside was a midnight-blue satin dress.

Elegant.

The fabric caught the light like liquid.

It had a fitted silhouette, an open back, and a tasteful side slit that reached just above the knee.

It was sophisticated rather than flashy.

Evelyn stared at it.

"...Absolutely not."

"Absolutely yes."

"It's too much."

"It's perfect."

"I'll look ridiculous."

"You'll look unforgettable."

Thirty minutes later...

Evelyn stood in front of the mirror.

Her hair fell in soft waves over one shoulder.

Simple silver earrings caught the light.

The dress fit perfectly.

She barely recognized herself.

Mia smiled proudly from behind.

"There she is."

Evelyn looked uncertain.

"Is it... too much?"

Mia walked over and squeezed her hand.

"No."

"It just lets everyone see what confidence looks like."

A reluctant smile spread across Evelyn's face.

"Fine."

"But if anyone makes a comment—"

"I'll handle them."

"No."

Evelyn smiled, picking up a pair of heels.

"I will."

Meanwhile...

The boys were waiting near the entrance.

Liam checked his watch for the tenth time.

"They're taking forever."

Ethan looked up from his phone.

"Girls usually do."

Noah leaned casually against a pillar.

"They'll be here."

"You sound awfully patient," Liam teased.

"I'm just waiting for the party."

"Sure."

The music softened as another group entered the courtyard.

Conversation around the entrance gradually quieted.

Heads turned.

Mia walked in first, wearing a soft pink dress and waving excitedly.

Then...

Evelyn stepped through the entrance.

The fairy lights reflected softly against the midnight-blue fabric.

She walked with quiet confidence, not trying to impress anyone.

She simply carried herself as if she belonged.

Several conversations paused.

A few students whispered to one another.

"Who's she?"

"She's gorgeous."

"I think she's in Business."

Noah looked up absentmindedly—

—and forgot what he was about to say.

For a brief second...

He simply stared.

He simply can't take his eye off her

it's the first time he has ever seen her in a dress

But because she looked so different from the girl who had been trading sarcastic remarks with him all week.

She caught him looking.

Their eyes met across the courtyard.

Instead of looking embarrassed...

She lifted one eyebrow.

"What?"

The single word snapped him back to reality.

A slow grin spread across his face.

"Nothing."

She walked closer.

"No, go ahead."

"You were staring."

"I was observing."

"There's a difference?"

"There is."

She folded her arms.

"I'm waiting."

He looked her up and down once—without lingering.

Then met her eyes again.

"You look like a girl"

She gave him a look while saying

"I'll take that as the closest thing to a compliment you've ever managed."

"It was."

She stepped closer, lowering her voice whispering

"You don't look terrible yourself."

Before he could answer...

Liam suddenly appeared between them.

"I knew it!"

Both looked at him.

"You two flirt like you're arguing."

"We're not flirting," they said at exactly the same time.

Liam pointed dramatically.

"See?"

"That's exactly what flirting sounds like."

Ethan sighed.

"They're hopeless."

Mia laughed.

"Oh, this party is going to be fun."

And none of them realized...

By the end of the night, one simple dare would change the rules of their rivalry forever.

End of Chapter 5

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