I assessed my looks in the mirror as I was getting ready for a night out. Finally, I decided to go with knee-length, smooth black dress with matching heels. As a decoration, I clasped my mother's necklace made of tiny seashells around my neck. I was grateful I pulled out a light-toned smoky-eye look, considering my hands shook so badly. Normally I would be undoubtedly excited to see my friends, but my temples pulsated painfully and my stomach churned.

This flu thing was getting worse since I got back home. I faltered on my legs like it was my first-time wearing heels.

"Whoa there, sweetheart,” dad’s strong hands shot out to steady me. “Are you all right?" He gave me a scrutinizing look while he kept me on my feet.

Blinking a couple of times, I managed to gather myself. "Yes, I am fine it’s probably just a cold that’s all."

"Are you sure you are in the state of going out?" He clearly didn't buy my half-hearted assurance.

"Absolutely. You know I wouldn't miss the opportunity to see them, dad," I smiled at him.

"I know, but try to keep it easy. If you’re feeling ill just call it a night," he waved his hand at me as I was leaving the house.

I swallowed my unease and feeling of nausea, trying to cheer myself up on thoughts of my two best friends.

Bar Rosa was not far away, so driving was not necessary. It was barely ten minutes on foot, and I was enjoying the short walk, clearing my mind with fresh air. The bad weather cleared off during the day, sun rays warming the cold stone I walked on. Foreign tourists were noisy, walking by me, moving from one pub to another. Different kinds of music were blaring loudly, melting into sounds completely out of tune. Two drunks barely dragged themselves down the street, a woman and a man, wobbling on their legs, trying to stay upright long enough to return home. The woman was reaching for support, but she didn't get much of it, seeing her partner was more wasted than herself.

There were also curious families taking a stroll around the town. Parents were completely awed by the architecture inspired after Venetian style. Their children impatiently tugged at their sleeves, begging their mothers for an ice cream.

Air was filled with what I've always perceived as delicious, heavenly smell of cotton candy and popcorn, but right now my stomach disagreed.

I hugged myself as chilly night air hit me and gratefully stepped into a pub we agreed on. I was ten minutes early, but I didn't doubt for a second that Mark wouldn't already be there, waiting for us.

I smiled to myself as I was right in my assumption, seeing my friend sitting at the farthest table in the corner. He was vigorously typing something on his cellphone. I stepped closer to him, grinning wickedly. I crossed my arms over my chest, while I patiently waited, he would finally notice me standing there. When he eventually lifted his eyes from his phone, he laughed out loud when he saw me.

"Korina!" He cried as he leaped from a bar stool, almost knocking it over.

"Mark," My mouth hurt from how wide I was smiling as I embraced him.

"God, look at you. You've changed so much, I can't believe it!"

"Right back at you, big guy," I couldn't stop admiring him. Gone was the bony awkward boy I knew. His brown hair was a little longer now and messily styled on his head in a modern, attractive way. His body was leaner and more muscular than the last time I saw him.

"Hitting the gym? And what happened to your glasses?"

His cheeks flushed. "Well yes, I am leading a healthier life now. And no glasses, only contacts."

"It suits you, you look great," I complimented him.

I winced as I heard a loud squeal coming from behind me. Mark’s previous pink cheeks turned to scarlet as Lena emerged.

"Finally! I've missed you two so much!" She said as she gathered all of us in a crushing embrace. Her jaw literally dropped as she studied Mark, but she was able to collect herself before he noticed her reaction. I sent her a meaningful look, knowing what was on her mind.

Lena shrugged, her face full of innocence. "So, what's up guys? How have your lives been since we last saw each other?"

"Good, I am finishing up my art degree so I could come back here, help my family out with the store," I said.

"Awesome! That means you will be around from now on?" Lena beamed.

"Well that depends, aren't you moving or something?" There was a pure horror on Mark's face when I announced the news.

"Moving? Where?" His jaw clenched. "You haven't said anything to me, Lena."

"I am not moving anywhere," she sighed, sending me a dirty look.

"Interesting," I pushed on. "Changed your mind already?"

"You are evil. It is beyond me why I consider you my friend," she turned scarlet at the implication I was making.

"What are you two talking about?" Mark’s eyes darted from me to Lena, confusion clear on his face.

Lena ignored him as she went on. "Turns out things actually aren't so bad here as I made them look. I had a long talk with my father yesterday... If I decide to stay here, I have a chance getting promoted to managing the restaurant."

"That is great!" Mark petted Lena on the shoulder as I nodded in agreement.

"But-," I said knowingly.

"-But I am petrified. I don't know if I can do this. I was always a waitress! I don’t have the slightest clue how to run a business," my friend confessed.

"Lena that is a great news! Why are you doubting yourself so much? Have you forgotten how you've always had our backs in high school? You are the person who takes care of others and sorts things out. You are the most capable person I know, no offense." He nodded towards me.

"None taken," I smiled and waved him off. Everybody knew I was too shy, never truly standing up for myself. "He is right. You lead, not follow. You should take this opportunity; besides, you’ll learn."

"Thank you, guys, I don't know what would I do without you," Lena took both of our hands.

"I think it's the way around," Mark lovingly looked into her eyes, so obvious how much he still cared for her.

"Well, I think this calls for a toast! Wine anyone?" I said, not waiting for confirmation as I hurried towards the bar. I hated to interrupt the moment, but I needed my drink tonight. I felt myself getting sicker every second that went by, regretting the aspirin I took before leaving the house. It was probably not a good idea to mix pills with alcohol, but I would do just about anything to feel better right now. I ordered two glasses of red wine for my friends and a glass of white wine for myself.

As I waited to be served, I glimpsed around the bar. Music was blasting through the small space, inviting people to dance. The pub was crowded, sweaty bodies bumping into each other as they moved to the rhythm.

This was the first time I saw him, standing on the edge of the dance floor. He was leaning against the wall with glass in his hand, carefully tasting the brown liquid.

If I would have to describe him, magnificent wouldn't suffice. He was beyond beautiful. Everything about him called to women around him, making them painfully aware of his presence. He was tall, probably the same height as Mark. His body was rippling with muscles, that were visible through the tight, dark blue shirt he wore. His skin was smooth and sun-kissed and his face was a picture of unnatural perfection. He wore his hair longer, slightly curling below his ears. His blond strands were almost white, constantly falling over his right eye. I wouldn't even notice his eyes if he wouldn't be staring directly at me, its color was like molten gold that burned with hidden desires.

I winced at his serious expression, turning away from him as fast as I could. I had a picture that he was the kind of guy who really enjoyed women’s company, considering how ladies were clinging to him. Those kinds of men I didn't like, they were bad news and nothing more.

When I returned to our spot with three glasses of wine, the pub was already so filled it was hard to navigate through. "Cheers!" I was in a hurry to taste the cold, yet sweet liquid and numb the strange pain inside my body.

"To our future!" Said Mark.

"And to our friendship, may it last forever!" Lena added and raised her glass.

"Amen to that," I added. Discreetly I flickered my eyes to the corner where the stranger stood, letting my long hair cover the side of my head. I was curious who he was. He didn't seem to belong here, so out of place. I would be too nervous to touch such beauty, afraid he was breakable like a porcelain doll, foolish as that may sound.

"Hello? Are you still with us?" Lena waved her hand right before my eyes to get me to pay attention.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

"Because we've asked you a question and you never answered. What are you looking at, anyway?" She cranked her neck to see what occupied my thoughts.

"Nothing," I dismissively waved my hand and forced myself to look away from the direction where he stood just a while ago. He wasn't there anymore so there was no point in staring.

"Right. So, is it true?" Mark smirked.

"What?" I was giving them my full attention now.

"That you are starting a new collection of paintings. I bumped into your mother yesterday just as I've arrived. She told me all about it. According to her enthusiasm it must be pretty good," he smiled and questionably raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, it's ok I suppose. They will be on display next week, you can come around if you like. Both of you," I invited them.

"Absolutely, we wouldn't miss it. Right Mark?" Lena looked at him hopefully.

"Of course not. But I am not staying here for long. I am starting my new job in two weeks."

"You are leaving? Already?" Fear crossed Lena's face.

Mark’s forehead slightly wrinkled. "I have no say in it, besides this is really important to me."

"When are you coming back?" I asked.

"I don't know," his face went blank as he lowered his head.

Lena squeezed her hands into fists, her knuckles whitening. Her face was battling with emotions as she wanted to say something. But at the end, she looked away and stayed quiet, determination settling in her eyes. I knew this face all too well, she was giving up on him, and I wasn't having any of it.

"Better to act on it than living in regret," I whispered so quietly only she could’ve heard me. And I knew she did as her eyes widened and she nervously bit her lips.

"Well ladies, I can't be your knight in shining armor forever!" He joked, but it sounded downright depressing.

"Don't say that," Lena's voice quivered as she fought back tears.

"Well, I would stay if I had a really good reason to leave all of it behind," he said suggestively.

My head jerked to Lena as I waited for her response, but didn't get one. Looking flustered, she excused herself to go to the bathroom, undoubtedly running from the situation. I heard Mark sigh loudly on my left.

"Be patient," I said to him.

"Maybe that is the problem. I was waiting for her too long, hoping she would feel the same. I should just get a hint and move on."

"You know you don't mean that. And don't. Give up I mean. You would regret it," I stared at his saddened eyes.

"What do you mean?" A fine line appeared between his brows as he closely studied me, trying to decipher what I was trying to say.

"Just trust me," I shook my head, pleading him with my eyes to drop it. "You two will figure it out."

"Well, I hope you are right," his voice dropped when he saw Lena coming back to the table.

She had a mask of happiness plastered on her face, pretending she wasn't hurt, but I knew she was only pushing her feelings away.

"So? Are we dancing or not?" She faked a smile.

"I am down," Mark smiled as he crept slowly towards her, ambushing her from behind. She giggled wildly as he lifted her off her feet, swinging her around.

She put her arms around his neck, stepping from one leg to another, slow dancing, not bothered by rapid beats of the music playing in the background. She looked so happy at that moment.

I saw her waving her hand at me, to indicate I should join them, but it felt wrong intruding on them. Besides, I couldn't dance even if I wanted to. Alcohol didn't help me feel less faint.

I sat at the table, trying to draw steady breaths. My head was throbbing as I moved my eyes so I put all the effort into staying as still as possible. The room was spinning all around me, blurring my sight and I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride. My heart rate accelerated, and I knew that I need to get out of here.

Trying to get up I dangerously wavered when my feet almost gave way. I grabbed the ends of the table wanting to recover some stability. In that brief moment when I looked up, I saw him again, closer than ever. Stranger’s icy stare was calculating and his demeanor gave away how much he was controlling himself to stay still. I swore I could almost feel pulsating waves of pure hatred radiating off him. Fighting the dizziness, I barely held on, feeling my mind gradually succumbing to the painful sensation.

I only heard cries of my friends when everything went black.