Ethan POV 

I walked into my room, my annoyance getting the better of me. Even though I really wanted to deal with her for thinking she could hand things out to others in my house, I was interrupted by Helena. I didn’t understand why she insisted on coming here. I couldn’t risk her seeing Aria—that would be a complete disaster.

If I wanted to avoid that, then I had to go to her. I walked into my dressing room, scanning the entire space for something to wear. I really had to look good for Helena. After a few minutes, I finally decided on an outfit.

 So I changed into black jeans, a white inner shirt, and then threw on my hoodie. I wore my socks and slid into my sneakers. After fixing my hair into a style that suited me perfectly, I stood back to check myself in the mirror.

I had to be sure I looked okay—because I never get caught looking anything less than fresh. I was good to go. I grabbed my cologne, one of the most expensive and latest brands, sprayed it on, then picked up my car keys.

My phone buzzed with message again. "Don't keep me waiting" 

I walked out of my room and headed down the staircase. When I got to the living room, I saw her sitting on the sofa, giving herself first aid. She wasn't even making a noise, maybe trying to act like a strong girl.

"If you had learn to stay in you lane things would have been better" I hissed and walked out without saying another word. 

“Such an arrogant, grumpy guy,” I heard her mutter behind me. I ignored it. I couldn’t afford to be late to Helena’s.

I entered my car, started the engine, and zoomed off, the breeze from the open window messing up my hair. Soon, I arrived at our usual meeting spot. I saw her car, got out of mine, and walked over. I knocked on the window, and she stepped out. We hugged like we hadn’t just seen each other yesterday.

“How long are we going to keep doing this?” she asked, and I took a deep breath.

“Hopefully not much longer. Let’s just pray our parents end this rivalry. I still don’t understand how best friends suddenly became enemies. They’re not even telling us the real reason,” I said.

“I really hope they do,” Helena replied. “Because my dad already threatened to disown me if he ever catches us together.”

“I’ll try my best to talk to my dad. And if he doesn’t listen, I think the best thing to do is go abroad like we planned. They won’t know until we’ve already gotten married,” I said, and she smiled.

“I really can’t wait. But we still have like four more years to go.”

“Of course. It might seem like a long time now, but soon enough, we’ll be there,” I said, gripping her hand.

“Let’s go on the rollercoaster,” she said, and I nodded in agreement.

We walked toward the rollercoaster, paid the attendant, and got on. It was a beautiful moment as we held tightly onto each other.

Helena is my childhood friend—we attended the same elementary school, junior high, and high school. We started dating in our final year of high school. Now, we’re both in university, studying medicine together. Our dream is to open a hospital someday and treat patients side by side. Even though we’re only in our third year, we’re getting there.

She’s my happiness—my everything. But it hurts that we have to keep our relationship a secret.

After riding the rollercoaster, we wandered around the amusement park and eventually sat beside the pool, kissing each other passionately.

We pulled away, laughing.

“Can we go to a hotel? I miss you so much,” Helena whispered, her eyes heavy with longing.

I scoffed softly, knowing exactly what she meant—but deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that going to a hotel right now might be a bad idea.

“We don’t have to go to a hotel. Come with me,” I said, holding her hand as we stood up. We headed toward where my car was parked.

“We’re leaving already?” she asked, and I nodded.

“So, if we’re leaving in your car, what about mine?” she asked again.

“Didn’t you say you were going to your friend’s place?” I reminded her, and she nodded. I knew that was the only excuse she could use to get away from her dad. He was strict and harsh.

“Yes... wait, are you saying I should call her to come pick up my car?” she asked.

“Exactly,” I replied.

She quickly dialed her friend’s number, and after a short conversation, she told us to wait a bit. Soon, her friend Lilian arrived. Helena handed over the keys.

“You guys enjoy yourselves,” Lilian said with a smirk as she took the car key. We watched her drive off before getting into my car and leaving.

I stopped in front of a supermarket and grabbed two bottles of beer—just enough to enjoy, not to get drunk.

“Where exactly are we going?” Helena asked as soon as I got back in the car.

“You just have to trust me. Or don’t you?” I teased.

She smiled and nodded. “I do.”

Eventually, we arrived at the place. She stepped out and looked around, surprised.

“Wait... this is an old warehouse,” she said, confused.

“Who said it’s just an old warehouse? This is where my aunt used to stay before she moved abroad. We’ve had people maintaining it. My dad wanted to put it up for lease, but I asked him not to.”

I grabbed her hand and led her inside. Her eyes widened in shock at the interior. It was beautifully furnished, warm and cozy—completely different from what it looked like on the outside.

“Wow! I can’t believe it,” she marveled, her eyes scanning the room in awe.

“You should feel comfortable here,” I said, watching her reaction.

“What if we had a home like this in the future?” I asked, imagining the possibility.

She smiled warmly. “It’s not a bad idea… but can we get to it already?” she teased, wrapping her arms around me.

“Of course, baby,” I replied with a smirk.

She grinned and leaned in, pressing her lips against mine.