Heartbeat

Miley's POV I couldn't help but smile as we walked down the hallway towards Nics' room. Thankfully, we managed to convince my brother to agree to what Reiri and I wanted. I thought it would be difficult to persuade him, but it seems he can be swayed by a little bit of drama. 'I don't really understand my brother. It seems that he doesn't really like Nics at all," Rei said, confused. She looked up, seemingly lost in deep thought. Vince was the one who strongly opposed us when we asked for permission earlier. I shrugged. 'Me too. But we both know that Vince and Kyle are both aloof." Honestly, I'm also puzzled as to why Vince suddenly gets annoyed whenever we mention or talk about Nics in front of them. But before heading straight to Nics' room, we stopped by the main office of the academy to get a duplicate key to her room. Yes, we took it without asking. They can't do anything about it anyway. We're sure she'll ask again how we managed to open her door. She might start suspecting us, and we shouldn't let that happen. We know that she's a human, an enemy, and a threat to us. But I don't know why I feel at ease with her or why I feel like we can trust her. I can sense that she's different. She's not like those people who are after us just to kill us. Another reason is that we've wanted to have a human friend for a long time. That's why I'm glad we finally found one. It's only my brother and cousin who've been holding us back from getting close to people, even though I know they're just trying to protect us. But we can take care of ourselves, and there's nothing they can do about it anymore. 'We're here!" Rei whispered. But as we exchanged glances, we suddenly heard a scream coming from inside the room. 'I think we just came in time," I said, and we both giggled. *** Nicole Jane's POV I've been staring at the ceiling for a while now. It's Saturday today, and I have nothing to do. Boredom is killing me slowly. 'Ugh, so boring!" I exclaimed loudly, covering my face with a pillow. Mikan left early this morning, which I secretly thanked him for. She went home and won't be back until tomorrow night. Students are allowed to go home on weekends, at least to some extent. I had also planned to go home. However, when my mom called me last night, she mentioned that they are currently in another country with Dad. So, there's no use. No matter how much I deny it, I know very well that they're the main reason why I wanted to come home anyway. I thought being alone here would be good. But apparently, it's not. I'm used to being alone, so I don't understand why I'm feeling down now. When will I ever have a roommate? I wish they had placed me in Mikan's room, at least. As far as I know, she's also alone there. I paused as a thought crossed my mind. Since when did I want to be with that girl? 'Wow, you shouted so loudly, big sister. You almost startled the remaining students here," a familiar voice said. I almost fell onto my bed upon hearing that voice. I turned my attention to the door and widened my eyes while pointing a finger at them. 'What are you doing here again? How did you manage to get in? Don't blame the door; I'm sure it's locked!" Seriously, just what the hell are they? Some sort of fortune-teller or ninja? Or maybe both? I can't decide whether I should be amazed or worried because of their mysterious and sudden appearances. Miley raised a key with a smile. I was left gaping when I realized it was mine. 'It's my key! How the hell did you get that?" I hurriedly went to where my bag was. But when I opened it, my key was still there. 'No, not yours. It's a duplicate." I gave her a disapproving look. 'How did you even get that thing? That's an invasion of privacy!" I couldn't help but become hysterical. They both shrugged. 'It's not important for you to know that anymore. We're here to pick you up, and we have something exciting to do," Reiri said with a grin. I raised an eyebrow because of what she said. 'Where are we going, and what exciting thing are we going to do?" I questioned them with doubt. They both smirked, and I didn't have a good feeling about it. They approached me and even pushed me towards the bathroom. 'You'll know later. For now, you better hurry, and we'll wait for you." *** 'He's so cute!" Miley squealed on my left side. 'Don't be like that! The star-shaped one is much cuter," Rei objected while clapping her hands on my right side. We were sitting on a long couch, and I was sandwiched between the two of them, so I could barely hear anything else because of their loud voices. Meanwhile, Kira and Hiro were both seated on a single couch on opposite sides. Luckily, the two grumpy ones weren't here. If they were, I might not be able to handle it anymore. 'I wonder how it feels if I pinch his cheek." I just covered my face when Hiro said that. He had a serious expression while uttering those words. Seriously? Even him? I noticed Kira, who was quiet on the side but clearly holding back his laughter. I gave him a pleading look, asking him to keep me away from these three. He just smiled at me. I don't know why, but instead of getting annoyed, I felt somewhat delighted about it. I'm hopeless! I was even excited when they told me earlier that we'd be watching all sorts of things all day. But if I had known this was what we were going to watch, I would have stayed behind and sulked in my room! I didn't know that this was what excitement meant to them. I don't even know how they managed to persuade me to come along with them. If you're asking me what we're watching... SPONGEBOB! I really can't stand these cousins. I never expected that there could be something worse than Mikan's craziness. 'Can you please keep quiet? You're so noisy!" I glared at the three of them, which made them shut their mouths. But after a few seconds of silence... 'Spongebob!" 'Patrick!" 'Squidward!" I just closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. They called themselves a prince and princess, but they're not even acting like one. I stood up. 'I'm hungry. Is there anything to eat here?" I looked at them intently. But none of them bothered to answer or pay attention to me. Do they forget that they were the ones who invited me here? They could at least make it up to me with some food. I was about to speak again when, suddenly, a cold hand held me in my arm and dragged me straight to the kitchen. I looked up to see who it was. 'Kira," I muttered. He glanced at me, then smiled. 'Just bear with them. They really act like kids when they're together." I gulped and looked away. Why does my heart suddenly beat so fast? I sat on the stool at the kitchen island while he walked towards the refrigerator and opened it. 'You're probably eating cake and ice cream, right? That's the only decent food we have right now," he said while pulling out those yummy foods. I nodded. But I couldn't help but wonder what they consider as decent food. My eyes probably sparkled when he mentioned those items. I love desserts and sweets! As he placed the plates containing them right in front of me, I immediately started eating. I've been hungry for a while now. 'You want?" I offered him, but he just shook his head. 'You can eat all of that." I smiled and started eating again. It's a good thing I gained something from this, at least. I've run out of food in my room, so sometimes I don't have to go to the dining hall. Maybe I'll invite Mikan to go shopping and go out when she returns. I stopped eating when I heard Kira's soft laughter beside me. 'Why?" I looked at him, confused. But he just laughed even more when I faced him. I hit his arm and glared at him. I thought he was different from them. But I held my breath when he finally stopped laughing and looked at me seriously. He leaned in closer, and then his right hand landed on my cheek, rubbing his finger at the side of my lips. 'W-What are you d-doing?" I asked, stuttering. I bit my lower lip. His face was about an inch away from mine, and I could almost feel his breath. But my heart raced even faster when he lowered his gaze to my lips. Wait. Is he planning to kiss me? I should push him away now. But why can't I do it? And it seems like I don't want to. I don't really like what I'm feeling right now. This is not me. But I almost fell off my seat when someone suddenly spoke from behind us. 'What are the two of you doing?" I suddenly felt scared when I heard his loud and menacing voice. Kira and I both turned to look in his direction. I wasn't mistaken. It's Kyle. His face had a blank expression as he stared directly at us. But his eyes were so scary and dangerous. If looks could kill, Kira and I would probably be dead by now. 'What's happening here?" Hiro asked as he arrived. Miley and Reiri followed him, their faces showing concern. They both gasped the moment they turned their attention to us. 'D-Do you guys plan to kiss each other?" Miley asked bluntly. My eyes widened at Miley's question. She had her mouth agape, shifting her gaze between the two of us. I looked at Kira, and only then did I notice our awkward position. His hand was still on my cheek, and his lips were almost touching mine when I turned. That was close! I quickly moved away and averted my gaze. I could feel my cheeks burning red right now. Why am I acting like this? I'm behaving like a teenager getting giddy at the sight of their crush. My heart hasn't even cooperated yet. Why does it feel like my heartbeat accelerated when I saw Kyle? Suddenly, Kira stood up and laughed. 'What are you all thinking? I'm just wiping the icing away from the side of her lips. You're all overreacting." He shook her head. 'You should have first known the real story before jumping to a conclusion." I felt as if I were suddenly doused with cold water. It was all because of the icing. It was also my assumption, to be fair. But why did he have to bring his face so close like that? 'We don't care if you kiss or whatever. Just make sure you do it somewhere private." I felt my temper rising because of what Kyle said. Is that how he sees me? He wants me to trust him, yet he's thinking all sorts of things about me. I was about to speak, but when I looked at where he was standing, he was already gone. How annoying! He escaped again! *** Kyle Ethan's POV Until now, I'm still contemplating whether it was right to allow Miley and Reiri to bring Nicole here to the mansion. Even though Kira and Hiro have taken on the responsibility if anything happens. I actually thought that Vince would also agree at first. Thankfully, we have the same thoughts and concerns about what might happen. He's also against the desires of the two princesses. I was about to object to their suggestion when Miley stood up abruptly and looked at me with determination. I will never forget what she said. 'Whether you like it or not, we will still bring Nics here!" I was just taken aback. The way she answers me, you would think she's the eldest. Even Reiri is like that with Vince. I'm just afraid that she might discover something. I don't really know what to do once she finds out about our secret. No matter how many times I reminded them that Nicole was a human, they didn't want to listen. They keep insisting that we can trust her. So, in the end, I had no choice but to agree. On the condition that they would monitor her every move. But I have a bad feeling about what's going to happen. Especially since they're getting closer to that person. Even though Kira and Hiro promised that they would take care of it, I can't help but worry. Vince is no longer in the mansion. He didn't like the decision I made. Also, I'm sure he's still troubled by what happened a few days ago. Until now, he couldn't accept that Nicole was able to oppose him by reading her mind. To be honest, even I experienced some mysterious incidents related to her when I saw her sitting on the floor in the hallway that day. I felt something hurt on my arm that day. But what bothers me the most is when I sense that she's in danger. I immediately stood up and walked away. I don't know why, but it feels like I want to find her and be with her. It felt like somehow were connected. Then I saw her there. I shook my head as I recalled that incident. For some unknown reason, I also want to see and be with Nicole now. That thought alone scares the hell out of me. I shouldn't feel this way. So, it's better to avoid it while I still can. I was reading a book in my room when suddenly I heard Nicole shouting downstairs. Even without my presence there, I already have an idea about the cause of her rants. I told them not to make noise. But what do I expect from them anyway? I didn't bother with them and just continued reading. But after a few minutes, I furrowed my brow as I suddenly heard Nicole's voice, sounding nervous. 'W-What are you doing?" I stood up abruptly, hesitating about whether I should go to her or not. I knew that Kira wouldn't do anything wrong to her. I just wanted to make sure that everything was okay because I felt like she was my responsibility. But I was the one who was surprised by what I saw. Their faces were too close to each other, with Kira's hand on her cheek and his finger at the side of her lips. I don't know why I suddenly felt annoyed. I felt like I wanted to separate them and keep them away from each other. Because of what I witnessed, I couldn't control the rise in my voice. They both turned to look at me. Surprise was evident on Nicole's face, but Kira didn't seem to care. But deep inside, I knew he was nervous. We've been friends since we were young. So, I know him very well, and I can easily notice things that others can't. Due to my extreme annoyance, I said some words that I didn't really mean. So, before I could do something regrettable, I decided to just leave immediately. I returned to my room and slumped down on the bed. I stared into space, unable to understand my own reaction or how I felt. I looked up when I heard someone cough. There I saw Hiro leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. 'First Vince, and now Kira. Maybe I'm next on your jealousy list, huh?" I narrowed my eyes at him. What the hell is he talking about? When realization hit me, I let out a mocking laugh. 'Jealous? Why would I be jealous? Seriously, Hiro, if you have nothing sensible to say, just leave," I responded, irritated. He chuckled. 'Yeah, why would you be jealous?" he teased. I couldn't respond. 'You alone can answer your own question." He shrugged before walking away. When he left, I instinctively placed my hand on the left side of my chest. For the very first time, it's beating so damn fast. It's all because of a girl. A human girl, to be exact. What is the meaning of this?