Secret Door
“I go crazy ‘cause here isn’t where I wanna be~ And satis faction feels like a distant memory~” Caitlyn doesn’t know where to focus on. The elevator music? The music blasting from Violet Lanes’s headphones? Or Vi herself? “And I can’t help myself. All I~ wanna ever say is, ‘Are you-’”
“Are you really just going to ignore me?” Caitlyn asks, making the future chef turn to look at her with raised eyebrows.
“What?”
“Also, why are you not wearing your headphones properly?” Caitlyn lightly shakes her head. “I don’t even know why I’m so bothered by that.”
“I can wear my headphones however I want.”
“I know.” Vi raises an eyebrow at Caitlyn. She opens her mouth to say something, but the elevator’s ding cuts her off. The future chef leaves first, as always, Caitlyn following after. They took their usual route to campus, Caitlyn walking behind Vi a few feet away. The future chef suddenly stops walking, making Caitlyn stop as well.
“Will you please walk beside me?” Caitlyn stares at the girl in confusion, Vi beckons her to come over. Caitlyn hesitantly walks over, stopping beside Vi. “Mm. Better.” Vi starts walking, Caitlyn does too. They walked towards the campus in silence, but not before stopping by the cats to feed them. Caitlyn smiles while watching the future chef feed the cats, she crouched down beside Vi to pet them when they were done eating. “ Please stop growing up so fast.” Vi says while ruffling each of the kitten’s heads, making Caitlyn laugh lightly.
“How long have you been feeding them?”
“Ever since I found Lily. That was almost two years ago.” She smiles at Lily, who was purring against Vi’s palm. “And then she just showed up with these guys one day. I had to cook triple what I used to feed her.”
“It’s amazing how you’d go out of your way to feed them.” Vi just shrugs.
“It’s nothing, really.”
“It’s really not. You literally cook them five-star cat food.” The future chef chuckles. “Seriously, not everyone would be willing to do what you’ve done for them. And you do this every day?” Vi hums. “Wow.” Caitlyn looks at the future chef, full of admiration. “I admire you for that, I think you’re really great.” Vi’s ears turn red.
“Thanks.” She quickly closes the lid back on the container, shoving it in her backpack after. “We should get going.” She stands up, slinging her backpack over her shoulder and wearing her headphones to cover her reddening ears. Caitlyn immediately stood up to follow while waving goodbye to the cats as they returned back to their hiding place.
Caitlyn rushes to catch up to Vi, slowing down her pace to walk beside her again. Caitlyn looks at Vi with curiosity as the future chef was walking with purpose, not glancing at Caitlyn. The influencer notices Vi’s headphones worn properly with music blasting off of it, making her lightly shake her head with a small laugh.
“Hey.” Caitlyn taps Vi on the shoulder, making the latter remove her headphones to look at the former. “Can I get your number?”
“What?”
“You know, for business purposes?”
“Ah, right.” Caitlyn hands her phone to Vi, who punches her number in. “I have to go, gonna be late.” Vi gives Caitlyn a small smile before wearing her headphones and briskly walking away from Caitlyn before the latter could respond. The influencer stares at the future chef’s retreating figure. Of course she’d get the final word in. Caitlyn thought while rolling her eyes.
• • • • ✦
“What’s up with you?” Jayce asks as Caitlyn settles down in front of him. Caitlyn raises both eyebrows at him. “You look happy.”
“I…do?” He nods.
“I’ve already ordered for us, by the way. So-” He leans forward. “What’s up with you?” Caitlyn remains quiet for a moment, just staring at Jayce. “Well? Are you really not going to tell me? I’m your best friend!” Caitlyn rolls her eyes.
“Stop being dramatic.” Jayce chuckles. “It’s Violet Lanes.” Jayce gasps.
“You fucked her?!” Caitlyn kicks him under the table, causing him to yelp.
“No! What the fuck, Jayce?” Caitlyn glares at him, he laughs while caressing his leg.
“You should’ve seen your face. It was pure horror!”
“Very funny.”
“What about her?” Jayce asks once he calms himself down.
“We’re working together. Not really for money. Well, I guess, for my parents’ money.”
“I don’t-” Jayce stares at Caitlyn with confusion.
“For promotion. Vander Lanes and my parents think that the two of us making videos together would promote their businesses.
“Wait. Vander Lanes? You met him?” Caitlyn nods, making Jayce’s jaw drop. “I never even get to see him in one of his restaurants! The man’s basically invisible. How do you just see him?”
“My parents.”
“Hm. Makes sense. So you’re…filming more videos with Violet Lanes?” Caitlyn hums. “And she agreed?” Caitlyn hums again. “That’s-”
“Crazy. I know.”
“ How did you get her to agree to this?”
“I didn’t even want it to happen in the first place. And she was the one who agreed to do it first! I had no choice but to agree as well.”
“No choice? Or you actually want to film more videos with her.”
“What are you implying?” Caitlyn says with a raised eyebrow.
“Come on, Cait. Admit it. You’re attracted to her.” Caitlyn almost chokes.
“I beg your pardon?”
“You literally don’t film a person twice . You don’t even show me on one of your videos. I told you I wanted to be in one. It’s free promotion! Then here comes Violet Lanes, the hot culinary student. And suddenly, you want her to be in your videos?” Jayce shoots Caitlyn a look.
“I don’t-” Caitlyn pauses, seeming to be at a loss for words. “I don’t like her like that! I mean, sure, she’s attractive. Anyone could see that? Who would I even convince if I say that Violet Lanes is ugly? But that doesn’t mean that I’m attracted to her. And I told you, I had no choice. Also, my mother literally wants me to do this. And the 5-star Michelin chef was also in the room where it happened, so I had no choice! I don’t find Violet Lanes attractive at all–again, she is attractive, but I wouldn’t-” Caitlyn stops rambling as she stares at Jayce who was looking at her with amusement.
“You were yapping. It sounds like you’re in denial.” He says, taking a sip of his water.
“I am not! You are annoying.”
“And you like Violet Lanes.” Caitlyn sighs.
“I should really stop telling you things.” Jayce chuckles.
“You can’t. You love me too much.” He says, wiggling his eyebrows. Caitlyn just rolls her eyes, fighting back a smile.
✦ • • • •
Caitlyn stares at the elevator’s door, waiting for it to open. As usual, Vi enters without glancing at her. The future chef’s headphones were hanging around her neck with music blasting loudly off of it. Caitlyn immediately gets a whiff of Vi’s perfume as she enters.
Why does she smell so good? Wait- what-
“You didn’t text me.” Caitlyn glances up at Vi, surprised to hear the latter speak.
“Did I…have to?” A small smile plays on Vi’s lips.
“ No .” Caitlyn waits for her to say something else, but she doesn’t! Caitlyn stares at Vi, opening her mouth to say something. But of course the elevator dings to cut her off. Vi leaves first, as usual. But this time, she glances back at Caitlyn, waiting for her to exit the elevator. Caitlyn stares at her for a moment. “Did you leave something in your room?” Vi asks.
“What?”
“You’re not leaving the elevator.” Caitlyn blinks twice. The elevator closes, but Vi stops it with a hand.
“S-Sorry! Right.” Caitlyn exits the elevator, standing next to Vi.
“Are you okay?” Vi asks with an amused smile.
“Yes.” Caitlyn avoids eye contact.
“The cats are waiting. We’re gonna be late.”
“We?”
“Yes?”
“Right.” Vi chuckles before lightly shaking her head.
“Let’s go.” The two took their usual route, walking beside each other. Vi’s headphones blasting music being the only sound they could hear.
“You like Arctic Monkeys?” Caitlyn asks after hearing ‘Cornerstone’ by Arctic Monkeys blasting through the future chef’s earphones.
“Yeah. You know them?” Vi asks, a bit surprised.
“Who doesn’t?” Vi’s head was now turned towards Caitlyn as they walked. “They have a lot of famous songs.”
“So you know their famous songs?”
“I know most of their songs. I’ve listened to their whole discography.”
“Really?” Vi asks, now curious and intrigued.
“Mhm.”
“What’s your favorite song?”
“Secret Door.” The future chef’s eyes widened.
“Why?”
“Well, I love interpreting songs. And interpreting this song was very fun for me. You know how the chorus goes?” Vi hums. “I think the song is about two famous people. ‘Fools on parade’ could be interpreted as the paparazzi…” Caitlyn passionately talks about the song, making the future chef turn all of her attention towards her. They talked the whole time until they reached the cats. Vi still listens to Caitlyn talk about the songs as she kneels down to stroke Lily’s fur.
“Really? I didn’t think you’d be very passionate about that stuff.” Vi says.
“Y-Yes, well, we’re all passionate about something.” Vi smiles up at her.
“Keep talking. What else?” Vi was…making a conversation with her. Was she really that interested in what Caitlyn was saying?
“Am I not boring you?” Caitlyn asks with a small laugh. Vi lightly shakes her head.
“No. I like hearing you talk.” Caitlyn freezes.
“You…do?” Vi hums nonchalantly, taking out the food she’s prepared for the cats. The kittens purr happily as they crowd around the container with their mother. Caitlyn watches as Vi smiles at the cats. She finds her heart beating quicker than normal at the sight.
Shit. There’s no way I’m actually attracted to her, right? Right. I mean, she is attractive. Again, I’m not blind. But I’m not attracted- attracted. Yes.
“You can go if you have somewhere to be.” Vi says. “I might stay here for a while. My class won’t start for another hour.”
“It’s alright. I have nowhere to be.” Not true. Breakfast with Jayce? Are you seriously going to starve yourself right now? Vi just hums in response.
Comfortable silence fell on them as they watched the cats eat their food. Caitlyn could get used to this. Another activity to add during her morning routine: feed the cats with Vi. Or maybe just feed the cats. Or maybe just be with Vi?
What- Caitlyn shakes her head, shaking off the thought of wanting to just be with Vi. Feed the cats. Yes. Caitlyn and Vi both freeze when they hear the influencer’s stomach growl. Shit. Vi glances up at Caitlyn with raised eyebrows. Please, swallow me now.
“You haven’t eaten breakfast yet?” The future chef asks.
“Um, well…” I can’t tell her that I lied about not being somewhere, right? “I am on my way to eat breakfast.”
“Then why are you still here? Go eat.”
“It’s okay.” Vi raises her eyebrows again. The future chef turns to look at the cats, the container is now empty. She picks the container up, closing it off and shoving it in her backpack.
Vi gives a small ruffle to each of the kittens’ heads as well as Lily’s. The future chef stands up, slinging her backpack over her shoulder, turning her head to look at Caitlyn.
“Where do you eat breakfast?” Vi asks, slightly tilting her head.
“Pardon?” Vi just stares at her expectantly. “Well, um…at Jericho’s. It’s near campus.” Vi’s face lights up.
“Really?” Excitement can be heard from her voice.
“Yes?” Vi nervously shifts from side to side, making Caitlyn raise an eyebrow.
“Can I come with you?” She asks, avoiding eye contact with the influencer as she places both hands inside her pockets.
“Well-” Caitlyn hesitates. Jayce. That arse is totally going to tease me when he sees Violet Lanes walk in with me. “-um… sure .”
“Lead the way.” Caitlyn gives the future chef a small smile before moving to walk towards Jericho’s. A short walk later, they arrive at the place. Vi stares at the sign for a moment, the word ‘Jericho’s’ in all caps with different shades of green carved on wood seemed to capture the future chef’s attention.
“The place is new, opened a few days ago.” Caitlyn says after a while. Vi turns to look at her.
“I see. Well-” Vi gestures at the entrance. “-shall we?” Caitlyn nods, walking towards the entrance. “Do you…like the food here?” Vi asks as they enter.
“I do. My friend and I would eat breakfast here ever since it opened. The food is amazing.” Caitlyn says with a smile, Vi nods while taking a look around the area. “Um, have you already eaten?”
“Yeah.”
“So-” Caitlyn pauses, not knowing what to say. What does she even say to the future chef? Should Caitlyn invite her to join her and Jayce? The influencer doesn’t even know why the future chef wanted to be here in the first place. Vi makes eye contact with Caitlyn.
“Yeah, I’m- I’m going to be here. You, uh, go on ahead. Have breakfast.” Vi smiles. Caitlyn offers her a small smile and a nod before walking away from the girl to approach Jayce, who was sitting at their usual spot. Jayce was staring at Caitlyn with slightly parted lips.
“Did you just walk in with Violet Lanes?” Jayce asks as Caitlyn settles down in front of him.
“Yes?” She replies with a shrug.
“Hello? You just walked in with Violet Lanes! How are you calm right now?” She shrugs again. “Is she dining with us?” Jayce asks, full of hope and excitement.
“No.”
“So you walk in with her but not invite her to join us?” He leans back with folded arms.
“She told me to go. I think she just wanted to take a look at the place.”
“Cait.”
“What?” Caitlyn raises her eyebrows.
“You go inside a restaurant to eat. Not take a look around.” Caitlyn rolls her eyes.
“Very funny.” Caitlyn glances at the direction where she left Vi, only to find that the future chef was no longer there. Caitlyn felt a bit…disappointed?
“Looking for someone?” Jayce asks, propping his chin up with hands, elbows resting against the table. He blinks twice while smiling at Caitlyn, resulting in the latter rolling her eyes.
“Shut up.”
“You are so attracted to her.”
“I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No.”
“Sure, keep lying to yourself.”
“I’m really not lying to myself. Again , I don’t find her attractive.” Jayce raises an eyebrow. “Okay, she looks very much fuckable-” Jayce snorts. “- but , not to me.” Jayce makes a face.
“The fuck does that even mean?” He says with a small chuckle. “And why are we talking about her being ‘fuckable’? Weren’t we talking about her attractiveness? You horny mother-”
“ Listen. I just meant that she looks like someone who likes to fuck around, is all.” Jayce remains quiet. “She does! She’s attractive, sure–but that doesn’t mean that I’d fuck her.”
“Calm down. We’re talking about attractiveness, not if you want to fuck her or not.”
“Which, I don’t, by the way.”
“Why not?” Caitlyn freezes. Shit . She gets a whiff of the future chef’s familiar scent. She could feel the woman standing behind her. Jayce takes a sip of his water as he stares at the person behind Caitlyn, amused. Caitlyn glares at him, he gives her a shrug. “That’s a shame.” Vi walks around to stand between Caitlyn and Jayce. “May I join you?” Vi asks, looking at Jayce.
“Please!” Jayce gestures at the empty seat in front of Vi. Caitlyn shuts her eyes closed with furrowed eyebrows. I’m going to kill him! “I’m a huge fan.” Vi chuckles.
“Of my father, you mean?”
“Both of you, actually. I’m Jayce, by the way.” The two move for a handshake, smiling at each other.
“Vi.” The future chef lets go of Jayce’s hand, turning to look at Caitlyn, who was doing everything she can not to look at the future chef. She’s feeling a bit parched. She needs water. Yes. Water. She grabs Jayce’s water, drinking from it, ignoring the small protest he makes. “You don’t want to fuck me?”
Caitlyn coughs, resulting in the water spilling all over the table and her lap. She coughs a bit more, fumbling for a table napkin to wipe the table, her lap, and her mouth clean. Jayce was currently fighting for his life not to burst out laughing. He looked like he wanted to shit himself. Caitlyn clears her throat.
“Pardon?” Caitlyn says with a small cough. “Actually–no, please don’t repeat that-”
“Why not?”
“Because-” She pauses. “-because it’s…inappropriate?” Vi snorts, Jayce takes this as a cue to burst out laughing. Caitlyn immediately kicks him under the table, accidentally grazing Vi’s legs as well, making both Jayce and Vi yelp in surprise. “S-Sorry!” Caitlyn hovers a hand over Vi’s arms. “ Sorry! ” Shit. Could this day get any worse?
“Damn-” Vi grins in amusement. “-you really like physically hurting people, huh?”
“It’s not- I’m sorry.” Caitlyn places both of her hands on her lap, bowing her head to stare at it. Caitlyn let out a shaky breath, her hands fumbling against the other. Then a gentle hand rests on top of hers, making her hands stop the nervous movements.
“Hey.” Caitlyn looks up at Vi, locking eyes with gentle, powder blue ones. “You’re good.” The future chef gives her a warm smile. Vi gently pats Caitlyn’s hand a few times before standing up. “Sorry, I forgot I had to go. It was nice meeting you, Jayce.”
“You too! Can I follow you on Instagram?” Vi laughs lightly.
“Sure, I’ll wait for your request.” Vi turns to look at Caitlyn. “See you tomorrow, Cait K.” Caitlyn just smiles at Vi, not knowing what to say. See you tomorrow? Is Vi looking forward to seeing Caitlyn again? “Oh, and text me.” She says with a wink before walking away.
And Caitlyn? Oh, she was a blushing mess. Jayce’s eyes widen at the sight of Caitlyn’s cheeks turning red. He opens his mouth to say something, Caitlyn glares at him, he purses his lips, miming a ziplock, locking it, and throwing away the key. But the teasing smile on Jayce’s face never leaves until they parted ways that day.
• • • ✦ •
Caitlyn is currently curled up on her apartment’s couch. She was hugging her knees close to her chest with one arm while staring at her phone which was being held by her free hand. She sighs, resting her chin on one knee, frowning at her phone.
She was trying to think of what to message Vi. The future chef had told her earlier to text her. So Caitlyn was currently thinking of what to say. A simple ‘hi’ would be enough, right? Or maybe, ‘hey Vi, it’s Caitlyn. You told me to text you?’. It wasn’t that hard, right? Well, Caitlyn has been staring at her phone for over thirty minutes now. Thirty fucking minutes !
Caitlyn Kiramman. It’s not that hard. Just text her already!
Caitlyn opens her eyes, moving to hold her phone with both hands. Her thumb hovers over Vi’s number. She moves to press it–but then she’s turning her phone off, tossing it on the coffee table, burying her face between her knees, hugging her legs tightly with both arms, and screaming in frustration.
This isn’t even supposed to be hard! Seriously, what is wrong with me?
She sighs, looking up to stare at her phone, resting on top of the coffee table in front of her. She glares at it before reluctantly picking it up. She opens her phone again. This time, she presses Vi’s number to text her.
[Caitlyn Kiramman]
hey
it’s caitlyn
Caitlyn turns her phone off, immediately burying her face in her hands. The sound of a notification makes her jump in surprise. She stares at her lockscreen. Vi replied.
[Violet Lanes]
took you long enough
She waits for another text to pop up, but nothing comes. So she opens her phone to reply.
[Caitlyn Kiramman]
you wanted me to text you?
[Violet Lanes]
yeah
what’s our plan with the thing?
[Caitlyn Kiramman]
when are you free?
[Violet Lanes]
you asking me out, cait k?
Caitlyn stares at the text. Was Vi seriously flirting with her right now? Was she flirting? Actually? There’s no way, right? The influencer’s eyebrows furrow slightly, staring at the text as if to make sure it was real.
Caitlyn types a few sentences, but presses the backspace everytime. “what?” “of course not” “i’m being serious” “are you stupid?” “are you seriously asking me that right now?” “what are you even talking about”
[Violet Lanes]
i’m kidding
do you not have a sense of humor?
[Caitlyn Kiramman]
i don’t find you funny
(Violet Lanes reacted with “😆” on your message.)
[Violet Lanes]
you’ll learn to find me funny
(Violet Lanes changed your nickname to “✨Cait K✨”.)
(You changed Violet Lanes’s nickname to “daughter of Vander Lanes”.)
[daughter of Vander Lanes]
ouch
i’ve been reduced to a daughter
[✨Cait K✨]
you ARE his daughter
(daughter of Vander Lanes changed their nickname to “not fuckable”.)
Caitlyn groans, shaking her head while biting back a smile.
[✨Cait K✨]
seriously?
[not fuckable]
is it not true?
[✨Cait K✨]
i already said you were!
just not to me
no offense
you aren’t my type
[not fuckable]
ouch
that actually hurt more than being reduced to vander lanes’ daughter
Caitlyn rolls her eyes.
[not fuckable]
seriously though
what’s our plan?
[✨Cait K✨]
let me repeat my earlier question
when are you free?
respect the question, please
(not fuckable reacted with “😆” on your message.)
[not fuckable]
i don’t even know when i’m free
sunday?
[✨Cait K✨]
too long
the fans have been begging for content with you
[not fuckable]
tomorrow?
[✨Cait K✨]
i think i’m quite busy tomorrow
but we’ll see
[not fuckable]
great
tomorrow then
see you
[✨Cait K✨]
sure
Caitlyn waits for a reply, but her message has been left on ‘delivered’. She sighs before turning her phone off. She smiles a bit. The future chef was making conversations with her now. She’d usually turn her back on Caitlyn, not even bother to say hi to her. But today…today was different. Vi actually looked interested in what Caitlyn had to say. The future chef getting all gentle on her was also not missed.
Caitlyn’s mind was brought back to the first time Vi was gentle towards her. When Caitlyn almost choked that night in Vander Lanes’ restaurant. The future chef looked at her with concern, making the influencer’s heart beat faster than normal.
Am I actually attracted to her?
Vi.
Her heart skips a beat.
Violet Lanes.
Just the mention of her name makes Caitlyn weak in the knees.
I am actually attracted to her. Shit.
• ✦ • • •
Caitlyn nervously waits inside the elevator, watching as the screen projects the number of the floor she was currently on.
7
6
5
4
She gulps.
3
She inhales deeply.
2
Oh.
G
Ding! The elevator’s doors open on the ground floor. Caitlyn doesn’t bother to hide her disappointment when the elevator passes by the third floor. The influencer was hoping to see Vi today. Especially now that she’s just discovered that she actually had a crush on the future chef. ‘No point denying it now’, as Caitlyn would say.
The influencer would only be fooling herself with further denial. It was obvious that she found the future chef attractive. It was also obvious when she would feel her heart beating at a quicker pace than the normal every time she sees, hears–or, even thinks of the future chef.
She inhales and exhales deeply before walking out the elevator. Hoping that maybe the future chef would accidentally bump into her or something. Maybe even just a quick glimpse of the future chef would make Caitlyn’s day more tolerable.
Caitlyn takes her usual route. Frowning upon seeing the alleyway where the cats stayed with no Vi in sight. She makes a quick stop by their place. Lily shimmies out from behind the garbage can, meowing as she approaches Caitlyn. The influencer bends down, immediately smiling at Lily, stroking her head. Lily purrs against Caitlyn’s hand, making the influencer laugh softly.
“Your personal chef isn’t here? Has she given you your food already?” Lily just continues to purr, rubbing her head against Caitlyn’s hand. The influencer smiles softly. She opens her phone to check the time. “I’m late for breakfast with Jayce. I have to go, okay? See you tomorrow?” Caitlyn takes a quick glance behind the garbage can where she sees the kittens, fast asleep.
Maybe she’s already fed them.
Caitlyn waves goodbye to Lily before walking away. She makes her way to Jericho’s as quickly as she could. When she enters the place, her eyes immediately fall on her usual table with Jayce. And Vi was there. Vi was there , laughing at something Jayce had said.
Caitlyn takes this moment to examine Vi fully. The future chef’s arms were exposed as she decided to wear a sleeveless, gray-coloured hoodie today. Caitlyn looks at her arms, her arms that were bulging, both were inked with tattoos. Caitlyn wonders if the future chef’s tattoos are connected to her back, seeing as she also had a tattoo on her neck that looked like it connected down her back.
“Cait!” Jayce grins when she notices Caitlyn standing near the entrance. Vi turns around, immediately locking eyes with the influencer, making Caitlyn nervously gulp on nothing. “Come!” Jayce beckons Caitlyn over. She hesitantly walks over to them, noticing the way Vi was smiling when she approaches the table.
“Good morning.” Vi greets.
“Good morning.” Caitlyn replies. I managed to speak straight. Wonderful. Vi smiles warmly at her, making Caitlyn smile back with her heart beating quickly. Jayce glances back and forth between the two with an amused smile on his face.
“What about my ‘good morning’?” Jayce says, feigning offense. Caitlyn rolls her eyes, breaking eye contact with Vi.
“Good morning, Jayce .”
“That sounded so forced. I’m offended.” Caitlyn just smiles at him while taking a seat. The influencer turns her attention towards Vi.
“You’re…quite early?” Vi chuckles.
“I don’t have classes every Wednesday.”
“Ah.” Caitlyn nods. “I see. So you..?”
“I jog after feeding the cats. And then I ended up being here.”
“Vi’s my new best friend now, by the way. I’m abandoning you.” Jayce says, making Vi chuckle. Was this going to be a thing now? Vi accompanying Jayce and her every breakfast?
Nothing about this is normal.
“I’ve already ordered for us. I also insisted that Vi’d join us for breakfast! We fought for a while, but she backed down eventually.” Jayce says with pride. Vi lightly shakes her head with a small smile playing on her lips as she turns to look at Caitlyn. The influencer raises her eyebrows.
“Will we push through with the thing later?” Vi asks.
“What thing?” Jayce asks. Vi turns to look at him.
“The TikTok thing.”
“Oh! Right! I forgot about that. Can’t believe you agreed. What made you agree, anyway? If you don’t mind me asking.” Vi shrugs.
“I honestly can’t say no to my dad.” She says with a small huff. “Well?” Vi turns her gaze back to Caitlyn. The influencer stares back at Vi.
“Um, yeah! Of course.” Vi smiles.
“Cool.”
“Your meal.” A waiter stops by their table to hand out their food. The three watch as the waiter sets their plates down in front of them. The scent coming from the food immediately makes Caitlyn’s stomach growl, resulting in Vi and Jayce chuckling with Caitlyn blushing from embarrassment.
The three ate in comfortable silence. And then Jayce and Vi decided to throw their best dad jokes at each other. Caitlyn groaned the whole time, but smiled when the two laughed their arses off at their own jokes.
Caitlyn could get used to this. She likes seeing Vi like this. Carefree. Vi had just continuously ignored her a few days ago. But now? The future chef actually looked like she was having fun when Caitlyn’s around. The influencer appreciates the future chef being comfortable with her now.
✦ • • • •
‘Room 306’ was carved on a door. Caitlyn just stares at it for a long time. She’s probably been staring at it for five minutes now. She kept bringing her fist up to knock, debates against it, brings her arms down, then brings it up again, repeat. That’s been happening for the past five minutes.
She was standing in front of Vi’s room. Vi had invited her over to film for the thing. Receiving that text from Vi made Caitlyn feel like a highschooler being invited by her crush to prom. Caitlyn even threw her phone when she read the text, it was a good thing her bed cushioned the phone’s fall. Whatever did the phone do to deserve that kind of treatment?
Fuck it.
Caitlyn brings her fist up to knock three times on the door before bringing it back down to fumble with the ends of her shirt. The influencer could hear movement inside, footsteps approaching the door at a fast pace. The door opens wide after a few seconds.
“Oh, hey!” Vi greets, smiling at Caitlyn. The future chef had a gray hoodie on, paired with some black jogging pants. Shame, it covers her arms. Wait- “Come in!” Vi steps aside to let Caitlyn pass through. The influencer smiles as she slowly enters Vi’s apartment.
It looked very cozy. And very… Vi .
“So, how do we do this again?” Vi asks, a small chuckle escaping her lips.
“We could prepare the materials and ingredients first?”
“Already did.” Vi gestures at her kitchen.
“Oh! Well, we could start filming? I can make an intro. Just introduce ourselves?” Vi nods.
“Sure.” Caitlyn observes the future chef as she approaches her kitchen’s counter, looking over the different ingredients and materials she’s prepared.
“Vi?”
“Hm?”
“Are you…are you sure you want to do this?” Vi turns to look at her. “I mean, you don’t really like being a celebrity and all.” Vi smiles. Caitlyn gets caught off-guard when the future chef takes her hoodie off, revealing Vi in a white tank top, exposing her arms. Well, there goes Caitlyn’s prayers being answered. “Um-” Caitlyn looks away, she hears the future chef huff out a small laugh.
“It’s okay, really.” Caitlyn turns to look back at Vi, who was now in the process of putting on an apron. God she looks so good. Again, no point denying it. Caitlyn could now relate to her followers that were thirsting over the future chef. The only difference is that she gets to get a good view of Vi in person . “I’m also kind of looking forward to this. I want to see where it gets us.”
“Pardon?” Vi looks up and smiles.
“The video. I wanna see what good comes out of it.”
“Ah. Of course.” Vi rubs her palms together before clapping once.
“Shall we?” Caitlyn nods. The influencer began walking towards Vi.
Caitlyn starts going into influencer mode. Directing Vi on what to do, filming the future chef as she starts working on her food. Caitlyn knew that most of these videos won’t make it into the final video. You know. She took some of those videos for herself, wanting to be a bit greedy. She mentally tells herself to not show off Vi much on the video.
Caitlyn watches as Vi cooks. The influencer was currently filming the future chef. Vi’s back was turned towards the camera as she faced her kitchen’s stove. Wait. Shouldn’t the influencer be filming what the future chef is cooking? Why-
Caitlyn takes her eyes off of her phone to look at Vi’s actual back. Swallowing slowly at the sight. The future chef was definitely fuckable. And she was right, Vi’s tattoos do connect all the way to her back. The influencer could see a small patch of skin on Vi’s lower back where the future chef’s top slightly hunched up. That’s where Caitlyn sees black ink on it, confirming her ‘full back tattoo’ theory.
After a while. Vi had finished cooking. The room was immediately surrounded by the smell of whatever Vi had just cooked for Caitlyn. Well, for Caitlyn’s TikTok. Caitlyn fixes her camera’s angles, adjusting it to find the perfect one as Vi sets the food down in front of her. Caitlyn briefly abandons adjusting her phone to smell the food in front of her.
“Mm~” Caitlyn smiles. “That smells so good, Vi.”
“Thank you.” Vi settles in front of her, leaning against the kitchen counter, sending a confident smile at Caitlyn. “The food I cook always smells good.” Caitlyn rolls her eyes with a smile playing on her lips, making Vi chuckle.
The influencer adjusts her camera a few more times until she finally finds the perfect angle. She presses the start button. Caitlyn ignores the camera to focus on the food in front of her. Vi hands her a fork, to which the influencer gladly takes.
The plate looked like it came from a fine-dining restaurant. With the food carefully plated on it in a clean manner, making it look visually pleasing. Caitlyn only hopes that the food tastes as good as it smells and looks. Vi watches Caitlyn take her first bite, focused on the influencer’s reaction. Caitlyn moans once the food touches her tongue, making Vi smile.
“Sorry-” Caitlyn covers her mouth with her hand, blushing a bit upon hearing the sound that’s just escaped her mouth. But what can she do? Whatever Vi cooked was currently the most delicious food she’s ever tasted!
“That good?” Caitlyn nods.
“This is amazing!” Caitlyn continues eating, finishing off the food after a few minutes. Caitlyn turns to look at the camera, rating the food with a solid ten out of ten. After filming, Caitlyn insisted on washing the dishes, but Vi fought her. They both decided to wash the dishes together, with Caitlyn drying the dishes off.
“When will you post this?” Vi asks while cleaning a pan with a sponge.
“Tomorrow? I’d have to edit the video.” Vi nods. “Thank you for the food, by the way. I’m not even kidding when I tell you this. That was the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted.” Vi chuckles.
“Thank you. That’s a huge compliment.” They both dry their hands off after washing the dishes. Caitlyn opens her mouth to say something, but a knock on the door interrupts her. “I’ll get it.” Vi says, walking towards her door. Caitlyn watches Vi take off her apron while approaching the door. The influencer doesn’t even hide the fact that she’s staring at Vi’s back right now.
The future chef opens the door and-
“Mm-!” Caitlyn’s eyes widen in shock as an unfamiliar woman suddenly crashes her lips against Vi’s. The future chef breaks off the kiss. “Sarah-” She was cut off when Sarah leaned in for another kiss. Vi pulls away again. “Wait- calm down, I have a guest.” Sarah stares at Vi, catching her breath.
Sarah slowly turns her gaze towards Caitlyn, who is currently a blushing mess, wanting the Earth to swallow her whole to avoid whatever she’s seeing right now. Of course the future chef had a girlfriend. Sarah raises an eyebrow, intrigued.
“Oh? I didn’t know we’d be having a third.” Sarah says, staring at Caitlyn. The influencer awkwardly shifts, clearing her throat.
“Um, I can leave.” Caitlyn says, Vi immediately turns to look at her.
“What? No! It’s-” Vi looks at Sarah. “ Sarah. ”
“ Vi. ” Sarah smiles at the future chef, who gives her a knowing look. Sarah sighs. “Fine. But don’t think I won’t come by tomorrow.” Vi only smiles. Caitlyn’s heart felt heavy. The thought of Vi seeing Sarah tomorrow makes her feel…a bit jealous.
“It’s a Thursday.” Sarah frowns.
“Fine. The next day, then.” She pecks Vi on the lips, startling the latter. “I’ll go.”
God. I can’t be jealous. What right do I even have to be jealous? But the influencer wishes that the future chef was kissing her instead of someone else. No- stop! Caitlyn shakes the thoughts away.
“ Thank you, Sarah.” Vi says. Sarah smiles at Vi, turning to wink at Caitlyn before leaving. Vi gently closes the door after Sarah leaves, laughing softly before turning to look at the influencer who was still blushing furiously. “Sorry about that. Sarah, she’s um-” Vi waves a hand in the air. “-a fling.”
“Not…your girlfriend?” Vi snorts.
“No.” Caitlyn nods. “Why do you ask?”
“Hm?”
“Nevermind.” Vi says, shaking her head lightly with a small smile. “So…” Caitlyn gathers up all the courage to look Vi in the eye. “Are we good? Did you need anything else?” Caitlyn shakes her head.
“We’re good. I, um, I should get going.”
“Oh.” Was that…disappointment? Probably not. Why would the future chef even be disappointed with Caitlyn leaving? “You sure you don’t want to stay for a bit?” Oh. “I mean, you could edit your video here. You’ve got your laptop with you, right?” Caitlyn observes Vi. She observes how the future chef was nervously toying with the apron in her hands.
Does she..?
“U-Unless you’re busy, of course. You don’t have to.”
I think she does.
“I mean, I won’t force you to stay. Just…just asking, is all.”
Cute. She’s being so cute right now.
“Are you sure?” Caitlyn asks.
“Yeah.” Vi says with a smile. Caitlyn checks the time on her phone. I mean, it’s still a bit early, so… And besides, she doesn’t mind spending more time with Vi.
“Alright. Sure.”
“Really?” Caitlyn hums, making Vi smile. “Alright. I can, um, cook you something else while you’re at it?”
“Oh, no-no, it’s fine. I’m quite full.”
“Some water, maybe?”
“I’d love that.” Vi smiles, moving to grab a glass of water.
“You can work over there.” The future chef points at her sofa. Caitlyn smiles at her before walking towards the living room. It felt very cozy as soon as she sat down.
• • • • ✦
Ding!
“Good morning.” Caitlyn greets as she sees Vi. The future chef smiles at her.
“Good morning.” She replies, entering the elevator. Her headphones were hanging around her neck again, blasting music. Caitlyn could hear it.
“I’m completely occupied~ As all the fools on parade cavort and carry on for waiting eyes-”
It was Caitlyn’s favorite song. She smiles upon hearing it and glances at the future chef who had her back turned towards Caitlyn. The influencer turns her gaze on the ground.
“It’s um…” Caitlyn glances back up, meeting the future chef’s eyes. “Song of the week.” She says with a smile. Ding! The two walk out of the elevator together, taking their usual route, but to Jericho’s this time. But of course, they fed the cats first.
• • • ✦ •
Caitlyn finishes her morning routine before making herself some breakfast. She’s not good at cooking. The only food she could cook were instant noodles and eggs. So, that’s what she eats for breakfast every Friday.
Caitlyn places her laptop on the table, she wanted to check if her video went well. She posted the video of her and Vi last night, immediately going to sleep after, not wanting to see how it would do until tomorrow.
And would you look at that? In a span of approximately ten hours, the video had blown up. Millions of likes, thousands of new followers, hundreds of comments. Violet Lanes was very influential, huh? Caitlyn opens the comments to scroll through it.
OH MY GOD!!!!
no way
Violet Lanes ACTUALLY agreed to this???
my god she looks so scrumptious
HER ARMS!!
til violet lanes makes a tiktok acc!
i actually need her
both
at the same damn time! Ifykyk
cait looks so cute!
something’s off…
⤷ oh wait, it’s just my clothes
violet lanes’s gf is so lucky
⤷ thanks!
⤷ my kind of delusional
More please!
She made a Vander Lanes special! Now I HAVE to taste it
booking a reservation for the restaurant rn
bro look at cait’s outfit! she be promoting her parent’s business.
⤷ it’s cute so i’m buying it
Caitlyn smiles upon seeing its success. It looks like this collaboration would definitely help her parents and Vander Lanes. The influencer freezes when she sees a notification pop-up on her phone.
[not fuckable]
hey
She sighs upon seeing the contact name, but still smiles. She feels a bit giddy, like a highschooler with a crush. God, what is she doing to me?
[✨Cait K✨]
may i help you?
[not fuckable]
what are you up to?
Caitlyn paused, staring at the message for a moment.
[✨Cait K✨]
why do you ask?
[not fuckable]
nothing
just bored
Violet Lanes was bored. And the first thing she does is message Caitlyn?
[✨Cait K✨]
i’m scrolling through the comments of the video
[not fuckable]
oh!
right
how’d it go?
[✨Cait K✨]
it went viral
people seem to really like you
[not fuckable]
of course they would
Caitlyn snorts, rolling her eyes.
[✨Cait K✨]
can you please change your nickname?
[not fuckable]
why?
am i fuckable to you now?
Caitlyn nearly chokes on her own saliva. Is she always like this? Why is she suddenly so flirty?
[✨Cait K✨]
still a no
[not fuckable]
then i won’t change it
(You changed not fuckable’s nickname to “Violet Lanes”.)
[Violet Lanes]
hey!
(Violet Lanes changed their nickname to “not fuckable”.)
(You changed not fuckable’s nickname to “Violet”.)
(Violet changed their nickname to “not fuckable”.)
[not fuckable]
don’t even dare
Caitlyn sighs in defeat, a smile playing on her lips. Gosh, she feels like she’s about to combust just by exchanging messages with the future chef.
[✨Cait K✨]
fine
(You changed your nickname to “Caitlyn”)
(not fuckable changed your nickname to “✨Cait K✨”.)
[not fuckable]
🙁
Caitlyn turns her phone off, tossing it to the side before burying her face in her hands to scream. Why would Vi send that emoji? Was she trying to be cute? She didn’t even have to try at all, she’s already cute enough according to Cait-
[not fuckable]
sorry for bothering you
i’ll see you around
Caitlyn stared at the message. Why does it suddenly feel so cold? It’s like the future chef has turned a complete 180. Caitlyn doesn’t reply. Instead, she goes through with her day, not thinking anything of it.
• • • ✦ •
Caitlyn wakes up with excitement. She’s excited to see Vi. She thinks that this new friendship that was growing between them is enough for her. Sure, she has a crush on Vi, but it’s nothing more than just a crush. Having a crush is normal, it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Or, at least that’s what Caitlyn likes to think.
The influencer stares up at the small screen on top of the elevator. 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2…
Oh.
G
Maybe the future chef was already at Jericho’s? Caitlyn quickens her pace as she walks on her usual route to Jericho’s. She stops by the cats for a while. Frowning a bit when she doesn’t see Vi there. The kittens crawled out from behind their home to approach Caitlyn.
“Hm. Chef hasn’t arrived yet?” That was odd. Vi usually fed them at this time or earlier. Caitlyn crouches down to pet each kitten, as well as Lily. She stands up after a short moment. “I have to go now. See you next time.” Caitlyn waves goodbye at the family of cats before walking away.
She arrives at Jericho’s after a short walk, seeing Jayce at their usual table. Caitlyn slightly frowns, the future chef wasn’t there. Maybe she was running a bit late? Caitlyn plasters a smile on her face, approaching to sit with Jayce.
“Good morning!” Jayce greets.
“Hey.” Jayce’s smile fades.
“Okay, what’s wrong?” He asks, raising both of his eyebrows.
“Nothing?” Caitlyn replies, a bit confused.
“Sure. You understand that I’ve known you our whole lives, right? You can’t lie to me, Cait.” The influencer sighs.
“Vi isn’t here?”
“God. And here I thought something terrible happened to you.” Caitlyn glares at him. “Your crush hasn’t been here yet. Maybe she’s running a bit late.” Caitlyn doesn’t even deny it anymore, she just nods.
“I hope so.”
Something’s shifted. I just know it.