Chapter 17
“That’s your nicest shirt…what are you getting ready for?” Claggor’s voice sounded from the door, his tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
“Claggor!” Vi spun on her heel, fingers still on the buttons of her half-buttoned shirt. Claggor was leaning against the doorframe with a raised eyebrow. “What are you doing? Get out!”
“Woah, calm down, Vi.” Claggor walked further into the room, finding a seat on the hot-pink desk chair. “I just heard a lot of commotion, so I thought I’d see what’s up.”
Shit. Vi knew what he was referring to. Earlier, when she was trying to pull on her pants, she backed into one of Powder’s monkey bombs. As she was falling, Vi attempted to fire a web onto the curtain rod. Instead of securing herself, the thing plummeted with her, causing a near-deafening clang throughout the apartment.
Vi could picture the scolding Babette would give her as clear as day. She’d probably be more worried about the damages caused to the curtain than Vi. If Powder weren’t on a spree at the Candy Factory with Ekko and Mylo—which Babette also didn’t know about—she would probably laugh her ass off at the fool Vi made herself. However, after she realized Vi had broken one of her monkey bombs, Vi'd wish the only thing she did was make fun of her.
“I’m just going out,” Vi shrugged, hoping it’d be enough.
Claggor gave her a look. “Are we really doing this? Vi, you know I can always tell when you’re lying.”
“Do I gotta tell you? Can’t you let it go this once?” Vi tried to plead with the boy, but he remained determined, shaking his head immediately at her question.
“Vi, you’ve worn that shirt twice. First, at that science comp you won, and second, during the memorial at Vander’s statue. Obviously, you aren’t just ‘going out’.” He leaned back in the chair, waiting for Vi’s response. Vi scoffed, silently mimicking his words. “Vi…”
“Fine,” she huffed. “But you promise you won’t tell anyone, especially Powder?”
“I didn’t tell anyone about that one time when you were fried outta your mind and–”
“Woah, woah, woah!” Vi rushed over, clasping her hands against his mouth. “I get the idea, but did you have to use that one? I thought I told you never to utter that out loud again?”
Claggor took her hands off his mouth. “It was the quickest way I knew how to get your attention. Now, spill.”
Vi took a deep breath. There was no way of getting out of this. “I’mgoingtohavedinnerwiththeKirammans.” She mumbled out the quickest slur of words, hoping Claggor would just hear a brisk whisper of nonsense.
“Nope,” Claggor crossed his arms. “That is not how you get out of this. You tell me straight up, or I’ll make a trip to the Candy–”
“Ok, ok.” Vi sighed, looking down at her feet. She didn’t want to see the look on Claggor’s face when she finally spilled her secret. “ I was invited to have dinner with the Kirammans.”
Silence filled the bedroom for several seconds. Every moment Claggor didn’t speak, it felt like someone punched her repeatedly in the gut.
“Um,” The first sign of sound caught Vi’s attention. Sending a quick glance at Claggor, she watched as he ran a hand through his hair and leaned forward in his seat. “Well,” he grunted, clearing his throat. “I was, um, not expecting…that.”
“That bad, huh?” A nervous chuckle sounded through Vi’s mouth, hoping it would lighten the tense mood.
“It’s not bad,” Claggor rushed out, trying to reassure his sister. “But…it’s not exactly good. You’re having dinner with one of the most hated—if not the most hated—person in all of Piltover and Zaun. Why would you–” Claggor stopped abruptly. Seeming to figure out the answer, he quirked an eyebrow at Vi. “I think I have an idea.”
“What do you mean?” Vi tried to act dumbfounded, but her brother saw straight through the act.
“I think you know exactly what I mean, and it has something to do with a specific blue-haired girl.”
“I…”
“Got no words, huh?” Claggor teased. Vi looked away as he wiggled his eyebrows at her. “I mean, I see why–”
“Claggor.”
“I didn’t mean it to come out like that. I swear.” Claggor blurted, raising his hands as a sign of peace. “I meant that she seems nice and is…pretty.” He made sure Vi didn’t blow up before continuing. “When you guys would bicker, I didn’t know there was something more to it.”
“Well, there isn’t,” Vi chuckled, ruffling his hair. “We’re just friends.” We’re not friends. Vi’s words echoed through her head, but she covered her guilt with a strained smile. “She just invited me to dinner, and I thought I would accept—even if her mom’s a raging bitch.”
“Are you sure it’s just a friendship?” He shot her a skeptical glance.
“Yes, Claggor,” Vi groaned. “Now, get out so I can button my shirt in peace.” Yanking the boy up, she shooed him out the door before he could get another word in. Once the door was shut and locked, Vi waited ‘til she could hear footsteps exit the hallway.
“Just friends.” Claggor scoffed, his heavy footsteps thudding away, fading with each step until Vi heard the front door creak open and slam shut.
Vi took a long sigh of relief, overjoyed that she could get ready without any disturbances.
For what felt like the hundredth time, Vi scanned her shirt, looking for any stains she might not have seen. Finally, gaining the courage to knock on the looming, overly intricate double doors, Vi checked her appearance one last time as she waited for someone to answer.
Despite visiting the Kiramman residence several times before, Vi felt particularly anxious in this moment. Spider-Man gave her an extra boost of confidence—maybe because she had her abilities or because she was hidden under a mask—but Vi didn’t have either, leaving her completely naked as though anyone could see right through her.
However, the longer she stood at the door, the more she realized it wasn’t the mansion, or the girl, or even the name that freaked her out. It was one person: Cassandra Kiramman. Spider-Man hated that woman for everything she’d done to Zaun, to her. The councilor’s arrogance, her inability to accept help, caused her crumbling castle to come crashing down. She had ruined almost all opportunities to mend Piltover’s relationship with Zaun. But Vi, even though she hated her as much as Spider-Man, couldn’t seem to ease her nerves at the idea of meeting the councilor.
“Coming!” A voice said beyond the door, shaking Vi from her thoughts. “Hello, I’m sorry about the delay…” A man appeared at the door, mouth slightly ajar as he looked Vi over. “I know you. You’re that girl Caitlyn was with the day of the accident—the one with the gash. How is that, by the way?” The man waited a second, leaving no time for Vi to answer, before going into another flurry of rambling. “I should’ve known it was you. Ms. Kiramman couldn’t stop talking about a girl with pink hair. I mean, the way she was looking at you that day made it quite obvious–”
“Frank!” Another voice, more feminine than the butler’s, shouted. Footsteps could be heard racing to the door. Vi stood frozen on the doorstep, trying to process what was happening.
Frank jumped in shock at the voice, spinning on his heel right as Caitlyn approached the door. “Miss Kiramman! Aren’t you supposed to be with your mother?”
“Well, I suppose, but I wanted to greet my guest.” Caitlyn cast a final glance at Frank before her gaze landed on Vi, a small smile forming as she looked over Vi’s awkward state. “You look nice.”
Vi cleared her throat, internally shaking herself from her tense disposition. Trying to play off her awkwardness, a smirk found its way onto her face. “I should be saying that about you, Miss Kiramman. I didn’t think you wore anything outside of the school uniform.”
Frank covered his snort with his gloved hand as he watched the girls. Judging by the scowl on her face, Caitlyn clearly didn’t find it nearly as funny as she glared at her butler and Vi.
“I’m just playing, cupcake. You look gorgeous…as always.”
Caitlyn lowered her gaze, warmth creeping up her cheeks, and Vi took a moment to admire her. The navy blue dress draped elegantly over her frame, and a silver necklace bearing the Kiramman crest rested against her collarbone, glinting beneath the soft glow of the streetlights. Her straight, midnight-blue hair fell effortlessly past her shoulders, shifting as she tucked a strand behind her ear.
“Vi, why don’t you come inside? We wouldn’t want to keep Lady Kiramman waiting.” Frank stepped back—a smirk plastered on his face—and gestured for Vi to enter the mansion. Caitlyn also took a step back, allowing Vi more space to enter, and lifted her gaze up to meet Vi’s.
Vi nodded, without giving a spoken response, and stepped inside. The Kiramman manor never failed to impress as she gazed around the living room. Polished marble floors stretched beneath an intricate chandelier, casting soft golden light over the space, while towering bookshelves and meticulously arranged paintings lined the walls.
“This is quite the house,” Vi grinned, turning her head to look at Caitlyn.
“Thank you, Miss Vanderson.” From a hallway, the sound of clicking heels caught everyone’s attention, and Cassandra Kiramman appeared with hands clasped behind her back in a dress similar to Caitlyn’s. “I would like to formally introduce myself. Where we first met was certainly not ideal.”
Vi shrugged. “I’ve met people under worse circumstances.”
Cassandra’s gaze flickered over her, assessing what Vi had to offer. “I’m sure.” Taking her eyes off the girls, she turned to her butler. “Frank, please check on my husband. I would rather not have this house burned to the ground.”
“Of course, ma’am.” Frank rushed down another hallway, disappearing into the maze of the Kiramman house.
“My husband has recently picked up cooking and was eager to cook dinner for Caitlyn’s new friend. He didn’t want our chef to help, so I’ve had people keeping an eye on him. Since we are waiting, why don’t we sit in the drawing room? Maybe have a cup of tea?”
Vi glanced over at Caitlyn, who was biting her lip and had an apprehensive look on her face. “Um,” Cassandra quirked an eyebrow, waiting for Vi’s response. Looking back at the councilor, Vi was met with her piercing gaze. “That sounds good.”
“Lovely, follow me.” The woman turned, figuring the girls would follow her lead. Caitlyn followed her mother immediately, and Vi followed suit.
After walking down dozens of halls—Vi was sure she was dizzy—Cassandra opened the doors to the drawing room.
Rich, deep blue drapes framed the towering windows, and bookshelves lined the room’s decorated walls, each leather-bound book as thick as a slab of granite. A grand fireplace sat at the end of the room, its fire crackling softly as it brought the room a comforting light. Plush velvet armchairs and sofas were organized around the fireplace, and a coffee table was placed in the middle. Centered on the table, sat a silver tray with a delicate china teapot and matching tea cups.
“Please, take a seat.” Cassandra gracefully lowered herself into the grandest chair, maintaining her poised posture.
Caitlyn walked over to the couch facing the fireplace and sat down, eerily similar to her mother. Vi also decided to sit on the same couch but made sure to put enough distance between her and Caitlyn.
“So, Vi,” Cassandra nodded over at the butler standing by the doorway, who swiftly walked over and poured three cups of steaming tea. Once she had taken a sip of the hot liquid, Cassandra continued her sentence. “the reason I invited you to this dinner, besides my daughter’s gushing–”
“Mom!” Caitlyn glared at her mother, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the unwarranted statement. Vi couldn’t help but grin as she watched the scene.
Cassandra, unfazed by her daughter’s outburst, took another sip of tea. “As I was saying, I wanted to invite you to dinner as a ‘thank you.’”
“Thank you?” Vi furrowed her eyebrows. “I don’t think I’ve done anything that deserves recognition, Councilor.”
“Nonsense. I never had a moment to express my gratitude on the day of the attempted theft. You saved my daughter from any potential harm and put yourself at risk. If that doesn’t deserve acknowledgment, then what does?”
“It was really nothing, Councilor. I just went to make sure everything was alright, and there happened to be a man with a gun.”
“Don’t play it off like that,” Caitlyn broke her silence, her voice firm as she looked at Vi. “She also made sure I was okay the day of the bombing.”
Vi scoffed. “Caitlyn, you know that isn’t true. If anything, you made sure I didn’t bleed out to death.”
Cassandra hid her shocked expression, only showing a raised eyebrow as she watched her daughter and Vi argue? Praise each other? She didn’t know but was certainly going to ask Caitlyn about it later.
Caitlyn shook her, scrunching her face in a scowl. “You weren’t going to die. It was nothing but a scratch. If you didn’t find me on that street, which, if you didn’t notice, was pouring with debris as if it were raining, I could’ve been crushed.”
“A scratch?” Vi’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Cait, that couch would’ve been soaked in my blood if you didn’t stitch me up.”
The two were staring each other down as if challenging the other to try and continue arguing. During their glaring contest, they didn’t notice the butler come over and say something to Cassandra, who rose from her seat.
“Girls, enough with whatever this is.” Cassandra clasped her hands together. “Dinner is ready. Vi, I hope you like Dover Sole Meunière.”
“Um,” Vi bit the inside of her cheek, trying not to look as confused as she felt. “yeah…it’s good.”
“Wonderful. Once you two have finished your bickering, please meet me in the dining room.” The butler opened the door for the councilor and followed her out of the room, leaving Vi and Caitlyn alone.
“So what is that Dover thing your mom said?”
“It’s a sort of white fish with butter and lemon.”
Vi shrugged. “Sounds good. I’m starving, so I could eat about anything right now.”
“I saw you in the cafeteria. Didn’t you eat?” Caitlyn teased. “How are you starving?”
Opening the door for Caitlyn, she led them down another dimly lit hallway. “It was either my siblings get to have a decent meal, or we all get a piece of fruit, and I’d rather them have something that actually fills their stomachs.”
“Vi, you can’t do that to yourself.” Caitlyn’s teasing tone flipped to concern. “So you haven’t eaten anything all day?”
“Yep.”
“Why didn’t you ask me to get you something?”
“Caitlyn, it’s okay. It’s not a big deal. My aunt’s paycheck comes tomorrow. I’ll be eating three meals again in no time.” Vi smirked, hoping Caitlyn would relax, but her “playful words” opened another can of worms.
Caitlyn scoffed. “No big deal? Vi, when was the last time you ate three meals? You shouldn’t have to be living paycheck-to-paycheck in order to eat.”
“It’s the way it’s always been. It’s just life for people in Zaun.”
“I’m sorry.” Caitlyn looked down, too ashamed to meet Vi’s eyes. It was unfair that she had everything—could ask for anything with a snap of her fingers—while thousands of people, including Vi, were barely making enough to survive. “You shouldn’t have to live like that.”
“You get used to it, and besides, it teaches you things the Princess of Piltover would never know.” Vi teased, bumping her shoulder with Caitlyn’s, earning a giggle from the girl. “Enough with the gloomy stuff. I can’t wait to experience fine dining with the Kirammans and their daughter, who gushes over–”
“My mother likes to exaggerate. You can’t believe anything she says.”
“Sure,” Vi eyed the girl suspiciously as they entered a towering room.
A long, polished table stretched through the center of the room, its glossy surface reflecting the soft glow of an ornate crystal chandelier hanging overhead. Gleaming plates and silverware were placed before four seats, and glasses filled with dark liquid sat beside each set.
The moment Vi stepped into the room, the smell of butter and garlic wrapped around her, exacerbating her hunger. Her eyes flicked over the impeccably set table, and her mouth nearly watered at the sight of trays of food. The only thing she could think of—aside from her hunger—was how crazy her family would go over food like this.
“You must be Vi!” A bearded man walked over to Vi, a large smile on his face. “Caitlyn’s told us so much about you. It’s wonderful I finally get to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Dr. Kiramman. Thank you for inviting me to your home.”
“Of course! I can already see why my daughter’s so fond of you. Also, please call me Tobias. Anyone who’s a friend of Caitlyn’s is a friend of mine.” Caitlyn bit her lip, trying to stop herself from giggling at her father’s antics. “C’mon, I want you to sit next to me.” Tobias wrapped an arm over Vi’s shoulder and guided her to the dining table.
Cassandra was already sitting in the head seat, looking over a piece of paper. Eager for his family and guest to try his dish, Tobias pulled out his daughter’s seat before walking over to the other side of the table and pulling out both his and Vi’s chairs.
“This one, I think, is my best. I spent all day perfecting the recipe.” Tobias exclaimed, grin never leaving his face.
“I’m sure it will be marvelous, darling.” Cassandra folded the document and handed it to Frank.
“Yeah, Dad. You always make the best food.”
“Speaking of, here it comes.”
Several servants filed in through a side door, each balancing a meticulously arranged plate. Walking over, they gracefully set a plate in front of each person, the steaming fish enhancing the rich smells already coming from the side dishes. Vi watched as each Kiramman placed a napkin on their lap before grabbing silverware. Looking over her tableware, she noticed a similar navy napkin with a Kiramman crest folded delicately beside her plate. Following their example, she grabbed the large thing of fabric and plopped it on her lap.
Lifting one of her forks, Vi examined the breaded fish. Herbs were scattered throughout, and it was drenched in a buttery sauce. It was nothing like Vi had eaten before. It’s not like she hadn’t had fish before, in fact, one of her favorite dishes was a fish stew—though she never asked how Jericho made it. Picking at the fish, she watched as it fell apart, becoming mush in the sauce.
Grimacing, she knew how the councilor would react if she saw Vi playing with her food. Deciding to go a different direction, she carefully scoped up a piece of the fish and hurriedly shoved it in her mouth, hoping none of it fell.
The moment the fish touched her tongue, Vi finally understood rich people’s obsession with their fancy dinners. Back in Zaun, food was survival—something you ate because you had to, not because you enjoyed it. Most meals came with a bitter aftertaste that lingered for hours.
But this—this buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite of perfection—was something else entirely. It wasn’t just food; it was a luxury, a glimpse into a world where meals weren’t just fuel but something to be savored. And for the first time, Vi realized exactly what she’d been missing.
“So, Vi, how do you like it?” Tobias watched as Vi chewed slowly, waiting in anticipation for her answer.
“It’s fantastic.” Vi swallowed her food, going in for another bite. “It’s unlike anything I’ve had before. You did great, Dr. Kiramman.”
An ear-to-ear smile appeared on Tobias’s face. “That’s amazing! I knew you’d like it.”
“Yeah, Dad, this is truly your best one.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.” He gave Caitlyn a smile before glancing at his wife. “Cass, what do you think?”
Cassandra set down her silverware and carefully dabbed her mouth with the embroidered napkin. “I agree with Vi and Caitlyn. You’ve truly outdone yourself with this one.”
Tobias leaned over and placed a quick kiss on his wife’s cheek. “Thank you, darling.”
“Maybe, now, we won’t need our chef anymore. Dad can just cook for us.”
“Don’t push it, Caitlyn.”
“I agree with your mother,” Tobias chuckled. “I love cooking for this family and guests,” he shot a wink at Vi, “but I still have patients to look after, and this was surprisingly stressful—almost as stressful as my real job. I think it’s best to still have our chef.”
“Aw,” Caitlyn’s expression slightly fell before continuing to finish her food.
“Vi, tell us about yourself,” Tobia said, spooning more fondant potatoes onto his plate. “All I've heard about you is how you stopped that burglar and protected my daughter. You seem like quite the hero.”
Vi took another bite of her almost entirely eaten fish, swallowing hard at the flattery. “No, sir, just doing what’s right is all.” From the corner of her eye, Vi could see Caitlyn glaring at her.
“Well, I thank you for it. It was a brave thing to do. But please, tell us about yourself. I would love to know more about the hero sitting at my table.”
Finishing her fish, Vi pushed the plate away and set her napkin beside it. “Ok,” She grunted, clearing her throat. “I live in Zaun with my two brothers and sister and my aunt,” Vi said, almost reluctantly. “who’s been raising us since my father passed.”
“Oh, Vi, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“She’s Vander’s daughter,” Cassandra spoke up, taking a sip of her wine.
“Vander…” Tobias mumbled, trying to remember the name. “Oh, Vander, I remember him! He has the shipping company you used for your trades, right darling?” Cassandra nodded. “He was a good man. Always very efficient. I don’t think a client ever complained about a late delivery.”
Vander’s company. It seemed like everyone but her knew about his real business.
“But didn’t that one man take it over? The one with the eye? What was his name?”
“Silco.”
Vi’s chest tightened. That name again. The person Babette refused to tell her about. Vander ran a shipping business with Sevika, a terrorist, and Silco, someone Vi still had no clue about. There had to be more. Why wouldn’t Babette tell her more? What could she be hiding?
“That’s the guy.” Tobia snapped his fingers.
“Isn’t he the one with the black eye? He gives me the creeps.” Caitlyn shivered.
So everyone knows about this guy but me. Wonderful!
“Caitlyn, don’t say things like that.” Cassandra shot her daughter a stern look. “After this dinner, we’re meeting to discuss future trade deals. I wouldn’t want him to feel unwelcome in our home because of something he cannot control.” Adjusting her posture, she took another small bite of food. “Business thrives on diplomacy, Caitlyn. A lesson worth remembering.”
Caitlyn mocked her mother’s words under her breath, causing a grin to tug at Vi’s lips. As her grin became more evident, Caitlyn took notice and quickly ended her taunts. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, which only made Vi’s smile widen.
“Enough about business. This dinner is about our guest. Vi, please continue.” Tobias said, sending her a warm smile.
“I go to school with Cait, but I think you knew that.” Vi chuckled awkwardly. “Um, we have English together, but I’m not a big fan of the subject.”
“You’re in advanced classes?” Cassandra raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Vi’s unexpected intelligence.
“She’s one of the top of our class,” Caitlyn said, showing a wide smile. “But I don’t know how. She never does her homework.” Giggling, she shot Vi a teasing look.
“I do my homework…sometimes,” Vi said, causing both of them to laugh.
“What are your plans after you graduate? Have you applied to any universities?” Cassandra asked once the laughter died down.
“My aunt wants me to go to college, so I applied to a few schools. But if I don’t get in, it’s no biggie to me.” Vi shrugged, sipping on her water, which promptly replaced the wine after she had nearly spit it out.
Caitlyn scoffed. “Vi, you’re gonna get into college. Why wouldn’t you?” Vi didn’t give Caitlyn a real response, just a shrug—almost brushing her question off.
“What colleges did you apply to?”
“UPilt and Zaun Tech.”
“Which one do you like more?” Tobias asked.
“Well, I like them both. Zaun Tech is closer to home, makes it easier to look out for my family. But I like UPilt’s engineering program more. Some of the professors are out of this world. It would be so cool to meet them.”
“You want to major in engineering?”
“Something like that.”
“I happen to be close with University of Piltover’s dean. If you’re serious about going, I could put a word in for you.” Cassandra said, finally finishing her dinner.
“Seriously?” Vi’s eyes widened in surprise. “You would do that? That’d be great! Thank you so much!”
“Of course,” Cassandra nodded, sending her a small smile. “Caitlyn also plans to attend University of Piltover. Perhaps you could tutor her in math. That is one of her weakest points.”
“Mother,” Caitlyn groaned.
“You plan on going to UPilt? I mean, of course,” Vi shook her head at the stupid question. “What do you plan on majoring in?”
“Something in law, maybe criminal justice.”
“So you want to be an enforcer?” Vi internally winced at the thought. Watching Caitlyn become just another corrupted enforcer would kill her. But maybe she’d be different. Someone as sharp, as stubborn, as good as Caitlyn couldn’t be swallowed by the same rot that poisoned the system.
“Um, maybe,” Vi could feel her stomach drop. “But I don’t know yet. Becoming a lawyer seems cool, too.”
“I think you’d make an excellent attorney, sweetheart.” Tobias smiled at his daughter.
A butler approached Cassandra’s chair and whispered something in her ear. The councilor gave him a nod before standing up from her seat.
Cassandra clasped her hands together and cleared her throat. "I apologize for the abrupt conclusion of this dinner; however, it appears our friend has arrived ahead of schedule." Her tone conveyed a sense of bitterness in mentioning Silco, "Vi, I trust you found our company enjoyable. You were a delightful guest, and I look forward to having my daughter spend more time with you." She directed a courteous smile towards Vi. “Now, if you excuse me.”
The three watched as Cassandra turned and strode out of the dining room, exiting into another one of the house’s many hallways.
“Well, Caitlyn,” Tobias said with a warm smile, rising from his seat. “I think it’s time to say goodbye to our guest.” Caitlyn nodded, sharing a glance with Vi as they both stood up. “I’m so delighted that my daughter has you as a friend. You are a wonderful young woman, and I hope to see you more often. Also,” he leaned in closer to Vi, ensuring only she could hear his next words. “I may be old, but I’m no fool. You have my blessing. Keep my daughter safe, will you?”
Caitlyn studied the two carefully, trying to decipher her father’s words. Aware of her gaze, Vi forced herself to mask her shock, keeping her expression tight as she gave Tobias a stiff nod.
“Yes, sir.”
“Good,” Tobias chuckled, patting Vi’s shoulder. “See you soon.” Caitlyn began leading Vi to the front door. “I’m glad you liked the food!” His words echoed down the dim hallway Caitlyn had taken her down.
“I hope they were too much,” Caitlyn giggled as she opened the front door.
“They were pretty cool. Your mother’s a little intimidating, but other than that, I had a good time.” Vi smiled, stepping onto the doorstep.
“I'm glad you did. But I have to ask, what exactly did my father say to you?”
Vi dragged her fingers across her lips in a zipping motion, flicking her wrist at the end as if tossing away the imaginary key. “Nope, sorry, cupcake. I’m afraid that is top secret information that cannot be shared with anyone, especially not you.”
“Was it about me?” Vi whistled, pretending she couldn’t hear Caitlyn. “It was. I knew it.” Vi still didn’t answer, continuing her act. “Ok, fine, don’t tell me.”
“I knew you’d understand.” Vi shot Caitlyn a wink. “Well, I should get going. I only told my aunt I’d be out til nine, and it’s almost 9:30. See ya!”
She turned away from Caitlyn and strode down the steps, nearly reaching the manor’s gate when a hand caught her shoulder. Spinning on her heel, Vi found Caitlyn already looking at her, biting her lip with hesitation written on her face.
“Did I forget something?”
Vi’s question snapped Caitlyn out of her thoughts. She opened her mouth, releasing her lip between her teeth before inhaling sharply. “No…” Caitlyn said, almost breathlessly.
"Then–" Vi’s words caught in her throat as she felt Caitlyn’s soft lips press against her cheek. For a second, everything faded—only leaving behind Caitlyn’s fleeting warmth. Vi blinked, slowly meeting Caitlyn’s gaze.
“Thanks for…” Once Vi fully registered what had just happened, her gaze flicked to Caitlyn, noticing the faint flush dusting her cheeks. The soft glow of the streetlights only made it more obvious, casting a warm light over her face. “...coming. See you at school?”
“Yeah, at school,” Vi murmured. It’s like all her confidence was flushed down the drain.
“Ok,” Caitlyn giggled, pulling away from Vi. “Goodbye, Vi.”
“Goodbye.”