CHAPTER 25: CHAPTER 25

Rhea stared at her phone, the screen a blank mirror reflecting her own restless thoughts.

I don’t know what he wants from me. And why is he obsessed with me. But one thing I am sure of is that I’m not going to allow him to phase me this time. No!

Buzzzz

Rhea’s phone flashed with Luke’s ID on it.

She picked up and answered simply, "Hey."

His voice came through, rough and a little sleepy. "Are you okay?" he asked, then continued, "You weren’t at the party. Did something happen?"

"I’m fine," Rhea said, draping an arm across her face. "Just... exhausted."

There was a pause. Then, more quietly, he said, "I waited for you... I thought maybe you’d come back."

His hesitation was obvious, heavy in the silence.

"Uh... I—" Rhea fumbled for a response, her words stalling.

"I was thinking maybe we could go on a date?" Luke asked, his voice uncertain. "So we can talk?"

"I’ll think about it," she said softly. "I’ll call you if I can."

"Okay... I’ll be waiting."

And the call ended.

Rhea stared at the screen for a beat, then let the phone slip from her fingers onto the bed. Her head turned slowly to the side.

She didn’t know what she wanted, but she knew one thing: she wasn’t ready to face Luke.

Rhea didn’t want to spend her holiday worrying about him and any kind of situationship. She wanted something fun, something out of her shell.

First off, I’m going to spend my holiday in the best way possible.

Rhea grabbed her phone and opened the search bar, typing in queries for restaurants, scenic places, and fun hangouts. But nothing really caught her interest. Nothing felt like her.

How could it? She hadn’t had fun in years, not once. The only places she had gone to with other people were the cafeteria and maybe the library to read.

A defeated sigh escaped her as she looked around her room, her gaze landing on a small, familiar journal tucked between books. She pulled it out and flipped through the pages. A genuine smile brightened her face.

"Tia would know what to do," she whispered, suddenly bolting out of the room and straight into Tia’s.

"Hey!" she chirped, walking in with a bright grin.

She found her friend slumped on the bed, her face covered in a lavender mask, an LED mask lying beside her.

"Going somewhere?" Rhea asked, noticing the preparations.

"Maybe," Tia replied, turning on the LED mask with a click.

Rhea collapsed onto the bed beside her. "Maybe?"

"It’s winter break, and I’m preparing for a possible date. Or a shag," Tia said with a wink.

"Ugh, that’s not why I’m here. I was thinking we could do something fun," Rhea pointed out.

"Fun, like what?" Her eyes lit up; Tia’s interest was instantly piqued.

"I’m not sure. That’s why I came to you—the walking Pinterest." Rhea handed her the journal.

"You’re not serious with that name, are you? Where’d you even hear that?" Tia laughed, flipping through the pages. "Oh, this is the to-do list we made after your treatment last time."

"Yeah." Rhea nodded. "I was thinking maybe we could broaden our horizons."

"Definitely! Surprisingly, Luke suggested three squad vacation dates. He said he was going to take care of the expenses."

Tia’s words became a distant buzz.

No. I don’t want that. The thought was like a sudden, cold splash of water. Just because we’d kissed and my heart had fluttered doesn’t mean I actually had feelings for him. I’d been through this with Zach, believing our feelings were the same, only to be proven wrong. I can’t let a fleeting, pounding heart cloud my judgment.

She needed to understand her own emotions, and she needed to do it far away from Luke.

Her mind briefly drifted to her lecturer, Zeenare. The memory of him—what he’d done, what he’d said—was a silent, heavy weight. And maybe understand why he’s all over me.

Tia’s hand on her arm jolted her back to reality. Tia was staring at her with a concerned expression.

Reminding her that there was someone before her.

Judging by that expression on her face, she had probably noticed I wasn’t paying much attention to what she was saying.

"I’m sorry, what were you saying?" Rhea shifted in her seat.

"I’ve been calling your name for minutes, even though you are sitting right next to me." Tia frowned, concern on her face. "Rhea, is something wrong?" Tia’s voice was soft, her usual playful tone gone. "You know you can always talk to me, right?

"I’m fine, really," Rhea said, her voice unconvincing even to herself.

"Are you hiding something from me?" Tia pressed. "You’ve been off. Even this morning you looked disheveled. And now it seems you’re not even listening, even though you can hear."

"What is it, Rhea? You know you can always talk to me, right?" She pressed her lips in a thin line.

"Are you hiding something from me?" Tia suddenly asked, noticing Rhea was not listening. "Because you seem so drawn and you looked weird this morning."

"I’m not hiding things from you, Tia."

How can I tell you that my lecturer, Zeenare, was here yesterday, made me cum in two seconds, and basically told me I belonged to him? How can I tell you that because of what he did, I can’t stop thinking about him, or that you were practically being watched while you were sleeping? She thought.

Tia gave Rhea a pointed look with an expression that said, "I don’t buy what you’re saying."

"I’m serious!" Rhea added quickly. "Anyway, are you ready for Winter To-Do Things?" Rhea grinned, hinting at the content within the journal, hoping that she didn’t press further.

And surprisingly, at that, Tia perked up again.

"Oh yes! The list." She grabbed a warm towel and pressed it to her face, scrolling through her phone. "First, a spa. I need a massage by a hot guy. That one stays on the list. I want to be under some strong arms... and a gorgeous face."

She let out a soft, dreamy sigh, eyes fluttering as if already melting.

Rhea chuckled. "Are you sure you’re going for a massage? Or... something else?"

"Anything could happen," Tia said, clasping her hands and swaying like a naughty schoolgirl.

Rhea squinted at her, lips tight, batting her eyes at her in disbelief. "You are disgusting."

"No, I’m not. I’m adventurous." Tia winked.

"Next, I’m dragging you for a manicure and pedicure." She took Rhea’s hand and examined it with a frown, then gave her hair a quick glance. "Because clearly, you’ve stopped giving a damn."

Rhea rolled her eyes.

"Then facials, shopping... and cluuuubbbbing," Tia sang out dramatically.

"Please don’t say you’re hiring a male escort," Rhea teased.

Tia gasped. "Oh my God, that’s actually a great idea!"

"Tia!" Rhea shot her a look. "That is not what I meant."

"Don’t you want to try something... special?" she whispered, cupping Rhea’s cheeks with both hands and wiggling her brows.

"I mean, yes, but—"

"Then it’s settled," she said smugly.

What’s this girl planning now?

For the first time in ages, Tia woke up early. She barged into Rhea’s room, yanking the blanket off her and dragging her out of bed before she even woke up.

"C’mon! We’d be late for our appointments if you keep sleeping." she said.

"But Tia, it’s still early." Rhea mumbled, gently rubbing her eyes and adjusting her sights on Tia.

Rhea’s eyes widened, with Tia gently stroking her back as she bent over, coughing, choking on her breath. "You are dressed already?"

"There’s no time to waste. I’m planning on spoiling my girl today," she said, pushing Rhea to the bathroom.

"Ohhh! This place is... unique," Rhea whispered in awe, taking in the spa room.

The space was dimly lit, filled with the soft glow of candles. The air smelled of spice and warm oils. The room wasn’t small, but intimate.

Two massage tables sat side by side, each draped in thick, cream-colored wool, with brown folded throws on top. A round wooden tray held candles of various shapes and colors, and more flickered gently around the room.

On one wall was a carefully arranged artful wall of smooth stones, and a gentle waterfall, the sound of the running water a quiet murmur.

Pairs of candles lined the stone edge, reflecting in the surface below. Exotic flowers adorned every corner. A small cabinet stood opposite the tables, filled with bottles of essential oils.

Rhea and Tia exchanged a look, excitement glowing on both their faces.

Then the door opened.

Two gorgeous, shirtless men stepped in, each holding a bowl of oil. They had broad chests, defined muscles, warm skin, and strong arms that promised absolute pleasure.

The masseurs.

Tia couldn’t help the giggle that slipped out of her. Rhea’s eyes sparkled.

The girls practically floated to the tables like a pair of enchanted nymphs.

As the session commenced, the girls chatted and laughed.

Before the session ended, Tia occasionally stepped into the dream world with her masseur.