6 The Party (Part 1)

"So, that's all for today. I would like you all to submit the assignments by Monday."

Grace stretched her arms out. "ugh, why do we have to study?"

It was getting quite tiring for her. It's not like she was bad at studies, she just didn't like it. Her mind was quite sharp though. All she needed was one reading and she understood everything. But there's always a difference between, being able to do something and liking what you do.

"Grace!", Mika jumped on her back.

Grace chuckled. These types of surprises are now common for Grace. She knew Mika can never make a normal entry.

"Hey should we get changed for tonight, or this is fine?", Grace asked.

"What's tonight?", Mika looked with a blank stare, slurping down her milkshake.

"Hey c'mon! Did you already forget about tonight's party?"

"I was hoping you would forget it too.", Mika whispered.

"What?"

"Ah, nothing. Let's get going. We should change after all."

Grace was looking at Mika who was putting helping her put on some eyeshadow.

"could stop moving?", Mika shouted.

"But why do I have to put it anyway?", she pouted. "I don't want to be noticed.", She whispered.

"oh, just shut up.", Mika poked her nose.

Mika likes dressing up grace. Seeing in a new look gives her flutter.

"Okay I'm done", she turns Grace towards the mirror.

Mika did do her job. Grace was glowing. There wasn't any specific makeup on her face. It was all-natural. Her curly hair was complimenting her face. Mika was standing there proudly, asking to be praised.

"Thank you", Grace smiled.

On the other hand, Mika didn't let her pride getaway. She was dressed as good. She wanted to make a good first impression.

"Aren't we a standing out a little?", Grace asked.

'Well, I want that jerk to skip a heartbeat, but not get close to you. Best way to torture someone.', Mika imagined.

"no it's fine, let's get going"

As soon as she locked the door, Grace got a text. It was Nate.

-Hey Grace! Will, you be able to make it?-

-Hey. Yeah, we were just heading out.-

-Cool! Everyone has started to come already. How long does it take to get here?-

-Fifteen minutes, I think.-

-Do you want me to pick you up? I can bring my car.-

-Oh no, it's alright. We ordered a cab already-

-oh, too bad then. See you at the party.-

-Okay!-

"Too bad?", Grace was confused. Too bad for what exactly?

"Hey, our cab is here!", Mika shouted.

Bloomers was a two-minute walk away from the main street. It's one of the most popular hangouts for university students around.

As soon as two girls stepped out of the cab, everyone's eyes were fixed at them. Even though everyone was dressed up for the party night, they were definitely emitting a unique aura.

But not every one of them had good intentions.

"hey look at that chick", a guy sitting on the bench pointed out Grace, to his friends.

By their dresses, they looked like some kind of delinquent college students. Some of them were smoking a cigarette and others had a beer in their hand. The guy, which looked like the leader, got up. "Let's have some fun", he said as his gaze was stick to Grace.

"Where now?", Grace asked Mika.

"The location is of this street. From what I've heard, we need to walk a little further."

"Are you sure? Why don't we just call Nate and ask him?", Grace sighed.

"No! Not calling him. Anything but calling him."

Mika knew he would just show up in front of them in the spirit of impressing Grace. Which was the worst-case scenario for her?

"Okay, let's just ask someone."

Grace's gaze met a guy walking in a white jacket-wearing cute sunglasses.

"Excuse me!", she approached.

"Yes?", the asked politely.

"Actually we are new here. Do you happen to know where Bloomers is?"

"Oh, you are lucky! I was headed there right now.", the guy smiled.

'He seems like a nice guy.', Grace thought.

"Should we get going then?"

"Oh yes! Let me call my friend.

Mika was on the other corner of the street. She seemed like she was looking for someone. Coincidently, the place where those delinquents were sitting a while ago.

"Mika!", Grace shouted, "Let's go!"

Mika headed towards her as she was glancing back and forth towards the same spot.

To their surprise, in spite of the location, Bloomers had very beautiful aesthetics. It was lighted, not as a regular club, but some elegant yet highlighting place.

"Okay, I think we part here.", the guy said smiling.

"Yes, thank you for your help.", Grace smiled back.

Mika was staring at him, 'What does he want?' 'Is he also looking for something to happen with Grace?'

But he left so Mika didn't worry that much.

Nate was sitting on the seat nearest to the door. 'where is she?', he kept on seeing the clock on his phone. 'she's not in any kind of trouble, is she?' 'did someone kidnap her?'

'I should text her' 'No No No! I don't want to be desperate' 'she would think I'm a freak'

Even though he decided not to go and ruin his image, he didn't last for even a minute. He got up from his seat and resolved to find Grace. I was getting all hyped up about how he would beat the shit out of the one who's teasing Grace right now.

Fortunately, as soon as he got up, Grace and Mika entered the room.

Nate was, speechless. Not metaphorically, but literally. He couldn't help but be pleased with Grace's beauty. She was looking like an actual angel she is. Her lips were shining bright, Her hair was beautifully waving in the air. As she looked at him, he noticed her eyes. He felt as if, he could drown in them right now. As she came forward, his urge to hold her tight got stronger and stronger.

'Oh c'mon idiot greet her!', his logical mind screamed.

"Grace I was waiting for you!", he held both her hands.

"Sorry for being late", Grace replied hesitatingly. 'Maybe holding hand is normal for him', she thought.

Nate pulled up his beautiful smile as he brought his face closer, "Grace you look beaut-"

BAM!

A kick on leg this time.

"hands-off freak", Mika snatched Grace away.

"Hey! Mika don't do that", Grace held her.

'Damn this girl is powerful', Nate thought as he was trying to keep a cool face, even though it was hurting.

"Hello Mika", Nate gave her a sinister smile.

"Hey! You are the guy having hand fetish!", Mika smirked.

"F-fetish?", Grace stepped back.

"What the hell! Of course not Mika!", Nate shouted.

"Well actions speak louder than words", she smirked.

Grace chuckled nervously, "Which way?"

"This way Grace", Nate ignored Mika.

Grace started going ahead as Nate and Mika were walking behind her.

"I love her", Nate whispered.

"I won't let you have her", Mika whispered as she stuck her tongue out.

"We'll see.", Nate flicked her head.

In exchange, Mika bit his finger.

Next thing they know, they were fighting like some four-year-old. What was more surprising was, they did it so quietly, Grace didn't notice a thing.

"Hey Nate, this is our seat, right?", Grace turned back.

Both of those brats stood like nothing ever happened. Their smile was hesitating but super creepy.

"Yes, please sit.", Nate said as he was running out of breath.

"C'mon Grace, I'll sit after you.", Mika was also panting.

Grace wad freaked out. This was something too creepy and she didn't have any idea what was going on.

"I guess you both get along really well", Grace said as she was looking them with disgust.

"Or maybe you both are equally creepy.", she added.

The party was becoming like a warzone for Grace. She is not the best when it comes to socializing. Mika doesn't give a soft corner to her for this, she wants Grace to feel more confident.

On the other hand, other people don't see it. Grace's face doesn't show her social awkwardness. She lets out this royal unapproachable aura that no one could even doubt her for not being nervous.

The night was going on well, at least for Grace.

For Nate and Mika, not so good.

It went like, Nate approaching Grace, Mika hitting Nate, Nate hitting back, both hitting each other, and Grace going somewhere else.

They both were so busy arguing, they didn't see Grace slipping away.

She was feeling a little weird now, even though a lot of faces approached, no one actually stayed. Until someone familiar came along.

"Nice party, right?", a guy asked.

Grace was startled. But as she turned back, a curve formed on her face. It was the guy who showed her the way to the club.

"Oh, hey!", Grace smiled. "I didn't know you were also here!"

"Well, I guess we were supposed to meet.", the guy sat next to her.

"I'm sorry, I actually never asked for your name.", she added.

"Tracy", the guy admitted, "And yours?"

��Grace", she smiled.

"What a graceful name!"

Grace chuckled. They hit it off.

On the other side of the room though, someone unwanted entered. It was the group of delinquents from before. Their eyes were trying to find Grace. Their aura was shouting that they had something ugly in their mind. They all spread around the room, trying to find her.

One of them was confused by an exceptional situation. It was Nate and Mika. Not normal though. Nate was stretching Mika's cheek while Mika was stretching his hair. 'What- What the hell?', he thought for a second.

The Gang's leader found Grace. As soon as he sat on the table next to Grace, Mika noticed.

The mood got serious. She poked Nate's arm as she carried a serious look on her face. Nate understood completely. He stood straight and didn't start any small talk.

"Over there.", Mika pointed.

"Seen them before?"

"Yeah, they have been following us for a long time. I was waiting to see who was their target."

���Alright then. Let's get this dirt away."

Except for wanting Grace all to oneself, they aren't enemies. It was clear at that time. They knew their way around everything and most of all, they understood each other. They both are aware of one's love for Grace. They can't let anyone harm her. It's complicated, but it's not bad.

This was the moment of the start of their bond, but not the end of their fighting with each other.

"Okay, I'll go first.", Mika said.

"Good", Nate muttered.

With those words, Mika stepped ahead.