two.

Amalia's POV

The bell rang for the end of class, causing all of the students to pack up their things and filter out into the hallways for lunch. There was only one more day before summer vacation began and it was clear how restless people were getting waiting for it; although I didn't mind school, I was looking forward to having more freedom and being able to spend some time with my family, especially with how hard I'd been studying.

Grasping one of the straps of my backpack in one hand, I switched out some books and other things before eventually letting my eyes wander. Some people were doing the same as me, others were hanging around the halls talking to their friends, and some were hurrying along to the cafeteria as though they hadn't eaten in days. From all the crowds I managed to pick out a particular group — one of the noisier groups — which just so happened to involve my sister, Yuna. She was with Amanda, Ché, Sam and her boyfriend Greyson, and although they were all smiling and chatting away, I did notice she wasn't really invested in their conversation. It seemed unusual for her as she's known for being outgoing and talkative; she was much more of an extrovert than I was.

I wondered if she was alright, but I didn't have much time to dwell on the thought, however, as someone called my name. "Lia!" The voice was instantly recognisable to me, and so I turned in its direction with a smile. Sure enough, Riley was running up to me with a magazine folded in her hand. "How's my best girl doing?"

"I'm fine, Riles. Honestly... just glad school is almost over."

My locker door squeaked shut to reveal Riley raising her free hand to her mouth, feigning shock. "Wow, I never thought I'd hear that from you, Little Miss Honour Roll."

"Just because I enjoy school doesn't mean I don't get tired of it," I said with a roll of my eyes, zipping my backpack up before slinging it over my shoulder. "And besides, who doesn't love a vacation full of sun and sightseeing?"

"I take it that means you're looking forward to our L.A. vacay?" All I did was nod in response as she excitedly nudged my arm. "My grandparents are gonna be so happy to see you. How long has it been... two, three years?"

"Something like that."

With how long Riley and I had been friends, we'd grown extremely close to each other's families, so much so that they may as well be our own. Every summer Riley's mom takes her to Los Angeles to visit her parents and for a little over ten years now, we'd been coming along for the ride. My mom is estranged from her parents because of some disagreement years ago and both my dad's parents died before I was even born, so it's nice getting that kind of elderly care and wisdom from somewhere. I may not be their granddaughter but they've always treated me and my siblings just the same as Riley.

"You know the best part, though?" I frowned, clearly clueless, but I knew she wasn't actually waiting for me to answer. "We are going to be in L.A., home to the one and only... Taemin Seong!"

The second those words left her mouth I wanted to roll my eyes once again, this time in a more exaggerated manner. I should've known it was foolish of me to think the girl who labels herself Taemin's 'number one fan' in the world would want to spend her vacation in his hometown just relaxing and spending time with her family... still, I wanted to hope.

"We're going to visit your grandparents, Ri, can't you just focus on that? They don't get to see you that often." With my things packed away, I turned and fell into step beside her as we made our way towards the cafeteria. "Besides, what makes you think you're going to run into Taemin Seong, global superstar, out of the millions of people in L.A.?"

"Because..." She trailed off and shuffled in front of me, causing me to suddenly stop still. It was clear she was struggling to contain her excitement as she bounced on her heels and raised her magazine up to my face, her widening grin visible beneath the front cover. "I know where he's going to be!"

"What?"

My bland and unenthusiastic response wasn't well received; Riley's smile faded and was replaced with a look that suggested I should've already been well aware of what she meant, and even more so, why she seemed like she was about to explode.

"I know where he's gonna be!" I could only sigh and watch as she peeled the magazine open and began flicking through the pages, stopping when she reached a particular one about halfway through. "I know his favourite stores, restaurants, hangout spots... even the studio where he's recording his next album." I was completely lost for what to say in response, so I kept my lips sealed. "Sooo... we're gonna be doing a little sightseeing, if you get what I mean."

"You realise how creepy that sounds, right?"

Riley jutted out her bottom lip and took my left hand in hers. "Come on, Lia. I just wanna meet my idol, is that so bad?"

My silence continued, gaze slowly drifting from her desperate expression down to our hands linked together. There was no denying that sometimes her obsession made even me uncomfortable, but I'd also idolised people in the past and if I'd been given the opportunity to meet them, I likely would've freaked out a little as well. I couldn't really blame her for that.

"Yuna, hey!" Riley's sudden change in volume caused me to jump, completely unaware my sister had decided to leave her friends and join us until she came to stand beside me. "I was just telling Lia about all the fun we're gonna have once we touch down in L.A."

I quirked an eyebrow at that statement before responding, "Right... and I was just telling Riley that she's crazy if she thinks we're going to somehow meet Taemin Seong while we're there."

"You're no fun." Riley huffed and narrowed her eyes in my direction, releasing her grip so both our hands fell to our sides. "You'll come with me on my adventures, right, Yuna?"

There was no response for a moment until Riley nudged the girl's arm, who had been staring off to the side seemingly lost in thought. "Hm? Oh... if it gets me out of the house, sure."

My expression quickly transformed into a frown as I watched Yuna's eyes flick between the two of us before drifting back off to the side; something was clearly on her mind. I wanted to ask if she was alright, but decided that may be a conversation best left till we were somewhere more private.

"Please, Lia? You know I always want you by my side... it won't be the same without you."

I sighed, finding the already difficult challenge of arguing with my best friend becoming even more of a struggle as my stomach began to growl. "Just... promise me we'll visit some places I wanna go as well, 'kay?"

"Hey," she smiled, interlocking our fingers. "I promise, we'll explore as much of the city as you want."

"...okay, deal."