Chapter 14: You Again, Again?!

Unsurprisingly, the bus ride home was a crowded one. Ivy squished against Lori's shoulder, trying her best to avoid the musky armpit looming just above her head. Standing anywhere else wasn't much better, as elementary school kids quickly shoved their way onto the already packed sardine can, their backpacks hitting those around them. "Tch, stupid brats," Lori hissed, glaring at a backpack dangerously close to her chest. Ivy snorted.

"Turn around before you get punched in the gut."

Lori was quick to do so, spinning around to now face Ivy. "So, you still have the address, right?" She asked.

Ivy nodded, reaching into her cardigan pocket to retrieve a sticky note with scribbles on it. The address to Hyun's home. Ivy just couldn't wait.

"I'll meet you there at 8:00."

"What? That's way too early, good parties don't start til 9:00." Lori tsked, playfully elbowing her side. Ivy chewed on her inner cheek. Her brother would be home by 9, and there was no way he'd let her go without asking questions.

"But my-"

"Just sneak out." Ivy flinched, while Lori stared at her with a raised brow. It was like her mind was read. "C'mon Ives, tell him you have a late shift or something. That jackass would probably be happy to hear that." Lori hissed, tightly pursing her lips together. It was no secret that she didn't like Yuri after learning he had no job- despite Ivy working one herself. Though, that was all Lori really knew. Ivy was…too ashamed to show her run down apartment or reveal her true part time job. That feeling hadn't changed.

"You're right," Ivy answered, cracking a faint smile. "It won't be a problem. I'll be there, 9:00."

With a sudden ding, an automated voice called out Ivy's stop.

"Oh wait- is it alright if I bring a friend?" She asked while squeezing her way towards the back door.

"Friend? What friend?" Lori shouted back, furrowing her brows. Ivy flashed a grin. "You'll see!"

The double doors finally swung open, and Ivy jumped down the steps with a hum. She turned back to have at Lori who soon disappeared thanks to the influx of people blocking the window. Ivy chuckled to herself, turning on her heels to walk down the paved sidewalk.

It was only about 20 minutes or so before Ivy reached her apartment complex. She walked up the stairwell with a pep in her step. This party couldn't have come at a better time. It was the perfect opportunity for Cilian to get close to Hyun. Plus, being around others meant that Hyun couldn't kill him. Sounded like a win-win! Tucking a stray hair behind her ear, Ivy exited the stairwell and turned the corner that led to the hall. Her eyes suddenly widened.

"Cilian?"

He sat pressed against the wall, his arms resting atop his knees raised in front of him. He turned when his name was called and perked up, rising to his feet. "Hey,"

Ivy silently blinked, frozen in her place. "Sorry, about earlier." Cilian said, stepping towards the girl, "I shouldn't have snapped at you."

He stopped, shrugged, then turned to walk the opposite way. "That's all I wanted to say."

Now Ivy was really confused. But, she was too happy to question it.

"Wait!" She called out, reaching out to grab the male's wrist. He paused and looked back with a raised eyebrow. "Tonight. You're going out with me tonight." Her statement seemed to make Cilian flinch, while his ears turned the faintest of pinks.

"What are you talking about?"

"Hyun's having a party tonight at his house. I got invited, so you're coming too."

Instantly did Cilian stiffen. Ivy gulped, already sensing him about to protest. "This is the perfect opportunity! Just think about it. If you can get on Hyun's good side, become his friend even-" Cilian nearly growled, his jaw jutting forward. "Okay fine- acquaintances, you can meet the other guys involved. Then, it's smooth sailing." She hoped her pitch was convincing enough, and it seemed Cilian was mulling it over behind his irritated expression.

After what seemed like hours, he let out an exasperated sigh.

"Fine. What time?"

Ivy nearly squealed in relief. "We'll leave at 8:30, meet me here!"

Cilian muttered something under his breath before turning on his heels and walking in the opposite direction. Ivy tilted her head in confusion.

"Uh, the stairwell is behind me."

"I know." Cilian reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver key, pushing it into the door just two down from hers. It swung open with ease. Ivy's breath caught in her throat, her mouth falling agape.

"Wait- you live here?!"