New Year's Eve (2)

Jun felt tired.

Only a few hours were left until the beginning of a new year, but here he was lying on the bed, his heart filled with anguish.

He told Nuo that he would come to the party tonight, but he had no plans of going at all. Not only would he meet Shui which he didn't want to, but he didn't forget that Jinhai had thrown him out of the family. He didn't have anything to do with his family anymore.

Just like this, he planned to slowly cut himself off from his family until nobody would remember him anymore.

*Knock knock*

His brows slightly crinkled. He sighed as he opened the door, finding Ai glowing for some reason as she faced him.

"What?"

"Today is New Year's."

"So?"

"Do you have any plans?"

Jun thought about the party at Liu villa. "No."

Ai silently felt relieved.

"Okay. I don't have any plans either. I wanted to ask you if I can decorate your house?" She asked in anticipation.

He blinked. "You want to celebrate?"

Ai tilted her head. "Why not? We should welcome the new year with happiness and open arms."

Jun narrowed his eyes. "Sure you can decorate the house…but are you planning for some loud music or that sort of stuff?"

Ai was slightly taken aback. "No. Loud music gives me a headache."

He snorted. "Good, because I wouldn't have allowed you either. I like peace and quiet like I told you before when I explained to you the rules."

She furiously nodded. "I wouldn't do anything that you hate. This is your house, and I am just a guest. In fact, I came here to suggest if we can have a small party of our own. It wouldn't be music and dancing, but I have some more classics to show you," her irises invariably sparkled.

Jun widened his eyes. Suddenly, all his lethargy flew away from his body. "Damn it, you have more books?"

"Yes. We talked mainly about romantic novels for the past few days, but I have read many crime and mystery books too. There are some good science fiction books too. I didn't see those books on your shelf, so I don't know if you have read them. But if you have, I think it would be fun to talk about them."

Jun remembered how fun the last few days were. He had talked with Ai to the extent that he hadn't talked to his own siblings that much if he combined his years from childhood until now. Recalling how thrilling the Christmas night was, he didn't hesitate. "Done."

Damn if only I could bring my collection from the Liu villa to here!

"I will make an early dinner, and then we can set it up in the living room."

Ai beamed.

The last few days were tough on her, feeling guilty of lying about her identity to Sun Bai. But it was a necessary decision she had to make.

Though it took a toll on her, she decided to forget about it and enjoy the New Year's with Jun and the company of books.

Her radiant expression, and the soft smile on her pink lips that was slowly widening by his agreement made Jun slightly twitch his brow. Her light brown pupils shone as if she was a child excited for a ride at a theme park. Her smile was so infectious that it inevitably brought a curl on his lips too.

Jun, on the other hand, had already got the news of Ai's visit to Sky through Yunru and how she talked to Sun Bai. Thinking that she could be a part of Sky brought a strange energy and anticipation within him.

Ai offered. "I will help you with the dinner."

She hopped away to start with the decorations while Jun felt it was amusing to see her so delighted. He thought it would prove to be cumbersome to share his living space with her, who oddly always managed to frustrate him somehow.

But now he looked forward to spend the evening after how joyful the Christmas evening was.

On the other side, Ai hummed a tune as she put on the lighting and flowers. Her phone lit up with an incoming call, and she saw it was from Yating. She paused.

Ever since the Christmas evening, she had been getting continuous calls and messages from Yating, but she always ignored them. She thought he would stop after some time, but he seemed stubborn to talk to her.

She saw another message from him.

'Ai, can we please talk? I am getting worried. You are not picking up my calls and messages. I just went to your apartment and came to know your house is in repairs, so where are you staying right now? Why didn't you tell me? Are you okay?'

'Ai, if you don't meet me, then I will go to the police because I am really worried about you!'

She widened her eyes.

Police?

That would only be a bother since she wasn't in any danger.

She quickly replied him.

'I am fine. There is no need to go to the police.'

A minute later, Yating's call came. She bit her lower lip and accepted it.

"Ai!!! For God's sake, where have you been!? Why are you not replying to my calls and messages?"

"...I have been busy."

"So busy that you couldn't reply to even one of my texts? And how did the accident happen? Where are you living right now?"

She said nothing, neither did Yating.

"Ai, can we please meet? I really need to say something important to you."

Ai thought for a minute and finally agreed. "Okay."

As she hung up, she heard Jun's voice from her back. "Going somewhere?"

Startled, she turned. She hesitated for a moment. "Yes. It would be only for a little while. I will be back by the time you start dinner preparations."

Jun fixed his sharp gaze at her. "Is there any problem?"

"No," she smiled.

He couldn't put a finger, but an odd and uncomfortable feeling crept in his chest. A moment ago, she was excited, but now she looked as if somebody had deflated that balloon.

"...Are you sure you would be back on time?"

"Yes, I will be."

His brow twitched in dissatisfaction.

Why am I so worried if tonight's plan could get cancelled? I don't care even if it does.

—

Ai stood in front of Dream High building. After her rebirth, she had only once stepped into this place for arranging the extra copies for the book signing event. This was the place where she had died in her last life and thought that she would never visit this place again.

She looked up and a sudden stab of fear assaulted her as her gaze fell on the terrace. Blood pounded in her ears. This was the same place where she had fallen to her death. A wave of dizziness swept past her as if she was reliving the whole nightmare once again.

She hugged her bag closer to her and wiped the beads of sweat off her brows.

I will end this once and for all tonight.