Sophia’s POV
The next morning…
I wake up early, feeling determined and ready to take charge of my life. After that abrupt incident of Lily mentioning what happened last year, I had a hard time sleeping at first, but I soon dozed off to the music in my ears after aiming to drown out the noise coming from Jake’s room. I was already used to it after staying with them for so long, but it sounded louder last night for some reason.
I began to get fed up with living with two men. Not only did I just realize how uncomfortable it was, but I also realized that I was now financially stable, so it is best I move for my own privacy. The previous night’s events with Jake’s overnight guest and the constant chaos of the apartment have only solidified my decision-I need to find my own place.
As I sip my morning coffee, I grab a broom and start cleaning up the living room. It’s a routine task that I’ve grown accustomed to over the past year. As I tidy up the scattered clothes and shoes, I can’t help but think about how much easier it would be to keep my own space clean.
Lost in my thoughts, I’m startled when Tyler enters the living.
Room, carrying his rugby practice kit. I raise an eyebrow in surprise, not used to seeing him up and about so early in the morning.
“Hey, Sophia,” he greets me, a faint smile on his face. “I just got back from a rugby match with some friends.”
I nod, trying to hide my surprise. “Oh, really? That’s early for you. How did it go?”
He shrugs, a hint of exhaustion in his voice. “It’s intense, but we’re having a good time. Rugby always gets my adrenaline pumping.”
I offer him a supportive smile. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. You always seem to have fun playing sports.”
I twist my fingers, my mind reeling with thoughts of how to bring up my decision. Eventually, I say, “I want to move out, Tyler.”
Tyler’s gaze lingers on me for a moment, his expression is full of surprise. Then he finally speaks up, his tone gentle yet curious. “Why?”
I take a deep breath, knowing that it’s time to have an honest conversation with him. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. I think it’s time for me to have my own place.”
His brows furrow, and he seems taken aback by my decision. “But why? Is it because you don’t want to clean up after us anymore? If that’s the case, I can talk to Jake, and we can make sure you don’t have to worry about that anymore.”
I pause, appreciating Tyler’s offer, but I know it’s not just about the cleaning. I need my own space, my own independence. “It’s not just about the cleaning, Tyler. You and Jake have been great friends, and I appreciate everything. But I think it’s time for me to experience living on my own, to have my own place where I can establish my own routines and create a sense of independence.”
He sighs and palms his forehead, obviously stressed, but he says, “Let me think about it.”
Before I can say a word in reply, he turns and makes for his room. After he is gone, I sigh, knowing they can’t get used to me leaving so suddenly. But I will have to anyway.
A week has passed since I brought up my decision to move out, and I’ve been making preparations to leave. Today, however, Tyler and Jake managed to persuade me to join them at a mask party. I’m not usually one for social gatherings, but they insisted, and I reluctantly agreed.
As I get ready for the party, I can’t help but feel slightly uncomfortable in the fancy attire I’ve chosen. I’m not accustomed to wearing heels, and I stumble a bit as I walk around my room. Tyler and Jake, on the other hand, look dashing in their well-fitted suits, exuding natural confidence.
Once we arrive at the party venue, I immediately notice the attention the two brothers attract as we make our entrance. Whispers and curious glances follow us as people try to figure out who I am to be walking alongside them. I can hear snippets of conversations as we pass by.
“Who’s the girl with Tyler and Jake? She must be someone important.”
“Did you see the way they walked in? They’re like celebrities.”
“I wonder if she’s their girlfriend or something.”
My cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and self-consciousness. I’m not used to being in the spotlight, and it’s overwhelming to be the centre of attention. I try to keep my head down, hiding behind the mask that conceals half of my face, hoping it will shield me from prying eyes.
Tyler notices my discomfort and gives me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Sophia. Just enjoy yourself. It’s all in good fun.”
Jake, always the charmer, chimes in, “Yeah, Soph, embrace the attention. You look stunning tonight.”
I force a smile, appreciating their efforts to make me feel at ease. Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that it’s just a mask party, and nobody here knows the real me. It’s an opportunity to let loose and have a bit of fun, even if it’s outside my comfort zone.
As the night progresses, the atmosphere in the party becomes livelier. The music fills the air, and the dance floor is packed with masked strangers, all lost in the rhythm. People mingle, laugh, and enjoy the festivities.
Tyler and Jake take turns dancing with various partners, effortlessly sweeping them off their feet. Their natural charisma and easy charm make them the life of the party. Meanwhile, I find a quiet corner where I can observe the revelry from a distance.
From my vantage point, I can still hear snippets of conversations, even though I’m not actively participating. People whisper and gossip, trying to figure out who I am.
“Have you seen that girl with Tyler and Jake? She’s a mystery. No one seems to know who she is.”
“I heard she’s a new actress in town. They’re helping her network.”
“She must be important if Tyler and Jake are paying so much attention to her.”
The rumours and speculations swirl around me, and I can’t help but feel a pang of unease. I’ve never been one to seek attention, and being thrust into the spotlight like this is unsettling.
I have never been out in the open with the two of them before, and it is only now I realize how big their influence on campus is. But thankfully, we are all wearing masks so no one can recognize me.