Nikolai

13

Nikolai POV

I take a sip of my beer as I watch Xaiden and Kreo argue about something.

"No bro! We went to that location last week and you weren't there. It wasn't like old times, the whole place was crowded with people," Kreo explained.

"Yes, it was way too crowded. People hyped the location on the internet and now everyone wants to visit the place," Kenric spoke.

"Ugh, it was our secret hideout and I miss the place," Xaiden said slouching down on the sofa.

"Yeah right... It became a public place now. Those social media influencers made the location video viral," Elwen who is sitting me said.

"Next time you guys go, we will join you guys too," Xahria said.

"Yes, why do you guys don't include us?" Aubree asked.

"Because it's a guys trip," Elwen replied. Aubree threw a cherry at Elwen.

My gaze goes to Kiara who is talking with Kai. She laughs as he makes a joke.

"We will join this time," Angel said.

"Do we join your girls day outs and trips? No, then why would you girls join us?" Elwen asked.

"Elwen... You shut up. You always show up saying you were in the same area. Then you call Kreo, Kenric and Xaiden to join you," Xahria said wrapping her arm around Elwen's neck.

I laugh shaking my head. My gaze goes back to Kiara. In the darkness, no one would see me looking at her.

I would be lying if I say I don't feel something towards her. I developed a crush on her, she is cute, funny, beautiful, caring and also an angry bird.

I close my eyes, lean back as I remember our first meeting. It was quite memorable.

The look on her face when I scared her was hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing or smiling remembering the scene.

Mum told me months ago that a family friend's daughter is going to stay with us. When Kiara came to New York and started loving us, I heard a lot about her from mum.

But I didn't care about it nor I listened to everything mum said as I was in London.

They even added her to the Sniper's group and our family group on w******p. I didn't agree to it as Kiara was a stranger before I met her.

I don't give much importance to social media so I didn't check Kiara's profile or photos online as Rowen did.

Soon, I forgot the fact that a girl is living in my home until I returned to New York and her name was raised at dinner.

I didn't meet her as she was sick according to Xahria's words. Then I met her in the kitchen.

I unknowingly and knowingly tease her to see her frowning face. It became a habit of teasing her.

"Nico, can you shift. I want to sit here," I heard Ezarah's voice.

I open my eyes, "yup." I shift making space for Ezarah to sit. She sits beside me and leans back.

"Is it boring without having any one of us?" I ask her.

"It is but I don't miss you guys on the school campus. Got friends who wouldn't leave the side," she said.

"Haha... You are shifting to London next year?" I ask her. I heard from Rowen that she may shift to London.

"Not really, I will stay in New York. Only for traditional music classes, I will be staying in London for two months," she said.

I nod my head placing the glass on the table. "You can stay with us, you won't find us most of the time but Rowen will be there."

"Nah, I want to stay in the college dormitory."

"Okay, then I will meet you on weekends for lunch or dinner."

"You met Chris and Camilla?"

"Yes."

"How are they? It's been so long that we met them," she said.

"They are doing good, they went on a vacation. We will meet them once they return home."

"They haven't returned yet?"

"Nope, they went on a long vacation."

"Kreo was saying that Chris and Camilla are facing some issues? Is it true?" I ask her.

"Hmm, it's regarding their property and house. Don't worry, Ryder and I investigated and solved it. A big thank you Dahlia aunty," I say.

"Mum helped?"

"Yup, aunty is the one who solved the issue in the court."

Ezarah and I talk, Kreo joins our conversation. While they talk I turn my head to see Kiara who is now having a conversation with Kenric, Angel and Elwen.

"So you are seriously moving in with Jasmine?" I heard Xahria's voice.

"Yes, we are moving next week," Kai replied.

I look at Angel who is now aware of the conversation. "What about Angel? You two were living in the same apartment right?" Xahira questioned.

I turn myself to tune in to their conversation.

"I decided after Angel said that she wants to move to her college dormitory. Angel wants to move out and I asked Jasmine to move in," Kai said.

"You moving out of the apartment?" Elwen asked Angel.

"Hmm yes. My friends are living in the dormitories and I want to live with them," Angel said.

"Cool," Elwen replied nodding his head. I glance at Kai who is having a staring contest with Angel.

Kiara stands up from her seat. The girls did the vodka shots except for Ezarah. Kiara said that it was her first time.

"Where are you going?" Aubree asked her.

"Restroom."

"Should I come?"

"Nah, I will manage," she said and wandered off to the door.

I tap my foot on the floor, I wait a minute before standing up and wander off towards the door.

I go to the hallway where Kiara went. I saw her turning left where the washrooms are.

I halt, lean against the wall as I wait for her. She wanders back to the hallway after a few minutes.

"What are you doing here?" She asked. She places her hand on the wall.

"Tipsy?"

"A bit." I nod my head.

"Needed to step out for fresh air," I reply.

"Fresh air in the hallway?"

"Nope, was waiting for you. Wanna join me?" I ask her.

"Is there seats to sit?"

"Yes."

"Okay then." I smile at her before turning around.

I walk towards the corner of the hallway where we have the access to the balcony.

The bouncer standing near the balcony door greeted us before moving away.

"Wow... The view is so surreal," Kiara says looking at the city lights.

"This is my favourite spot," I tell her before sitting down on the chair.

From here one can see all the city lights, bustling vehicles, people but you can't see them clearly.

"This looks magical." I watch her face as she smiles brightly.

She pulls her phone out to take a picture. I chuckle leaning back in the seat.

Kiara takes the seat and we both watch the nightlife of New York City. We stay quiet and I like the silence.

Kiara's phone rang, she spoke. "They are calling us. They are on the dance floor," she said.

"Let's go."

"I will miss the view."

"We can come here anytime we want," I tell her. She turns her head, looks in the eye and smiles.

My gaze flickers to her lips before it flickers back to her eyes.

"Okay."

The next two hours are spent dancing, drinking and watching. I mostly watch Kiara as I couldn't stop looking at her.

"Bro, are you even listening?" Kreo's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"We all are leaving," he said. Aubree, Xahria, Ezarah, Kiara and Angel stood with everyone.

"Did you girls drive here?" I asked Xahria.

"Cars," she said.

"Let's go."

We all started walking towards the back door as the ground floor is packed. Everyone isn't drunk.

I saw Kiara holding her heels in her hands. She was walking with Xahria to her car.

Before she could go with Xahria I wrapped my hand around her wrist. She snapped her head looking at me questioningly.

"You are coming with me."

"No, I came with Xahria and I will go with her," she said trying to free her hand.

"Nope! You are coming with me." While she glared at me, I stared at her.

"Decide yourself, we are leaving. Drive slow and safely," Kai said.

"Haha, Kiara go with Nico bhaiyya. Ezarah is driving us home," Xahria said.

"Fine!" I gave her a smug smirk. I pull her towards my car. Elwen and Kenric left. Kreo is leaving with Kai and Xaiden.

"We will follow your car," Xaiden said to Ezarah.

"Okay." The girls replied. I opened the door for Kiara then wandered towards the driving seat.

Kiara got inside, buckled her seatbelt and I did the same.

"Why are you so stubborn?" she asked.

"Because you don't listen to me when I say."

"Funny."

"It's not," I said knowing I'm irritating her.

"Why are you not wearing your heels?" I ask her.

"I kind of slipped while dancing and I think I twisted my ankle," she said.

I glance at her feet than at the road. "Is it hurting?"

"It hurts."

"I will massage your ankle and feet after reaching home," I said slowing down the car.

"You would?"

"Why wouldn't I? If it's hurting."

"I mean, normally people would not give massages easily," she said and I chuckle.

"My dad gives a massage to my mom every day, without any fail," I told her.

"It will be weird if you give my feet a massage," she said.

"What's weird in that?"

"Nothing." She closed her eyes leaning back. I glanced at her as she stayed quiet.

"I love your parents, they don't leave each other's side," she said.

"True, they always stick together. They don't like to part ways," I stated.

"Even my parents, they always stay together."

"Are you going to London?" she asked me. I glanced at her to see her looking at me.

"I don't know, it depends on my work."

"Oh."

"You want to be here or in London?"

"I don't know, it's your wish."

"Hmm..." I don't know if I want to be here or go to London. I miss my family and others, I will talk with Rowen and Ryder.

Rowen was also thinking to move back to New York City. We should convince Ryder and bring him to New York.