LOGINShare
NINE
Last Updated:
2024-12-16 16:36:01
Related chapters
Let's be Together TEN
"I don't want to meet anyone. Tell them to leave, Mom!" I shout from my room, voice muffled by the silk pillow I’ve buried my face in. The soft fabric feels good against my cheeks, cool and smooth, as if it could somehow absorb the embarrassment and frustration building up inside me. I don’t want to see anyone, talk to anyone, hear anyone’s fake sympathy or their stupid jokes. The video is still fresh in my mind, and today’s events at school only piled onto that nightmare. People were practically lining up to remind me of it, mocking me with those smug little smirks. My phone’s been off for hours now, ever since I got home. As soon as I walked through the door, I couldn’t wait to power it down and escape from the endless flood of messages and comments that had been blowing up my notifications. Every time I even think about turning it back on, my stomach tightens. It’s been five hours since I shut the world out, but I’m still too scared to check a single message. I haven’t picked
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Let's be Together ELEVEN
Millie squeezes herself through the half-open window, sliding the glass pane up just enough to slip inside. She grumbles, a low hiss escaping when her elbow smacks into the wall. “Damn, it feels harder than before ” she mutters, rubbing her elbow. I can't help but feel a weird warmth at the sight—it’s not the first time she’s pulled this stunt. Back when we were younger, Millie would slip in through my window for our late-night movie marathons, grumbling about how inconvenient it was even though she did it every time. She’s always found her way back here when I needed her most. And now, here she is again.Her eyes find mine, and she pushes her hair out of her face, closing the distance between us with quiet, deliberate steps. “What are you doing here?” I manage to ask, my voice shaky, half because I’m relieved and half because I’m still on edge. Millie doesn’t answer—she just keeps coming closer, and then suddenly, her arms are around me, pulling me into a tight hug.That’s all
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Let's be Together TWELVE
Miss Harriet’s voice cuts through the classroom buzz like a ray of sunshine. “Class, your next assignment is an essay on Franz Kafka, and don’t forget—you’ll need to read Letters to Milena,” she says, bright-eyed as ever. She’s one of those teachers who makes literature feel alive, her passion practically glowing. Harriet Ridge is barely five years older than us, yet the way she talks about authors like Kafka, it’s like she’s lived a hundred different lives.But Kafka… oh man. Franz Kafka is a fascinating figure—someone whose work delves deep into the human psyche, shining light on the dark and twisted corners of human experience. Letters to Milena especially is an insightful look into Kafka’s personal struggles. Unlike his iconic story, The Metamorphosis, where he explores isolation, guilt, and alienation through the metaphor of a man transforming into an insect, Letters to Milena gives us Kafka unfiltered. Letters to Milena is raw, fascinating, but it paints Kafka in a way that m
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Let's be Together THIRTEEN
I gape at the scene in front of me, feeling like I’ve just stumbled onto the set of some awkward, low-budget rom-com. There, in the middle of the court, is Millie in her jersey and shorts, her short hair falling messily across her face. And she’s not just with a guy; she’s straddling him, clutching his shirt like she’s afraid he’ll disappear if she lets go. For a second, my brain malfunctions, and then it clicks—that guy beneath her, looking a little too comfortable, is none other than James. What the actual hell?Both of them turn and spot me, and their faces mirror my shock. Millie quickly scrambles off him, brushing her hair back with that fierce flick she always does, making her look like a tomboy who’s just had her pride dented.She barks at James to “keep his damn distance,” her voice full of annoyance that doesn’t even reach her eyes.I’m left wondering, distance from who, exactly?James raises his hands in mock surrender, grinning like he’s just been told off by a pissed-of
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Let's be Together FOURTEEN
The game grinds to a halt, but there’s no foul, no warning. Nothing. I’m practically on the edge of my seat, ready to jump off the bleachers and rush to her. That fall looked brutal, and her teammates are huddling around her, blocking her from my view. I can’t see her face, and my stomach’s twisted up in a knot.The red team is furious, yelling that it was a clear foul, but the referee shuts them down, saying this situation’s different from Daisy’s push. Apparently, Daisy’s foul was for pushing while the other player was airborne, which is dangerous. But because Millie was on her feet when she got slammed, it’s ruled as incidental contact. It’s garbage, if you ask me. Juhyuk grumbles beside me, muttering that the girl from the blue team played “smart.” Nope. From where I’m sitting, she played downright dirty.Millie finally gets up, but there’s a look on her face that I recognize all too well—a storm brewing.Before anyone can stop her, she storms over to the girl, grabs her by t
Last Updated : 2024-12-17Let's be Together FIFTEEN
Can someone please pinch me? Because there’s no way this is actually happening. I’m on a date. An actual date. And not just with anyone—but with James Ellington, the hottest guy at school. The universe must be feeling generous because I’m just sitting here, staring across the table at him, while my heart’s having a full-on meltdown.My legs won’t stop bouncing, and I’m fidgeting like it’s a sport. My hands are clammy as I pick up my fork, trying to steady my breath. I swear, it’s like I’m trying to act normal on a first date and absolutely failing. James seems completely at ease, though. He notices me barely picking at my food and raises an eyebrow. “You don’t like the lobster?” he asks, taking a casual bite, his dark eyes focused on me with that usual, devastating calm.I manage to shake my head, plastering on a forced smile. “No, I like it,” I lie, trying to sound like I’m not on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I cut into the lobster, forcing myself to eat, but it’s like my st
Last Updated : 2024-12-17Let's be Together SIXTEEN
I turn, and there’s Millie, striding toward us with that fierce, steely look that could cut glass. Her arms are crossed tightly, and her eyes are practically blazing as she glares at James. My stomach drops. Oh, hell. What is she doing here?She stops in front of us, and my heart’s doing a nervous tap dance. I didn’t do anything wrong, but the guilt pooling in my gut makes it feel like I have. James’s arm is still loosely draped over my shoulder, but that doesn’t last long.“Remove your arm, dickhead,” she hisses at him, and there’s enough venom in her voice to make even James blink. He lets his arm fall off me slowly, almost like he’s daring her, keeping that same cocky smirk.“Well, well. What a surprise to see you, kitty cat,” he says, his grin widening as if he finds this whole showdown amusing.Millie doesn’t even flinch. She steps forward, grabs him by the collar, and scowls right into his face. “Never call me that. And what the hell were you trying to do with her?”My heart
Last Updated : 2024-12-17Let's be Together SEVENTEEN
Did you ever experience something so intense, so completely unexpected, that it turned your whole life upside down? An event that changed everything you thought you knew? Something like that happened to me. It shook me so hard that now I’m questioning every belief I’ve held, every assumption I thought was true.I haven’t slept a wink, not one single damn second. I lay here, groaning into my pillow, trying to smother the wild thoughts that won’t leave me alone. It’s like my mind’s stuck on a damn loop, replaying every little detail of yesterday. My face heats up just thinking about it. I roll onto my back, my heart hammering as my fingers absentmindedly graze my lips, remembering exactly how hers felt pressed against mine. No, I think, squeezing my eyes shut. This is wrong. It’s Millie, my best friend.But every time I tell myself that, it only makes me think of her more. I’ve known her since I was practically a toddler. When my parents moved here to Autumn Lane, it was her family
Last Updated : 2024-12-17
Latest chapter
Let's be Together SIDE STORY (2)
The first time I have a sleepover at Millie’s house, I almost get banned from ever stepping foot there again.It isn’t my fault. Not entirely.Okay, maybe seventy percent my fault, but I have reasons.Millie and I are seven, inseparable as always, and she has been begging me to come over for weeks. Every day at school, she leans over and whispers conspiratorially, “Gracie, just ask your mom. It’s not like you have a bedtime anyway.” Which, first of all, rude. I do have a bedtime—it just isn’t strictly enforced.But after relentless pleading (and Millie practically bribing my mom with her big green eyes), I finally get the okay.The plan? Fun, chaos, and destruction.The reality? Worse.It starts with an innocent idea. We are in Millie’s room, surrounded by an explosion of toys, her bed covered in a mix of stuffed animals, half-dressed Barbies that I bring with me, and one sock that she swears isn’t dirty. I’m wearing my best purple pajamas, and Millie is in her favorite dinosaur onesi
Let's be Together SIDE STORY (1)
The arcade is alive with flashing neon lights, the constant clinking of coins, and an upbeat playlist thumping through the speakers. The air smells like buttery popcorn, sweet candy, and the distant tang of something fried—bacon, maybe. It’s chaotic, loud, and smells a little questionable, but it’s undeniably fun. Millie, of course, is thriving. The squeak of my rental shoes matches my groan as I chuck the basketball toward the return box. “This is so unfair,” I whine, crossing my arms in defeat. Millie chuckles next to me, effortlessly sinking another ball into the hoop with that confident smirk of hers. She glances my way, her green eyes glinting under the neon lights. “What’s not fair?” she asks, tossing the ball back like she does this every day—which, I mean, she kind of does. I huff, pointing dramatically at the scoreboard. “I suck at basketball, and you’re basically a pro. This is a scam. I’m calling foul.” She shrugs, effortlessly tossing another ball through the hoop, not
Let's be Together BONUS: A CHRISTMAS STORY
MILLIEThe snow falls in a quiet rhythm, dusting the streets of our little town in white, like some Hallmark movie—except this one has its fair share of chaos.Grace and I trudge along the sidewalk, arms linked and breath misting in the air. She's bundled up in her ridiculous oversized scarf that could double as a damn blanket, her cheeks red from the cold. She looks adorable, not that I'd ever admit it outright. Not right now, at least. I'm saving the sap for later."Are you sure it's this way?" she asks, narrowing her eyes as she squints up at the barely lit street sign."Trust me, baby," I say, giving her hand a squeeze. "Have I ever steered you wrong?""Do you want me to list the times or—""Okay, okay," I cut in, laughing. "Not tonight, Dimples. Tonight, I am a woman with a plan."We're headed to Samantha's annual Christmas bash, a tradition infamous for being equal parts festive cheer and utter debauchery. The last time we attended, someone set the tree on fire—not exactly the k
Let's be Together FIFTY
Taking a deep breath, I turn to face the crowd. Their faces blur under the haze of party lights and the glare of too many phone screens, like vultures waiting for a spectacle. My hands tremble slightly, gripping the microphone as though it’s the only thing tethering me to this moment.I’ve been a coward for so long. Scared of rejection, judgment, and whispers behind my back. But now, watching Millie stand there, her green eyes shimmering with defiance and something deeper—something only I see—I know I have to be brave. Not for me. For her.“This might be fun and amusing for all of you,” I start, my voice cracking at first but gaining strength. “But it’s not for us.”A hush falls over the crowd, their curiosity sharpening like blades. I dare to meet their gazes, my chest tightening, but I refuse to look away.“Millie and I... we’ve been friends for a long time. Since we were kids.” My voice softens, the weight of the years tugging at my words. “I’ve loved her even before I realized wha
Let's be Together FORTY NINE
The pool area is a chaos of sound, light, and bodies. Music blares from hidden speakers—something loud, raw, with a bass drop that rattles my chest. It’s not Kendrick Lamar, but it’s close enough. The crowd surges with movement, students packed like sardines in costumes that range from ridiculous to barely-there. My grip on Jugyoung tightens as I’m jostled on all sides.“I can’t find her,” I mutter, my head darting around to scan the sea of faces. “Do you see Harley Quinn?”Jugyoung raises an eyebrow. “Who’s Harley Quinn?”“Millie.”“Your Harley Quinn? Cute,” she smirks and stretches on her toes to search. Even with the extra height, no luck. I’d texted Millie, but there’s no response, and the more time passes, the more restless I feel.The music is cut, leaving only Shawn Jones’s voice echoing through the speakers. The poolside party transforms into an attentive audience, fixated on him as he stands at the center of the lounge area, bathed in dim orange lights. He’s decked out in an
Let's be Together FORTY EIGHT
The night air claws at my skin like icy fingers, making me regret every single life decision that led to me standing in front of Kenzie McCoy’s house underdressed and freezing my ass off. The house is loud enough to be mistaken for a concert venue, pulsing with music that spills out like the lifeblood of the party, dragging half the damn school into its chaotic orbit. Different colored lights flash through the windows like the place has been turned into a second-rate nightclub, and the garden is already trashed.“This better not turn into another ‘strip or swim’ situation,” Mariam groans beside me, tugging at the brim of her pointy black witch hat. She looks great, honestly—classic and witchy, though the scowl on her face doesn’t quite scream "magical and mysterious."Millie leans in closer, a devilish glint in her eye. “If it does, it might be funny to see you finally skinny-dipping.”Mariam spins around, shooting Millie a glare that could freeze molten lava. “Not happening.”I arch
Let's be Together FORTY SEVEN
I have no idea what the hell is going on. Millie and I are perched on the couch in my living room, my palms damp against hers, while Mom sits across from us with an amused smile that’s doing nothing to ease my nerves. I mean, it’s weird enough that she called Millie my girlfriend—which, okay, true, but hearing it from her just felt... surreal. Millie’s grinning like she’s enjoying the whole thing, and honestly? That’s making it even weirder.“So,” Mom starts, clasping her hands together like she’s about to lead a goddamn family therapy session. “Millie, are you the one who proposed to my daughter first?”Millie glances at me with a soft, teasing look, then turns back to Mom, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly. “Yes,” she admits.I shoot Mom a look that screams please stop, but she just waves me off like I’m being dramatic. “Oh, don’t be shy now,” she teases, her eyes twinkling with mischief.I internally roll my eyes so hard they might as well fall out of my skull, but Millie, ever
Let's be Together FORTY SIX
"Yeah, I posted it," he says, leaning back on his heels as if he’s proud of himself. "So what? What the hell are you gonna do about it, Larsen? Cry to your mommy? Run to Principal Henderson and tell her a big, bad boy hurt your feelings?"He shoves his hands deeper into his pockets, his sneer widening. "Go ahead, file your little complaint. No one’s going to believe you. You’ve got no proof I was the one who took the picture. For all they know, it could’ve been anyone."His words stab at my composure, but I keep my expression neutral, biting back the retort bubbling inside me. He has no idea that admitting this to my face was the exact proof I needed. Millie stands a step behind me, her arms crossed and her jaw tight, practically vibrating with restrained fury.“Ryle,” I say slowly, tilting my head, “do you know what cyber harassment is?”He snorts. “Oh, here we go. You think you’re gonna scare me with your big words?”“I’m serious,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “You illegally post
Let's be Together FORTY FIVE
Millie texts back, suggesting we meet near the old science building—a spot few students ever visit. Yes, the school has many old buildings. The place has a weird reputation for being creepy, and most people avoid it like the plague. Perfect for a private conversation.I reply with a quick Okay and head out of the algebra classroom. Ipsa spent the entire period trying to pick a fight, tossing snide comments like daggers. I did my best to ignore her, even though my patience was paper-thin. A bitch will always be a bitch, and she’s not worth the energy.Stopping by my locker, I shove my books inside. The crisp autumn air greets me as soon as I step out of the building. October has settled in, bringing the kind of chill that seeps into your bones. Tugging my jacket tighter and shoving my hands into my pockets, I make my way to the old science building.As I approach, I pull out my phone and call Millie. She picks up instantly, her voice smooth as ever. “Look to your right.”I turn my head
