When She Fell || ONC 2025

Chapter 5

----------

"Ryna, I really don't feel like going out today," Kiara groaned, flopping onto her bed.

Ryna, sitting at the edge, gave her an exasperated look. "Kiara. Babe. My best friend. You've been holed up in your house for days. We are going out, and I won't take no for an answer."

Kiara buried her face in her pillow. "But whyyy?"

"Because you need fresh air! And fun! And an actual social life that doesn't involve texting a certain someone."

Kiara sat up immediately. "Wha—who? I don't—"

"Oh, don't even try to deny it," Ryna smirked, holding up Kiara's phone. "Nathan this, Nathan that—"

Kiara's face turned red as she snatched her phone back. "Shut up!"

Ryna laughed, but her teasing faded slightly when she noticed Kiara hesitating before putting her phone down. It was subtle, but something felt off.

"You okay?" Ryna asked, nudging her.

Kiara forced a smile. "Yeah..."

Ryna narrowed her eyes but decided to let it go. "Look, just one day. We go out, have fun, and I promise you'll thank me later."

Kiara sighed dramatically. "Fine. But if I die of exhaustion, my ghost will haunt you forever."

"Deal."

The streets were buzzing with life as the two girls wandered through a shopping district, sipping on cold drinks. Just as Kiara was starting to enjoy herself, Ryna grabbed her arm and pointed toward a small stage set up in the mall.

"Look at that! A free singing contest!"

Kiara's eyes widened. "No."

Ryna grinned. "Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"Ryna, I swear—"

"Come on! It's perfect for you! You love music!"

Kiara groaned. "That doesn't mean I will want to sing in front of a whole crowd!"

Ryna pouted. "Pleeease?"

"No."

"What if we do it together?"

Kiara hesitated. "...Together?"

Ryna nodded eagerly. "You play the guitar, I'll sing. It'll be fun!"

Kiara sighed, glancing at the stage. The crowd wasn't too big. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad...

"Fine," she muttered.

"Yes!"

A few minutes later, Kiara sat on a stool with a guitar in her lap, Ryna standing beside her with a mic. As Kiara played the opening notes of Everything Has Changed, Ryna began singing, her voice smooth and confident.

Kiara was focused on her playing, but as they reached the chorus, a deep voice suddenly joined in from the crowd.

Both girls looked up in surprise. A guy stepped forward, casually taking the male part of the duet. His voice was strong, effortless. But what shocked Ryna more was—

It was Liam.

Their eyes locked. A knowing smirk played on his lips, but he didn't falter. Ryna quickly regained her composure and sang the rest of the song, her heart pounding for a completely different reason now.

---

As the final note faded, the crowd cheered, and Kiara set down the guitar, looking between Ryna and Liam with curiosity.

Liam walked up to them. "Not bad, ladies."

Kiara gave a polite smile. "Thanks."

"You too," Ryna said, crossing her arms.

Liam winked. "Of course. I was the highlight of the performance."

Ryna scoffed. "You wish."

Kiara, sensing the tension—or whatever this was—cleared her throat. "Uh, I'll just... go to the washroom."

As she walked off, she felt a strange sensation, like someone was watching her. The feeling made her shiver, but when she turned around, the crowd was just as lively as before. She shook her head, brushing it off. 

Back with Ryna and Liam, the air was thick with unspoken words.

Liam turned to her. "So, what do you say?"

Ryna raised a brow. "About what?"

"Going out with me."

She rolled her eyes. "Why would I go out with some rich, nosy guy?"

Liam smirked. "Because you're falling for me?"

Ryna's breath hitched, but she masked it with a scoff. " You wish"

"Well, my office already thinks we're dating," he said, shrugging. "Might as well make it official."

Ryna narrowed her eyes. "I'd never date you."

Liam's smirk widened. "Well, opposites attract."

She glared. "Never."

He leaned in slightly. "Always."

Ryna's heart raced. This stupid and infuriating man. Kiara returned at that moment, rubbing her arms. "Uh... did I miss something?"

Liam grinned. "Nope. Just making future plans."

Ryna huffed and turned away, but she knew—this wasn't over. Not even close.

As they walked off together, Kiara checked her phone, expecting a message from Nathan. But there was nothing. That was... weird. He was usually quick to respond, even though she had known him for like a few days.

She was about to text him when a small folded piece of paper slipped from her bag. Frowning, she picked it up and unfolded it. A chill ran down her spine.

Stay away from him.

Her breath got caught in her throat. She looked around, her pulse quickening. Who—how—?

Ryna nudged her. "You good?"

Kiara forced a nod, shoving the note into her pocket. "Yeah. Just... tired."

But deep inside, a feeling of unease settled in. And this time, she couldn't shake it off.

----------