Chapter 7

Yara knew it was all nonsense, but when she caught Helen eyeing the wishing bottles like they were priceless treasures, she wasn't shocked when the group started buying them one by one.

Then came Mateo.

He didn't just buy one—he bought all of them.

His friends immediately jumped in.

"Mateo, you really think you can fill out that many wishes? Mind sharing a few?"

"Seriously, man, you already have everything. What more do you need to wish for? Greedy much?"

Mateo just smirked, then turned to Yara, eyes soft. "I don't need anything. I just want Yara to have everything."

That one line sent the whole group into chaos.

"Mateo! No wonder you're the biggest simp in our crew!"

If it were anyone else, they might've turned red. Maybe laughed it off.

Yara? She just stared at the cart full of bottles, silent.

She focused on writing her own wish, tuning out the noise around her.

Mateo, nosy as ever, leaned in to peek.

She caught him and yanked the paper away. "It won't come true if you see it."

He chuckled, backing off. Then, like it was the most natural thing in the world, he reached out and ruffled her hair.

"Whatever you wished for, it's gonna come true."

Yara gave him a faint smile, saying nothing.

Inside, though?

She agreed completely.

Before sealing the bottle, she glanced at her wish one last time.

[May Yara and Mateo never cross paths again in this lifetime.]

***

By the time Mateo finished filling out all his wishing bottles, the meteor shower was nearly over.

They were just about to leave when a sharp cry cut through the air.

Everyone turned just in time to see Helen on the ground, eyes red, looking heartbreakingly fragile.

"I think I twisted my ankle... It hurts so much..."

Instantly, the group swarmed around her.

Mateo barely hesitated. He shoved past everyone and scooped her up without a second thought.

Didn't even blink. Just carried her down the mountain.

Yara didn't say a word.

While the others hovered around Helen, fussing over her like she was made of glass, Yara quietly turned back.

Found the vendor.

Slipped him more money.

"Take down all the wishing bottles we just hung up."

A few minutes later, she was back at the mountaintop. Alone.

She sat down, fingers steady as she began opening the bottles.

One by one.

[May Helen always be happy and carefree, year after year.]

[May Helen's life be full of joy and free from sorrow.]

[May Helen always be healthy, with only good people in her life.]

[To my beloved Helen, may you always have peace and happiness.]

...

All of them.

Ninety-nine wishing bottles. Ninety-nine slips of paper.

And every single one carried her name.

Not even one was about Yara.

Her eyes burned.

In the end, she left the bottles scattered on the ground and walked down the mountain.

***

The moment Yara reached the bottom, she spotted Mateo pacing.

As soon as he saw her, he rushed over, pulling her into a tight embrace. His voice shook with relief.

"Where did you go? I didn't see you when I got down, and I—oh, Yara, don't ever leave my sight again!"

His friends crowded around, laughing, trying to lighten the mood.

"Dude, we told you—there's only one way down. She obviously wasn't lost. You were just panicking for nothing."

"Yara, you have no idea. Mateo almost cried when he couldn't find you!"

They thought they were proving something. Showing her how much Mateo cared.

But Yara barely heard them.

Because past the crowd, she locked eyes with Helen.

Her ankle was already wrapped up, her expression calm. Collected. But when Mateo's friends spoke, a smug glint flickered in her eyes.

That tiny, knowing smile—it was a taunt.

Like she was saying, 'See? They all think he loves you. But you and I both know the truth.

'The person he really cares about... is me.'

A wave of humiliation hit Yara, sharp and suffocating.

She clenched her fists but forced herself to stay composed.

'It's fine.

'It's all ending soon anyway.'