Chapter 1: The Prom Night

Russell

“You look absolutely stunning, Rus...”

A wave of embarrassment washed over me upon hearing Ryan’s words. In addition to being my suitor, he is also the center of my affection. We have been acquainted for quite some time, yet our relationship has not yet evolved into a friendship. During my junior high years, countless memories were made that will stay with me forever.

“The place is quite packed. Would you like to venture outdoors?” Ryan leans in close and speaks softly to me.

I glanced over at Daniel, who was engaged in conversation with my classmates. A group of girls gathered around him, providing the perfect distraction for me to slip away unnoticed.

Reluctantly, I acquiesced to Ryan’s request, allowing him to guide me away from the bustling hall.

After Ryan and I made our escape, we found ourselves unable to contain our laughter. The relief of leaving Daniel and my brother behind was simply too much. We found a secluded spot in the hall, tucked away from prying eyes. I collided with the wall.

“He’ll freak out if he doesn’t spot me,” I chuckled.

Ryan remained silent. Unbeknownst to me, his gaze was fixed on me. As I gazed at him, my laughter ceased. He gently caressed my cheek and leaned in closer, his lips drawing near to mine. It was a surprise—my very first kiss. His lips were gentle against mine, providing a sense of comfort. He’s moving at a leisurely pace, savoring the connection between our lips. I found myself instinctively lifting my arms and embracing him tightly. As his hand left my cheek, it smoothly glided down my hip, drawing me nearer to him.

The kiss. I can’t understand the reason behind my brother’s prohibition on a man kissing me. It’s puzzling why they would prohibit such positive emotions. I had the sensation of being suspended in mid-air. Finally, I reciprocated the gentle gesture. The kiss appeared to intensify as I observed each motion of his lips. There was already a strong desire for those kisses.

However, I was taken aback when Ryan abruptly broke away from me and collapsed onto the floor. I glanced to my side, and there stood Daniel, his face contorted with rage as he unleashed another powerful blow towards Ryan.

“Daniel!”

***

Daniel

“Damn it!”

As soon as I witnessed the sight of another man kissing the girl I liked, it felt like an unexpected pour of icy water had been poured over me. When men witness me kissing their women, they presumably feel like this. Could it be karma? Does she represent my karma? God knows how I feel for my best friend’s sister, even though I know it’s bad since Russell is only fifteen. I still have a great deal of respect for her, even though she is twelve years younger than I am. As I watch a man kissing her right in front of me, a surge of anger and frustration overwhelms me.

I quickly approached Russell, forcefully separated her from him, and struck him until he fell to the ground. What I did left them both utterly astonished.

“Daniel!”

I was taken aback by Russell’s sudden outburst when she glanced in my direction. Without warning, I forcefully pulled her away from him.

“Let go of me!” Russell grumbled as she attempted to release my grasp.

I took her to the parking lot and promptly dialed Ryker. After a few rings, Ryker answered my call.

I said to Ryker, “I’m taking your sister home.”

“What?” Ryker said on the other line, shocked. “What happened? Wait for me in the parking lot! I’ll find Claire, and we’ll head home together.” Ryker uttered the words and abruptly ended the call.

I swiftly stowed away my phone, while Russell forcefully shoved and struck me until I was compelled to lean into the car. I glanced in her direction and noticed her response. I couldn’t comprehend the intensity of her anger, as she was deeply upset by my actions. Am I making a mistake? Does it contradict me to keep her away from the man who can destroy her life? Is it wrong that I feel hurt and find it difficult to cope with seeing her with another guy? Was my action morally wrong?

“What’s the matter with you?” She shouted, her voice filled with anger, as I let go of her wrist.

“Problem? You’re the problem,” I growled.

“Me? Why me? What is my issue with you?” She asked.

“And what about you? What are you up to?” I let out a frustrated yell. “For God’s sake, you’re only fifteen, and you’re already making out in the dark!”

“It was just a simple kiss. What precisely is your problem, by the way?” Russell asked. “Would you just quit behaving like my brother? I am not your sister or your girlfriend..."

“Oh, so he’s your boyfriend?” I asked grimly.

“Yes, my boyfriend. Is there a problem?”

“You’re making out in the dark, and that’s the problem. It’s unusual for a girl of your age.”

“What? You’re making out in the dark, Russell?”

We shifted our gaze towards the newcomer. Ryker and Claire were already present, and they appeared to have heard our conversation. Ryker swiftly moved towards her sister and firmly grasped her arm.

“Did I hear it correctly? Are you making out? Who is that man?” Ryker asked, clearly irritated.

“Yes, that is true.” Russell said, “I kiss my guy in the dark. What’s wrong with that? It’s just a kiss...”

“You already have a boyfriend? You’re only fourteen!” Ryker blurted out.

“Why not? Back in your day, you had quite many girlfriends when you were my age.”

“Oh, come on, Russell, I’m a man.”

“And I am a woman.”

“You’re a girl, not a woman yet. I don’t have anything to lose, but you do,” Ryker said to her sister. After glancing at me, Ryker handed me the vehicle keys and said, “Let’s drive home.”

I grabbed the key. Ryker shifted his gaze in Claire’s direction. “You as well, Claire. I’ll take you to your home.”

Claire gave a nod, prompting me to swiftly open the car door.

***

When we arrived at Claire’s house, we drove in quietly. Ryker walked after Claire got off to inform her parents that he had brought her home. Russell and I were left in the vehicle.

“I hate you,” Russell spat.

As I glanced into the rear-view mirror, her furious reaction came into view.

“We’re just ensuring your safety,” I said in a composed manner.

“You shouldn’t be so overly protective of me; I’m not that foolish. I’m not your sister, so stay out of it,” she snapped. I sensed her frustration as if I had done something wrong that evening.

“I’m not getting involved. I just...” As I attempted to explain, she interjected once more, cutting me off before I could complete my sentence.

“I despise you, Daniel. You’re the one that I can never seem to like. I don’t need your attention, so please give up worrying about me. You’re my brother’s best friend, which is how we are connected. If you were only concerned about him, it would be so much better. Since I’m neither, I would appreciate it if you didn’t treat me like a friend or a sister. I will always remember what you did tonight, regardless of what you do. You made my prom miserable. And I despise you because of this!”

It was the final conversation I had with Russell.