Chapter 4

Riley sat in the director's chair, idly fanning herself with a portable fan, her makeup already done. She crossed her legs, resting her chin on the back of her hand as she watched Sienna finish her touch-up. Her gaze lingered a little too long, her expression unreadable. They were outside the campus, preparing for a photoshoot for the upcoming cultural event. As the university’s ambassadors, they were often chosen to represent the school on such occasions.

"You know, staring at her like that might just make her melt," Mia’s voice whispered out of nowhere, startling Riley.

Riley cleared her throat, quickly averting her eyes from Sienna. "I wasn’t staring," she muttered, feigning innocence as her attention shifted toward Sienna's makeup artist.

Riley had almost forgotten that Mia was part of the university's ambassador team too. The three of them had always represented their university in events, not just because of their prestigious family backgrounds, but because they were well-known as the top beauty and brains of their respective departments.

Mia shrugged, smirking. "So, feeling better after your three-day break?" she asked, recalling Riley’s recent absence due to illness.

"Yeah, all good," Riley replied, though her mind wandered to Sienna, remembering how she'd taken care of her during that time.

"Of course you're fine now—thanks to me," Sienna chimed in, suddenly standing in front of her.

Riley was momentarily speechless. Sienna wore a cropped sando under a mint green loose, unbuttoned blouse, paired with high-waisted army green denim cargo pants and pastel green chunky sneakers. Her hair was styled in a half-bun with soft curls at the ends. Mia’s clap snapped Riley back to reality.

Clearing her throat, Riley glanced at her watch. "Finally, you're done with the touch-up," she remarked, as if Sienna had taken forever. Sienna growled, rolling her eyes in response.

"Yeah, you're back to normal, alright," Sienna quipped, her gaze scanning Riley’s outfit. Riley sported a dark green long-sleeved polo, two buttons undone at the top, tucked into dark brown casual shorts with a leather belt. She wore brown leather loafers, and her hair was loosely braided.

"Finished checking me out?" Riley teased with a triumphant smile, her hands sliding into her pockets.

Sienna’s lips curled slightly, as if she'd just seen something unsavory. "Stop being so full of yourself."

"And... they’re back to being cats and dogs," Mia sighed, shaking her head in disbelief at the pair.

The photographer called them over to start the photoshoot. Poses here, poses there, and after a few shots, they were told to take a quick break. The university magazine had prepared snacks for them, while live streaming updates on their social media.

The three sat beside each other, snacking and interacting with the live-stream audience.

"Hey, everyone, Sienna Reed here!" Sienna waved at the camera while Riley sipped on a canned juice, and Mia scrolled through her phone.

Sienna grinned mischievously, pointing at Riley. "Can you see this rare creature beside me? Don't bother her; she'll turn into some kind of monster when she's hungry," she joked, laughing playfully.

The audience reacted to Sienna’s remark—many of them were their fellow students. Riley smirked and leaned closer to Sienna. "Yeah, I think I could devour you whole," she teased, winking.

Sienna flicked Riley’s forehead. "Ouch!" Riley rubbed the spot and sat back up straight.

"God, you two look cute together. I can’t believe you’re mortal enemies," Mia read aloud from the comments. She glanced at both of them. Sienna raised her brow, looking at Riley.

"Guys, come on! Mia and I are the only ones who are cute. Riley here… I don't know, no comment," Sienna quipped, picking up a sandwich slice and tasting it.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, doing a little dance while seated. "What sandwich brand is this? It's so yum!"

Riley raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is it that good? Let me try." She reached out for a piece, but Sienna, with a grin, cupped Riley’s cheek and fed her the remaining sandwich herself.

"Yummy, right?" Sienna asked with a smirk. Riley’s face turned crimson at the unexpected gesture. Mia and everyone nearby gasped in surprise, while the livestream exploded with comments and reactions.

Riley cleared her throat, suddenly flustered. "Y-yeah, it’s good," she stammered, shifting in her seat and rubbing the back of her neck. Despite the cool breeze outside, she felt uncomfortably warm all of a sudden.

The photoshoot and video interview were finally done, leaving only the task of packing up. As they waited for the others to finish, Riley and Sienna were asked to continue the live stream for university publicity, managed by the university team.

Sitting beside Sienna, Riley glanced at her before turning back to clean her glasses, while Sienna scrolled through the comments.

“Oh, this one’s for you,” Sienna said, nudging Riley. “Do you have someone, Riley? Like, are you in a relationship?” she asked, reading a comment aloud before looking over at her.

Riley paused, slipping her glasses back on before leaning toward the camera. “No, I’m single,” she answered simply.

Sienna tilted her head, examining Riley. “You sure about that?” she teased.

Riley leaned closer, smirking. “Why? Do you want to be my girl—"

Sienna quickly covered Riley’s mouth. “Please stop your nonsense,” she said, turning her attention back to the live stream.

Riley grinned triumphantly, crossing her legs and sneaking glances at Sienna. “Oh, yes. Ethan’s probably busy with their baseball training,” Sienna muttered, responding to another audience comment.

Just as she was about to read another comment, Sienna’s handkerchief flew over to Riley’s side. “Oops,” Sienna said, bending over to reach for it, causing her chest to brush against Riley’s knee. Riley’s face turned crimson instantly. Trying to maintain composure, Riley placed a hand on Sienna’s shoulder. “I’ll get it,” she offered, retrieving the handkerchief.

“Thanks,” Sienna smiled, returning her focus to the stream. “Riley’s face turned red the moment your chest touched her,” she read aloud, blinking in surprise as she turned to Riley.

“What?” Riley asked, feigning innocence.

“You—” Sienna started, raising her hand to flick Riley’s forehead again, but Riley quickly covered it with her hand.

“Guys, come on, don’t leave silly comments,” Riley protested, addressing the stream.

Sienna squinted. “This creature right here is dangerous, so beware, everyone!” she said playfully, leaning in as if whispering, though Riley could clearly hear her.

“Hey—" Riley began, but she was cut off as Mia suddenly draped her arm around both of them, accidentally causing Riley’s lips to kiss the corner of Sienna’s. Both girls froze in shock, as did the viewers, who flooded the stream with heart reactions, similar to what happened during their break. Mia, completely oblivious, grinned at the camera.

“We’re good to go!” Mia announced cheerfully. “Bye, guys! Until next time!” She waved innocently before the cameraman ended the stream.

Still stunned, Riley and Sienna stared at each other, both turning bright red.

“What’s wrong with you two?” Mia asked, noticing how they both stood frozen.

Sienna gently touched the corner of her lips where Riley had briefly kissed. Riley immediately panicked. “I... I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” she blurted, standing up, ready to flee.

“Riley Pierce!” Sienna shrieked, standing abruptly as Riley bolted. “I told you I didn’t mean to!” Riley yelled over her shoulder.

“Come back here, you pervert!” Sienna shouted, chasing after Riley, who dashed away, doing her best to escape the furious girl.

Onlookers laughed, assuming the two were just fooling around.

After a while of chasing Riley, Sienna slowed down, leaning both arms on her knees, panting hard. Riley, noticing that Sienna was no longer following, sat down on the grass, hugging her knees as she caught her breath.

Sienna saw this as her opportunity, she sprinted toward Riley, planning to give her a good smack. But just as she neared, her foot caught on a root, and she tripped. Before she could stop herself, she tumbled directly onto Riley, lips crashing onto hers, and her hand accidentally landing on Riley’s chest.

“What the heck?!” Mia shouted, rushing toward them, only to stop in her tracks as the scene unfolded before her eyes.

Sienna quickly pushed herself off Riley, scrambling to get up and covering her mouth in shock. Riley, still on the ground, was wide-eyed, too stunned to process what had just happened.

“For goodness’ sake, please just eat me now!” Sienna groaned, face burning red as she covered her face in embarrassment.

Riley, still in a daze, blinked slowly, trying to grasp what had just occurred, while Mia stood there, jaw dropped, clearly trying to make sense of the entire situation.