’He’s so hot.’
The girls thought inwardly as they nodded at his words while practically leering at him.
The group had pretty much thrown caution out of the window, their minds didn’t even think about how this situation could possibly be dangerous.
Naomi, however, was different.
"Lucian, who is inside?"
She asked directly.
"No questions until you are inside."
Lucian smiled mysteriously as he moved his hand.
The girls walked in, their eyes remaining on Lucian, it was almost as if they were hypnotised. Naomi’s mouth twitched as she watched them.
She then sighed and looked around the house out of habit, her eyes moving past the walls, the table, the sofa, Evelyn Starling, the kitchen, the bedroom doo—
...what?
Naomi froze.
She turned her head back and her eyes fell on her again.
"Hello~"
Evelyn smiled and waved at her.
Naomi didn’t react.
The rest of the girls turned towards the familiar voice as well and just like Naomi—
They froze as well.
"Hi...?"
Evelyn tilted her head.
"Is that..."
Maya grabbed Tara’s arm.
"No way."
Lena wiped her eyes.
"It is..."
"Oh my God..."
Maya’s fingers tightened around Tara’s arm.
"You’re hurting me."
Tara winced.
"S-She’s here."
"I can see that."
"She’s actually here."
"I can still see that."
For several seconds, no one moved.
Maya still held Tara’s arm, Tara looked like she had forgotten how to breathe, Lena stared at Evelyn with wide eyes, even Naomi couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
They had all seen Evelyn through screens, pictures, concerts, interviews, and advertisements, but seeing her in person was completely different.
She was... so graceful.
So beautiful!
It was unreal!
How could one look THIS good dressed in a simple sweater and dark trousers!?
Evelyn looked at them and—
"Hello~"
She waved again and this time—
"H-Hello!"
Tara greeted back, unable to believe that she was talking to Evelyn.
Evelyn smiled at that—
"Third time really is a charm, huh."
She chuckled as she looked at Lucian. Lucian smiled and just then—
"Oh my God, I love your—"
Maya finally snapped out of her reverie and rushed towards Evelyn—
Or she tried to, but Lucian was already standing in front of her.
"She’s hurt."
He spoke, looking at them.
"So maintain distance."
"Ah..."
The girls realised it.
Then, Lucian looked at them all and—
"Let me warn you again.
If I see you using phones, I will have you escorted out.
No questions asked."
The room that was about to become cheery instantly became cold.
The girls stared at Lucian, even Naomi could see how different he looked than normal.
"I’m sorry."
That was when Evelyn appeared behind him.
"He’s overprotective.
And it will cause a ruckus if people know I am here, so I hope you people keep this to yourselves."
"S-Sure!"
The girls nodded quickly.
"Let’s just place our phones on the counter."
Lena offered, the rest of the girls agreed instantly.
Lucian observed them for a moment, then, his usual smile returned and—
"Now you may continue losing your minds."
He stepped back.
And as if someone pressed the replay button—
"Oh my God!"
Maya exclaimed again.
"You really are Evelyn Starling!"
"I am."
Evelyn laughed softly.
"I love your songs."
"Thank you."
"I have listened to every album."
"That means a lot."
"I went to your concert two years ago!"
Maya continued without breathing.
"I was very far from the stage, but I could still see you on the screen and you sang that last song and I cried and—"
"Maya."
Tara placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Breathe."
Maya nodded as she took a short pause.
"Right. I am sorry."
She scratched the back of her head, embarrassed.
"It’s alright."
Evelyn smiled.
Tara looked at Evelyn.
She tried to remain calm, it wasn’t really working.
"You’re even prettier in person."
"Thank you."
Evelyn laughed lightly.
Tara looked away with a blush.
Lena was standing a little farther back, she didn’t know what she was supposed to say now that reality had finally sunk in.
It really was Evelyn Starling...
She still couldn’t believe it.
That was when Evelyn looked at her and—
"Hello."
She greeted politely. Lena stiffened.
"H-Hello."
Lucian raised an eyebrow.
"You were talking the entire day. How are you silent now?"
He commented.
Lena glared at him.
And as if he thought of something, Lucian grinned—
"Do you perhaps not like Evelyn?"
Evelyn understood what he was doing, so she joined in.
"Is that true...?"
She asked with moist eyes and Lena—
"N-N-No! That’s not it!!
THAT’S VERY MUCH NOT IT!!"
She practically screamed as she glared at Lucian with even more intense anger.
Lucian only laughed.
Naomi watched them all from the side. She was still surprised, but unlike the others, she did not rush forward. She looked at Evelyn and together with surprise, there was also... curiosity in her eyes.
Why was she here...?
What’s her relationship with Lucian...?
Are the rumours really true...?
Her mind was more occupied with such thoughts than the superstar in front of her.
Evelyn noticed her as well.
She smiled at her, Naomi smiled back, the two women kept staring at each other and that was when Lucian clapped his hands.
"Since no one has fainted yet, let’s start with introductions."
He pointed towards Maya first.
"This is Maya."
Maya straightened.
"She likes green, talks too much, and somehow decided an afternoon party needs candles."
"They are for decoration!"
Maya defended herself.
Evelyn looked at her bright green contact lenses.
"I like the eyes."
Maya froze.
Then her entire face brightened.
"Really?"
"They suit you."
Maya looked at Lucian proudly.
"You heard her!"
"Yes yes, green is good. Happy?"
Maya’s smile couldn’t be any better. It was a miracle she hadn’t passed out already.
Lucian then pointed at Tara.
"This is Tara."
Tara smiled politely.
"She appointed herself in charge of food."
"Someone had to."
Tara folded her arms.
"He’s terrible at that."
"I can see that."
Evelyn nodded.
"Really? You are taking her side?"
Lucian complained.
"She seems sensible."
Tara smiled proudly.
Lucian only snorted.
"Whatever."