In the end, the three of us really did suffer together.
Three pairs of watery eyes. Three runny noses. Three red faces, like overcooked shrimp. We looked like fish pulled out of water, flopping around, just waiting to be grilled.
I couldn't feel my tongue anymore. My lips were burning like fire. Caspian kept fanning his mouth with both hands, his usual calm expression completely gone. And Lucas—Mr. "I-can-handle-anything"—had his head tilted back, eyes closed, looking like he just saw his life flash before his eyes. He was so dramatic, it was almost funny.
"Whose idea was this again?" Lucas muttered, his voice hoarse as he clutched his spoon like it was his last hope.
I tried to laugh, but ended up coughing instead. "Wasn't it you? Said it was nothing?"
"Hah… I must've been cursed," he groaned.
Caspian let out a weak chuckle. "If this is what free food feels like, I think I'd rather pay."
Even though we were all suffering, I felt kind of proud. Somehow, going through this together made it more fun. We were miserable, but we were miserable together.
A waitress walked by and tried to hide her smile. "You guys doing okay?"
We all nodded slowly, too embarrassed to say anything. I raised my hand just a little, pretending to wave a white flag.
"We lost to noodles," I whispered.
"Not yet. We still have a little time left, Mia. Come on, just a bit more," Caspian said, gently urging me to keep eating. Deep in my heart, I couldn't stop regretting the choices I had made before.
After the challenge ended, we slumped back in our seats like survivors of a storm.
I wiped my face with a tissue—no, make that the fifth tissue. My lips were still numb, and my stomach felt like a volcano that hadn't decided whether to erupt or not. Caspian leaned against the back of the chair, eyes half-closed, sipping cold milk like it was a sacred elixir. Lucas, surprisingly quiet for once, kept muttering something under his breath, too soft to hear. A curse, maybe.
The waitress came over with a small smile and three boxes in her hands. "Congratulations. You all completed the challenge. Here's your free merchandise."
She placed the boxes on the table. I opened mine to find a cute plushie shaped like a chili pepper with angry eyes.
Seriously?
"This… is our reward?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, staring at his plushie like it had insulted his ancestors.
I snorted. "Aww, come on. It's kinda cute. I'll put mine on my bed."
"You'll probably scare yourself at night," he mumbled.
Caspian chuckled and held up his plushie. "I think I'll keep this in my car. A reminder to never do this again."
I laughed, this time for real. The spice was awful, but the memories? Worth it.
After we calmed down, we left the restaurant together. I noticed that Caspian walked closer to me than before, his hand almost brushing mine every now and then. Lucas, though, kept a small distance, still acting annoyed—but he didn't storm off like he usually would.
That in itself was strange.
"Are you okay, Lucas?" I asked, out of curiosity.
"I'm fine," he said quickly, then added, "Just… thinking."
Thinking? Now that was new.
Caspian gave me a small glance, like he noticed it too. But neither of us said anything.
Outside the restaurant, the crowd had only gotten bigger. I stretched my arms, trying to shake off the heaviness in my belly.
"Well," I said, "that was probably the dumbest smart idea I've had in a while."
Caspian laughed. "And I'm guessing it won't be the last."
I grinned. "Probably not."
Suddenly, I felt a heavy sensation in my lower stomach—one I knew all too well.
"Ugh… can you guys wait a minute? I need to go to the restroom," I said quickly, trying to stay calm.
"Sure, Mia. I'll wait right here," Caspian replied gently.
I rushed toward the nearest restroom, my heart sinking with each step. I had a pretty strong hunch about what was going on… but I needed to check to be sure.
Damn it. I was right.
Of all times, Aunt Flo decided now was the perfect moment to show up. And of course, I didn't bring any pads with me. Just perfect.
Now I had a dilemma. I didn't want to ask a stranger, but I also couldn't just walk around like this. After a moment of desperate thinking, an idea came to mind. It was awkward—super awkward—but I had no other choice.
I peeked out from the restroom. Caspian was still there, chatting quietly with Lucas. I called out, almost whispering, "Caspian…"
He turned around quickly. "Mia? Are you done?"
I motioned him to come closer, and when he leaned in, I whispered into his ear, "Can you do me a huge favor? I… got my period. Can you buy me some pads?"
His eyes widened just slightly. For a second, I could almost see a giant question mark floating over his head, like he wasn't sure if he heard me right. But then, to his credit, he blinked and regained his composure.
"Oh… okay. I'll go get it. Are you okay waiting here alone?"
"I'll be fine," I assured him, then turned toward Lucas. "Take him with you."
Caspian gave me a small smile and walked back to Lucas. "Let's go."
Lucas frowned. "Go where?"
"To buy something."
"For what?"
Caspian didn't answer directly—just started walking. Lucas hesitated, confused, but followed reluctantly.
***
At the drugstore…
"Who are they? So handsome…"
"Why are they just standing there?"
The whispers spread like wildfire as two tall, attractive men stood frozen in front of the 'Women's Empowerment' aisle of the drug store, looking extremely out of place. Passersby slowed down just to sneak a glance. The tension between them? Almost comically intense.
"Alright, let's go in," Caspian said, calm but firm.
"You go. I'll stay here," Lucas replied, horrified at the thought.
"Come with me."
"No way! This is way too embarrassing!"
Caspian tilted his head. "Alright. Then I won't sign the contract."
Lucas's eyes widened like he'd just been slapped. "What?! Are you serious? That's our five billion Velmarian Vel business deal!"
"It's my decision. So, either you help me, or you lose five billion." Caspian's voice was calm—but there was no room for argument.
"You—! Fine!" Lucas hissed, glancing around in panic before walking stiffly behind him. "This is blackmail…"
Together, the two of them stepped inside like they were about to face a boss battle.
They finally reached the aisle, stopping in front of rows and rows of feminine products. Caspian picked up a package, studying it with a frown. "Which one?"
"You're asking me?" Lucas snapped in a hushed tone, looking mortified. "How should I know?"
"You think I know?" Caspian replied, deadpan.
Lucas groaned and rubbed his face. "Just—just buy one of each kind. Problem solved."
"Good idea," Caspian said, already reaching for more options.
Their arms were soon filled with different types and brands, earning even more stares from the staff and other customers. But Caspian didn't flinch. Lucas, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to vanish into thin air.
Still, business was business—and Lucas wasn't about to let five billion Vel slip away over a box of pads.
***
"Mia, are you there?"
"Caspian? You're back already?"
He appeared at the restroom entrance, holding a large paper bag awkwardly in his hands.
"Yeah. I didn't know which one to get… so I bought one of each brand."
I peeked into the bag—there were at least five different kinds of every brands inside. "That's… a lot. But thank you, Caspian. Really. I'll make sure to repay you someday."
"No need for that. I'm just glad I could help you," he said with a soft smile.
"Me too!" Lucas suddenly chimed in from behind him.
I blinked. "What?"
"Repay me too! Do you know how much effort and dignity it took for me to step inside that store and buy that thing?"
"Alright, alright. Thank you Mr. Lucas," I said, holding back a laugh. "I'll repay you with another spicy food someday" I said mockingly. Serve you right!
"I'm going to get changed first," I turned to Caspian before walking back inside.
"I swear this girl's mission in life is to boil my blood," Lucas muttered.
Caspian shot him a look. "Stop picking fights. You two are over, remember?"
Lucas smirked. "Why? Are you getting jealous? Hah. If only you knew how obsessed he used to be—following me around like some lovesick girl, always begging for my attention."
"That's the past," Caspian replied calmly. "I'm not interested in your old stories. I'm more focused on writing a new one—with her."
Lucas's grin faltered. "Are you serious?"
"I am."
Before the tension could get worse, I walked back toward them, adjusting the paper bag in my hand. "What are you guys talking about? Why do you both look like you're negotiating a hostage situation?"
"Nothing important," Caspian said smoothly. Reached for the bag I am holding. "Just… business talk" Are you done? Let's go" I nodded at him and started walking forward, leaving them behind a few steps away.
"Mia, wait a sec," Caspian called before stepping closer.
"Why?" I asked, confused.
He leaned in and whispered discreetly, "Your skirt… it's got a bit of blood on it. I think you're leaking."
My eyes went wide. "What?!" I gasped, then clamped a hand over my mouth as heads started to turn.
"Don't panic," he said quickly. "Here—take my coat." Without hesitation, he slipped off his black coat and carefully wrapped it around my waist.
"Thank you," I whispered, touched. "You're seriously my savior today." I give him my most gentle and sweet smile as a gift.
But just as I relaxed and resumed walking through the crowd, I felt a sudden chill run down my spine.
Something wasn't right.
I turned slowly—and there he was.
Alex!
Standing just a few steps away, eyes locked on me, face dark and unreadable.
And his expression?
Absolutely terrifying.