The nobody i fell for

Chapter 10

THE NOBODY I FELL FOR

Chapter Ten — Kairo’s POV

"Mum! Dad!"

My voice echoed through the enormous living room as I walked toward them.

Mum was sitting on the cream-colored sofa, scrolling through something on her phone while Dad sat nearby, reading a newspaper.

They both looked up.

"I'm going out with Mia and them," I announced.

Mum's eyes immediately traveled from my face to my outfit.

I already knew that look.

She slowly lowered her phone.

"Dressed like a stripper, Kairo?"

I stared at her.

Seriously?

Of all the things she could have said.

"Mum."

"What?" she asked, completely unbothered. "I'm asking a question."

I looked down at my outfit.

It was just a cute going-out fit. Nothing outrageous. A fitted top, a skirt, and my favorite pair of shoes.

I had spent way too long deciding what to wear, and now Mum had managed to ruin my mood in approximately five seconds.

"It's just an outfit."

"It barely qualifies as one."

I sighed.

"Mum, please. Not today."

Dad lowered his newspaper slightly, watching us with the expression of a man who knew better than to get involved too quickly.

Mum folded her arms.

"You are going out dressed like that?"

"Yes."

"Kairo."

"Mom."

We stared at each other.

Neither of us wanted to back down.

I finally rolled my eyes.

"I'm nineteen. I can choose what I wear."

"And while you're living under my roof, I expect you to have some sense."

I let out a frustrated breath.

There it was.

The speech.

The one she could turn absolutely anything into.

"Can we please not do this tonight?"

She shook her head.

"I'm only trying to protect you."

"I know."

"Then why are you acting like I'm your enemy?"

"Because sometimes you make everything a problem!"

The room went quiet.

The second the words left my mouth, I regretted how sharply I'd said them.

Dad finally lowered the newspaper completely.

"Alright," he said calmly. "Let's take a breath."

I looked away.

Mum sighed.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then I picked up my small handbag from the armchair.

"I'm going to be back later."

Mum gave me a look.

"What time?"

"I don't know."

"Kairo."

"Fine. Before midnight."

She nodded reluctantly.

"Text me when you get there."

"I will."

"And when you're coming home."

"Okay."

I walked toward the door.

Just before I opened it, Dad called my name.

"Kairo."

I turned around.

"Have fun."

I smiled.

"Thanks, Dad."

Mum shook her head, but there was the tiniest smile on her face.

I stepped outside into the cool evening air.

The sky was beginning to darken, painted in shades of blue and purple as the last traces of sunlight disappeared behind the trees.

I smiled to myself.

Finally.

A night without lectures.

At least, that's what I thought.

I had no idea that tonight would be far more interesting than I expected.