HIS ROOMMATE

THE PARTY

CHAPTER 12

KAI'S POV

"I wanted us to talk about Edward" Okay here it comes, Adrian the body guard about to give me safety rules.

I stared at him a second longer. His apology actually sounded real, not his usual smirk-and-deflect stuff. But then he hit me with the Edward lecture and I just... deflated.

"Adrian the bodyguard," I muttered under my breath.

"What about Edward?" I asked, even though I already knew where this was going.

"Kai you really can't go out with Edward. Didn't you hear anything I told the last time, that guy is a man b***h"

I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt. Here we go again.

"Man b***h?" I repeated, arms still crossed. "Really? That's your argument?"

To me Edward isn't that bad. Cold? Yeah. Playboy rep? Probably. But bad? I don't see it. And I *definitely* don't get why Adrian's got this personal vendetta against him.

"Look," I sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "I heard you last time. I heard Ash and Leo too. Everyone's got an opinion on Edward Cole. But I'm a grown-up, Adrian. I can make my own choices."

He looked like he wanted to argue more. Of course he did.

"So unless you broke into my room for something else... lecture's over, bodyguard."

"Okay fine I won't ask you to stay from him again but you really have to be careful okay. And call me if anything happens" the said with a serious look. I smile at him, God he is so cute like this but really annoying.

I smiled, kinda touched by the concern despite the eye-rolling. "I'll be fine, Adrian. I can handle Edward."

He gave me one last serious look before nodding. "Alright. Just... call me. Anytime."

I nodded, shutting the door behind him as he left.

WRITER'S POV

Saturday came faster than Kai expected, she stood in front of the mirror with a smile. She was dressed in a simple gown. Not too fancy, Nathan personally got his sister to pick out the dress for her.

"You got this Kai" she said to herself. She took a deep breath before stepping out of the room. The house was dead silent. Adrian was out with Valerie and Mrs Chen was in her quarter.

The evening air hit her as she stepped out of the gate. Edward was right there leaning on his car and he was looking handsome like always.

Kai's heart skipped a tiny beat as she locked eyes with Edward. He looked... wow. The way he leaned against the car, smiling like he already knew he'd win her over – it was kinda charming, in a too-sure-of-himself way .

She walked towards him, trying to match his confidence. "Hey," she said, aiming for casual.

Edward pushed off the car, eyes scanning her like he approved. "Kai. You look... lovely."

Lovely. Kai smiled, playing it cool. "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."

He chuckled, opening the car door for her. "Shall we?"

Nathan's words from earlier flashed in her mind – "Just be yourself, Kai. Don't let him get under your skin." Easy, right?

She slid into the car. Game face on.

As she buckled up, Edward got in beside her. "So, have you been waiting long?" she asked, trying to break the ice.

"Not too long," he said with a smile. "I arrived a bit early. Wanted to make a good impression."

Kai laughed softly. "You succeeded."

The car started moving, and they chatted about everything from music to food as they drove through the quiet evening streets.

She had only been in a relationship once, and it was...wasn't so bad but not good either. But with Edward, she felt a spark. Maybe it was the way he listened, or how he smiled when she talked about her cafe dreams. Whatever it was, she wanted to see where this went.

Edward pulled up to a trendy restaurant in Manhattan, the city lights twinkling outside. "Thought we'd grab dinner here. Hope that's okay?"

Kai nodded, smiling. "Sounds perfect."

Inside, they were led to a cozy table by the window, the soft jazz music setting a nice vibe.

As they scanned the menu, Edward asked, "Anything catch your eye?"

"Maybe the grilled salmon," Kai said, closing her menu.

He nodded. "I'll get the steak. Wine?"

"Just water for me, thanks."

The waiter came, took their orders, and left them with warm smiles.

"So," Edward leaned in, "tell me more about the Cafe, I mean the one you work."

Kai's face lit up. "I love it there. It can be pretty annoying sometimes though, but I enjoy working there"As they dug into their meals, Kai chatted about the cafe's quirky regulars and the barista drama. Edward laughed at the right moments, eyes cr crling at the corners.

Mid-story, Kai glanced up – and caught him staring. He looked away quick, focusing on his steak.

She smiled to herself. Maybe he wasn't as smooth as he seemed.

"So, what's the deal with you and Adrian?" Edward asked suddenly, eyes back on hers.

Kai's grin faltered for a sec. "What do you mean?"

"Just... you guys seem really close. Are guys really just Friends?"

"Oh, um, yeah. He's just a friend. Like a... protective brother or something." She laughed it off.

Edward nodded, expression unreadable. The jazz music filled the slight awkwardness. Of course there were just friends, why was he asking?

The conversation flowed easier after that, with Edward steering them toward lighter topics – music, books, favorite travel spots. Kai found herself laughing more, relaxing into the date vibe.

As they finished dinner, Edward reached for the check. "Dessert? There's this great gelato place nearby..."

Kai hesitated for a split sec. Why not? "Sure, sounds fun."

Outside, the Manhattan streets were alive with evening energy. They walked to the gelato shop, passing street performers and food carts. Edward touched her elbow to guide her through the crowd – quick, casual. Kai didn't mind .

At the shop, he insisted on getting her favorite flavor (pistachio). As they lopped for spoons, their hands brushed. Kai pulled back, heart thumping a tiny bit.

"So," Edward said, eyes locking on hers with a smile, "pistachio, huh?"

She laughed, nerves sparking. "Can't go wrong." after getting their dessert, they walked back to their car chatting.

Edward's eyes sparkled as he said, "There's this party my friend invited me to. Mind if we go together? It's just two streets away."

Kai hesitated for a beat. A party? With Edward's friends?

"Um... sure," she said finally, trying to sound casual. "Why not?"

Edward grinned. "Awesome. Should be fun."

They walked to the party, the night air buzzing with music and laughter as they turned the corner. Kai's stomach did a tiny flip. Game face, Kai .

As they stepped into the crowded party, Kai's smile felt a bit strained. The music was loud, the air thick with chatter and laughter. Edward's friends surrounded them instantly – loud, boisterous, and curious.

"This is Kai," Edward said, arm brushing hers like it was an accident. "Guys, this is... everyone."

They greeted her with hugs and curious eyes. Kai tried to keep up, nodding and smiling, but the noise was overwhelming. She caught Edward's eye, hoping he'd bail her out.

He leaned in, voice above the music. "Want to grab a drink?"

Kai nodded gratefully. "Yeah."

They pushed through the crowd, Edward's hand on her lower back – protective or claiming? She wasn't sure .

As they pushed through the crowd, Kai suddenly remembered – she's trying to pace herself with drinks tonight. "Actually, I think I'll just stick to water," she said, trying to wave off the offer.

Edward smiled, leaning in close. "One glass won't hurt, right? It's just a party."

Kai hesitated, feeling a twinge of reluctance. She didn't want to be that person who can't handle a drink, but...

"Okay, fine. One glass," she said finally, trying to sound unbothered.

He grinned, handing her a glass of wine. "I promise it's not poison."

Kai took it, rolling her eyes slightly. "I'm not worried."

He smiled and watched her drink. As the party game started – some loud, chaotic mix of charades and trivia – Kai's discomfort grew. She shifted in her seat, trying to tune out the shouting and focus on her phone.

TBC