Zoe's P.O.V.

"Selena, can't you skip one class? It's Sky's basketball match today." I plead with my friend as we walk to the classroom together.

"Zoe, I can't," she denies, shaking her head. "My parents would kill me if I missed it."

Selena is my new but already close friend. I know she's a bit of a stickler for rules because of her parents, but I'm determined to drag her to the game with me. We've only been friends for six months, but our bond has grown quickly. We met at the beginning of our first year in college, and she has been by my side unwaveringly ever since.

I wave her concerns away, striding beside her. "Oh, come on! Half the class isn't going to be there, anyway. Plus, you know the professor loves the basketball team. He'll probably let us go!"

"Zoe, you know I can't just skip classes. My family is really strict about my attendance," she responds, glancing at me.

She halts as I give her my best puppy-dog eyes and pout, coming in front of her. "Please, Selena? Sky's game is super important. I promise we won't force you again. Just this once?"

She sighs. "Fine! But first, let's go to class and see how many students are there."

"Thank you." I give her a quick hug, grinning.

As expected, when we arrive at the class, it's nearly empty. The few students who are present are either disinterested or secretly hoping the professor will let them leave. When the professor walks in, he takes one look at the sparse attendance and shakes his head with a smile.

"If anyone wants to go to support the basketball team, I won't mark you absent. Just make sure you study the material later," he announces.

The room erupts in cheers as everyone scrambles to leave. Selena looks at me. "You really knew this would happen, didn't you?"

I wink at her. "Told you so!"

We rush to the basketball court and take our seats. The crowd is buzzing, and I can see Sky warming up with his team. Sky has been my best friend since our school days. I know I can always count on him. He's the only person who knows all my deepest secrets.

But sometimes, he's pretty annoying when he lectures me for getting into trouble. What's my fault if trouble likes me so much? He snaps at me like I derive pleasure from being in trouble. Huh!

Sky is tall and handsome, and every girl on campus dies for his attention. He has a defined jawline, and his blue eyes are always observant. His skin tone is fair, with a slight tan from spending time outdoors. He has well-groomed, dark brown hair that he often runs his fingers through, especially when he's deep in thought. His lips are full, and his physique is athletic, with broad shoulders and a lean, muscular build that speaks to his dedication to sports and physical fitness.

And what can I say about his talent? He isn't an ordinary guy. He's great at everything he does-sports, academics, and even running his family's million-dollar company. What's more, he's a gifted artist, bringing his canvas to life with magical brushstrokes. Sometimes I feel jealous of my best friend, as my only skill is getting into trouble.

Why, God, why this discrimination? What sins are you punishing me for? If only you had given me a single talent like Sky's, I would be so grateful.

His friend, Alex, the team captain, gives him a pat on the back. They look confident, ready to take on their rivals.

I wave at Sky enthusiastically as he catches sight of us, and he grins, giving me a thumbs-up.

"See, Selena? Isn't this better than sitting in a boring classroom?" I nudge her playfully.

"Of course, it's better. But you know I'm forced not to skip any class."

"Your parents are too much." I shake my head.

I seriously don't like Selena's parents. They're so controlling and strict. Selena is an adult; they should give her some space and freedom.

The game starts, and I shout Sky's name at the top of my lungs, cheering him with excitement. He scores a couple of quick points, making me feel happy.

"Go, Sky! You got this!" I shout, cupping my hands around my mouth to amplify my voice, and Selena laughs beside me.

Sky is on fire, scoring points effortlessly. The game is intense, with both teams fighting hard. But our team pulls ahead, and in the last moments, Sky makes a winning shot. People are jumping and shouting, celebrating the victory.

I jump to my feet, screaming Sky's name. "You did it! You won!" I shout, waving my arms.

Sky looks up at the stands and finds me in the crowd. He gives me a triumphant grin and pumps his fist into the air. I can see the pride and joy in his eyes.

Selena sneaked away to the library in the middle of the game, not to study, but to meet a senior secretly for a quick hook-up. She often engages in casual flings with strangers to cope with the stress of her family's expectations. She is certain that eventually she'll be forced into an arranged marriage, so she has one-night stands devoid of emotional attachment.

Sky comes over to me, still beaming from the victory.

"Congratulations, Sky." I hug him tightly, grinning. "I knew your team would win."

"Of course, I had to win." A smug smile spreads across his face, and he pulls up his imaginary collar. "You know I never lose."

"I know, I know," I say, nodding my head. "You're Mr. Perfect."

We both chuckle and talk for a while, then I remember that I have an important class today.

"I've got to get to class," I say reluctantly.

"Okay, but stay out of trouble."

"No, I won't. I'll put myself in trouble and then call you." I give him a teasing wink and leave while laughing.

***

I had planned to go out with Selena after our last class, but she had to leave for a party with her family.

So, I call Sky.

"Hey, my plans fell through. Selena had to leave for a party, so I'm free now. Want to chill?"

"I have plans to hit a club with Alex for a victory party this evening," he replies.

"Oh, can I come along?" I ask eagerly.

"Of course! I'll pick you up at 7 from your house. Be ready on time. I don't want to see you running late in front of my eyes like last time. It's boring."

I frown at his words. "Don't taunt me. I was only late once."

That's a huge lie. I'm usually the one running late, while Sky is always punctual. We're complete opposites in every sense, and I often wonder how we became best friends.

He chuckles. "Yeah! Yeah! Only once."

"I'll be ready on time. Bye." I hang up, scowling.

***

In the evening, I fall asleep and wake up to find it's already a quarter to seven.

I have only fifteen minutes to get ready.

Fuck! Not again.

Sky is going to kill me for being late.

"Zoe, why did you doze off? You're an idiot," I chide myself, scrambling to get dressed.

As I'm hurriedly getting ready, I receive a call from Sky.

"Are you ready, Zoe?" he asks, and I can sense the teasing tone in his voice.

"Sky, give me just five minutes," I reply, trying to sound calm.

"I knew you'd be late and make me wait, which is why I told you 7. I'll be there at 8. Just be ready by then," he chuckles, knowing me all too well.

Fuck! How can he be so smart? But he lied to me.

"You're so bad, Sky," I retort.

"I'm smart, and you know that," he laughs.

There's no doubt he's smart, but I won't inflate his ego.

"No, no. You're a liar."

He finally stops laughing. "Now stop wasting your time arguing with me and get ready."

"Yeah, Mr. Liar. Bye." I hang up with a sigh.

Sky's P.O.V.

After picking up Zoe, I arrive at the club. She's dressed in a white body-con dress, her straight brown hair styled perfectly, with curtain bangs framing her forehead. Her makeup is flawless. I, on the other hand, am dressed in a simple black t-shirt and jeans, feeling somewhat underdressed beside her.

Zoe loves to dress up, and she knows how to turn heads. As soon as we step inside, she pulls out her phone and takes a quick selfie. Then she insists I take a few photos of her.

"Okay, okay, but just a few, or we'll be here all night." I sigh, reluctantly pulling out my phone and snapping a few photos of her, knowing she won't leave me until I do.

***

"Next month, we have a match with the Wild Flowers College team. We have to win that match, Sky." Alex speaks, sitting beside me on the bar stool, holding a glass of drink in his hand. Zoe is sitting on my other side.

Alex has always been the bad-boy type, but I know there's more to him. Despite his tough exterior, he's a softie on the inside. When I first joined college, Alex and I were enemies due to his rude attitude. But as a teammate on the basketball team, I got to see the real him. Alex has a good heart, even if he doesn't always show it.

"Alex, you don't have to worry," Zoe chimes in. "Sky is perfect at everything. If he's on your team, he'll never let you lose any game."

"I like the confidence you have in me, Trouble," I say with a smile before taking a sip of my drink.

Honestly, I like the way she believes in me.

"I'm just stating the truth," she responds, shrugging her shoulders.

As we talk for a while, Alex suddenly nudges me. "Sky, a girl has been watching you since we walked in. I think she's interested in you."

I glance in the direction he's pointing, but shake my head. "Alex, I can't do anything today because Zoe is with me. I can't leave her alone. You already know she's a troublemaker." I glance at Zoe with a teasing smile.

She rolls her eyes playfully. "You go enjoy, Sky. Alex is with me, and he'll drop me home safely."

I hesitate, but Zoe and Alex insist. "Go, Sky. Have fun. You deserve it after winning the match." "Yeah, I'll drop her. You go."

I finally agree. "Alright, but Alex, please make sure she gets home safely."

Alex nods. "Don't worry, I'll take care of her."

I leave with the girl who had been eyeing me, but not without a final glance back at Zoe and Alex. "Trouble, just be safe."

She laughs. "I will. Now go have fun."

I instruct Alex again. "And Alex, please safely drop her home."

With that, I walk away, still feeling concerned. Zoe can handle herself, but I can't stop myself from being protective of her.

***

Zoe's P.O.V.

As Sky leaves, I click selfies and enjoy my drink.

After a few minutes, Alex receives an urgent call, his expression immediately growing tense.

He turns to me. "Zoe, let's go. I have to be somewhere urgently. I'll drop you home first."

"What? No. I wanted to enjoy more. You go, Alex. I'll stay here." I pout, not wanting to return to my apartment where no one is waiting for me. Sometimes the emptiness of being alone feels overwhelming.

"Zoe, Sky will kill me if I leave you alone. You know how overprotective he is."

I sigh, knowing he's right, but still reluctant. "Don't worry, Alex. I'll go home myself. I promise."

"Are you sure?" he asks, concerned.

"Yes, I'm 100% sure," I reassure him, giving him a confident smile.

I just pray I don't get into any kind of trouble tonight. Please, God. Or else Sky will lock me up in my apartment after lecturing me.

He hesitates, but eventually nods. "Alright, but be careful, okay?"

"I will." I wave him off as he heads out.

Left alone, I decide to make the most of the night. I hit the dance floor, moving to the music, enjoying the rhythm, and losing myself at the moment. I even have a couple of light drinks.

As I drink, standing at the bar, I overhear a girl conversing with her mother on the call. "Yeah! Mom, I'll be back home on time. Don't worry."

I freeze in my place because it brings back the memories of my mother.

"Zoe, you're my strong baby. Momma loves you a lot." As my mother's voice echoes in my ear, I feel a heaviness in my chest.

Sometimes, I miss my parents so much. First, my brother died, and then my parents. When I started living with my grandmother, she also passed away. It feels like everyone I get close to ends up leaving me. This hurts me.

No matter how much I try to live freely and be carefree inside, I sometimes feel so broken and empty.

To dull the pain, I start drinking more heavily, losing myself in the alcohol. I'm sitting alone, looking through old photos with my family on my phone, tears welling up in my eyes as I remember the happy times with them.

I miss them so much. I wish they were with me right now.

Suddenly, a guy approaches me. At first, I don't notice him, but then he speaks. "Hey, you look like you could use some company."

I look up, blurry-eyed, and shake my head. "I'm not in the mood. Let me go."

He doesn't listen. Instead, he grabs my arm, his grip firm. "Come on, I'll take you home after we have some fun."

"No! Let me go!" I yell, trying to stand up, but I'm too drunk to keep my balance.

Fuck! I'm in trouble again.

He laughs shamelessly, holding onto me tighter. "Relax, girl. You're with me now."

"No, I said let me go!" I scream, trying to wrench my arm free, but I'm too weak.

Just as things start to get worse, I hear a familiar voice. "Get your hands off her!"

Sky's P.O.V.

After leaving with the girl who had been eyeing me, we found a private room upstairs. It was supposed to be a fun night, but I couldn't stop myself from worrying about leaving Zoe alone.

Although Alex is with her, it's not helping me. I don't know why I'm feeling so restless. I hope Zoe is alright.

As soon as I'm done with the girl, I make an excuse and head back to the club, concerned for Zoe.

When I find her in the crowd, I stop.

Fuck! She is in trouble again, as expected.

I see a guy gripping Zoe's arm; her face twisted in distress. A wave of anger rushes over me, and I clench my fists. I dash through the crowd towards him, glaring at him with fury.

"Get your hands off her!" I yell, shoving the guy away from Zoe. He stumbles back, hitting the floor hard.

Seeing my rage, he doesn't dare to utter a word and disappears.

Good for him.

I turn towards Zoe, still angry. "Where the fuck is Alex, and why did you drink so much?" I snap, but as I notice her eyes-red and filled with tears-my anger melts into concern.

Something is very wrong. She looks hurt emotionally.

I place my hand on her face, wiping away her tears with my thumb. "Trouble, what happened to you?" My voice softens as I question her. "Why did you get drunk?"

"Sky, take me home." A sob escapes her mouth, wrenching my heart. "I'm not feeling good." She holds my two fingers. Whenever she is upset, she does this.

Not feeling good? Why? I want to know the reason, but right now, it's important to make her feel better.

"Hey, stop crying. I'm taking you home." I support her as we walk out of the club, my mind racing.

I wonder what happened to her suddenly? Why did Alex leave her alone?

But I fucking don't care about the reason. Alex wasn't supposed to leave her alone when I gave him clear instructions to take care of her in my absence. I'll talk to him later, but first I have to handle Zoe.

As I help her into the passenger seat and secure her seatbelt, I notice her gazing straight ahead, her eyes filled with pain and a hint of sadness.

My heart clenches, seeing her condition. She never shares her pain with anyone, always hiding it behind her smile. I've told her countless times to share her pain with me. It would make her feel better, but she always insists she's okay.

We drive back in silence, and I can see something is deeply hurting her.

Suddenly, she speaks, her voice broken. "Sky, everyone leaves me."

I feel heaviness in my chest at her words and immediately pull the car over to the side of the road.

I turn to her. Her moist eyes are now fixed on me, filled with deep fear.

Zoe's fear of losing people is completely justified. She has lost her entire family. Although she stays strong, I know that inside she's fragile-a fact she rarely shows. Seeing her like this, so vulnerable, makes my heart ache.

"Zoe, listen to me," I say, taking her hands in mine. "I'm here for you, always. You mean so much to me."

"But everyone leaves me, Sky." A sob escapes her mouth. "What if you leave too? What if something happens to you?"

I shake my head, squeezing her hands gently. "Nothing is going to happen to me. I'm not going anywhere." I reassure her, trying to ease her fear.

"Pinky promise?" She asks, holding out her small finger.

"Pinky promise." I smile, linking my finger with hers.

We drive the rest of the way in silence. When we arrive at her apartment, I help her inside and gently lay her down on her bed.

As I turn to leave, she grabs my two fingers. "Sky, please don't leave me alone. I'm afraid."

As I turn around, I find her staring at me with pleading eyes. I walk over to her and settle down on the bed beside her. "Zoe, I'm right here. I'll stay until you fall asleep."

She gives me a faint smile. "Thank you, Sky." She closes her eyes and continues to murmur, "Your presence in my life means a lot to me. Sometimes you annoy me, but it doesn't matter. You..."

She drifts off to sleep while blabbering, bringing a smile to my face. I watch her for a while, making sure she's okay.

Then I stand up to leave. "Goodnight, Trouble." I lean in and press my lips to her forehead.

I leave her apartment and head back to my penthouse. As I lie in bed, I think about Zoe and her pain. Literally, no one deserves what Zoe has gone through in her life. I vow to be there for her, no matter what.

***

The next day at college, I meet Alex in the canteen. My anger flares up again as I think about what happened the night before. I storm up to him and grab his collar, my eyes blazing.

"Why did you leave Zoe alone, Alex?" I demand, anger etched on every corner of my face. If I hadn't reached in time last night, anything could have happened to Zoe.

Alex looks surprised, but stays calm. "Easy, man! I had to leave because of an emergency."

"You could've informed me."

"Zoe is not a kid. She wanted to stay-"

"And you let her, even after knowing that she attracts trouble." I snap, my grip on his collar tightening.

A few students are present in the cafeteria at this time, and all of their eyes are glued to us. But who cares?

"She's fine now, so just chill, Sky."

Chill? Really?

"If I hadn't come in time, that guy could have done anything to her." I slightly push him away, releasing his collar. "You have no clue what her condition was last night." My voice turns soft as I recall her tear-filled eyes, and I feel the worry all over again.

I hate seeing pain in those particular brown eyes. It hurts me that even though I'm her best friend, she keeps her pain hidden from me as well. 

"Sky-"

I cut him off. "Don't justify yourself, Alex."

He shrugs his shoulders. "Whatever! But it's not my fault," he mutters before walking away and leaving me alone in the canteen.

God, both my friends are so careless. I shouldn't have left them alone. It's my fault.

Just then, Zoe steps into the canteen. I walk to the door, passing her without even glancing at her. I can't bear her recklessness anymore. She always gets into trouble and never listens to me.