Vicious sank back into his chair after Thalia left, his thoughts chasing themselves in restless circles. The room felt emptier. He picked up his phone and called his friends.
"Guys…" he began, his tone uncharacteristically uncertain. "I lied. I think I'm in love."
Mario's laughter burst through the speaker. "In love? Bro, are you serious? Is it love or lust? Because you've been denying it hard."
"Yeah," Fernandez added. "Are you sure she'll even love you back?"
Martinez's voice followed, sharp with disbelief. "Since when does love become your thing, Vicious? You're not the type. Maybe you've lost it."
"Calm down, guys," Vicious muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I know this sounds weird, but… it's kind of true. I don't know. These days, I've been giving her this shitty attitude, pretending like I don't care. But the truth is—I care. I care more than I should."
A silence followed. Then Martinez spoke again, his tone softer. "Well, whatever you decide, we're going to support you. We won't stand against you."
Mario teased, "Yeah, but make sure it's really love. Girls like her… they're different."
Fernandez smirked. "You sure you're not just fascinated because she's the only one not falling at your feet?"
Vicious chuckled lightly. "Maybe. But you all know me — I'm cute, I've got the charm, and honestly… no one's ever turned me down before. Not once. But Thalia" he paused, his voice trailing into a small laugh. "She's different. She doesn't fall for the games, and that makes me want her even more."
"Then you better do something special," Mario said. "If you're serious, show her. Impress her."
Vicious nodded to himself. "Tonight. I'll make it right."
The conversation drifted into talk of business, the kind of dark, quiet dealings that belonged to their world. But Vicious mind was elsewhere, lost somewhere between regret and longing.
Thalia returned home later that evening, exhausted. She dropped her camera, yawned deeply, and collapsed onto the bed. Just as she was standing up, she heard a voice from the doorway.
"How was your day?"
She jumped slightly and looked up. "You're home already?"
Vicious leaned casually against the doorframe, a faint smirk on his lips. "Yeah. I was waiting for you."
She blinked, puzzled. "Waiting for me? Why?"
He shrugged. "My grandmother invited us to a traditional Mexican dance tonight. She'll be thrilled if you come."
"A dance?" Thalia frowned. "No, thank you. I'd rather stay home."
"It's not fair," he said softly. "She personally invited you. You'll upset her if you don't go."
She sighed in defeat. "Fine. I'll go. But I don't have anything to wear."
"I'll take care of that," he said simply, and left the room.
Minutes later, a team of stylists, makeup artists, and designers walked in, transforming her into a vision of beauty. When she finally stepped out, Vicious froze mid-step.
"Thalia…" he breathed, eyes wide. "You look… gorgeous."
"Thank you," she murmured shyly.
He smiled and handed her a small box. "I got you this."
She opened it — and gasped. "No way. Is this the latest iPhone? it's too expensive, I can't take it. Hold on, are you trying to buy my forgiveness?"
Vicious shook his head gently and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "No. I'd never try to buy your forgiveness. You lost your phone because of me, and it's only right that I replace it. That's all."
Thalia hesitated, then finally nodded. "Alright. I'll take it. But I didn't like how you behaved earlier. I need an explanation."
He smiled faintly. "You'll get one. After tonight. Please don't be angry anymore. You look too beautiful not to smile."
Reluctantly, she smiled and they left together.
At the venue people were dancing, interacting and enjoying the desserts. Thalia sat at a spot alone
Vicious appeared beside thalia, his presence sudden but not startling. "It's such a shame for a lady as beautiful as you to just sit here and watch," he said, his voice low and teasing.
Thalia blinked, startled. "M-me? Dance? I… I don't know how."
He smiled, that familiar half-smirk that made her heart skip. "I'll teach you. Just follow my lead. Trust me."
For a moment, she hesitated, but the warmth in his eyes pushed her forward. She allowed him to take her hand, and the moment his fingers laced with hers, a spark ran through her.
"One, two…" he began softly, guiding her through the first steps. "Feel the rhythm. Don't think about it, just move with me."
Her chest fluttered as their bodies came closer. The tips of their fingers brushed repeatedly, sending tiny jolts through her. Vicious other hand rested lightly on her waist, close enough that the heat of him pressed gently against her.
"Just follow me," he murmured, his voice almost a whisper against her ear.
She laughed nervously, then felt her nerves settle as he guided her with patience. Every turn, every step, every sway brought them closer, their faces only inches apart. She could feel his heartbeat, steady but strong, and the warmth radiating from him.
"You're… amazing at this," she admitted softly, their eyes meeting for a second.
"You're amazing," he countered, his lips curling into a smile. "You just don't know it yet."
The song continued, and they moved as one — a rhythm of tentative touches, shared glances, and unspoken words. Each step carried them further into a world where only the two of them existed. He guided her gently, his hands firm but reassuring, and she responded instinctively, trusting him completely.
As the final notes of the music faded, Vicious held her close for just a moment longer than necessary. His forehead brushed hers, and she could feel the intensity in his gaze.
Vicious grandmother appeared moments later, beaming with joy. "Thank you for coming, dear, you look so beautiful." she said kindly, handing Thalia a plate of pastries.
Thalia smiled brightly. "These are delicious, ma'am. I'm really glad I came. Thank you for having me"
The night passed in laughter and warmth for them.
Later that night, back at the hotel, Thalia kicked off her heels with relief. "Finally," she sighed.
Vicious smiled faintly. "Wait please I want to show you something."
Curious, she followed him upstairs. The moment they stepped onto the rooftop, she froze in awe.
"Wow…" she breathed. "It's so high… and beautiful."
The rooftop was bathed in moonlight. A small table was set with candles, flowers, and silver dishes. Balloons floated gently in the air, and the city lights below shimmered like gold.
Vicious pulled out a chair for her. "Please take a sit," he said softly.
They began to eat quietly. After a while, Thalia looked up, her tone cautious. "Why are you being so nice to me tonight, Victor? Is this to clear your conscience or what?"
He held her gaze. "No. It's something else."
He leaned forward slightly. "I know I've been giving you attitude… and it's because I didn't know how to deal with what I was feeling. I tried to convince myself it wasn't real that it was all in my head. But I couldn't. The truth is… I'm falling in love with you, Thalia. And I don't know how to stop it."
Her fork slipped from her fingers. "No… you must be mistaken. We barely get along. We're just trying to co-exist." She stood abruptly. "If this is some trick or whatever it is I'm not taking my clothes off for you or getting in your bed." She stood up about to leave
He reached out quickly, holding her hand. "No tricks. You don't have to get in my bed. I just… need you to know that this is real. You're different. And I've never felt this before."
Before she could respond, he gently cupped her face and kissed her soft, slow, and full of the emotion he could no longer hide.