After school, Adien walked into the quiet house, dragging his backpack behind him. Habitively, he bent down and removed his shoes, placing them neatly on the small rack by the door. He slipped his feet into his slippers, feeling the soft comfort of home, and exhaled, trying to calm his racing thoughts.
"Another day survived," he muttered softly to himself, though the words barely helped.
In the kitchen, Mrs. Takahashi looked up from chopping vegetables. "Hello, Aiden. How was school today?"
Adien hesitated. "School… is fine… but there is… a party. American party," he said, waving his hands.
Mrs. Takahashi raised an eyebrow. "Party? Like… a friend's gathering?"
"Yes. And I… I do not know what to do. I never… went to a normal kid party. Only… music parties. Rock star parties. Big. Loud. Expensive. Adults. Fancy. Not… like this."
He ran a hand through his hair, pacing a little. "I do not know what to wear. I do not know what to say. I do not know… if I should go."
Mrs. Takahashi smiled softly. "Well, you have two choices: stay home and wonder about it, or go and try. You might enjoy yourself. You might meet new friends after all isn't this why we are here so you can be a normal kid."
Adien nodded but his mind was spinning faster than ever. "But… I have never done this.."
Before she could respond, his phone buzzed on the counter. He picked it up—Ren's name flashing on the screen.
"Ren," he said, relief and nervousness mixing in his voice. "Hello?"
"Dude! You're not freaking out yet?!" Ren's voice came through immediately, playful and teasing.
"I am… freaking out," Adien admitted. "I do not know… normal kid parties.."
Ren started laughing on the other end of phone. "Look, just don't overthink it. Talk to people, smile, enjoy yourself. You'll survive."
Adien hesitated, then began speaking rapidly, his words tumbling over each other. "There is… a girl. She… helped me my first day of school. Showed me around. Lockers. Classes. She… very kind. Calm. Confident. Her name… Sara. And… her best friend… Maya. Loud. Energetic. Flirty. Very… American. And… they have friends. Chloe. And Liam. They… all invited me to… party."
Ren whistled on the other end. "Woah. That's a lot. Slow down, man. You're basically giving me the full play-by-play."
"I… apologize," Adien said quickly. "I… I just… want advice. I do not want to fail. I… I want to talk to Sara. But… she is… not like me. And… I am… nervous. And… what do I… wear?"
Ren laughed. "Ah! Clothes! Okay, listen. Keep it simple, approachable, but confident. Wear the same Nike shoes you had today, ripped dark jeans, a grey shirt, and a plain black jacket hoodie. Clean, casual, comfortable. You'll look good without overthinking it."
Adien nodded quickly, biting his lip. "Yes… Nike shoes. Dark jeans. Grey shirt. Black jacket. Understand."
"And don't forget," Ren added, teasing, "smile. Even if you feel like panicking inside, smile. That counts for 50% of social survival at parties."
Adien took a deep breath, picturing Sara's warm smile, the calm patience she had shown him the first day, and the way she had made this strange new school feel less impossible.
"Yes… I will… try," he said softly.
Ren laughed. "Good. Now go change. Mission: survive party, say hi to the girl, smile, and maybe have fun. Got it?"
Adien hung up and looked at his reflection in the window. Slippers soft on the floor, he tried to steady himself. He could do this. He would do this.
He just hoped his nerves didn't get the best of him… and that he didn't embarrass himself in front of Sara—or everyone else at the party.
Sara sat on her bed, legs curled under her, Willow, her cat, tucked quietly in her lap, purring softly. Clothes were scattered across the floor, a mix of options she couldn't decide on.
"You know… I finally figured something out," Maya said, smirking as she held up a few tops. "You like him."
Sara's eyes went wide. "What?! Wait… how? I… I thought I was being subtle!"
Maya laughed, nudging her playfully. "Oh, come on! You're about as subtle as glitter at a middle school dance. Don't worry though—I've got your back. I'll handle the flirty part with him, and you… you just sit back and let me work my magic."
Sara's cheeks burned hotter than she expected. "Maya! How did you even notice? And… wait a second… you and Jake… when was you going to tell me about that huh?"
Maya grinned. "Yep. We're good now. But that's not your problem. Let's just say Liam stood up for me and well he's being nice. Right now, Consider me your secret wingwoman."
Sara blinked, still half in shock. "I… I can't believe you figured out about Adien."
"Of course I noticed!" Maya said with a wink.
Maya tapped her phone. "Also, I texted Chloe to come over so she can help us get ready. Liam's tagging along to entertain Jamie, so we can have some uninterrupted glam time."
Just then, Chloe arrived, breezing into the room in a blue spaghetti-strap top, tan shorts with a matching belt, and silver heels that perfectly complimented her skin tone. Her light brown hair fell in soft curls around her shoulders, and a smoky eye makeup made her bright blue eyes pop.
Sara's little brother Jamie peeked around the corner, tugging at Liam's sleeve. "Liam! Play cars!"
Liam crouched down and grinned at Jamie. "You got it, buddy. Let's race these little cars."
Sara let out a relieved sigh as Liam was being guided byJamie. "Thanks," she whispered to Liam as was being dragged by her little brother.
"Girls! Let's do this," Chloe said, setting down her large makeup bag. She immediately sat in front of the mirror, applying lip gloss humming along to music playing from her phone.
Maya grabbed a pile of clothes and began laying them out for Sara. "Okay, let's pick something cute but not over the top. I'm thinking colors that make your eyes pop… maybe that lavender top you wore last week? Or this soft pink blouse?"
Sara held her hands together nervously. "I… I just want to look okay. Not too crazy, not… too much."
Maya grinned. "Don't worry. I've got you. You'll look amazing. And I'm wearing my black skirt, pink crop top with flowers, and pink wedge heels—so we'll totally coordinate vibes."
After some deliberation, Sara decided on a light green fitted blouse with delicate lace trim paired with high-waisted dark skinny jeans and white sneakers. Maya helped her adjust the fit and suggested a soft curl to her hair, so Chole ran a curling iron through Sara's straight strands to add gentle waves that framed her face. For makeup, Chole went for a natural look with soft pink blush, a subtle shimmery eyeshadow, and a glossy lip, keeping it fresh and approachable.
Meanwhile, Liam was in the living room, fully immersed in an imaginary car race with Sara's little brother Jamie. "Watch out! The blue car is about to take the lead!" he called, making Jamie giggle and cheer. The two of them were completely occupied, giving the girls a quiet space to get ready.
Maya looped an arm around Sara. "See? Perfect. Hair done, outfit cute, makeup simple but pretty. You're ready. And don't forget, I've got the flirting part covered—so you just get to smile and charm him."
Sara let out a nervous laugh, Willow shifting slightly in her lap as she purred. "Maya… stop teasing me!"
"Never!" Maya said with a laugh. "This is way too fun."
For the next few minutes, the room buzzed with laughter and chatter as Chloe perfected her hair and makeup, Maya fussed over Sara's outfit, and Liam's loud car races kept Jamie thoroughly entertained. By the time they were all finished, Sara felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. With her friends and her little brother happily occupied, maybe this party wouldn't be so bad after all.