QUEEN 
It was December 24 and it's currently 11:45. We are celebrating Christmas at Olga Carin's mansion. Mrs. Olga, the president of the OC entertainment was a dear friend of my parents and she hosted the most exquisite parties. Every year, we spent Christmas at her home, surrounded by sparkling lights, elegant decorations, and an air of elegance that was hard to match. 
The dinner is always grand, and so this party. I leaned back on my chair when I saw a text message from Vermont greeting me a Merry Christmas. 
A smile spread across my lips. Even when we were apart, he always found a way to make me feel special. 
Me
Merry Christmas, Love! 
The New Year came quickly, and once again, we returned to Olga’s mansion. This time, the guest list had expanded to include not just close friends but also artists, models, and singers. The air buzzed with chatter and laughter as everyone mingled. And Akie's crush, Thunder was also here. 
"Long time no see, Queen!" I turned at the familiar voice just in time to be pulled into a warm hug by Jane. 
"Yeah, it's been a while." I said, returning the hug with a smile. Jane was one of the top models that were under OC. 
"So, when will you get back on modeling?" she asked, her tone full of curiosity. "I miss seeing you in the runaway." 
"I don't know, I can't with my schedule right now." 
"That's sad." Before I could respond, someone called Jane’s name from across the room. She waved and flashed me an apologetic smile. 
"Jane!" 
"Oh, my friend is calling me, it was nice to meet you again here Queen." 
"Yeah." I said, watching her disappear into the crowd. 
I grabbed a glass of champagne and sank into one of the plush couches, letting the wine tickle my throat as I took a sip. The atmosphere was here was so alive and happy, I am tired to socialize that is whh I was just observer them. 
"Ms. Imperial?" I looked up, my thoughts interrupted by the voice. Two unfamiliar faces stood before me, both with eager expressions. They look at me with their wide-eyed that is full admiration and it made me wonder if they were new artists in the industry. 
"Yes?" I asked, offering them a polite smile. 
"Ms. Imperial, you're so pretty!" the first girl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can't believe I got to see you here!" she added, almost breathless from the rush of emotions 
"O my gosh! Ms. Queen Imperial, I'm your fan!" The second one said with a wide smile. I chuckled softly, warmed by their enthusiasm. 
"Thank you," I said graciously, standing up from my seat. I extended my hand to the first girl, who looked at it for a moment before taking it with both hands, practically glowing. 
"Hello, nice to meet you... your name is?" 
"Alfira Vaughn. It was a pleasure to meet you!" the lady said eagerly. "I was so happy that I meet you. I’ve been a fan for so long, Ms. Imperial." She shook my hand excitedly, her eyes wide with admiration. I gave a small laugh, appreciating her genuine reaction. 
"I'm Reich Mercer." The second lady introduced herself, her voice soft but I was surprised when she slightly pushed Alfira and gently grabbed my hand. "I'm next! I am a fan, Ms. Imperial. It’s such an honor." 
"Thanks. It was nice meeting you two. Ms. Vaughn, Ms. Mercer." I smiled at them. "Did you enjoy the party?" I asked, trying to ease them into more comfortable conversation. 
"Yes, of course!" Ms. Alfira Vaughn replied without hesitation. "It’s been amazing to meet everyone here." 
"Ms. Vaughn." 
"Reich..." I look at the two man who approached us. I then smile widely when I notice that it was Cassian and Thane. 
"Queen Imperial. What a surprise." Cassian greeted me and I shake my head at him. "It's been a while, Queen." 
Cassian Wolfe Devereux was a multi-talented artist. He is a singer, an actor, and a model. He was someone I had worked with for years, and over that time, we’d grown from colleagues to close friends. 
"Yeah." I said with a playful smile as we shook hands. Then, I turned to Thane, who had been standing quietly beside Cassian. I didn’t hesitate to give him a hug, "Gosh, you're taller than me now." I chuckled as I pulled back to look up at him. It was true, Thane had grown so much since I last saw him, towering over me now. 
"How are you, Ms. Imperial?" he asked with a wide smile on his face. 
"I'm good. You’re turning into a giant, Thane." 
Thane Aldridge Montgomery, the leader of the idol group Nocturne. I discovered him four years ago, like Akie I also talk to OC's talent management. And fast forward he got accepted and after a year of training he debuted in as a leader in Nocturne. 
"It’s good to see you guys again. You’re both as charming as ever." I smiled and I saw them slowly move beside the two ladies. "How’s the work been lately?" I asked, genuinely curious. It’s been a while since we last caught up. 
"Tiring but it's good. Got new deals and projects." I nodded at him. 
"So, this two ladies are your dates?" Then I gestured the two ladies and I saw how they got awkward. "Tsk, I won't ask anymore. Anyways, I'm glad to see you two again. And I am happy to meet this two ladies." 
"When are you going back?" Cassian asked and I shrugged. 
"Maybe after I finished my studies?" 
"Well, it's good that you're still planning to get back on the spotlight." I just smile at them and suddenly someone get our attention. 
"Everyone let's go outside and start the countdown." 
"Let's go." I said and on our way outside the balcony I bid my goodbye to then and find a place to call Vermont. When his face appeared on the screen, I couldn’t help but smile. I waved at him. 
"Hi!" 
(Hi,) 
He said, his voice warm. 
(You look good in that dress but why are you wearing like that outside? It's still cold.) 
"Gotta get inside after the count down." I replied, feeling the chill seep through the fabric of my dress. 
(You should.) 
He said, his concern evident even through the screen. 
The crowd began the countdown, voices growing louder with each number. 
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Happy new year!" 
(Happy new year Queen, can't wait to see you again.) 
Vermont said softly. 
"Happy New Year, Ver," I said, my heart feeling lighter. 
After the holidays, reality hit hard as the break ended, and we returned to Ravendale and hello to my activities, books, and accounting again. 
"Hey, why are you so occupied." I asked and patted his shoulder. Vermont look at me with a surprised face. "Is there a problem? Your expression keeps changing back and forth..." I stared at him with a curious expression. 
"Nothing." He said quickly, not wanting to worry me, then held he my hand and using my left hand I pat his head. He responded by wrapping his arms around me, pulling me into a gentle hug. 
"You can tell me if there is a problem huh?" I murmured softly before he let go of me. My eyes lingered on his face, scanning for any trace of emotion that could give him away. He hesitated, then slowly nodded, offering me a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
"Yeah..." he replied, his tone unconvincing.
I sat beside him, opening my books to resume my studies. Yet, as I read, I couldn’t ignore the way Vermont seemed completely lost in his thoughts. His gaze was distant, and his fingers absentmindedly fiddled with the edge of his notebook. Just what is he thinking? 
"Ahh Queen on-" He stopped abruptly. I raised my eyebrow at him. 
"On what?" I prompted, turning to face him. 
"Nothing, you can now continue reading and don't mind me." he said, shaking his head. 
What the hell is his problem? 
Frustrated, I reached out and held his face, forcing him to meet my gaze. 
"W-What?" 
"What is your problem?" I asked directly, holding his gaze. His expression faltered, and he attempted to look away, but I didn’t let him.
"But there 'is' a problem." 
"I will resolve it in no time just don't mind me." he insisted, finally breaking free of my grip. 
"Okay." I said with a sighed. He finds my hands and brings them to his lips. Then he just open his book and focused on that, and it was effective. I think. 
"Let's go eat lunch I'm hungry." I announced, standing up. He looked startled at my sudden reaction. 
"Huh? Why are you leaving me, are you mad?" I frowned at his reaction before bursting into laughter. "Huh, Queen?" 
"What are you talking about, I said let's eat lunch. Don't tell me you're still thinking 'that'?" 
"No, I was just too focused here that I didn't hear you. Sorry..." he said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
"Ehhhh..." I teased, narrowing my eyes at him but I was surprised when he suddenly stood up.
"Can we ah— I gotta go." 
"Wait we still need to eat lunch." I said hoping he would change his mind and he did.
"Okay." I look at him confused why is he acting weird today?
After that he was still occupied. He was just playing with his food and didn't take a single bite. After that he told me that he has something to do.
After my class I went to their building and waited for him outside his classroom. Then I saw Shanon.
"Shanon."  I called out, and she turned, her expression shifting into one of mild surprise.
"Oh? Queen. You're here." she said, blinking at me.
"Huh?" I frowned, confused by her reaction.
"Well, Vermont already left telling us that he has something urgent to do."
"Yeah, we teased him that you two will just date somewhere." Said Jason and I nod at them.
"Did something happen?" Shanon asked and I shrugged. 
"Vermont is acting weird and I don't know why. He won't say a word to me." I said honestly. The two of them look at each other and by that look I already knew something was wrong.
"Maybe he was just, I don't know pressured in school works?" Shanon said and awkwardly smile at me.
"Yah, he said that he was a bit overwhelmed." I studied them for a moment, my suspicion growing. Their explanations felt off, but I didn’t press them. Instead, I forced a smile. 
"I see. Thank you! I'll see you two around." They nod at me and I started to walk.
"They knew something and won't tell me. Just what is it?" Days continue to be like that. Vermont was with me but his mind is somewhere else. I can't talk to him because he was busy on his thoughts.
Conversations felt forced, and his usual lighthearted energy was replaced by a heavy and unspoken tension. It was as though there was an invisible wall between us, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t break through it.
Each day, my frustration and worry grew.
Why won’t he tell me? Why is he shutting me out?
I caught myself staring at my phone one evening, debating whether to text him. My fingers hovered over the screen, but I hesitated, unsure of what to even say.
"If he doesn’t want to tell me, do I push? Or do I wait for him to open up?"
I sighed, tossing my phone onto the bed. The unknown was suffocating, and I hated feeling this helpless.
"Ugh, why would he act like this, when his birthday is about to come?" I frustratedly said.
I punched my pillow, imagining it was his face.
"Arghh! I wanna punch his face!"
I groaned loudly and flopped backward onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. Does he even realize how much this is bothering me? My mind replayed every moment of his strange behavior, the distracted looks, the distant responses, the way he kept brushing me off when I tried to talk to him.
"Happy birthday to you," I mumbled sarcastically, grabbing another pillow and hugging it tightly. "Here’s a punch as a present!"
—IAmRoseee