Mel covered her mouth with her hands. “Oh my God. Did you just... apologize to me?”
“Don’t ruin it.”
“Sorry. It’s just—I’m happy? Is it weird to be this happy?” Mel sniffed. “You know I love you so much, right?”
“I’m aware. It’s mutual.” Riya took a long breath. No more stalling; Mel deserved to know. She deserved to know all along.
“The truth is...” She swallowed. “I didn’t cast a love spell for you and Andrew. I tried. But I was angry. At Kian. At everything. And the spell... it warped. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Mel dropped her spoon. “What?”
Riya forged ahead, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I accidentally put a curse on Kian instead. It’s why he’s been acting like this. The curse is making him fixated on me, and if I don’t break it in the next six days—before the next full moon—it’ll stick. Permanently. I’ll have ruined everything. His Berklee audition, his future. All because I couldn’t control my emotions. And yetIhad the nerve to yell at Kian for not being able to controlhis. Except he has an excuse. I don’t.”
Mel stared at her, wide-eyed, her expression caught somewhere between disbelief and amazement.
“Mel?” Riya’s heart thudded painfully. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything at all.
“You cursed Kian,” Mel said slowly, as if tasting the words. “Kian Kho. The school bad boy. The guy who knocked Jake Townsend out in one punch.”
“I know. I really—”
Mel’s shoulders began to tremble—at first, Riya assumed with anger. Fury, even. But then she realized: Mel was laughing.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s not funny—and I’m taking it seriously, I promise. I’m just...” She finally leaned back, exhaling. “I guess I’m just relieved.”
“Relieved?”
“I kind of suspectedsomethingwas happening. You were acting cagey, even for you. Plus, you try casting a love spell, and the next day, Kian’s writing you love poetry? Come on.”
Riya blinked. “Wait, so youknew?”
“I didn’t know-know,” Mel said. “But I had a pretty strong hunch. I just figured you’d tell me when you were ready. And... you did.” She gave a small smile. “Eventually.”
Riya almost groaned. She didn’t love how readable she was, at least to Mel.
Mel nudged her foot under the table. “Thank you for telling me. I know this is serious. I know you’re scared. It is a big mistake, I won’t lie. But you’re not alone. And, Riya?”
Riya lifted her head.
“You’re going to fix it. You have to believe that. The first step to solving any problem is believing you can solve it.”
Riya’s chest tightened. “And what if I don’t?”
“You can’t even entertain the thought,” Mel said firmly. “Trust yourself. Kian, too. And the people who care about you.”
Riya blinked. Maybe Mel was right. She wasn’t alone. And maybe it was time to stop acting like she was.
Sirah khala was still halfway across the world, unreachable—but for the first time, the thought of calling her, of telling her everything, didn’t fill Riya with dread.
Mel’s smile returned, like blinding sunlight. “And hey, despite everything, I have very exciting news. Andrew and I got some alone time after all. After Kian ran off and you went to the bathroom. Quin left after that, too.”
“And?”
Mel burst into a squeal. “We exchanged phone numbers!!!”
“Mel!” Riya felt her mouth curl into a smile. “Good job. You did good.”
Mel beamed. “I almost can’t believe it. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it—but actually telling you in person makes it feel real!” She pulled out her phone to show her contacts list.
