Part 1The Thorns We Bloom

I got drunk and texted my ex-boyfriend. [Unblock me! Right now!]

He started typing... [How many burner numbers do you have...]

A moment later, a WeChat notification popped up. VIP Contact (Do Not Answer): [Drunk again?]

The alcohol gave me courage. I hesitated for only a few seconds. Just as I hit send, an arm reached around my shoulder. A glass clinked against mine. My eyes traveled up a muscular arm to a handsome face. The stranger leaned in, whispering in my ear. His messy hair tickled my cheek.

I completely missed the incoming messages...

VIP Contact (Do Not Answer): [Am I your favorite drinking game? You only want me when you're wasted?] VIP Contact (Do Not Answer): [I was your boyfriend, not your call boy.] ... VIP Contact (Do Not Answer): [The usual spot? I'm coming to get you.] ... VIP Contact (Do Not Answer): [?] VIP Contact (Do Not Answer): [Answer me!] VIP Contact (Do Not Answer): [Sarah, if you dare kiss some random guy, don't ever text me again!] VIP Contact (Do Not Answer): [Stay right there! I'm almost there!]

* * *

I was squatting in a dark corner outside the bar. Fifteen minutes ago, I texted my cousin to come pick me up. I was dozing off.

"You are literally the bane of my existence."

I looked up. My cousin, Leo, stared down at me with pure exasperation. I grinned stupidly at him. He rolled his eyes so hard I thought they'd get stuck, then bent down and poked my forehead. "Why didn't you harass your ex this time?"

I swatted his hand away, remembering my failed attempt to flirt with Liam. I pouted. "He ignored me!"

Leo extended a hand to help me up. His grin was evil. "So, is it finally over for real this time?"

I wanted to curse him out, but then I saw a blurry figure standing behind him. I used Leo to pull myself up, then shoved him aside. Leo stumbled. "Are you trying to kill me, Sarah?"

I moved toward the figure. I looked left, right, and then reached out to touch his face. I completely ignored Liam's dark expression. Liam grabbed my wandering hand.

Behind me, Leo laughed. "Well, well, look who it is."

I covered Liam's mouth with my hand. "Shh." I tried to drag Liam away, but my legs were jelly. He caught me by the waist before I could faceplant.

"Where are we going? My place?" Leo asked.

"No," I snapped, annoyed by his voice. "Go home." I turned to Liam. "Piggyback. Now."

Liam frowned. He looked at me, then at Leo, then back at me. Resigned, he crouched down in front of me.

We walked away from the bar street. I buried my face in Liam's neck. "Why didn't you text me back?"

He turned his head slightly. I couldn't see his face. His voice was muffled. "I did. You were probably too busy kissing some guy."

I struggled to reach my phone in my pocket. "Stop moving!" he ordered.

I pouted and tightened my arms around his neck. "If I was kissing a guy, I wouldn't be looking for you."

Liam turned his head fully. Our noses touched. He scoffed. His warm breath brushed my cheek. "That guy was pretty generous with his wallet."

Who? Leo? Yeah, he has a sharp tongue, but he's always spoiled me. "Yeah, he's always been generous."

Liam laughed bitterly. "Sarah, you really have no heart."