Chapter Fifty-Two
Noah's POV — Caught on New Year
New Year evenings were always busy.
The café was filled with people laughing, talking, and waiting for the countdown. Lights from outside reflected through the windows, making everything feel brighter than usual.
"Two more coffees!" someone called.
"Coming!" I replied, moving quickly.
"Don't rush too much," Mom said from behind. "You'll spill it."
"I won't," I said confidently—then nearly bumped into a chair.
She gave me a look.
"…Careful," she added.
"I said I won't spill," I corrected, steadying the tray.
After a while, the crowd grew even bigger.
"It's too crowded inside," I muttered.
"Then go get some air," Mom said. "Five minutes."
I didn't argue.
Grabbing my coat, I stepped outside.
Cold air hit instantly.
The street was alive—people walking, laughing, fireworks occasionally lighting up the sky early.
I exhaled slowly.
"Finally…"
Then I noticed someone.
Near the corner of the street, half-hidden behind a pillar.
"…Alice?"
She froze.
Slowly… very slowly… she turned toward me.
"…Noah."
I raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing hiding like a criminal?"
"I'm not hiding."
"You're literally standing behind a pillar."
She crossed her arms.
"I just needed some air."
"Dressed like that?" I glanced at her.
She was clearly not dressed for just "air."
More like someone sneaking out.
I smirked.
"…You snuck out."
"I did not."
"You did."
She looked away.
"That's not the point."
"That is exactly the point."
I stepped closer.
"Wait," I said. "Don't tell me…"
She stayed silent.
I gasped softly.
"Your parents don't know you're here?"
"…No."
I tried to hold it in.
I really did.
But then—
I laughed.
"You? Sneaking out? This is new."
She glared at me.
"Stop laughing."
"I can't," I said, still smiling. "This is too good."
She sighed.
"You don't understand."
"Oh, I understand perfectly," I said. "Strict parents. Perfect daughter. And now—New Year rebellion."
"It's not rebellion," she snapped. "I just wanted to… see the celebration."
I tilted my head.
"So you ran away for fireworks?"
"I didn't run away."
"You're hiding behind a pillar, Alice."
"…Lower your voice."
Fireworks burst in the sky.
Bright colors lit up her face for a moment.
She looked up without thinking.
And just for that second…
She didn't look strict.
Or controlled.
Just… normal.
I noticed.
And I didn't comment on it.
"Come to the café," I said casually.
She looked at me.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because someone might see me."
I smirked.
"You already got caught. By me."
"That's different."
"How?"
"…You're not going to tell anyone."
I crossed my arms.
"Depends."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Noah."
I grinned.
"Relax. I won't."
She exhaled quietly.
Another firework lit the sky.
Louder this time.
People began cheering in the distance.
The countdown would start soon.
I glanced at her.
"So," I said, "first time sneaking out?"
She didn't answer.
Which was answer enough.
I smiled slightly.
"Not bad."
She rolled her eyes.
"Don't get used to it."
"I wasn't planning to."
We stood there for a moment.
Watching the lights.
Hearing the distant crowd.
"Happy New Year, I guess," I said casually.
Alice looked at the sky again.
"…Happy New Year."
From inside the café, I heard my mom's voice faintly.
"Noah!"
I sighed.
"Duty calls."
Alice stepped back slightly.
"You should go."
I nodded.
"Try not to get caught."
She gave me a look.
"You too."
I smirked.
"I'm not the one hiding."
As I walked back toward the café, I glanced back once.
Alice was still there.
Watching the sky.
Just for one night…
Not being the person everyone expected her to be.
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