I weaved myself around the apartment filled with people – not really to the brim, but just enough so that it would be difficult to maneuver around when everybody's stood up and walking around. Greeting a few people on my way and waving at Sam who was talking to his girl near the couch, I started to find a single space where people weren't screaming or chattering so loudly.

The apartment was owned by the family of two siblings who went to my old high school. Ever since the older of the pair turned twenty-one, they started holding a party every New Year's Eve. His little sister was somebody from my class and although we weren't in the same group, our friends were extremely close so that's why I managed to snatch an invitation consistently ever since this started when we were juniors.

The invite list got bigger and bigger each year – their parents aren't around to actually mind since they claim that their family always go on a trip every time and it was only when this party started that the brother and sister duo decided to stay in New York instead of traveling with their parents.

I found an empty bathroom and locked myself inside. Staring down on the time on my phone screen, I cursed myself when I realized that it was too late to greet him. Still, I called him up just to say the three words, "Happy New Year."

Hearing Adam chuckle blend in with the muffle background music, I assumed that he was also in his own celebration. I leaned against the sink, closing my eyes as I heard his gentle repeat of my words. Never did I realize that I will actually be counting down the days until I come back to university.

It was half past eleven, only thirty minutes until we welcome the new year while for him, it was already nearing sunrise, "Did you kiss anybody at midnight?"

"No," was his quick reply, "I stood awkwardly in the middle of the room while everybody locked lips left and right."

"Maybe I'll keep myself locked in the bathroom until then," I joked, before I heard a knock on the door, somebody telling me to hurry up, "But then again, I think someone needs this space more than I do."

His hearty laughter relaxed my whole system – something I needed since this party was rowdier than I had originally expected. The girls had been introducing me to men left and right, but I will always tried to subtly tell them I was not interested and I was back with the supposed hot British boy.

You can bet that they thought I was just making it up to get away from the guys, but I wanted to yell at them to say that it was the truth. Eventually, I've given up and allowed myself to get dragged into their games.

There was another knock and I rolled my eyes, "I'll call you again tomorrow."

"Good night, Sienna," he said before he ended the call. I unlocked the door and the moment I stepped out, a woman shoved her way inside.

I got myself a drink before finding a spot by one of the windows. The view was beautiful and you can see how the city was lit up more than usual, plus the amount of people walking around on the streets seemed to have doubled.

A figure stepped beside me and I never had to turn around to find out it was Justin, "What is it with your inclination to look out from high places?"

Smiling softly, I tore my eyes away from the view to meet his brown eyes, "Makes me feel like I have a bit of control and it constantly reminds me that to somebody else, I also appear as some figure passing by."

Without another word, he raised his cup and I did the same, chugging down our drinks in one go. When I laughed and wiped off a bit of liquid that slipped down the side of my mouth, he bent down and placed a kiss on my cheek. I instinctively leaned towards him, my hand reaching to run my fingers through his hair while he rested his forehead on my shoulder.

"Made up with him?"

"Yeah."

"Good," he whispered into my ear, "I'm happy for you, Sienna."

The genuine joy in his voice made me shiver, but his desperation didn't only equate from being such a caring friend, there was something more to it. His constant effort to make me smile plus the offer to get back together. There was one thing I suppressed inside my mind in order to save me from hoping – he hasn't been in a stable relationship since we broke up and he avoided me just as much as I avoided him.

"You read the book before I told you, didn't you?" I voiced out my suspicions, feeling him slowly straighten up his posture so I had to go back to looking up at him. He looked like a deer in the headlights and it confirmed everything, "Don't feel guilty. I brought that heartbreak to myself."

"I should have at least called you when I did," he admitted, looking down towards his feet, "But I thought that by that point, you would have already resented me."

He was the last person I could ever hate. He could do anything and I would still forgive him.

"When you called me, pissed drunk, I wanted to hit myself because why else would you do that? I thought of the worse," he said, "The Sienna I knew scolded me if I even gotten near tipsy, the disbelief I felt when you were the one who gotten herself in that situation made me realize what a jerk I really am."

The words were screaming in my head and I wanted nothing more but to hold him still and tell him that he was the exact opposite. He gave me all he had to offer and I gave him all of mine, but it was my fault why we ended up like this.

The Sienna he knew wasn't strong enough and she thought that were didn't belong with each other during that time.

So I placed my hands and held his face tenderly, "Be happy, because the Justin I knew could turn the worst situations into a wonderful memory."

He was my wonderful memory. Some moments were bad, they really were, but he managed to turn it around like always. He wasn't a jerk, he was far from it, and that was one of the reasons why it was so hard to let him go.

"Am I going to hate him?" he chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.

I blinked at him as it took some time to realize that he was talking about Adam. A grin formed on my face at the thought and I remember using that exact tone of voice when I asked Adam about my doubts with Heart. So I used the same response he gave me, "You'll like him, everybody does."

He flashed his amusement on his face and nodded, "Happy New Year, Sienna."

I told him the same and instead of walking away, he stood silently by my side while I returned to staring out of the window. A few kilometers away, people were rushing to Times Square, excitedly waiting for the ball to drop. While in this apartment, somebody finally yelled that it was five minutes until we were greeted by another year.

Facing the room, I watched as people scrambled around to find their significant other. I leaned against the glass – something I would heavily not recommend – my gaze meeting my best friend's as she held tightly to the hand of her boyfriend. She flashed me a wink and I waved at her, staying on my spot.

I glanced to my side and saw Justin also smiling at the few people walking around. Our gazes suddenly connected and we shared a small laugh. You know, he could have just ran out and gotten himself a random girl to kiss.

And I could have just walked into one of the bathrooms and lock myself in there again.

But neither of us did that and instead, we just savored this small moment we had.

The music got louder and soon, people were yelling at the top of their lungs the countdown. And when they said the magic, "One!" many of them connected their lips – from strangers to long time couples.

I turned to Justin and pressed my lips on his cheek and he quickly snatched up my hand to kiss the back of it. I closed my eyes and sighed, tipping my empty glass as my own special way to greet the new year.

"I can't believe I managed to survive a whole year without talking or seeing you," he laughed, still not letting go of my hand.

"Then let's not repeat that," I told him, "That was too torturous for the both us."

May this year continue the wonderful streak that had been started.

The days flew by so quickly and the next thing I knew, I was already on the plane back to England. Unlike the first time I went there, the person sitting next to me wasn't the charming boy that reflected pure life in his eyes, but a woman in her forties who took this flight as a golden opportunity to catch up on sleep.

Aside from the usual polite smile, we didn't share any conversation after. I proceeded to watch a few movies before allowing slumber to reign. I woke up when we only had an hour left for the flight and with that, I proceeded to write my book that I've completely neglected ever since I came home.

Going through customs was easy, getting a cab was not. The line was horrendous, but the man was more than happy when he learned that my university was in such a long distance from the airport so his fee will be pretty hefty. I had no other choice though, I didn't want to bother my relatives with a long drive.

He pulled up in front of the dorm buildings and I paid him before grabbing my things from the trunk. I smiled up to a few girls I knew who were also moving back in or just hanging around. If I remember correctly, Julia wouldn't be around until tonight and Meg will be returning tomorrow.

So there was only one thing to keep me occupied. The moment I got my belongings in order, I made my way outside and followed the familiar path to the apartment complex nearby.

I know that the right thing was to knock on my uncle's door and greet him along with my aunt and cousins, but I didn't manage to reach his apartment because I found myself knocking on the door next to it.

I was itching to see him since my birthday, the walls have crumbled down and now we were both in the know.

I like him and he likes me.

The door swung open and Adam's eyes widened he saw me standing there and I all but jumped in his arms. His hold on me was tight and he managed to lift me off of the ground while my hands gripped on his shoulders for support.

By this point, my hair have turned into a mess but when he stared at my face, he laughed with so much glee that it made my heart melt into a puddle. His grip of me tightened even when he carefully placed me back down on the ground. My hands went from his shoulders to the back of his neck, my nails lightly grazing on his nape, "I missed you."

"It was torture that half of the time you were gone, we were fighting," he sighed and it made me lean forward to rest my forehead on his chest.

That argument felt like it was ages ago when in fact, it was just a few weeks.

But the spell was broken by a loud thud from inside of his apartment. He let out an audible groan, slightly angling his body so he would face inside, making me release him, but a single arm remained wrapped around my waist.

I peeked from behind him and I had to remind myself not to gape when I saw a fuming Heart Valentine glaring at a sheepish Axel Brooks, who appeared to have expertly avoided a book hurled towards him, "I can't believe you allowed yourself to get photographed!"

"You know that it's hard to deny fans a selfie," he defended but he didn't sound apologetic at all, "Calm down, baby."

"How can I calm down when the world will find out that we're staying here?" she growled, her annoyance clearly evident in her voice.

But it wasn't their shouting match that made me stare – it was a combination of their charisma and pure ridiculousness of this situation.

Because even in the midst of fury, Heart was a vision of beauty and the lack of makeup made this experience even more worthwhile. Light freckles peppered her nose and cheeks, even when her blonde hair was threatening to fall off from the messy bun she pulled it into, and all those imperfections made her all the more real.

And Axel, whose cunning and endearing ways was something everybody loved, suddenly shed light why women plastered his face on their bedroom walls. His strong features and build screamed for your undivided attention. Somehow, there was still a boyish charm around him that drew you towards him and now that I was so close to him, I could see those deep laugh lines and the wrinkles by his eyes as he chuckled, making him more handsome as if it was possible.

Now, I was a first-hand witness to those fights Adam used to joke about. The public portrayed them as this playful and sweet couple, completely forgetting these small moments when it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies.

That was just the cherry on top in their supposed perfect relationship.

"Have I told you how hot you look when you're mad, Valentine?" he smirked and although this caused her to pause for a quick second as I saw a blush slowly crept onto her cheeks, it wasn't enough to dilute her anger.

"Stop joking for at least a second, Brooks!"

"Let's get you something warm to drink, it's still cold outside," Adam offered in order to pull me away from my gawking, placing a hand on the small of my back and ushered me towards the kitchen. Although it was rude and creepy, my eyes couldn't look away from those two.

When people say that when you see them, you can never look away, they really meant it.

The smirk gracing Axel's face fell off and he took four large steps until he was in front of his girlfriend. She didn't back away nor flinch, only standing her ground. He cupped her face in his hands and pressed his forehead against hers, "I'm sorry, okay? I assure you that no one's going to bother us."

The words he murmured wrapped in so much tenderness just melted away her resolve. A small frown went upon her pink lips, "I hope so."

He flashed her a small smile, urging her to do the same, "I love you."

And those three words was enough to let her annoyance and frustration go away. She smiled, her hand went up to cover his as she mimicked what he said, "I love you."

Now I know why Adam wanted to move on – the thing that these two have was amazing. They both have fire in their veins, wild and bright on their own, though their flames danced with each other. Her slight giggle at something he whispered into her ear made a grin spread onto his face and the way she rubbed his knuckles with her thumb made his whole stature relax.

Adam cleared his throat, finally finding it a safe time to interrupt the couple, "You're not the only ones in the room."

He handed me a cup of tea and I shot him a grateful look, wrapping my frigid hands around the blue mug. They slowly turned towards our direction and blinked when they saw me, this was the moment they first acknowledged my presence.

I felt his arm slung around my shoulders when he sensed my nervousness, giving my arm a comforting squeeze, "This is Sienna Clark. Sienna, I sincerely hope you know these two."

I nodded in acknowledgement, but the two made no other move except when Heart started to walk towards us, making Axel release her. Her gaze was scrutinizing, her icy cold blue eyes lost all the warmth she had reserved for her lover, and her face devoid of any emotion. She was regarded as Hollywood royalty and I see why, she moved with grace and dignity even when she was dressed in nothing but a pair of ripped jeans and a gray top, her soles bare of any footwear.

When she stood in front of me, she stretched out a hand, still calculating my movements, "Sophia Heart Valentine, it's a pleasure."

Her voice ran a shiver down my spine. It wasn't like when Adam had her on speaker, her tone was light and teasing back then. It wasn't cautious and pleading like when she called me when her best friend and I got into an argument. And especially not minutes prior when it was a mixture of fury and affection.

It was stern and there's a harsh bite at the end.

And all I could do was stare at her hand, observing how her slim fingers trailed to long and sharp red painted nails – nails that could possibly scratch my skin off. I couldn't will myself to shake it and I couldn't even dare to look up to meet her gaze nor did I want to glance up to her face.

"Cut it out, Soph," came Adam's reprimanding words.

"Cut what out?" she asked innocently, lowering her hand to her side so my view was replaced by my own feet.

"We talked about this," he sighed and I felt him pull me closer to his side, "Give Sienna a break."

"How else should I react to the girl who placed you in such a horrible and sad mood during the holidays?"

My head snapped up and I saw her knitted eyebrows coupled with that pout. So it really was true how fast he can make her mood change. But her reason for her animosity made my blood run cold – she hated me for the sole reason I caused displeasure to her best friend.

And I couldn't even pull myself together to explain myself.

Although it was immature of me not to reply to Adam's calls, he was the one who started it all. If only he didn't act so melodramatic over one picture of Justin and I then all this wouldn't have happened.

Okay, I was pointing fingers but it was not entirely my fault.

Yet apparently, in her eyes, Adam was the sweet angel who could do no wrong and I was the one who forsaken him.

We heard a chuckle and Axel wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body backwards to him. She didn't protest like I expected her to, especially when he placed a chaste kiss on the top of her golden locks, "Axel Brooks and welcome to the circus."

Again I was mute and I felt Adam's grip on me loosened until his arm was no longer draped over my shoulders. There was now some intangible tension around us and I genuinely wanted to run away. I did, but not in the turning around and rushing out type.

I placed my untouched drink onto the table and forced myself to smile, "I think I should go say hello to my relatives next door. It was really nice meeting you two," I threw the words out with as much nonchalance as I can, "I'll see you next time Adam."

Adam obviously didn't want to let me go, but he probably guessed that this was turning too uncomfortable for me. So he nodded, letting me head out the apartment and close the door behind me. When I did, I urged myself not to sink down on the floor and just stay there as if everything would be miraculously solved.

Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the next door and knocked, waiting for somebody to open it. Andy was the one to get it and I gave him a light hug before stepping inside, "I'm exhausted to say the least."

"After a twelve hour flight, it's to be expected," he quipped, "Want something warm to drink?"

"Nope," I replied faster than normal. Hell no, especially the last warm beverage I was given never got sipped because of some compromising situation.

Plopping myself down on the couch, I removed my shoes and propped my feet on top of the coffee table. I scanned around the room, my eyes falling to the stack of canvases by the corner, "Where's Emma?"

"Went out with a friend," he answered, sitting next to me with his laptop, continuing on his writing that I must have disturbed.

If it was a passage to meet you significant other's friends and family then I don't know how I should react with what happened next door. She was haughty, that was for sure, and it was true that she hasda personality – I expected it, but to stay there was suffocating.

She completely disapproved of me and to be honest, the braver part of me wanted to yell that I was not the one who should take all the blame. The fight we had was also partly Adam's fault.

But can you imagine me saying that to her? If she can throw a book towards her boyfriend, I can only imagine what she can chuck towards my direction.

With that, I fell to my side and let out a loud scream, startling Andy and making him jump up in surprise. I wasn't even near apologetic when he glared at me. I simply craned my neck to bury my face on the couch.

------------------------

I think it's very appropriate that we post the chapter where Heart Valentine returns on Valentine's Day. And just because of this special day (still single but tbh I'm too busy to be bitter or even think about it), we're doing a triple update this week. Let's take a break tomorrow and I'll have a new update for you guys on Sunday.

{Old A/N: We all know Sophia has always been a bitch on the side, so I wanted her to stay true to character. The very long description of the two was because I've missed writing about them so damn much. 

Question: How will Sophia and Sienna get along?

Starting my last year of uni next week and I'm still not ready to freaking graduate. I'm internally freaking out. But how was your week, my peaches?}

I love you guys, don't forget to vote, comment, and follow. I shall see you all next chapter.