Chapter 6: A Heavy-Handed Strategy

Killian couldn't tell if it was his imagination, but he felt there was a hint of faint resentment in the girl's beautiful eyes.

Before he could look closer, another figure stepped in between them.

"Sorry, the traffic was terrible. We're late."

Cassie followed right behind, flashing a smile at the room.

"Hey, birthday boy! What are we playing?"

She looked at Parker, and as she spoke, she pulled Tara straight over. "Include us too, won't you?"

Tara was dragged along. Seconds later, she saw Cassie push Parker aside, carving out a space and forcing Tara to sit right next to Killian.

The room fell into an eerie silence for a few seconds.

Tara felt like every hair on her body was standing on end. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to look at the low-pressure figure beside her.

Could Cassie’s move have been any more obvious?

Meanwhile, Parker, who had been pushed "miles" away, didn't think much of it.

He stared blankly at Cassie, with only one excited thought in his head:

The goddess came to my birthday party!

I have a chance!

Parker was almost moved to tears of joy. He immediately said eagerly, "We were just playing a card game, but if you and the Art Department belle want to join, we can switch to something for more players..."

Cassie and Parker started chatting.

Tara sat beside them as if on a bed of nails.

Her throat and stomach still felt the discomfort brought by the alcohol.

Stinging, burning...

Just then, Killian moved again.

He picked up his drink, tilting his head back to finish the rest.

Tara caught it in her peripheral vision. Panicked, she acted without thinking and reached out to press down on his arm.

Killian’s movement stopped.

"What?" He lowered his eyes slightly, questioning Tara.

Because of his height advantage, even while sitting, he was more than half a head taller than her.

His downward gaze carried a heavy sense of pressure.

Tara habitually bit her lower lip nervously. After a moment, she summoned the courage to look up and meet his eyes.

"Killian... my brother said your stomach isn't great. You should drink less."

Ever-reliable Sean, please let your name have some effect,

Tara thought silently.

"Your brother said so?"

Killian’s deep gaze narrowed as he stared at her.

It was a calm look, yet Tara felt as though he could see right through to her soul.

She nodded guiltily.

Sean was the ultimate shield—ready to be used whenever needed.

To her surprise, he suddenly let out a cool, low laugh. He unceremoniously brushed her hand off his arm and tilted his head back, draining the remaining half-bottle in one go.

"Cough, cough! Cough, cough, cough!"

Tara was instantly choked by the sensation and began to cough violently.

She covered her nose and mouth, the corners of her eyes turning deep red as tears welled up again.

His stomach is already bad, how can someone be so stubborn and self-destructive?

Tara was fuming inside.

Killian set the bottle down. Looking at the small girl beside him whose face was flushed from coughing, only one word came to mind:

Delicate.

To be choked like that just from the smell of alcohol—she was exactly like a hothouse flower.

Killian had always disliked things that were too fragile.

He retracted his gaze, looking away from her.

Unexpectedly, a moment later...

"Killian... want one?"

A fruit candy, half-wrapped in colorful paper, was suddenly held out to him.

Killian stared at the candy for two seconds before raising his eyes to look at the girl’s soft, exquisite face.

Right now, those glass-like eyes were still brimming with moisture that hadn't cleared, tiny droplets clinging to her curled lashes like starlight.

Perhaps due to nervousness, her small, rosy lips were pursed, her full lower lip slightly caught between her teeth—looking incredibly obedient and pitiable.

Certain memories surged into his mind.

Killian’s gaze deepened. He looked at her coolly. "I don't like sweets."

"Oh."

Disappointed, Tara withdrew the candy. Following the principle of not wasting food, she ate it herself.

Actually, it wasn't just a simple fruit candy; it had a sobering effect.

She had specifically bought them to keep in her bag before coming.

She was just trying her luck; she hadn't truly expected Killian to accept it.

After all, aside from that accidental kiss, she and Killian weren't exactly close.

"Tsk. Fox. Shameless slut."

Tara’s actions were being watched closely by Josie (the rival).

As Killian’s admirer, she seethed with indignation on her own behalf.

"The whole school knows I like Killian. This little bitch intentionally dressed like a tramp to lure him—she's clearly provoking me!"

Josie’s expression was dark. Her hands tightened on her lap until they were clenched into fists.

"Hey, just playing cards is so boring. No one else gets to participate."

Cassie suddenly raised her voice, winking playfully at Parker.

"Parker, why don't we play 'Pass the Ball'?"

"Since you're the birthday boy, you control the music. When it stops, whoever is holding the 'ball' has to either drink or take a Dare. That way everyone can play. What do you think?"

Having emerged from his initial excitement, Parker realized something. Cassie coming to his party wasn't the main point—being a matchmaker was her real goal.

If he didn't show some wit and take action, he’d probably never catch her.

With that in mind, he cleared his throat, pretending to be interested. "Sure! Sounds like fun. Everyone, want to try?"

Five minutes later.

Tara stared at the plastic bottle in her hands—the designated "ball"—and froze.

"Wow! Congrats to Tara for being the first winner!"

Parker put down his phone, which he used to control the music, and smiled. "Pick one: Drink or Dare?"

Tara couldn't drink at all; she couldn't even stand the smell of alcohol.

In the days she’d been synced with Killian, she felt miserable every time he drank.

"Dare," she said helplessly.

"Nice!" Parker gave her an exaggerated thumbs-up. "Brave!"

"Then your punishment is..." He dragged out his words, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Killian. He continued, "Give Killian a kiss!"

The moment he said it, the room went silent for a heartbeat before erupting into thunderous cheers.

"Holy crap! You’ve got guts, kid! Hahaha!"

"Hey, hey, don't scare off our Art Department belle! Have some manners!"

"Amazing, Parker! You actually dare to tease Killian? Killian, go kick his ass!"

Seeing this, Cassie’s lips curved with satisfaction as she threw Parker an appreciative glance.

On the other side, Josie’s fists were clenched so tight her nails dug into her palms. She looked at Parker with a gaze that wished him dead.

Parker secretly returned a look to Cassie, completely ignoring Josie’s daggers.

Anyway, she was the one who shamelessly crashed his birthday party; he hadn't invited her, so he didn't need to give her face.

"I..."

Tara was stunned.

The dare was so explosive she couldn't process it for a moment.

It wasn't until she met Cassie’s urgent and encouraging gaze that she snapped back to reality.

Wait. I do want to chase Killian, but isn't this wingman move a bit too much?

This kind of "highway speed" move made her plan of delivering breakfast and lunch look like child's play!