Behind the Perfect Smile

Hendrix's POV

My head was pounding.

The day had squeezed every last drop of energy from me.

My tie felt like a noose. My shirt collar, a trap. My brain, a war zone. ⚠️

I ripped the tie off, tossed it over the back of the couch, unbuttoned the top two buttons, and ran a hand through my hair.

Still didn't help.

I crossed the room and yanked open the curtains.

"Damn—!" I hissed, shielding my eyes as the sunlight hit me like a punch. "Why is it so bright?"

I squinted, trying to adjust—

And then I saw her.

What the hell?

For a second, I genuinely thought I was hallucinating.

Too much caffeine. Not enough sleep.

Long day. Longer week.

Definitely losing it.

But no. She was still there.

Eliana.

Standing on a balcony across the wall—soft breeze in her hair, sunlight wrapped around her like it belonged to her.

She was facing sideways, talking to someone I couldn't see. But her smile?

It lit up the air around her. 🌤️

Loose hair. That same quiet presence she always had…Like the world had tried to roughen her edges—but she stayed soft anyway.

I didn't move.

Didn't blink.

And just like that—She pulled me back into a memory I hadn't touched in years.

Flashback

I sat cross-legged in the backyard, drawing crooked circles in the dirt with a stick I'd proudly declared my "magic wand." ✨

"Elianaaa," I grumbled under my breath. "She's late again."

Then the gate swung open.

She came running—tiny, barefoot, hair in chaos, and joy in her eyes.

"Hen Brother!" she shouted, like it was my name. "Come quick! I found a frog and he's SO cute—I think he's a prince!" 🐸👑

I laughed.

She always believed the weirdest stuff.

And I always followed her anyway.

Hen Brother.

I hadn't heard that name in over a decade.

But hearing it in my head now felt like someone turned on a light in a room I'd forgotten even existed.

"You're smiling."

I blinked, turning quickly.

Mom stood a few steps behind me, her bag still slung over her shoulder. She must've just walked in.

"You're home," I said.

"So are you," she replied, setting her bag down. "Long day?"

"The usual," I muttered.

She stepped beside me, peering out the window. Her gaze followed mine—and then paused.

"…Is that the girl?" she asked softly. "From the café?"

I hesitated. "Yeah."

"The one you accidentally confessed your love to and proposed to in front of half the city?"

I groaned, rubbing the back of my neck. "Technically, I didn't propose—"

"You said 'let's get married.'"

"…Okay. Fine. I proposed. A little."

She grinned. "So. Is she your girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend yet."

My mother arched a perfectly skeptical brow. "Yet?"

I realized what I said a second too late.

"She's not my girlfriend yet," she repeated, clearly enjoying herself. "Interesting phrasing." 😏

I turned away, trying to hide my expression.

But she knew.

She always knows.

"Alright, spill it," she said, leaning on the windowsill beside me. "I want the full story. Because I've never seen you look at someone like that before."

I stayed quiet.

She softened. "Hen. I'm not teasing. I just want to understand."

I took a deep breath.

"She used to live next door," I said. "A long time ago. Back when we were with Dad."

Her eyes widened. "Wait—that's her? The little girl who lived with her grandfather?"

I nodded.

"She was loud," Mom said, smiling. "Always calling you 'Hen Brother.' She followed you everywhere. You used to sneak her chocolate bars."

"She hated frogs, but chased them anyway," I added. "Because she said they might be cursed princes."

"You liked her even back then."

"I did," I admitted. "But I never said anything. I didn't know how."

Mom placed a hand gently on my shoulder.

"And now?"

I gave a dry laugh. "She showed up pretending to be my pregnant girlfriend. Weird sentence, I know. It was all fake—but I didn't stop it. I… didn't want to." 💔

Mom raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

I looked out the window again.

"Because part of me wanted it to be real. Even if it was completely insane."

She didn't laugh.

She just looked at me with those wise eyes.

"Then don't overthink it, Hendrix. Be kind. Be present. And when the time comes… be honest."

"I don't think she remembers me."

Mom smiled. "Then help her remember."

A silence fell between us as we both looked at Eliana again.

Then I blinked, startled. "Wait… Mom? What is Eliana doing in Uncle's house?"

She gave me a look—part smirk, part I already knew you'd ask.

"Your uncle called me yesterday," she said. "He wants to rent out the upper floor. Said someone was coming to see it."

I turned to her, stunned. "Rent out?"

She nodded, eyes twinkling. ✨ "I think you've got a new neighbor."

My breath caught.

Living next door.

Just like before.

Mom left the room.

I turned back to the window—drawn to the soft shape of her silhouette under the golden light.

And then another person stepped into view.

Mia?

I frowned.

What is she doing there?

Do they know each other?

Then it hit me.

The blind date.

Mia didn't yell. She didn't storm off.

She left—with Eliana.

Was it planned?