Transcend running into each other.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The young man chuckled and took off his shades, revealing piercing eyes that sparkled with amusement. "Alright, there was a catch. How're you, Madam?"

I was stunned, my eyes widening in surprise. Dwayne? Of all people? Before I knew it, laughter bubbled up from my chest, and I burst into tears-streaked giggles.

He was the last person I expected to see, and I couldn't believe I sang alongside him without even recognizing him.

"You're so-" I started, still chuckling.

"A jerk?" He finished, grinning. "I know, guilty as charged. I'm sorry if I startled you. I didn't want to reveal my identity and startle you. I wanted to hear you sing, and I'm glad you did. You sing so well. Are you sure you've never had a music career? My cheeks turned warm at his flattery. I shook my head, still trying to process running into him again. Is this a coincidence, or some planned act?

"Here," he cut into my thoughts, handing me a tissue. "You need it."

I nodded and accepted it, dabbing at my cheeks and eyes. Just then, Ashley and Juliet approached us.

"Bestie, that was a stunning performance," Ashley said, and then she turned to Dwayne, you too, gentleman. You were-" She paused as recognition dawned on her face. "You again? Dwayne, isn't it?" Dwayne nodded, grinning.

"How come we didn't recognize you?" Ashley turned to me. "Did you know it was him?

I let my hand up. "I didn't."

Surprisingly, Ashley didn't seem weary of Dwayne like she used to be, in our previous encounters. She flashed him a smile. "It's nice to see you again. Thank you for singing along with her."

always

pleasure," Dwayne

say you don't know how to sing?" Juliet chipped in, staring at

been to a karaoke bar until today,"

Is that what you're trying to say? Juliet inquired. "She's right,"

"Culinary school, huh? I wouldn't have pegged you as a

probably you forgot?" Juliet pressed on, amazement in her eyes. She seemed bent on

be so sure. She might have visited without your knowledge. With a boyfriend

Ashley shook her head.

intrigued now. "Are you saying she doesn't have a boyfriend, fiance, or a man in her

lost some of their cool. "Let's

not ready to back off. "No,

Ashley hissed. I could tell she

to Juliet. "I've never been to a Karaoke bar until today, and it's true. And about my relationship status, I'd rather not talk about it.

how prying she was because her face fell. "I'm so

I said, flashing her a

hence the reason I was surprised you've never been to a karaoke bar. You're really talented." Dwayne nodded in agreement. "She is. I

mood. "We should do this again sometime. Maybe next time, we can even

laughed, feeling so at home amongst them. I was glad I agreed to come.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Suddenly, Dwayne checked his

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