Kai & Raven

Chapter 5 – The Beginning of an End

(Raven's POV)

Graduation day.

It still didn't feel real.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, watching as the makeup artist applied the finishing touches. My black dress hugged my body perfectly, elegant but powerful. Fitting.

"Stop overthinking, Rav."

I turned to see Val, already dressed in an emerald green gown, fixing her earrings. "You look amazing. And you're about to be the star of the show, so get used to it."

Jules, lying on the couch, dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "She's always the star, Val. It's just the rest of the world catching up."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help smiling.

Sophia walked over, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Enjoy today, Rav. You deserve it."

I exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Yeah. I do."

—

The Graduation Hall

The ceremony was packed. Students, families, professors—everyone dressed in their best, the air buzzing with excitement.

I spotted my parents and brothers in the front row. My mom's eyes were teary, my dad gave me an approving nod, and my brothers—well, they were loud.

"RAVEN CASTILLO, THE QUEEN OF ENGINEERING!" Alejandro shouted, earning laughs from those nearby.

I shook my head, amused. Classic Alejandro.

The speeches began, and I tuned most of them out—until the Dean's voice caught my attention.

"And now, we present the award for Best Graduating Student. This student has not only excelled academically but has also led groundbreaking projects, setting a new standard in our institution."

Wait.

I sat up straighter.

"This year, the award goes to none other than Raven Castillo."

The hall erupted.

Val and Sophia screamed, Jules practically fell out of his chair, and my brothers went wild.

But I barely processed any of it.

Because stepping onto the stage beside the Dean… was him.

Kai.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, standing tall, with that same unreadable expression.

What the hell is he doing here?

I walked up the stage, my heels clicking against the floor. The Dean smiled warmly as he handed me the award, but my focus was locked on Kai.

I took the plaque, my fingers brushing his for the briefest second. A spark. A chill. Something I didn't understand.

"Congratulations, Miss Castillo," the Dean said.

Kai, standing beside him, tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a smirk. "Impressive."

I narrowed my eyes. What game is he playing?

"Thanks," I said, my voice even.

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping so only I could hear. "You really are full of surprises."

I refused to let him see how those words affected me. Instead, I smirked back. "You have no idea."

Then I turned and walked off the stage.

—

The Celebration

The second the ceremony ended, I was ambushed.

"THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND!" Jules practically tackled me.

Sophia and Val joined the hug, all three of them crushing me with their excitement.

"You did it!" Val grinned.

"I always knew you'd be top of the class," Sophia added.

Mateo and Alejandro arrived next, ruffling my hair like I was still a kid.

Alejandro smirked. "Did you see Dad's face? He's so proud."

I turned to my parents. My mother's eyes were glossy with unshed tears, and my father—usually so composed—gave me a rare, proud smile.

"You've made us proud, mi hija," my mom said, pulling me into a tight hug.

I held on for a second longer than usual. "Thanks, Mom."

Then, just as I thought I could finally breathe, I felt a presence.

I turned—and there he was.

Kai.

Standing a few feet away, hands in his pockets, watching me with those intense eyes.

I hesitated for half a second before walking toward him. "Why are you here?"

His lips twitched, almost like he was amused. "I was invited."

By who?

I didn't bother asking—I had a feeling he wouldn't answer.

Instead, I crossed my arms. "Well, you saw the show. You can go now."

He took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. "You did well, Raven."

The way he said my name sent a strange shiver down my spine.

I swallowed. "Thanks."

A pause. A breath. A moment too charged to be normal.

Then, just as quickly as he appeared, he smirked. "See you around, Raven."

And then he was gone.

Just like that.

I exhaled, shaking my head. What the hell just happened?

But before I could think too much about it, Jules grabbed my arm.

"Come on, queen! We have a party to attend."

I took one last glance at where Kai had stood—then let myself be dragged into the celebration.

Tonight, I was just Raven Castillo.

And for now… that was enough.