When Dream Takes over

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The morning sun gently poured its golden hue across the sky, washing the world in warmth. Ameya stood on the big balcony of Rico's apartment, her red hair glowing in the light breeze. Dressed in one of Rico's oversized shirts, she leaned on the railing, quietly taking in the view of the city awakening beneath her.

Suddenly, a warm presence enveloped her from behind.

Rico.

His arms wrapped gently around her waist as he pressed his face into her shoulder.

"You look too peaceful to disturb," he murmured.

Ameya smiled without turning around. "But you already did."

He chuckled, resting his chin on her shoulder. "What's your plan for today?"

"I'm going to visit my parents," she said softly.

Rico let out a sigh. "I've got a tight schedule. If I didn't… I'd come with you."

Ameya turned slightly in his arms. "Are you always this dramatic in the morning?"

"Only when I know I'll miss you," Rico whispered.

He tilted her face up, leaning in, lips just a breath away—until the sharp ding-dong of the doorbell shattered the moment.

Rico groaned. "Seriously?"

Ameya laughed. "Someone's impatient."

"Ignore it," Rico muttered, eyes still locked on her. "Just one second—"

Without warning, he planted a quick, firm kiss on her lips and darted toward the door, barefoot.

Ameya leaned against the wall, fingers lightly brushing her lips, smiling as she watched him sign for the food. Rico waved the delivery boy away quickly and turned back, as if still annoyed at the interruption.

---

At the Gym

Jenna was drenched in sweat, muscles burning, but her mind wasn't on her workout. It was on him—Michael.

How do I tell him the truth? That I'm not who he thinks I am?

Lost in thought, she jumped when a hand touched her shoulder.

"Aah!" she gasped, nearly slipping—but strong arms caught her. Jenna's breath caught in her throat.

Michael.

He had his arm around her waist, eyes wide in concern.

"Whoa, sorry! I didn't mean to scare you," he said quickly, helping her stand upright.

"It's okay," Jenna said, heart racing for reasons beyond just the scare.

As Michael moved to step back, his phone slipped from his pocket. He bent down to pick it up and unintentionally unlocked his gallery. Jenna's eyes fell on a photo of three children—two boys and one girl, laughing under a tree.

"Who are they?" she asked, pointing.

Michael smiled at the memory. "That's me, Rico… and your rival."

"Rival?" Jenna blinked.

Michael smirked. "Yeah. Rico's lifelong rival. Which makes her yours too."

Jenna frowned. "Why?"

"Since childhood, they've clashed over everything—games, dance, even food. Polar opposites."

"What's her name?" Jenna asked, intrigued.

Michael's smile deepened. "Alice Watson. Heiress of Watson Group."

Jenna's heart skipped. Angela Watson's daughter?

The pieces were falling into place—and they were far more complicated than she expected.

---

In Ameya's hometown

The late afternoon sun bathed the quiet street in a golden light as Ameya stood in front of her childhood home. The moment felt surreal—comforting and nostalgic. She was just about to step toward the gate when her phone buzzed in her pocket.

Jenna.

She answered quickly. "Hello?"

"Hey!" Jenna's cheerful voice came through. "Why didn't you come back to the dorm yesterday? I checked your room and panicked."

"Oh, I came to my house yesterday," Ameya replied softly. "I just… needed some time with my family."

"That was sudden! Everything alright?"

"Yeah… I missed them too much. I'll come back tomorrow."

"Did you inform our manager?"

"Yes, I did."

Jenna's voice softened. "I know how much you love them. Enjoy your family time, okay?"

Ameya smiled, heart warmed. "Thank you. See you tomorrow."

"Bye, Ameya."

As she hung up, a familiar voice called out from the house gate.

"Ameya?!"

It was her elder sister, Asina, standing frozen in surprise.

"Asina!" Ameya's eyes welled up as she ran into her sister's arms.

They hugged tightly, like it had been years instead of weeks.

"I missed you!" Ameya whispered.

Asina laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "What's with the drama? Didn't I see you during your first stage performance?"

Ameya chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, but still…"

Asina smiled and playfully pinched her cheeks. "Come on, drama queen. Let's go inside."

Inside, the warmth of her home instantly wrapped around Ameya. Asina called out, "Mom! Dad! Look who's here!"

Her parents entered the room, first surprised, then joyfully emotional.

"Ameya?" her mother gasped.

"You didn't tell us you were coming," her father added.

"I wanted to surprise you," Ameya smiled as she hugged them both tightly. Asina joined the group hug, laughter and happiness filling the room.

After the initial reunion, her mother guided her to the kitchen while Asina tugged her toward the living room.

"So, how's your practice going?" her mother asked, eyes filled with pride.

"It's going great," Ameya replied.

"Everything alright at work?" her father added.

Ameya nodded. "Yes. A bit hectic, but I'm fine."

Asina sat beside her and stared at her dyed red hair. "And what's with the red hair, superstar?"

"It's for our next album concept," Ameya explained.

Her mother tilted her head. "It looks beautiful… but I always thought black suits you best."

Her father laughed. "She can pull off anything. Right, superstar?"

Ameya blushed. "Stop calling me that!"

After some time, Ameya opened her bag and pulled out small gift boxes. "These are for you all."

The room lit up with delight as her family unwrapped thoughtful tokens—her mother received a delicate perfume, her father a leather wallet, and Asina a beautiful bracelet.

They sat together at the dinner table, sharing stories, laughter, and favorite dishes. It was peaceful—until the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Asina said, rising from her seat.

A moment passed.

Then came a surprised voice from the door. "Wait… are you… FJ4's Rico?!"

Ameya's fork clattered to her plate.

She stood slowly, heart thudding in disbelief.

She stepped closer to the door—and her eyes widened.

Rico stood there, holding a bouquet of lilies and wearing his signature calm smile.

Asina was frozen beside him, pointing dramatically. "Ameya… is he… FJ4's Rico?!"

Rico looked at Asina and then at Ameya's parents, who had come to the door with wide eyes.

"Yes, ma'am, sir," Rico said politely. "I'm Rico."

The silence was heavy.

Ameya's father blinked, completely stunned. "The celebrity Rico?"

Her mother leaned slightly toward Ameya. "You know him?"

Before Ameya could even respond, Rico gave a gentle smile and said with perfect ease,

"I'm Ameya's boyfriend."

Silence.

Asina gawked. "Boyfriend?!"

Her parents' eyes darted from Rico to Ameya, utterly shocked.

Ameya froze. Her breath caught in her throat as her parents stared at her, completely at a loss. She hadn't planned this—not like this.

Rico remained calm, even slightly amused, as he looked around the stunned family with his hands in his pockets.

Ameya's heart raced.

How… am I going to fix this?!

And yet, Rico just stood there—smiling, bold, unapologetic—as if he belonged in their living room all along.

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