When Dream Takes over

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The warm breeze carried a faint scent of sandalwood as Ameya stood outside her house, staring at the boy beside her. Rico, dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans, still looked like he had just stepped off a stage. And standing a few feet away, frozen mid-motion, were her parents — their expressions caught between shock and confusion.

Even Asina's mouth hung open.

"He said… he's your boyfriend?" she blurted, blinking furiously.

Ameya, realizing things were spiraling, snapped out of it and quickly said, "He's a famous FJ4 member… same agency as me."

Rico smiled innocently, rubbing the back of his neck.

"But… but he just said he's your boyfriend!" Asina insisted, clearly still processing it all.

Ameya turned toward her parents, her voice calm but slightly forced.

"He's just a friend, okay? Just friend." She patted Rico's shoulder and added, "He always jokes like this. Am i right, Rico?" She blinked her right eye at him—a clear signal.

Rico caught on. "Yes! Just kidding! Sorry, Auntie, Uncle. Bad habit."

Her parents stared at the two of them for a beat longer before her father slowly nodded and said, "Why don't you come in?"

Rico smiled brightly. "Thank you, sir."

They sat around the dining table with warm food steaming on the plates. Ameya's parents were polite, but their eyes were sharp, and every question they asked was wrapped in layered curiosity. Rico, however, chatted with unbothered ease, charming in his effortless replies.

Her father suddenly asked, "How did you know our address?"

Rico replied smoothly, "Ameya mentioned she lives in a great place and invited us. Others were busy, so I came alone."

Asina jumped in, "Are you that close to Ameya?"

Ameya, mid-sip of water, hiccupped. Rico quickly handed her the glass.

"Here," he said softly.

As he held the glass for her, Ameya's father frowned slightly, while her mother narrowed her eyes. Ameya rolled her eyes, subtly gesturing Rico to move his hand away.

Then her mother asked, "How did you know she's here today?"

"She told me… before coming," Rico answered confidently.

CRUNCH!

Rico's eyes widened as Ameya stepped on his foot hard under the table. He bit back a scream, holding it in with a tight jaw.

"What?" her father asked, noticing Rico's face.

"Nothing!" Rico replied quickly. "Just… a leg pain from dance practice. Happens often."

Her mother's expression softened just a little. "I'll give you some ointment after dinner."

"Thank you, Auntie," Rico replied with a small nod.

After dinner, Rico brought out some neatly packed presents. "These are for you all," he said, offering a small box of herbal tea for her mother, a miniature music box for her father, and a set of chocolates for Asina.

Ameya's family accepted them with polite smiles. It was clear: Rico had made a solid impression.

When it was time for him to leave, her mother handed him a small paper bag. "These are homemade snacks for you."

"Thank you so much, Auntie," Rico said, bowing a little.

As her parents and Asina retreated inside, Ameya walked Rico to the door. Once outside, she pinched his ear hard.

"OW! What was that for!?" Rico hissed, trying not to yell.

"You almost ruined everything!" Ameya whisper-yelled. "Why did you call yourself my boyfriend!?"

Rico grinned. "Did I call your parents by accident?"

Ameya gasped. "Did you just admit you came uninvited!?"

"I wanted to surprise you!" he defended.

"Well… you could've warned me! I haven't told my family yet."

Suddenly, Rico leaned in and softly kissed her lips. Ameya's breath hitched, her cheeks flushing red.

"You can't just act like that!" she murmured. "What if someone saw—!"

He kissed her again, this time quicker but full of mischief, and whispered, "I missed you… that's why I came."

Turning to leave, he added, "I'm heading home to visit my mother. Bye!"

Ameya clutched her chest, trying to calm the butterflies. "When will you come back?"

Rico leaned closer and teased, "Are you that much in a hurry to see me?"

She swatted his arm with a laugh. "No!"

Her mother's voice called from inside.

"Ameya!"

"I'll come back in two days," Rico said, waving. "Bye!"

---

In Rico's House...

Rico stepped into his family villa, the familiar warmth of home wrapping around him. The scent of spices and jasmine lingered in the air.

An older woman in a worker uniform walked out of the kitchen.

"My boy has returned!" she beamed.

"Granny!" Rico hugged her.

This was the woman who had raised him while his mother, Clara, was out building her empire.

She served him his favorite food—stuffed pork, curry, chicken nuggets and sweet rice pudding.

"Where's Rumi?" Rico asked mid-bite.

"She's in her own world as usual," Granny sighed with a fond smile. "Dancing and dreaming."

After lunch, Rico walked to Rumi's room and knocked. Loud music thudded from within. He opened the door.

The room was covered in posters of idol boys—sparkling eyes, perfectly tousled hair, and wide smiles. Rumi, wearing a crop hoodie and shorts, danced wildly on her bed.

"YAAAH!" she screamed when she noticed him, rushing over to hug her brother. "RICO! You scared me!"

Rico laughed. "So now, which group are you obsessed with?"

"All of them!" she grinned.

"Male idols?"

"Yes... but lately," she paused dramatically, "someone else stole my heart."

Rico raised an eyebrow. "A female idol?"

Rumi giggled and held up her phone. On the screen was a video of Ameya's latest performance.

Rico blinked. Then smiled. "So my girl has fans in my own house now?"

"She's SO cool," Rumi declared.

---

10 PM – Living Room, Rico's House

Rico lounged on the couch, controller in hand, beating the final boss in his video game.

A pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.

"Mom," he said without even turning. "I know it's you."

Clara laughed, walking around to sit beside him. "How did you know?"

"You're the only one who smells like expensive perfume and deadlines."

"How are you, Rico?"

"I'm great."

"Sorry I couldn't come earlier… tight schedule."

"I figured."

"Had dinner?"

"Yes, Mom."

Clara picked up the spare controller. "Let's play one game together."

As they played, she said quietly, "I never interfered in your career before…"

"Please don't say you want me to run the company," Rico groaned.

Clara chuckled. "No, not yet… but you must obey one thing."

"What?"

"You need to attend Alice's birthday party. Next Tuesday."

Rico's face fell. "Mom, no…"

"Yes. Alice's mother is our business partner. Plus, she's your childhood friend's mom."

Rico sighed in defeat. "Okay… fine."

But his mind wasn't on the party. It was still lingering on a certain girl with sparkling eyes, a fierce heart, and a gorgeous smile—the one who kept his world spinning… Ameya.

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To Be Continued...

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