Kara was still fuming when she stormed back to her room.
After showering in her bathroom, now that Rai had finally mentioned it, she brushed her hair aggressively, the comb nearly snapping under her grip.
There was no way she was joining those boys for breakfast. She could already imagine their smug faces and teasing remarks.
Her resolve wavered when a soft knock came at her door. "Honey, it's time for breakfast," her mother's voice called.
"I'm not hungry, Mom," she muttered, her annoyance still fresh.
"Nonsense. You haven't had a thing to eat since yesterday's breakfast," her mother pressed. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"
Kara forced a smile she didn't feel. "I'll be down in a minute."
Reluctantly, she threw on a yellow floral dress and tied her hair into a loose bun. As she danced around the room to Taylor Swift's Shake It Off, she felt some of her irritation melt away.
Her door swung open with a bang, and she jumped, her heart racing. Gen stood in the doorway, his expression thunderous.
"Ever heard of knocking?" she snapped, glaring at him.
He ignored her. "Turn it off," he demanded, his deep voice laced with authority.
Kara tilted her chin defiantly. "No."
His dark eyes narrowed. "Don't make me repeat myself."
She felt her body move before her mind caught up, her feet dragging her toward the music box. Her hand reached out, and she turned it off.
Her eyes widened in horror. "What creepy shit did you just do to me?" she hissed, spinning to face him.
He stared at her blankly. "Forget it," he said dismissively.
"Don't you dare tell me to forget it!" Kara's voice rose, trembling with frustration. "You're not the boss of me!"
Gen smirked, his expression almost mocking. "You're right. Speak your mind, Kara. What was it you wanted to say?"
She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Her thoughts were blank, her chest tightening.
Gen tilted his head, satisfied. "That's what I thought. Now get down for breakfast."
He left her standing in the doorway, her mind racing. She couldn't remember what she wanted to say.
And that terrified her.