Kayden shook his head at the banter of his two friends. He was off duty, but instead of resting, he decided to drink his broken heart away.
"Wow. The line between love and hatred is truly terrifying. You're so brave to cross it, my dear friend."
"Shut up."
Kayden chuckled at Rian and Diva as he took the bottle of champagne. He heard Rian scowl but the sound of liquid being gulped down his throat drowned it. The cold champagne slid down his throat in hurried gulps, as if each swallow could wash away the sharp ache in their chest. The bubbles prickled on the way down, and he felt a tingling bite that was almost punishing, and each sip tasted more bitter than the last.
As he gulped, the chilled liquid numbed his mouth, though it failed to numb the sting inside. It settled heavily in his stomach, like a stone. There was a momentary rush, a heady buzz that blurred the edges, letting him feel just a bit lighter, but the empty pang in their heart lingered and was sharp as ever.
