The bass thumps through the floor, lights flickering across the dance floor like fragmented waves. I tug at the edge of my black crop top, already regretting how exposed I feel, but Julia won't take no for an answer. Her grip on my wrist is iron, her glittery makeup practically glowing in the club's dim light. I want to go to another galaxy. This place isn't made for me.
"C'mon, you promised!" she yells over the music, pulling me toward the bar. Of course, she enjoys this a lot. Party, loud music, people. Things that are so Julia.
I sigh, adjusting the strap of my purse. "Yeah, but I didn't think it'd be this packed. You know what I mean."
"It's the first big thing after midterms. Our third midterms in this academy! You earned it!"
She's right, I suppose. After sleepless nights and the nerve-wracking presentation of my painting, I do deserve a break. But this kind of chaos isn't usually my idea of peace. I miss my cozy bed badly. Maybe I can sneak out when Julia gets too focus on party later. Or maybe I'd enjoy this party, who knows.
We reach the bar, and Julia disappears into a crowd of her friends—absolutely, she has a lot of friends unlike me—promising to find me a drink. I hover awkwardly by the counter, scanning the club. That's when I feel it—the unmistakable prickle of eyes on me.
I turn slowly. And my breath catches. It's not Theo this time. It's Felix. Leaning casually against the wall, a cocktail in one hand, golden hair tousled like he didn't even try. A sly smile plays on his lips when he meets my gaze. God, he's fine.
He doesn't move right away, just lets his eyes travel over me like a secret. He remembers that night. It was here—well, not this exact club, but one like it—where he first found me weeks ago, lost and trying to call Julia after she ditched me. He offered a drink, a seat, a ride, and a sarcastic comment about my kitten-like confusion. And somehow, that night stuck.
Now he's walking toward me. With his charisma that even my fourth wall can't deny. Is this how it feels like when a handsome man reaching you?
"Hey, Stray Cat," he says smoothly, voice like honey over ice. "Either fate really likes us or you're just lost again. Or do you stalk me here?"
I raise an eyebrow, try to act nonchalant. "Bold words from someone who hangs out in every club in town."
He chuckles and leans closer. "You look good tonight."
I roll my eyes, but I can't help the little smile tugging at my lips. Before I can respond, a shadow passes between us that makes me look up.
Theo. Huh?
His dark eyes glance at Felix briefly before staring on me. He's in a dark linen shirt, sleeves rolled up, and he carries that same quiet energy that always unsettles me. Like he's reading something I haven't written yet.
"I didn't expect you here," he says simply.
"Neither did I," I admit, "Julia dragged me."
Felix's eyebrows arch. "Well, this just got interesting. We have someone that just interrupted the conversation."
Theo ignores Felix like he was invisible and still looking at me. "How've you been? After the presentation?"
I bite my tongue because this feels slightly awkward. I feel their gazes over me. "I'm good, thanks. I was so nervous but it turned out well."
He nods, understanding flickering in his gaze. Felix clears his throat to get attention. "I thought we were celebrating, not brooding. We don't need a party pooper here."
"Mind your own business," Theo says.
Felix scoffs, like he's really amused by what Theo just said. "Said someone who just interrupted. To be fairly honest, you've always been a party pooper since ages. Maybe parties aren't for you, Theodore."
Wait. Eh. What should I do? I feel like I should be the mediator or the third war of world will really begin. I fake a cough—just like Felix did. "Anyway, why don't we just enjoy the party? Yeah?"
Theo gives me a glance, then slowly moves to stand beside me at the bar. Felix chuckles but doesn't move, settling instead on my other side. And now I'm sandwiched between two very different energies—the soft thunder of Theo and the burning sun of Felix. Very good. I don't know if I should feel grateful or miserable because of two handsome guys.
The bartender returns with a drink Julia must've ordered for me, but she's nowhere in sight. I take a sip just to give myself something to do. Felix leans in slightly, his voice dipping low. "So, what's it like, being admired by two very different men in one night? Must be thrilling."
"You make it sound weird, Felix. Three of us just talking. And maybe confusing is the better word," I mutter.
Theo catches that, eyes sharp. "Is he bothering you?"
"No, I'm fine," I say quickly, suddenly wishing Julia would reappear. Or maybe not. Her reaction to this would just be shrieks and teasing. And make the situation worse. Good thing she's wandering off the club right now.
"I'm just being friendly," Felix says, smiling like he already knows he's winning some invisible game. "You know me. Felix, the ever-charming Samaritan."
"Charming is debatable," Theo says dryly.
Their banter feels like a rope being pulled taut across my chest. I glance between them and take another long sip of my drink. Actually, this isn't feel that awkward anymore. I feel like trapped between ... two nemesis. Or maybe old friends?
They're constantly bantering and I get lost in mind. This new thing is strange to me. I actually want to find Julia to ask her if I can go back to apartment instead.
But, I find myself smiling. This isn't that bad, to be honest. Going on a party, getting myself a drink, watching people dancing. I feel like I'm starring a rom-com movie. The beat of the music drowns out the sound of my heart pounding.
But even Felix and Theo is bantering and debating, I don't feel awkward about it anymore. This just feels right. Feels natural. Feels like it's supposed to happen.