The lights keep pulsing, the music pounding like a second heartbeat I can't escape. And just as I start to wonder how long I can stand here without combusting, a familiar voice shrieks over the noise.
"Oh. My. GOD."
I turn—and there she is. Julia, glittery and tipsy and glowing like a supernova. Her eyes are wide with amusement as she takes in the scene: me, standing stiffly between Theo, Felix, and Elliot like I've summoned a love triangle out of thin air. Or a kitten caught between three growling tomcats. Her grin is wider than the ocean. I know she's going to ask me the detail later.
"You are kidding me," she says, eyes sparkling. "This is some movie-level drama right here. You're living in a harem anime and I wasn't even invited to the first episode. You probably should consider exchange into acting major, Liora, you've mastered the script."
"Jules," I warn under my breath.
But she's already in motion, circling the three men like a curious lioness. "So let me guess—this one," she points at Felix, "is the flirt." She turns to Theo. "You're the quiet mysterious type. And you ...." Her gaze lands on Elliot. "Oh, the ex."
Felix barks a laugh at Julia. "I didn't know your roommate is hella funny. I like her."
"I like myself too," Julia grins, then nudges my shoulder. "Seriously, girl. You're magnetic tonight."
I open my mouth to protest—again—but she keeps going, clearly enjoying the show. "Honestly, I'm kinda impressed. I've been trying to drag you to a party for months, and the one time you say yes, you're the main character in some slow-burn enemies-to-lovers drama. Three of them. I'm just waiting for one of them to confess their undying love."
"Julia!" I hiss, my cheeks burning. Why the other men just listen to Julia's yapping?
She just winks and leans in to whisper, "You should thank me. This is prime fantasy novel energy."
Felix looks smug, resting his elbow on the bar like he's posing for a photo shoot. I hate to admit that he always looks good. "I mean, if we're going by tropes, I volunteer for the flirty rogue with a secret soft spot. Certainly."
Julia laughs. "I was judging you too early. I thought you were just a dumbshit playboy."
"Looks like I've gained an approval from your bestie, Liora," Felix says smugly.
Theo doesn't say anything, but his gaze flicks to me. It's the kind of look that speaks louder than words. Protective. Curious. Maybe something more. The kind of look that makes my spine tingle.
Elliot, on the other hand, just shifts his weight and scowls. His eyes haven't left me since Julia arrived. "She's not a game," he says tightly.
Julia, undeterred, raises her hands. "Whoa, easy there, Broody Boy. I'm just pointing out the obvious. You guys are standing around like you're trying to win her with a dramatic monologue."
Felix laughs again. "Now that you mention it .…"
"I swear to God, you two," I mumble.
And then, as if the universe wants to save me, a group of girls from the dance floor descend on Felix. They're all perfume and heels and sparkles, giggling and calling his name.
"Felix! Come dance with us!"
One of them wraps her arm around his, tossing me a sugary-sweet smile laced with something else. Challenge. Huh? What's that for?
Felix throws me a helpless shrug and a wink. "Duty calls," he says casually, "see you, Stray Cat. I'll text you later!"
He's swept into the crowd, leaving a Felix-shaped hole in the air and a lingering scent of cologne. Just a playboy doing his charm-farming thingy.
Elliot's phone buzzes in his pocket. He checks the screen, jaw tightening. "I need to take this, my roommate's drunk again," he mutters, "nice to see you tonight, Liora. Take care. Please don't drink ... too much."
He disappears just as quickly, muttering something under his breath. A trail of frustration and tension follows in his wake.
And just like that, it's me, Theo, and Julia who just finished sipping the drink on my hand.
"Well," Julia says, rocking on her heels, "this is awkward in the best way."
I glance at her warily. "Don't start again, Jules. You've been nothing but pain in my ass today."
She raises her hands in mock innocence. "Hey, I'm just saying—it's not every day I catch you surrounded by three attractive guys like you're the protagonist in a romance webtoon. You've got options, bestie. Use your power wisely."
I groan, but she grins and slings an arm around me. "You know I love you, right? But I feel like I should leave you two alone now. For, you know ... reasons." She waggles her eyebrows and gives Theo a pointed once-over.
"Julia—"
Too late. She pecks me on the cheek, leans in to whisper, "Text me when you get home, I'll go back in the morning, probably" and vanishes into the club like glitter in the wind.
Theo doesn't speak right away. He just stands there beside me, hands in his pockets, quiet and calm in the aftermath of chaos. Somehow, that stillness feels more grounding than any words.
I glance up at him. "Sorry. About the ... mess."
He gives a small, soft smile. "It wasn't a mess. Just ... a lot. But you don't have to apologize, it wasn't your fault."
"Yeah." I exhale, pressing the back of my hand to my forehead. "It's indeed a lot."
Another beat passes. The lights flash across the party, catching in the glint of Theo's eyes.
"I think I want to go home," I murmur. The exhaustion has finally caught up to me. The adrenaline's wearing off, leaving me heavy. "Too much noise. Too much everything."
"I'll walk you," Theo says without hesitation.
I blink. "You don't have to. It's late."
"I know," he replies, "which is exactly why I will."
There's no argument in his tone. Just a simple offer wrapped in something warm. Steady. I hesitate for a second, then nod. He tilts his head toward the exit, and I follow. Like I always do, when it's him.
I believe tonight is just the beginning. There will be more chaos later. I can sense it.