We danced freely, our bodies moving to the pulsing rhythm of the music, singing along to every word like it was a soundtrack to our lives. The energy was electric─ flashing kight, pounding bass, and the carefree thrill of being lost in the moment. For once, I wasn't overthinking, just letting go and soaking up the joy of being right there with sandy.
But the mood shifted in an instant
A man pushed into our space, weaving through the crowd with clear intent. Before I could register what was happening, he grabbed my hand ─ tight, insistent─ and yanked me toward him. I stumbled slightly, my heart lurching ass he pressed himself against me with a kind of aggression that sent alarms ringing in my head. His movements were invasive, his expression smug and expectant, like he had every right to touch me.
"Hey! Let go of me!" I snapped, trying to pull back, but he only tightened his grip, trying to corner me between the crowd and his chest.
Then, without warning, Aria surged forward. "Not happening," she growled. In one swift, fluid motion, she drive her knee into his leg. The man yelped and staggered back, stunned and clearly not expecting the retaliation.
I stumbled backward from the sudden release─ and just as I lost balance, a firm arm caught me by the waist, steadying me.
I turned, breathless, only to meet a familiar face.
Him.
The guy from the line earlier─ the arrogant one.
the one I'd argued with.
His expression was unreadable, but his hold was steady. Before I could say anything, he let go gently and stepped past me, positioning himself between me and the now─ reeling aggressor.
"Hey, man. Back off," he said coolly but firmly, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. "Youre being too pushy."
The guy blinked, startled. "what? I was just─"
"she doesn't want you," the line guy interrupted, his tone final. " so take the hint and leave her alone."
The pushy guy hesitated, his earlier swagger gone, replaced by uncertainty, he glanced between the two of us ─ between Aria and me, who still looked ready to throw another kick, and the man standing protectively in front of me. Then, without another word, he slunk away, disappearing into the crowd without a word.
I was left standing there, dazed and slightly breathless.
Aria appeared at my side, brushing hair from her face, her eyes wide. "well," she said, a slow smile tugging at her lips, "that was unexpected."
I laughed ─ shaky, half-nervous, half-relieved. "yeah. That's one word for it."
Aria, noticing the lingering confusion etched across my face, nudged my arm gently. "Should we head back to the bar stand? I could use another drink."
I hesitated for a moment, still processing everything, the noise around us blurring like static in my ears. Finally, I nodded, the motion slow and unsure. "Yeah," I said, voice quieter than I intended. "That sounds like a good idea."
We started weaving our way back through the crowd, the music pulsing through the floor like a second heartbeat. Aria glanced around the dance floor, her eyes scanning the wild swirl of limbs and laughter. Then she turned to me, her lips curving into a wicked smile. "You know what? I think we should get drunk and forget about everything tonight."
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. Her words felt both reckless and oddly comforting. "Oh yeah? What did you have in mind?"
She grinned, mischief dancing in her eyes as she grabbed my arm. "Come on," she said. "Let's make some bad decisions."
Aria guided us back to the bar stand with the confidence of someone on a mission. She gestured to a pair of stools and patted the seat next to her. "Take a seat," she announced with a glint in her eye. "We're getting hammered."
I slid onto the stool, the cool metal pressing against my skin. The bartender, a tall guy with sleepy eyes and tattoos peeking out from his sleeves, sauntered over. "What can I get you ladies?" he asked, giving us a curious once-over like he already knew we were trouble.
"Two shots of tequila," Aria said without missing a beat. Her voice was light but firm, like she'd been here before.
He gave a knowing nod and turned away to prepare them. The air around us hummed with heat and bass, the scent of liquor and sweat thick in the air. I exhaled slowly, trying to ground myself.
When the bartender returned, he placed two shots in front of us. "Here you go," he said with a small smirk.
Aria grabbed one and held it out to me. "Bottoms up," she said, tilting her head with that same daring grin.
I picked mine up, my fingers trembling slightly around the glass. The smell hit me first — sharp, clean, unforgiving. We clinked glasses, and I tossed the shot back. It scorched its way down my throat, fiery and raw, making me cough as it hit my stomach like a punch.
Aria laughed, not unkindly. "Rookie," she teased, already signaling for another round.
I gave a sheepish smile, wiping my mouth. "Guess I needed that."
As the next shots came, I stopped keeping track. The world softened around the edges, sounds turned muffled, and time folded in on itself. Each drink blurred into the next. Faces became streaks of color, conversations a haze of echoing laughter. My limbs felt light, unanchored, as if I might drift off into the air with one wrong step.
I was halfway through another shot when Aria's hand gently closed around my wrist. "That's enough," she said, leaning in, her voice a murmur against my ear. "You're already drunk."
I blinked at her, trying to focus, but the words didn't land right. The music was too loud, the lights too bright, the room too unstable. I leaned closer. "What?" I asked, my voice too loud in my own ears.
She tried again, her mouth close to my ear, but the thrum of bass and chatter swallowed her words whole. I could only shake my head, frustrated, disoriented.
Aria let out a small sigh and leaned in even further, her breath warm against my skin. I caught fragments: "Too… drinks… drunk…"
And suddenly, I understood.
I was drunk. More than drunk. My head buzzed, my body swayed on its own, and everything felt one step removed from reality. I felt Aria's grip on my hand tighten, grounding me just as a wave of sadness rose unexpectedly in my chest.
I leaned into her, needing the steadiness she offered. The lights blurred above us like stars underwater, and my throat tightened.
"I want to go home," I whispered. The words were fragile, my voice cracking with the weight of everything I was trying not to feel.
Aria's expression softened instantly. Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and ordered a ride, her free hand still clasping mine like a lifeline. She guided me through the crush of people, shielding me with her body as we pushed toward the exit.
Outside, the air was cooler, but not fresh. Cigarette smoke hung in the night, and the street buzzed with noise — honking horns, laughter, the occasional shout.
"I need to use the bathroom real quick," Aria said, her eyes meeting mine to make sure I understood. "Stay here. The ride will be here in a few."
I nodded slowly, leaning against the wall for support. "Okay," I mumbled, my words slightly slurred. My head lolled a little to the side, eyes blinking heavily against the neon signs.
Minutes passed in a blur. Then a sleek black car pulled up in front of the club. I straightened, or tried to, assuming this was our ride. I reached for the passenger door — just as another hand did the same.
Startled, I looked up — heart skipping a beat.