Coffee.

As I strolled through the gathering, my eyes met Kyle's approaching figure. Just as I prepared to greet him, Mark materialized out of nowhere and settled beside me, forcing Kyle to take a seat opposite us. The shift in Kyle's demeanor was palpable; disappointment lingered on his face. Gratitude flooded me for Mark's timely intervention, rescuing me from a potentially awkward moment."What's in your cup?" Mark inquired, eyeing my drink."Just coffee... Care for a sip?" I offered, reaching for another coffee bottle in the bag for Mark."No need, I'll have yours," Mark declared, swiftly taking mine."What are you doing?! I've already had some," I protested."It's alright," he shrugged, taking a sip from my coffee.I didn't mind; Mark and I were close friends."You two seem quite cozy," remarked one of the girls from Team White, sauntering over to Kyle."We're just childhood friends," I clarified as we reminisced about our elementary school days, the girls around us indulging in playful banter with Kyle. Although their flirting sparked a twinge of concern, I refrained from intervening.As night descended, we retreated to our rooms."Do you think Mark's acting differently?" Tina queried."I haven't noticed," I replied."He seemed off today," Rosa chimed in."Maybe Mark's got a crush on Vicki," Tina speculated."You're imagining things... We're just friends," I insisted, denying any romantic notions."I'm not so sure..." Rosa trailed off, leaving a lingering doubt.Suddenly, I realized my favorite necklace was missing."Has anyone seen my necklace?" I asked, growing anxious."Lost it?" Rosa echoed."You might have dropped it near the tree," Tina suggested."I'll go check," I decided, hastening back to our previous spot to search. The darkness hindered my efforts, and as I turned to seek help, a hand brushed against my arm, sending shivers down my spine. Without a second thought, I shook off the touch, convinced it was a figment of my imagination."Leaving so soon?" a voice called out behind me.Startled, I spun around, relieved to find Kyle standing there."Oh, it's you... You scared me," I admitted."What brings you here?" he inquired."I lost my necklace," I explained."Did you find it?" he asked, concern evident in his voice."Not yet," I admitted."Then where are you off to?" he pressed, his presence comforting amidst the night's uncertainties.(My Mind Weren't you the one lurking here just now?)

_ROSE_...