Chapter Tres ¬_¬

Emma and I walk out of school and run to her brother's car. We enter his vehicle, and we all give our Skibidi greeting."Baby Gronk, wasssupppp?" Emma and I say. He replies, "Yooo, alphas, I'm chill." Emma's brother, Leon, has always been a good friend to me. Not gonna lie, when I first saw him in freshman year, I thought we were soulmates—delulu, right? But he had a girlfriend at that time, and he's my best friend's brother, so that's a no-no.

Leon talks about his day at work while driving us back to their house. When we arrive, Emma grabs my hand and rushes me inside. We both greet her parents, then head upstairs to her room. I sit on her puffy bed and start doing my homework.

"Aurora, stop working! We need to pick what we're going to wear," Emma says. "I don't think we need to dwell on that right now. Besides, we don't even have to go," I reply, giving her puppy-dog eyes."This is the same thing you said last time, and you ended up wearing that ugly sweater to Jason's new year party. It still gives me the creeps," Emma says.

"Heyyy, it was a cool sweater! It was related to a manhwa I was reading at the time. The male lead was mega FOINEEEE." "Okay, fine. I'll pick what I'm wearing now," I say. I go through Emma's wardrobe and see a pretty dark red bodycon dress—it catches my eye instantly. "Hey, Emma, can I take this and never, ever give it back?" I ask. She replies, "Uhh, sure. It doesn't look good on me, but I'm sure it would on you."

It takes us hours to get ready—mind you, the party starts at 10 p.m., and it's already 9:29 p.m. I curl my hair and do subtle makeup, while Emma wears a black tube top and a red jean skirt to match my outfit. Of course, we both wear heels—obviii.

Emma calls our other friend Chris to pick us up. We sneak out through the back door since we're not allowed to go to parties without Leon tagging along. I hope we don't get in trouble. :

Emma holds my hand as we walk into the house. We head straight to the bar, where all the delicacies are. I grab a piña colada and start drinking it, while Emma picks orange juice and leaves me to go talk to people.

I sit on a random couch and start watching edits of Miles Morales—he's so hot, wtff. I'm so indulged in the edits that I don't even notice Marcus standing right in front of me. Not this sh*thead again. I look up. "Wow, Aurora, looking nice for a change," he says."You have free will and the ability to talk to anyone, yet you come here, open your mouth, and talk stupid?" I reply. "Damnnn, the attitude. You've become interesting," he says.

I don't think this guy has anything better to do. Anyone in their right mind would've left after what I just said. I roll my eyes and continue watching edits. He sits beside me and starts talking to the girls on the couch. Of course, this is my cue to leave. I get up, but Marcus grabs my hand. "Mami, we ain't finished talking yet," he says. Is this man for real? Does this look like a romance film in his head? I glare at him, grab my bag, and go to the bar.

The bartender strikes up a conversation. "Hey, you're Aurora, right? We have film class together." "Oh, hey!" I say. "I remember you—you're Xavier." "BINGO, lol. You look nice, by the way," he says. "Thank you! I never thought you'd be bartending at Jason's yearly parties." "Well, people do crazy sht once in a while."

Xavier and I talk for almost an hour or two before Marcus comes to ruin it all."Yooo, Xavier, how are you treating my girl?" Marcus says."I am NOT his girl, okay?" I say firmly. Xavier smiles. "Um, okay, thanks for telling me." Xavier has the cutest smile, omdss.

Marcus sees me staring at Xavier and looks disgusted. "I didn't know you liked theatre boys," Marcus says."Brooo, can you not do this right now?" I groan. He leans in close. "Do what? Am I disturbing your love moment? "Xavier looks at both of us awkwardly. "Okay… I think I'm going to get something from the back. Excuse me."

Marcus, what is wrong with you? Now he's gone. "Oh, poor you. Do you want a boo-boo?" Marcus mocks. "You know, if you want a flirty moment, I can help your case." "I'm good, thanks," I say, chugging a random cup of vodka and walking to the dance floor. I start vibing with the music and grooving to it. From the bar, I see Marcus and Xavier watching me. I call them over to dance.

Xavier joins me first. I move close to him, feeling his touch as we dance. Suddenly, Marcus grabs me by the waist and starts dancing with me. A girl lives once, I guess…The three of us dance together like stars floating in the night sky. "I feel tired," I say. "Uh, I can take you home," Xavier offers. Marcus glares at him. "I'm sure you have bartending to do—I can take it from here. "Is it just drunk me, or are they fighting over who takes me home?? Xavier sighs. "Fine."

Marcus carries me and takes me to his Tesla. "Hey, Marky Marcus, can you tell Emma, darling, that you're taking me home? I don't want her to be worried," I giggle. I don't think I'm talking normally anymore. WeLp. Marcus sighs. "Sure." He helps me into the car and buckles my seatbelt. I start singing random songs as he gets in. Then, I start yapping about how life feels so lonely. I stare at Marcus's lips. "Hey… can I kiss you?" I ask.