FOUR

Teenage parties are something else entirely—a wild, chaotic blur of dancing, drinks, and reckless fun.

As soon as we step inside, I can see it all: people taking drags off of cigarettes, chugging who-knows-what from red cups, and making out like it’s the last night of their lives, pressed up against walls or tucked away in shadowed corners.

It’s this messy, reckless energy that fills the air, making my skin buzz as we weave through the throngs of people.

The thump of the bass from the EDM music shakes the walls, pulsing through every room, syncing up with the adrenaline already rushing through me.

I cling to Jugyoung’s hand as we navigate through the crowd, passing whooping, sweaty bodies that move together in a hypnotic rhythm.

As we finally reach the kitchen, I take in the sheer size of James Ellington’s house—a massive, Victorian-style villa with tall windows and intricate, classic detailing on every corner. I have to do a double-take; it’s the kind of house you see in movies, not in real life.

The kitchen itself is packed, a pungent mix of smoke and alcohol filling the air. I mutter a quick “sorry” after accidentally bumping into a couple who seem completely lost in each other.

Neither of them even notices—they’re too busy kissing like they’ve got something to prove. I try not to cringe as I pass, hoping no one notices how out of place I feel.

Charlotte has already disappeared to find her friends, so it’s just me and Jugyoung now. Her face lights up with excitement as she makes a beeline for the drink station.

She grabs two red solo cups, filling them with something red and fruity-looking. She hands one to me with a grin, her eyes dancing under the dim lights.

“It’s the best drink ever—cherry vodka punch!” she practically shouts over the music. I take a cautious sip, the mix of bitter vodka and artificial cherry flavoring hitting my taste buds with an unexpected sweetness.

“Not bad,” I say, even though I wince a little. Jugyoung nods enthusiastically, then leans closer to shout over the music, “There are so many hot guys here! I mean, seriously, just look around!”

She’s right. All around us, people are swaying and grinding to the beat, laughing and shouting as they lose themselves in the moment.

The song “Midnight City” by M83 blasts over the speakers, and Jugyoung practically lights up as she grabs my arm, tugging me toward the makeshift dance floor.

“Let’s go dance!” she shouts, her voice barely audible over the music.

I hesitate for a moment, but she’s too excited, her doe eyes wide with a sense of wonder, and she doesn’t give me a chance to refuse.

Before I know it, we’re in the middle of the crowd, laughing and swaying to the beat. I let the music wash over me, letting my inhibitions go as Jugyoung and I sing along to the chorus, my nerves replaced by an electric thrill that tingles down to my fingertips.

Then, through the haze of people and flashing lights, I catch a glimpse of him—James Ellington.

He’s standing by the doorframe, casually holding a drink in one hand, his other arm around a girl who’s draped over his side.

My pulse quickens. He’s got this confident, easygoing smirk on his face as he scans the room, looking completely in his element.

His white shirt is open at the top, a few buttons undone to reveal the golden skin of his chest, and his beige pants fit him just right. He looks effortlessly cool, like someone straight out of a magazine.

For a second, it feels like time slows down, the music fading into the background. It’s strange, feeling this pull toward a guy I barely know, but there’s something about him that’s magnetic, like he belongs in this chaotic scene, and I’m just a small part of it.

Jugyoung catches me staring and leans in close, her voice excited as she shouts, “Oh my god, there he is! Can I go talk to him?”

Her eyes are wide and hopeful, her cheeks flushed. She’s had a crush on him from the moment she found out about him, and now that he’s here, I can see she’s practically bursting with excitement.

I hesitate. As her friend, I should be the one encouraging her, telling her to go after her crush. But the truth is, I’m here because of him too, and I can’t help wanting a chance to get to know him myself.

Before I can answer, James slips away, disappearing through a door that leads outside to the pool area. Jugyoung’s face falls slightly, but only for a second before she perks up again.

“I’m going after him!” she says, grinning as she squeezes my hand. “Stay here and keep dancing. I’ll be back soon, I promise!”

The minute Jugyoung leaves, I already feel a pang of loneliness. I glance around the crowded room, realizing that nearly every face here is unfamiliar. People are laughing, shouting, and dancing, all in their own little worlds, and for a second, I feel like I’m floating alone in the chaos.

A tap on my shoulder pulls me from my thoughts. I turn, surprised, to see a guy with kind brown eyes and a smile that’s both shy and inviting.

His soft, wavy brown hair frames his face, falling just over his forehead in a way that appears charming and approachable.

“Hey,” he says, his voice barely loud enough over the music.“Hey,” I reply, not sure if he’s talking to me by mistake.“What a surprise to see you here,” he adds, grinning like we already have some shared history.

I tilt my head, confused. “Wait…do you know me?”

He laughs softly, as if he’d expected my confusion. “Yeah, we’re both in Algebra and Spanish together. I’ve noticed you a few times.”

Oh. Now I feel my cheeks heating up, and I tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear to cover my embarrassment. “I’m sorry! I didn’t realize—I mean, I haven’t noticed,” I manage to stammer out.

He doesn’t seem fazed and just extends a hand with a friendly grin. “I’m Elijah.”

I smile and shake his hand, feeling oddly shy as I introduce myself. “Nice to meet you, Elijah.”

With a bashful smile, he adds, “I’ve actually been wanting to tell you—you’re amazing in Algebra. You make it look easy.”

That throws me off guard. A guy complimenting my studies? Not something I expected at a party, but it’s…kind of sweet. “Thanks,” I say, feeling myself relax a little. “I’m surprised you noticed.”

He chuckles again, softer this time, and just as he’s about to ask if I’d like another drink, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance down, seeing Millie’s name on the screen. My stomach drops instantly. Millie.

I give Elijah an apologetic smile. “Give me one second?”

“Sure,” he says, looking understanding as I step a bit away, hoping the music will drown out any background noise. My mind races, nerves tangled up tight.

My pulse quickens, dread creeping in as I stare at the screen. What am I going to say if she asks where I am?