Sixteen

As we stepped back into the bustling party, the vibrant music and laughter of our friends filled the air. Yet, it all felt distant, like background noise to the thoughts swirling in my mind. Alex stayed close by my side, his presence comforting, but my heart was still tangled in the unexpected emotions that had surfaced on the balcony.

We moved through the crowd, accepting birthday wishes and small talk from friends, but I couldn't fully engage. My mind kept drifting back to the look in Jack's eyes, the way he had leaned in, and how it had made me feel. I wanted to shake the feeling off, to focus on the present and the boy who had just made a grand gesture of love for me.

"Do you want to dance?" Alex asked, pulling me back to the moment. His voice was hopeful, and I could see he was trying to make this night special for me.

"Yeah," I said, managing a smile. "I'd love that."

He led me to the dance floor, where couples swayed to the soft melody. Alex wrapped his arms around me,