RafexKiara Tangled Up in All Your Pieces // Riara

Chapter 31

The ringing in their ears drove their eyes to roll back, forcing them to try to balance on the elevator rails.

She palmed her forehead, her eyes flitting between the focal of her hand, overwhelmed by dizziness.

His back was against the cold metal of the walls, seeking to divert his attention away from the overpowering hallucinations.

His chest exhaled deeper breaths, whilst hers exhaled rapidly.

Her silhouette bounced back and forth like a game of ping pong, obscuring his eyesight.

She stiffens her hands, struggling to snap back into reality.

Flashing red lights make them squint and groan.

Her muscles burned with each movement, making her want to lie down.

He bit his lips, cupping his ears, trying to endure the sting of the offbeat mellow of noise.

The ringing finally stops, and their vision becomes clear and focused.

The elevator music starts changing tunes and eventually stops at one.

His breathing patterns became more rapid with each beat of the music.

His hands began to tremble, and it spread to his arms and legs, making him shaky on his feet.

His heart seemed to pound even quicker and harder.

To relax himself, he tried taking a big breath, but his breaths were harsh and shallow.

His vision became darker, smaller, and kaleidoscopic, similar to when you close your eyes and press down on your eyelids to "see stars."

She tilted her head, trying to make sense of his gestures.

Her eyes progressively tear up as a knot forms in her throat.

She wasn't sad or in pain, but she was afraid.

She had already witnessed this episode.

An encounter she tried so hard to ignore.

Despite the fact that it was something she wanted to hold in her palms.

The enticing pale particles deepen and swirl in the storm.

She reaches for his shoulder involuntarily, only for him to clutch her wrist.

His lips parted as he recognized he had no control over the situation.

"Rafe..."

She lets out a low voice, although she wanted it to sound more assuring.

His pupils dilate as he swallows and begins to pace the cramped space.

It suffocated him, causing him to curl his fists and groan.

As she struggles to reach a conclusion, she grips the railing, her fingertips touching the cool metal.

He scrunches his face, cringing while cupping his ears.

The song does not cease, nor does it slow down, increasing his anxiety.

"Rafe, look at me" She started, softly touching his shoulders.

His face is stone cold as he whips his head towards her.

His jaw is clenched, biting down with each second that passes.

She slightly huffs as she draws her hand back.

He clenches his fists and points at her,

"If you hadn't approached that fucker, we wouldn't be, we wouldn't..

He punches the elevator door as he walks to the other side of the elevator.

She flinches, clutching the railing for protection.

She approaches him,

"Hey..hey..." she croaks.

"If YOU!" his voice rises,

"Rafe.. please,"

She places both of her hands on his chest, trying to calm him down.

He clenches his teeth, groaning and tangling his fingers forcefully in his hair.

The music continued to play, causing him to dart his eyes between the elevator's ceiling in search for the speaker.

She was baffled, glancing between him and around the elevator, trying to figure out why the song had such an impact on him.

She cupped her mouth, her eyes widening as she didn't know what to do.

"Is that fucking song really playing!?" Indirectly, he questions the song choice.

His pacing was rocking the elevator, making her anxious because they were on the highest floor, only to be dangling by the elevator's few wires.

The flashing lights mirrored scenarios from a horror film, giving her goosebumps.

His chest tightened, making him feel as if he was going to choke.

His hands were numb, adding to his frustration.

He couldn't feel anything.

Fatigue struck him, making his eyes water.

They stare at one other, his eyes screaming for help, a glassy tinge flashing in his eyes.

"Don't stare at me like...that,"

He takes a step forward, causing her to take a step back.

"KIARA!" He shouts, making her eyes quiver with fear.

He grabs the collar of his shirt, clutching onto the fabric.