Midnight Rendezvous: A SandRay Story

Chapter 9: Heartbreak Is A Great Equalizer

Ray's POV

After that messed up night, my phone got the brunt of my anger and ended up in pieces. I kinda thought it was a twisted blessing though – maybe it'd keep me from reaching out to Sand, even though every fiber of me wanted to. But let me tell you, countless nights after that, I'd be staring at my ceiling, dreaming up his touch, picturing him setting me on fire like he used to, reigniting that craving. Yeah, I resorted to some solo action while imagining Sand in the mix. It's the only way I get any semblance of release, even though it's like a half-assed version of what it once was. And trust me, I've given it a shot with others, like, multiple times. Tried to throw myself back into the scene, hit up bars, flirt with both guys and gals. But guess what? I could never seal the deal. Right when things started heating up, boom, Sand's mug shows up in my mind like an uninvited guest at a party.

You know what's even more messed up? Even Mew, my usual source of calm in the chaos, can't do a damn thing for me these days. Used to be simple – I love Mew and only him, and being his friend was all I needed. But now, even when I'm with him, this restlessness creeps in, like something's missing in the equation.

So, I went back to my tried and true method of dealing with life – dodge the problem like a ninja. I practically ghosted my friends, ducking out whenever I could. Skipping class like it's a new hobby, drinking like there's no tomorrow, and having solo ragers in my crib. Mornings usually greet me with hangovers that could bring down a bull, and before I hit the sack, I make sure to down enough booze to shut up my overactive brain. It's been kind of a breeze, 'cause my buddies are all wrapped up in their own worlds. Boston doing his usual routine, Cheum head over heels with her drummer GF, and Mew? Oh boy, he's all starry-eyed and lovey-dovey with Top. First-time relationship vibes, you know? Top's going all-out with those big gestures and constant attention. What throws me is that I'm not even feeling that green monster jealousy anymore. Just hoping Top doesn't mess Mew up, 'cause trust me, guys like Top are ticking time bombs ready to explode and make a mess.

But who's the real star of the show in my brain? This tall, lean bar singer with eyes that could outsparkle boba pearls, a smile that takes up half his face, and a laugh that's as endearing as a puppy's antics. Even my housekeeper's in on it – she's on the lookout for him when I dare to venture downstairs for some grub. Ugh, Sand, what's your deal, man?

Well, the moment I've been low-key dreading? Yeah, it rolled around like a freight train on steroids – just three weeks after the meltdown. Cheum's birthday is barreling towards me like a bulldozer, and guess who's not allowed to hide under a rock? Yours truly. I mean, the call I got from her was like half birthday invite, half threat. She's got this whole bat-and-car threat going on – like if I dare to bail on her party, my sweet ride is getting a makeover courtesy of her Louisville Slugger. It's funny, though, 'cause even in my current emotional dumpster fire state, her threat kinda tickled my funny bone. Classic Cheum, right? She's got this no-nonsense, badass friend thing down to a science.

So yeah, Cheum's had it with my whole avoiding-the-world gig. She's hit me up more times than I can count – texts, calls, the whole nine yards. And when she finally caught me on the phone, she sounded like she was ready to toss a fridge out the window. But she's also got this heart of gold, 'cause underneath that tough exterior, she just wants her buddy back.

So, I caved. I'm rolling up my sleeves, slapping on a fake smile (I've been practicing in the mirror, trust me), and I'm ready to face the music – or in this case, the party. Promised Cheum I'd be there, just to get her off my back, really. She's one of the few people who can light a fire under my procrastinating behind.

Who knows? Maybe showing up at this party is just what I need. A little bit of distraction, some good old friend time, and maybe a slice of cake to soothe the storm raging in my gut. But hey, there's no telling what kind of chaos Cheum got cooked up for her own birthday bash. And if there's one thing I can count on, it's that when Cheum's involved, things are gonna get wild. Who knows, maybe amidst the chaos and laughter, I'll manage to piece myself back together, even if it's just for a night.