Midnight Rendezvous: A SandRay Story

Chapter 10: Cosmic Curveball

Ray's POV

Alright, so here I am, fashionably late to the party, because what's a party without some grand entrance, right? The scene's a mix of familiar faces and a bunch of strangers cluttering up the pool area at Cheum's mansion. There's Mew, all cozy with Top, like they're the cover models for some sappy romance novel. And Cheum? She's in her element, chuckling at Boston's joke. Oh, but there's a new character in this sitcom – this curly-haired dude giving Boston heart eyes. Poor soul.

So, I shuffle over, and Mew leaps up like a puppy on caffeine, greeting me with one of those quick, friendly hugs. Cheum's next, same routine. And Top? Yeah, he's Mr. Cool, a nod my way like I'm part of some secret club. Boston introduces me to his date-of-the-night, Nick. Man, I'm sorry for this dude already – thrown into the lion's den with our rowdy bunch.

Hands over the gift for Cheum – she giggles, gives me a hug. All's normal, right? But then the interrogation begins. Why was I MIA for weeks? What's the scoop? And I'm just sitting there, keeping my heartbreak under lock and key, while they tease me about who-knows-what. Let 'em think whatever they want. They'll never guess what's really going on in my head.

Then, the music starts up, the band's doing their thing on stage. And there he is. Sand. Front and center, guitar in hand, looking like a rockstar sent from heaven. How does he manage to look this good while I've been a mess? He's shining, man, like those weeks of me drowning in my own feelings never happened. It's like Sand's immune to heartbreak, and here I am, nursing my wounds in the shadows.

He's grinning at the crowd, playing the part, and it's like a slap in the face. I can't help but watch him, captivated. And then, the birthday song kicks off, and he turns his head, boba eyes sliding right over to where I'm standing. Next to Cheum, so there's no way he could miss me. But, you know, he plays it cool, like he didn't just catch sight of me after three long weeks.

He sings, he performs, and it's like he's never seen me in his life. Like I'm a nobody in the crowd. It stings, like a freakin' bee. Because seeing him up there, in the spotlight, it's a punch to my gut. Reminds me how much I've been missing his presence, his everything. It's like a cruel reminder of what I lost when our argument tore us apart.

But even with the pain throbbing in my chest, I can't help but appreciate the way he shines. It's like his presence lights up the whole place. And in that moment, I wish I could rewind, undo whatever nonsense happened between us, and just be in his orbit again. But for now, I'm stuck in this bittersweet dance, watching him perform like he's untouchable, while I'm here feeling every damn note he's playing.

Okay, time to get my act together. I'm standing here, drink in hand – scratch that, drinks in hand. Four of 'em gone, like that. The burn's running down my throat, and the buzz is settling into my head. It's like the magic combo for feeling less like a hot mess. So, I put on my best "everything's cool" face and try not to let the chaos of my insides show on the outside. My buddies are busy, lost in their own little worlds, so it's the perfect smokescreen for my act.

Drink number five's next in line, and I'm taking my sweet time with this one. The music's pounding, and I'm pretending like I'm just another face in the crowd, not someone whose heart is doing acrobatics at the sight of Sand up on that stage. He's got this grin plastered on his face, the kind that makes the sun look lazy. And man, I'm about ready to take a swing at anyone who's soaking up that grin like it's free sunshine. That smile used to be for me, dammit.

Finally, the set's done, and Sand's waving his goodbye to the crowd. "Enjoy the party!" he shouts, and then he's offstage. And I'll admit, I didn't think I'd do it, but I can't help myself. I put my drink down, like my lifeline, and I'm on the move. Gotta find him.