The dimly lit bar enveloped us in a haze of murmurs and clinking glasses. Elara's disdain for Mrs. Ji-eun's endearments lingered in the air, and her commentary cut through the atmosphere like a well-sharpened blade.
"I can't believe she calls her that..." Elara scoffed, her disapproval palpable. "It's so gross," she added, a hint of repulsion in her tone.
"I think it's sweet," I replied with a half-smile, my indifference apparent. "Sweet darling?? She probably calls every girl that," Elara retorted, her smirk evident.
"No way," I muttered, a trace of defiance coloring my words. "That's just for Mrs. Ji-eun."
She glowered, smirking. "Well, I bet she'll be calling you sweet darling any day now."
"I don't know about that," I replied, my skepticism clear. "Oh, sure she will. Just let her have a taste," Elara teased, sipping her drink, her eyes flickering with mischief.
Our conversation took a pause as the server delivered our food. Elara playfully interacted with the waiter, her flirtatious banter leaving an impression. As he left, I couldn't help but wish he'd disappear sooner.
"Cheeseburger, extra bloody," the server called out. Elara responded with a sultry "Danke" to the waiter, and a lingering exchange ensued. "Let me know if that's juicy enough for you," he muttered before departing.
"Oh, I will," Elara responded, her gaze lingering on him even after he walked away. We sat in silence for a moment, the unspoken tension between us palpable.
"So, how is she?" Elara finally broke the silence, curiosity etched on her features. I looked up, a scowl forming. "I wouldn't know," I deadpanned, shutting down the inquiry.
"Oh, come on," she urged, undeterred by my reluctance. "I don't really want to talk about that," I stated firmly, my disinterest apparent.
"Oh, okay," she said, taken aback by my refusal. "You really need to relax," she suggested, attempting to ease the tension.
"I don't need anything," I responded, stirring my drink with a furrowed brow. Undeterred, Elara reached into her bag, producing a small pill from a container. "One for you, one for me. Don't worry; it's pure. I got it from San Francisco," she assured me, her eyes glinting mischievously.
"What is it?" I asked, skeptical of her offering. "What are you kidding? You've never rolled," she clarified. I frowned, sipping my iced drink, contemplating the proposition.
"Oh, relax. It'll loosen you up," she insisted, her persistence unwavering. "Wait till you see the night sky," she added, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"How long does it last?" I inquired cautiously. "A couple of hours tops," Elara replied, her gaze locked onto mine. I hesitated for a moment before conceding, "It's okay."
She took the pill back, returning it to its container. "Okay," she said, her eyes briefly avoiding mine. I observed her, remaining skeptical about the impending experience.
The bathroom's harsh neon lights do little to conceal the marks of the night on my face. Returning to the scene, I find Elara deeply immersed in a flirtatious dance with two guys. Exchanges of pills and substances transpire, and I linger at a distance, observing the spectacle.
When Elara spots me, she gasps theatrically and beckons me over. "I thought we could use some company. This is Tom, and this is Jerry," she introduces them with a squeal.
"Actually, it's Andrew," corrects the guy on the left.
"Tom," the British guy states.
"Hmm, I have to go," I declare, hesitant about the unfolding situation.
YOU ARE READING
Swan's Fire
Mystery / Thriller"Or..." Elara's voice trailed off, her dark eyes locking onto Haerin's. "I could just play the black swan for you," she purred, a subtle yet intense challenge in her gaze. Haerin, her heart pounding, couldn't help but smile. "You don't have to do th...
