The Fallen Angel

34.Boring

"**Ero**, my boyfriend?" I blurted out, trying to process the idea. "That's never a headline," I declared with a straight face, while stealing a glance at Ero in his black shirt, looking like he just stepped out of a Mafia movie. Honestly, the guy was so ridiculously handsome it was almost criminal. Those piercing blue eyes, that perfectly styled black hair, and those angry eyebrows that could probably intimidate a bear. Yep, just another day in the soap opera that is my life.

His black shirt clung to his well-built frame in all the right places, accentuating his broad shoulders and chiseled jawline. And those eyes-icy blue orbs that seemed to pierce through your soul, leaving you utterly captivated. His jet-black hair was styled effortlessly, adding an air of mystery to his already enigmatic aura. And let's not forget those eyebrows-sharp and angular, giving him an air of intensity that was both intimidating and irresistible. Yep, he was like a real-life James Bond, minus the tuxedo and martini.

"I guess you got it wrong, Uncle-" I started to say, but before I could finish my sentence, he grabbed me by the side of my hip and pulled me closer into his arms. My heart started doing the cha-cha in my chest, like it had just won the lottery or something. Seriously, my heart needed to chill out; we were at a family gathering, not auditioning for a romantic comedy.

"I missed you," he said, planting a kiss on the corner of my forehead. My heart skipped a beat, then decided to do a full-on drum solo in my chest. Seriously, if my heart had a voice, it would've been screaming, "Code red! We've got a heart attack situation here!" But outwardly, I just smiled and tried not to let on that my internal organs were staging a rebellion against the sudden surge of affection. Ah, family gatherings: where unexpected displays of love can lead to unexpected cardiac events.

"Okay, I'll leave you two lovebirds here and I've got to meet my clients now," Uncle said, giving my hand a squeeze and winking at Ero. As soon as he left, I turned to Ero with a furrowed brow and crossed arms. "What's that all about? Boyfriend?" I demanded, feeling a mix of confusion and irritation.

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked him, but he brushed me off, weaving his way through the crowd. I followed closely behind, determined to get his attention. "Ero, I'm talking to you," I insisted, but he continued to ignore me, his focus on navigating through the throng of people. As the crowd pressed in around me, I felt my frustration growing. "You aren't my boyfriend, and don't you dare think otherwise," I declared, my words falling on deaf ears as all the girls' eyes seemed to be stuck on him. Ah, just another day in the life of trying to reason with an infuriatingly handsome man amidst a sea of admirers.

"I'm talking to you, you idiot!" I shouted in frustration, but Ero remained oblivious, lost in the sea of people. With a heavy sigh, I muttered to myself, "I give up," and came to a stop in the middle of the bustling crowd. My blue attire stood out amidst the chaos, while my hair was a mess from being jostled by the crowd. As I looked around, Hazel's dad passionately explained his business's vision and mission, it was like watching a motivational speaker trying to sell you on the idea of becoming a superhero instead of just running a company. Ah, the joys of corporate presentations-where every slide is an adventure and every bullet point is a plot twist.

There I was, stranded in a sea of blinding lights and partygoers, like a lost puppy at a rock concert. As I scanned the crowd, searching for my partner in crime, Aria, I couldn't help but wonder where the heck she'd disappeared to. With a quick text, I hoped to uncover her whereabouts, only to be met with a message that shattered my hopes like a pinata at a toddler's birthday party. "I'm sorry, El, I won't be making it tonight," flashed across my screen. My eyes bulged in disbelief, and I couldn't resist letting out a dramatic shout to the empty air. "What? I schlepped all the way here because of her, and she's pulling a disappearing act? I swear, I'll wring her neck like a wet dishcloth!" Ah, the unpredictable rollercoaster of friendship-where even the best-laid plans can unravel faster than a cheap sweater in the wash.

"Aww, looks like you're flying solo tonight," Hazel teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. I couldn't help but slump my hand against my cheek in mock disappointment. "Oh, get out of here, Hazel, before I toss you into that punch bowl," I threatened with a grin, but she just laughed, finding my frustration utterly hilarious.

I hoisted my bag over my shoulder, ready to make a swift exit. "I'm outta here, see you later, Party Queen," I declared, attempting to slip away unnoticed. But before I could make my escape, Hazel intervened, blocking my path with a playful smirk. "Why are you bailing so soon? Are you turning into a mama's girl who hits the hay before midnight? Come on, loosen up and join the fun!" she urged, her words dripping with teasing sarcasm. Ah, leave it to Hazel to turn even the most mundane moment into a comedy routine.

"I don't know, Hazel, you've got a track record of leading me into questionable situations, especially when you pull out the caring act," I retorted with a wry smile, rubbing my temples in mock frustration. "But fine, you win this round. Count me in," I conceded, flashing a grin that masked the pain of yet another adventure with my mischievous friend.

She nodded eagerly, ready to whisk me away to another corner of the party. But just as she was about to lead the way, I interjected with a playful warning. "But, Hazel, make sure to keep me out of my uncle's line of sight. He's been hovering over me like I'm under house arrest," I quipped with a grin, rolling my eyes for emphasis.

"Alright, let's spice things up! Follow me to my secret underground lair," Hazel announced with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. We girls eagerly trailed behind her, with the boys not far behind, drawn in by the promise of adventure. As Hazel led the way, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of mischief awaited us in her mysterious basement hideout. Ah, just another unexpected twist in the rollercoaster ride that is a party with Hazel.

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