The Love Blooming In Us

Celebration

Mia:-

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror, adjusting my outfit for the evening. Tonight is Ethan's birthday party which Lily mentioned and Ethan had invited me along with Lily. My mind wandered as I pondered the impending festivities.

I wore a Balck dress added some jewellery styled my hair beautifully and I was ready to go.

As I made my way to the venue, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. I know Austin would be there too, and that our continued rivalry would undoubtedly add an interesting dynamic to the evening.

Entering the vibrant party venue, I could spot some new and familiar faces. I immediately spotted Lily by the refreshments table. Her friend gave her a warm smile and beckoned her over.

"Mia! You look amazing!" Lily exclaimed, admiring my outfit.
"Thanks, Lily. You look stunning as always." I replied.

And we started chatting about the day as we made our way through the crowd, exploring the various activities and socializing with friends.

I couldn't help but notice the playful glances Austin and Ethan exchanged from across the room. The sight brought a mischievous twinkle to my eyes.

Austin was looking a different today. Not that school uniform but a black shirt and pants with a jacket, he was looking handsome, I guess.

Spotting an opportunity for some fun, I glanced at Lily and whispered, "Watch this." I approached Ethan and Austin, who were engaged in a very friendly conversation.

"Well, well, well," I chimed in, "If it isn't my two favorite rivals."

Austin raised an eyebrow, playing along, "Well, Mia, I must admit, you always manage to bring excitement to any occasion."

Ethan chuckled, "It wouldn't be a party without a little friendly competition, right?"

I leaned against a nearby table, a sly smile on my face. "Oh, come on, boys. I thought we could set our rivalry aside for tonight. After all, it's your birthday Ethan."

Ethan eyed me suspiciously, "And what's the catch, Mia? We know you too well to believe you'd give up a chance to one-up us."

I feigned innocence, "Oh, no catch. I just thought we could enjoy the night without constantly trying to outwit each other, nothing more nothing less."

And as the conversation continued, we shared laughter, stories, and even a few good-natured jabs at each other. Soon Lily joined us too. I couldn't help but marvel at how effortless the banter felt, as if we were long-time friends, rather than academic rivals.

As the night wore on, I pulled myself into various conversations with different partygoers. And now I was sitting on a sofa, engrossed in a conversation with Lily and a few other friends.

Austin happened to pass by, and I  couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him.

"Hey, Austin! Join us, won't you? We're talking about the most fascinating topic - the intensity of academic rivalries," I said with a mischievous twinkle in my eyes.

I thought as usual he will roll his eyes and will walk away, surprisingly he took the bait.

He smirked he smirked? taking a seat beside me. "Well, I've certainly had my fair share of intense rivalries. It's always a challenge trying to stay ahead of the competition."

And their our conversation started flowing effortlessly as we discussed our experiences, shared anecdotes, and even discovered shared hobbies and interests.

I couldn't help but be drawn to his intelligence and wit, appreciating the deeper layers that lay beneath his grumpy exterior.

As the party neared its end, I and Austin were standing together near the exit, gazing out at the star-lit night sky.

The atmosphere was charged with unspoken words and a newfound connection. I took a deep breath, breaking the silence.

"How is aunt Jules?" I asked.
"She is same. Healthy, workaholic and
All good."
"Oh, it's been a long time since I met her. The last time I saw here was when I was in the hospital."

"And you cried your eyes out for getting an injection." He smiled.
"Hey, injections are scary. And don't smile. Wait how do you know that? I don't remember you were present there."

"Mom told me when she came home that Ms.Evans brought her daughter and she cried her eyes out and was screaming on her top of lungs." And he started laughing.

I wanted to answer back but I couldn't, help this is not good. This the first time ever I saw him laughing. But why is looking so fine while laughing. Did he looked like this all the time.

I don't know why but I can hear my heartbeats in my ears. This is not good, mia this is not at all good. Get a hold on yourself.

"Hey stop laughing. Also it's getting late so I should go now or the buses will be all gone." I said.
He looked at me with those beautiful eyes, no with his eyes and said "Okay"

And without wasting a second more there I walked straight to the bus stop.
I quickly messaged Lily that I am going home now.

I sat on the bench at the bus stop and wonder about the interaction that just happened some minutes ago. Why was he looking so handsome today?

He looks handsome every day it's just you who noticed it today. A voice in my head said. Yes maybe he looked like that every day but why did I noticed it today. Maybe there was a change in your heart. Shut up, it's nothing like that.

A few people walking around me started looking at me. Good, so now I started to talk to myself, it won't be soon that I am hospitalized in a mental hospital. Oh god, this is embarassing. I just want to go home as soon as possible.

And the bus arrived just after a two minutes of me embarassing myself.
As soon as I reached home, I went to my bedroom, closed the door, changed myself in comfortable clothes after washing up and lied down on my bed.

I tried to sleep but my mind just couldn't stop thinking. the events of today replayed in my head. And I just couldn't stop thinking about how normal our conversation was.

It was the same as when we met for the first time at the elementary school. No competition, No rivalries, nothing just friends who helped each other, laughed together and shared things.

A unknown smile played on my face.
And while thinking about those days sleep took me in. And I feel into a peaceful sleep.
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Word count:- 1137 words
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