Make It Right

15- So Close

The  banters over that kiss slowly subsided as everyone started to get cozy with their partners. Justin and Leila felt the weight of that moment, feeling awkward as they stood in the middle of the room, a short distance from each other. All of a sudden, the room felt like it was closing in on them drawing them closer and closer.

It must be the alcohol, Leila thought as her  body started to feel warm, her hands starting to feel clammy at her sides as her heart as her heartbeat started to race . Oh no, she thought, it's happening again, she told herself as she became more conscious of Justin's proximity from her. She takes a long deep breath and grabbed the floral scrunchie at her wrist so she could tie her hair into a knot. Doing that is a hell of a lot better than just standing and hopefully, it'll help cool her body down too.

Justin watched her movement from the side of his eyes, pretending he wasn't paying attention. Kissing her on the forehead was a last minute decision for him when he was really aiming for her lips. Having her in his arms when they hugged after they won the game almost made him lose control as his body reacted instantly as he remembered how she felt and tasted like. But he also recalled what she told him earlier, on how she was thankful that he respected her rather than take advantage of her drunk state that night they met...and that's what made him instantly change his mind.  He didn't want to spoil things for them when things were getting better.

He watched Leila pull her hair up, he could almost feel the weight of her reddish-brown hair as he buried his hands through them when they kissed the night they met. He had to get that thought out of his head otherwise, he'd follow what his body wants, all consequences be damned. Out of desperation, he decided to divert on the one thing he usually resorts to in channeling his frustration.

Leila was startled by Justin's sudden movement when he walked away and disappeared around the corner. He came back with a large gym bag.

"Let's do some mitt work and show me what you've got. Jessica have been telling us so much about your skills." He told Leila as he started unpacking hitting pads, hand wraps and a pair of boxing gloves.

Leila blinked at him catching her off guard. 

"Seriously? Right now?" They just finished a game of beer pong and both of them had a number of drinks. He also had been drinking earlier too so he should be feeling woozy.

"Yes, right now. I'm curious on how good you really are." Justin gives her a toothy smile, making him look cute. Leila looked away and shooed that thought away.

"Uhm, that is quite random at this time of the night don't you think?" 

"Come on Lei, don't embarrass me after all that bragging that I did." Jessica suddenly spoke surprising her friend who thought no one was paying attention to them. 

"Well, you shouldn't be bragging in the first place." Leila scolds her lightly. "Besides, it's a very odd time to do this, don't you think?" 

"It doesn't matter, we're in a place where time stands still and nothing else matters but the present." Christine added. Using the quote she used in her her vlog earlier when she was editing it. 

"There's no specific time for a work-out, that's why we have 24 hour gyms now." Justin reasoned out.

Min suddenly laughed.

"FYI, it's normal if you see Justin suddenly working out in the middle of the night."

Leila sighs as she walked towards Justin who smiled in relief  when she extended her right hand so he could start putting the hand wraps on her. He did it quickly and efficiently but when he started to put the boxing gloves on, she voiced out another complaint.