Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 15

I throw on a bra, grab one of Aiden's oversized button-up shirts, and pair it with some black baggy jeans. My hair is a mess, but I leave it as is. When I walk out, Belle's already gone, and Kai and Aiden are glued to the couch, absorbed in their video game. Typical. Of course, they wouldn't be having any real conversations about anything important. Rolling my eyes, I head for the door.

"Where you going?" Aiden calls out, but I ignore him, slipping on my shoes before heading out of the apartment. I don't want to talk to him right now. Once I get downstairs, I wait outside until Soren pulls up on his motorcycle.

I smile as he takes off his helmet, his grin as effortless as ever.

"Hey," he says, and I can't help but smile back, though I wave a bit shyly. He still makes me so nervous.

"Hi." I manage a small smile, making brief eye contact before quickly looking away. It's too much.

"You look great," he says, and I bite my lower lip, trying to act like I don't care about his compliment.

"Thanks," I reply, unable to stop the smile from creeping back. He places a hand on my waist, pulling me closer, and my heart skips. There's something electrifying in the way he touches me. He grabs a helmet and helps me put it on, and I climb onto the back of the bike. The moment he starts driving, the thrill of it all rushes back, and I realize how much I've missed this.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, what happened?" Soren asks, passing me the joint. We've been lying on the grass in the park for about ten minutes, laughing for no reason. I don't even know why, but everything seems funny right now.

"Oh, now you care?" I tease, taking a drag.

"Hey, I'm smart. I could totally help," he says, smirking. I laugh.

"Smart people usually don't go around telling people they're smart." I tease him back, and he steals the joint from me as revenge.

"You don't deserve my weed," he grumbles, making me giggle.

"Remember Belle and Kai?" I ask, and he nods. "And remember Chris, Belle's boyfriend?" Another nod. I take a deep breath. "Well, she cheated on him. With Kai."

He sighs, shaking his head. "Humans are idiots." He takes a hit and passes the joint back. "Is it even a good relationship?"

I shrug. "They're toxic, but they also kind of love each other. It's complicated."

"Do Kai and Belle even like each other? Or how did that happen?" He seems oddly invested.

"They said it was a drunken mistake. Happened at the wedding," I explain, and he chuckles.

"So... last night?" he asks.

"Yeah, I guess," I laugh. "Feels like it happened days ago."

"And now you're pissed because they're two of your best friends, right?" He's sharp, I'll give him that.

I laugh again. "Wow, you're really into this."

He rolls his eyes, taking another drag. "I just want you to feel better."

I smile at that. "I warned her about Kai, you know? Like two days ago. Told her he can be... charming. And I told Kai to keep his distance because she's sensitive and, well, a little too easily swayed by attention."

"Sounds like you tried to protect them both. Sucks they didn't listen." He's empathetic, but straightforward.

"Yeah, but the real issue is, I told her she needs to tell Chris. That he deserves to know. You know, honesty in a long-term relationship and all that."