Between Us

Chapter 12 : Unspoken Bonds

Nudee and I had managed to find a quiet spot away from the crowd, settling down on a large fallen tree trunk. The music and chatter of the party still buzzed around us, but here, it felt a bit more intimate, a place where we could talk. I kept one eye on Engfa, who was now playfully arguing with Jax while the girl stood by, occasionally chiming in.

Nudee nudged me gently, drawing my attention back to her. "You okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Trying to sound nonchalant, I turned to her. "Is Engfa dating that girl?" I asked, nodding towards her.

She followed my gaze, then chuckled. "Pichy? It's complicated," she said, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

I raised an eyebrow, needing more than that cryptic answer. "Complicated how?" I pressed.

She sighed, leaning back slightly as she considered how to explain. "Pichy and Engfa have a history. They've known each other for years, and there was a time when they were really close. There's definitely chemistry there, but it's more like a fling."

I absorbed her words, watching Engfa as she laughed at something Jax said, her carefree demeanor so different from the intense look she'd given me earlier. "So, she's not in a serious relationship with Pichy?"

Nudee shook her head. "Not exactly. Pichy wants more, but Engfa... she's not the settling-down type. She enjoys her freedom too much. "

I nodded slowly, trying to make sense of it all. "But Pichy... she seems pretty into her."

"She is," she confirmed. "And that can be a problem sometimes. Engfa's had to hurt a few people along the way because they wanted more than she could give."

I watched as Pichy leaned in close to Engfa, whispering something in her ear that made her laugh. The sight stirred something uncomfortable inside me. I turned back to Nudee, who was studying me with a curious look.

"Why are you so interested in Engfa's love life?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I felt a blush creeping up my neck. "I'm not," I lied, trying to sound indifferent. "I just... I saw them together, and I was curious. That's all."

Nudee didn't seem convinced, but she let it slide. "Alright, curious girl. Just so you know, Engfa is a free spirit. She does what she wants, when she wants. It's part of what makes her so... magnetic, I guess."

I nodded, my mind racing. Was that why I was drawn to her? Because she was everything I wasn't? Free, bold, unapologetically herself?

Nudee suddenly stood up, grabbing my hand and pulling me off the tree trunk. "Come on, let's dance!" she exclaimed, dragging me back into the throng of people.

As we plunged into the crowd, I felt Engfa's eyes on us, watching our every move. I ignored her, determined to enjoy the night without letting her and Pichy's public display of affection ruin it for me. I kept reminding myself that my attraction to Engfa was just because she embodied the freedom I craved.

Nudee and I reached the dance floor, and I downed my drink in one swift motion, feeling the cool liquid burn a path down my throat. We laughed and danced, our movements syncing effortlessly with the pulsating beat of the music. From the corner of my eye, I saw Engfa still watching us, her gaze intense, while Pichy clung to her side, seemingly unnoticed.

The heat of the dance floor began to get to me, and I felt sweat trickling down my back. I started to pull off my sweater, feeling a rush of cool air against my skin. Nudee noticed and let out an excited cheer, prompting others around us to join in, their voices rising above the music.

"Take it off!" Nudee shouted, laughing and fanning herself dramatically. The surrounding crowd, catching onto the excitement, began to chant along, their collective energy infectious. I laughed, playing along, slowly peeling off my sweater and tossing it aside. The crowd roared in approval, their cheers blending with the pulsating beat of the music.