Bubble Tea

a heart's tempest

Song for the chapter: Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo

Andres' POV:

I stumbled into my room after coming back from the party, the buzz of the party still echoing in my ears. But my mind was far from the laughter and music. It was consumed by a heavy, suffocating silence-a silence that carried the weight of betrayal.

As I closed the door behind me, the facade I had worn all evening shattered. Alone in the darkness of my room, the truth I had been avoiding crashed over me like a tidal wave. I couldn't sleep. How could I, knowing what I had done?

The image of Nicoli haunted me relentlessly, it was a reflection of my own stupidity, my own weakness. His lips pressed against mine, and I let it happen. How could I be so blind? How could I let Nicoli deceive me again?

I paced the room, my thoughts racing in circles. Nicoli wasn't the person I once knew. He had morphed into something twisted and manipulative, a far cry from the best friend I used to trust. Yet, I had fallen for his charm once more, believing his lies.

The tears I had held back all evening finally spilled over. I couldn't contain the anguish, the sense of betrayal gnawing at my insides. What had I become? How could I have let this happen?

I stumbled into the bathroom, needing to wash away the memory of Nicoli's touch. I scrubbed my lips until they stung, trying to rid myself of the taste of deceit. But no amount of water could cleanse the shame I felt.

I leaned over the sink, nausea rising in my throat. I retched into the basin, my body rejecting the truth along with last night's drinks. I felt sick-physically and emotionally.

Audrey. The thought of her tore at my heart. She had been there for me, believed in me, even in our fake relationship. What would she think if she found out? How could I face her knowing I had betrayed her trust?

I sank to the bathroom floor, the weight of my actions crushing me. I had tried to keep up appearances at the party, to pretend that everything was normal. But inside, I was unraveling, consumed by regret and self-loathing.

Nicoli, that cunning fox. He had played me like a puppet, manipulating my emotions for his own gain. How could I have been so blind? How could I have let myself be used so callously?

I wiped my eyes, trying to collect myself. I couldn't change what had happened, but I had to find a way to make things right. If Audrey ever found out, I would have to face the consequences. But for now, the thought of her discovering the truth terrified me more than anything.

I stumbled back to bed, hours passed, a silent battle fought in the darkness of my room. Eventually, exhaustion won out, and sleep reluctantly embraced me. But it was a restless slumber, plagued by nightmares and a subconscious echo of Audrey's disappointment.

Morning broke with a dull ache behind my eyes, a reminder of the choices made and the consequences faced. I stumbled to the bathroom, nausea rising anew as the events of last night flooded back. The bitter taste of regret mingled with the bile in my throat.

I retched into the sink, ashamed of my own weakness, my own inability to see through Nicoli's facade. I splashed water on my face, trying to wash away the shame and self-disgust that clung to me like a second skin.

Looking into the mirror, I barely recognized the person staring back at me. This wasn't who I wanted to be-broken and manipulated. Nicoli's betrayal cut deep, but I couldn't let it define me. I had to be stronger than this, stronger than the mistakes I had made.

I forced myself to take a shower, the hot water a feeble attempt to cleanse more than just my body. Each drop that hit my skin felt like a small act of defiance against Nicoli's attempts to unravel me.