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Arsyne stood in front of her full-length mirror, scrutinising her reflection for the tenth time. She wiped her clammy hands on her thighs, releasing a deep breath to calm herself, which seemed futile. The black Mônot low-rise mini skirt clung to her figure, showcasing her long golden legs and encompassing her ass greatly. The see-through lace top offered a tantalising glimpse of the black bra underneath which cupped her breasts tightly, displaying her enticing cleavage. Her cropped Prada leather jacket hung open, adding a touch of rebellious elegance, and the Steve Madden Elkah black leather boots made her feel both powerful and vulnerable.
Her thin platinum silver locs, freshly retwisted, were pulled halfway up into a claw clip, most of them cascading down her back. Gold jewellery adorned her wrists, neck, and ears, and the star-shaped gold grills on two of her teeth sparkled, every time she moved her lips.
Despite her striking appearance, Arsyne felt a storm of nerves churning in her stomach. Every breath she took felt heavier than the last, her eyes glossing over at the thought that she might not look as good as she thinks, and she'll be a laughing stock amounts her peers. She paced up and down her bedroom, her heart racing, beating out of her chest. Every time she caught her reflection, she felt a mixture of confidence and anxiety.
This was not her usual environment. Alcohol, loud music, hookup culture. She was an introvert, comfortable in the solitary world of her music and art, not at parties filled with people and noise. She was happy in her own way.
The words Asa spoke a few hours ago came to mind. "You need to unwind."
The whirlwind of thoughts made her fidget with her fingers, "What am I doing?" she muttered to herself, her voice breaking in defeat. Her fingers started playing nervously with the lace of her top, and the urge to rip it off grew stronger as the seconds ticked by.
"I should just stay home and practice. I'm not cut out for this. What if I embarrass myself? I don't even like anyone there...I don't even know anyone there."
And who's fault is that? She thought to herself spitefully.
But Asa had insisted, and Arsyne knew she needed a break. If she didn't go, she would crash out. The pressure from her parents, the constant push to be the best—it was all becoming too much. She stopped pacing, took a deep breath, and looked at herself in the mirror. "It's not that serious, it's just a party. A couple of drinks, some dancing and I'm out," she whispered to herself in the dimly lit room.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing downstairs. She jumped, her heart leaping into her throat. "Girl, finally," she thought, the nerves simmering down slightly. Asa was here.
She quickly grabbed her small black Jacquemus purse and rushed down the stairs, her boots clicking against the hardwood floor. She sighed in relief at the start of the night.
Swinging the door open, she prepared to greet her best friend, but her smile faltered when she looked up at who was standing there. Akira Saito, his tall frame filling the doorway, looked her up and down, his gaze lingering a little too long on her cleavage.
"Zervas," he greeted, his voice deep and smooth. "Nice outfit."
She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling exposed under his scrutinising gaze. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her tone sharp with surprise and annoyance. Her eyes were wide and her head tilted to the side. She looked behind to check if maybe Asa was hiding behind his large figure that reached the top of her doorframe.
He cleared his throat, his eyes finally meeting hers, a clash of honey and onyx. "Asa's going to be a little late. She asked me to come and make sure you get to the party safely."
"Why didn't she tell me? I don't need a babysitter," she scoffed in disbelief, trying to ignore the way his eyes seemed to undress her figure. His gaze was unapologetic, he silently wished she would put her pride aside and beg for him to take her.
He smirked, amused with her words. "Looking like that, I doubt it."
Arsyne rolled her eyes, her irritation growing. "I'm more than capable of taking care of myself, Saito. I don't need you."
"Maybe not," he replied, his tone teasing. "But I'm here, and Asa will skin me alive if I leave you here, even though I really want to, so, get your stuff, we're leaving."
She huffed, grabbing her phone and closing the door. The keypad on the door beeping and locking itself. "Fine, but I'm not happy about this."
His smirk widened, clearly amused by her resistance. "Don't care. Now, let's go."
They took the elevator down, the silence between them thick with tension, he kept glancing down at her figure while she avoided his cold, dark eyes. Arsyne couldn't help but notice how out of place she felt next to him, despite their shared status as top students at ARSFA, they were just too different. As they walked out of the lobby, Akira's presence seemed to attract attention from passersby, his confident stride and good looks making him the centre of every glance. Envious looks were thrown at the brown-skinned girl for even being near him, but she walked right beside him, not caring for the people around.
However, inside she was a writing mess of self-doubt and self-consciousness. Her face didn't show it. She was trained that way, to keep a cool and nonchalant façade, no matter the circumstances.
Akira paused at the curb, glancing around. "Nice neighborhood," he commented, opening the car door for her to his Lamborghini Urus. "Not far from my place."
"Is that an invitation or something?" She frowns and leans away from him. His kindness was starting to freak her out. Over the course of two years, this is the most they have spoken in a span of a week.
"If you want it to be." He laughs in response.
Arsyne slid into the passenger seat, muttering thanks when she noticed the open door he was holding out for her. Despite his arrogance, she couldn't deny he had manners. As he got into the driver's seat, she couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was going to be more complicated than she had anticipated.
The car ride was silent, the air between them charged with unspoken words and unresolved tension. The sound of soft music filled up the empty space. Arsyne stared out the window, trying to focus on the passing scenery instead of the man next to her. His expensive cologne engulfed her senses making her thoughts run.
She had always seen Akira as an arrogant rival, but tonight, under the dim city lights, there was something different about him. Something that made her heart race in a way that had nothing to do with nerves.
As they approached the party, a large mansion filled with drunken students and random people was in view. Akira finally broke the silence. "You look good tonight, Arsyne," he said, his voice softer than she expected.
She glanced at him, surprised by the compliment, her brows furrowed at his change of character. "Thanks," she replied, her tone grudging but sincere.
He parked the car and turned to her, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch and thighs clench. "Just try to have fun tonight, okay? Forget about everything else for a few hours."
Arsyne nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll try."
"Whatever you do, don't leave my side."
With that, they stepped out of the car and headed towards the party, the night air filled with the promise of unexpected moments and the possibility of something more.
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𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐲𝐧
Teen Fiction"Don't talk to me. Don't look at me. Don't think about me. Don't even breath in my direction." Akira said before walking away from her. She sighed loudly in exasperation, barely keeping up with his long strides. After a few minutes he suddenly stopp...
