Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 21

The weekend rolled around fast, and I couldn't be happier. Aiden finally dove back into making music and managed to land a gig at a festival. It starts Friday and runs through Sunday, so we're making a full weekend out of it. I love it when he performs at these because we always get backstage passes, and, of course, he gets the artist pass. I won't lie—festivals without that privilege? A nightmare. Long lines for everything, overpriced food and drinks—it's chaos. Plus, backstage, you get to meet other artists, which is honestly the best part. I invited Belle, but, predictably, she declined. Kai's going, and Belle's still not into hanging out with him. I used to enjoy those rare times we were all together, me and my boys with Belle around too, but I guess I'll have to accept that those days are probably gone for now.

"Hey, Aiden?" I call out to him. He looks up from his DJ set-up, fingers still hovering over his equipment.

"What's up?" he asks, turning fully to face me.

"Think you could snag one more backstage pass?" I bite my lip, glancing at him hopefully.

Aiden's brow arches. "Did Belle change her mind?" he guesses, catching Kai's attention from across the room. I shake my head quickly.

"No... I was actually thinking of someone else..." I mumble, feeling my cheeks heat up a little.

Aiden smirks knowingly, holding my gaze. "Soren," he says, chuckling. "Don't sweat it; I already invited him."

My jaw drops. "Wait, what? Why?"

He shrugs, grinning. "Because I've noticed you avoiding him, and if there's one thing I know about you, it's that you're great at sabotaging yourself. Figured I'd save you from any regrets. Also... he's my homie now too. I like the guy."

I blink, still processing. It's true; they've been getting close. They play online games together, and every time Aiden's gone to Eddy's for weed lately, he's hung out with Soren for hours. He used to be back in like, twenty minutes—now he's there for hours on end. I never would've guessed they'd click like that. Part of me wonders if Soren ever asks about me, but... probably not. Guys don't really do that, right?

"Wow, thank you, Aiden," I say, softer this time, actually touched. "I'm... kinda scared to see him again." I sink down next to Kai on the couch.

Kai snorts, barely glancing up from his phone. "Don't stress it. You're hot; he likes you."

I roll my eyes, and Aiden laughs, shaking his head at Kai's blunt comment.

"Shut up, that's not even what I'm worried about," I mumble, nudging Kai's leg with my foot.

He reaches over, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and tugging me down onto his lap. He ruffles my hair with a grin. "Just messing with you, Ly," he teases, laughing as I squirm.

With a huff, I grab my phone to check for any messages, and sure enough, there's a text from Soren.

still avoiding me?

sorry had a lot going on

u comin to the festival?

depends

on what?

if u r comign or not

i am

then ill see u there

cant wait

ChatGPT:I tuck my phone away, a huge grin spreading across my face. This boy is driving me insane—why am I acting like I'm sixteen again? I need to push these thoughts aside for a second. There are more important things to focus on right now, like figuring out what I'm going to wear.