MIRRORBALL ; QUINN HUGHES

Three

i wish you were sober

- ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ conan gray

TATE

I TOLD myself that I would branch out when I arrived at the lake house, that I wouldn't seem miserable and hide out in the guest room during my stay.

I smoothed my hands down the jean mini skirt as I stepped into Louie's house party; the Hughes next door neighbor.

The music shook the ground as it littered with empty cans, people scattered everywhere, leaning against walls and scampering to find an empty bedroom. I groaned, pulling my brows together.

"What about this is fun?" I cocked a brow, glancing at Luke who stood beside me as we walked deeper into the large house.

"It'll be fun once you're tipsy." Luke shot me a playful wink as he took my hand, leading me into the kitchen. "He has a party every year. They're unforgettable."

I hummed, raising my brows as I watched him pour a worrying amount of vodka into my punch. He slid the drink towards me with a grin.

"Try." Luke urged. I brought the solo cup to my lips, tilting my head back as I swallowed the liquid. I scrunched my face up at the overwhelming burning sensation. "Good?"

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, forcing a nod. "Yeah, sure. It's just a little strong."

"It's okay." Luke shrugged, darting his eyes behind me. "Hey, I'm gonna go say hi real quick. Are you okay?"

I parted my lips as I nodded. "Yeah, fine. I'll stay here."

Luke brushed past me, leaving me in the kitchen as I walked to press my back into the counter, observing the hectic space around me.

My eyes stilled as I locked a strong gaze with an unfamiliar face across the room. He eyed me carefully, pulling his brows together as he seemed to figure out who I was.

He muttered something to his friends next to him before making his way over to me. I pressed myself harder against the counter as the stranger approached me.

His hair was honey blonde, sweeping just over his eyebrows as the color complimented the honey speckles in his light eyes.

"Hi." He stopped in front of me, a wide-tooth grin accompanying his heart lips. "My names Nathan."

I glanced down at his hand, taking it with hesitation as I chuckled. "Hi. I'm Tate."

"Tate." He repeated, tilting his head to the side. "I've never seen you here before."

I tucked my hair behind my ear, awkwardly. "Yeah, I'm staying for the summer. I live around an hour from here."

Nathan hummed, biting down on his lip as he leaned in closer to me. "It's really loud in here. Do you want to go outside?"

I glanced around in search for the tall curly headed boy. Once there was no sign of him, I nodded. Nathan wrapped his fingers around my wrist, keeping me pressed into his back to avoid loosing me in the crowd.

The slight breeze brushed upon my bare skin as we stepped outside. The goosebumps didn't appear until I laid eyes upon the sight in front of me.