Unexpected Crush

Part 1

Ivy stood in front of her mirror, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach ever since Lilly had convinced her to attend the party. "Why am I even bothering with this?" she muttered to herself, her reflection looking back at her with uncertainty.

Lilly breezed into the room, excitement lighting up her face. "Come on, Ivy! It's going to be so much fun. You need to get out there and mingle. You can't spend all your time buried in books."

Ivy sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know, Lilly. But I just don't feel like I belong at these kinds of gatherings. I never know what to say or how to act."

Lilly clasped Ivy's hand, determination shining in her eyes. "You're amazing, Ivy. You just need to let yourself shine. And who knows, maybe you'll meet someone special tonight."

Ivy managed a weak smile, knowing that Lilly meant well. "Fine, I'll go. But if I end up standing awkwardly in a corner all night, it's on you."

Meanwhile, Reign sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her hockey stick propped against the wall. The memory of the tough game loss still stung, and she wasn't in the mood to socialize. "I don't know if I can handle a party tonight," she grumbled to herself, running a hand through her short hair.

Her roommate, Jake, entered the room with a concerned expression. "You going to skip the party, Reign?"

Reign shrugged, avoiding Jake's gaze. "I don't really feel like being around a bunch of people right now. Plus, I have practice early tomorrow morning."

Jake nodded, understanding the weight of expectations on Reign's shoulders. "Just remember to take care of yourself, Reign. It's okay to take a break sometimes."

Reign sighed, conflicted. She knew Jake was right, but the thought of facing a crowded party while still reeling from the game was daunting.

As Ivy and Lilly made their way to the party, Ivy couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping up on her. The pulsing music and chatter of the crowd made her feel even more out of place. She stuck close to Lilly, navigating through the sea of people with a tight grip on her hand.

Lilly scanned the room, her eyes lighting up when she spotted a familiar face. "There's Sarah! Let's go say hi."

Ivy hesitated, feeling like a shadow trailing behind Lilly. She forced a smile as they approached Sarah, trying to blend in with the lively atmosphere of the party.

Reign arrived at the party fashionably late, her presence commanding attention as she strode through the door. Despite her inner turmoil, she put on a confident facade, greeting her teammates with easy charm.

One of the guys slapped Reign on the back, a smirk on his face. "Tough loss today, huh, Reign? Better luck next time."

Reign shrugged off the comment, masking her disappointment with a nonchalant grin. "Thanks, but I'll bounce back. No worries."

As the night wore on, Ivy found herself retreating to a quiet corner of the room, seeking solace from the overwhelming noise and chaos. She leaned against the wall, feeling the coolness seeping through her back, grateful for the moment of peace.

Reign's steps faltered as she caught sight of Ivy, her gaze drawn to the solitary figure standing apart from the crowd. Intrigued, she made her way over, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Mind if I join you?"

Ivy looked up, surprised by the interruption. She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, go ahead. It's a bit overwhelming out there."

Reign leaned against the wall beside Ivy, their shoulders almost touching. "I get that. Parties aren't really my scene either."

Ivy studied Reign, noticing the subtle tension in her posture despite her easygoing demeanor. "You play on the hockey team, right? I've seen you around campus."

Reign nodded, a flicker of pride in her eyes. "Yeah, that's me. Reign. And you're Ivy, if I'm not mistaken."

Ivy's lips curved into a small smile. "You remembered my name. Impressive."

Reign chuckled, a warm sound that eased the tension between them. "I have a good memory for details. Plus, you stand out in a room full of people."

Ivy felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, flustered by the unexpected compliment. "Thank you, that's really kind of you to say."

Their conversation flowed easily, the initial awkwardness giving way to a shared sense of understanding. Ivy found herself opening up to Reign in a way she rarely did with others, drawn to the genuine warmth in Reign's eyes.

Reign, in turn, was captivated by Ivy's intelligence and wit, admiring the quiet strength hidden beneath her reserved exterior. As they talked, a sense of connection formed between them, a thread of familiarity weaving its way through the air.

Their laughter mingled with the soft hum of the music, creating a bubble of intimacy amidst the bustling party. Ivy and Reign lost track of time, immersed in their own world of shared stories and hidden truths.

As the night drew to a close, Ivy and Reign exchanged hesitant goodbyes, promises of meeting again hanging in the air. Ivy felt a flutter of excitement in her chest, a new spark igniting within her.

Reign watched Ivy disappear into the crowd, a smile lingering on her lips. She knew, deep down, that their encounter was just the beginning of something special.