BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

Chapter 6:BEDTIMES ARE FOR LOSERS.

*MAYA*

"Hello...party animals! Are you ready to have some fun tonight?"

The DJ's voice boomed through the crowd as the infectious beat of "Uptown Funk" reverberated from the massive speakers, creating a pulse in the air that vibrated through the basement walls. The moment I stepped into Noah’s dimly lit underground hideaway, the scent of excitement mingled with the faint aroma of sweat and spilled drinks, welcoming me into a realm of youthful abandon.

A mischievous grin crept across my face as I surveyed the lively scene before me. "When aren't we ever ready for fun?" I thought to myself, taking a refreshing sip from my plastic cup, the fizzy drink tingling against my lips. I don’t mean to boast, but we’ve been throwing parties like this since our high school days—each one a tapestry of laughter, wild stories, and unforgettable memories. Some of our gatherings had even grown larger, transforming into legendary events that echoed through the halls of our school.

Now, as we transitioned into college life, a carefree spirit surged within us. The thrill of staying out all night no longer terrified us; instead, it excited us. The notion of slipping out after dark and losing ourselves in the rhythm of the night felt like an essential rite of passage. It was as if the freedom to party until dawn came hand in hand with the very essence of being a college student, entwining our lives in a vibrant tapestry of adventure and camaraderie.

The atmosphere was thick with excitement and the unmistakable scent of indulgence as I navigated through the throngs of partying revelers. I crinkled my nose in distaste at the sharp, pungent smell of weed wafting through the air, mixing with the intoxicating mix of sweat and spilled drinks. Yikes! Hasn’t the party just kicked off about thirty minutes ago?

It seemed almost surreal how quickly the buzz of alcohol had transformed this gathering, with nearly everyone already stumbling beyond the boundaries of sobriety.

“Hey, Maya!”

A voice pierced through the booming bass of the music, pulling my attention. I turned to see Noah making his way toward me, a cup in hand, a look of contagious enthusiasm dancing on his features.

At least he didn’t appear to be intoxicated, which made two of us amidst the chaos.

“Hey, Noah! You really know how to throw a party!”

I gestured around, taking in the impressive scene he had orchestrated. Noah nodded in appreciation, his smile revealing an impeccable set of teeth that gleamed in the dim light. For a fleeting moment, I was jolted by memories of Andrew; his powerful smile, complete with those irresistible dimples, would always make my heart leap—just fantastic!

I can’t believe I'm even thinking about that jerk at a time like this. Did I really just say Andrew has sexy dimples? No way! They’re not sexy at all! Bad, bad, Maya! (Groans internally) Why the hell is he occupying my mind right now?

“Thanks, I really have to give my folks credit for letting me use this place as often as I do,” Noah’s voice cut through the chaos of my thoughts.

He suddenly stood uncomfortably close to me, and I couldn't help but wonder how he had closed the distance so quickly.

''Huh?"

I muttered, my thoughts stumbling back to our earlier conversation (get it together, Maya!). Noah gestured with his hand, finishing off a cup of something that looked suspiciously intoxicating before continuing with a casual air.