Bound by Shadows

Chapter Two

ᴇʟᴀʀᴀ'ꜱ ᴘᴏᴠ

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In the chaos of the café, Lucas's presence was a spotlight I desperately wished to escape. He sauntered over with an easy confidence that made my stomach churn, his smirk plastered across his face like he owned the place.

Cora's eyes darted between us, a silent plea for calm. She could sense the tension crackling in the air. Oscar, sitting uncomfortably at the edge of the group, seemed oblivious to the storm brewing. He raised an eyebrow, trying to gauge the mood.

"Didn't expect to see you here." Oscar said, his voice steady.

Lucas leaned against the table, arms crossed, his gaze flickering to me. "Funny how that works, isn't it?"

Paul snickered, shifting in his seat to get a better view. "What's the matter, Ela? Jealous? You think you can scare him off with that glare?"

My jaw tightened. "I'm not trying to scare anyone."

"Sure, but it's a cute look for you," Paul continued, his tone mocking.

Lucas chuckled, his amusement only adding to my frustration. I could feel my cheeks flushing under their scrutiny, the weight of their eyes making it hard to breathe.

"Let's not make a scene," Oscar interjected, sensing the tension spiraling out of control. "We're just here to hang out."

"Yeah, hanging out sounds great," Lucas said, casually brushing off the moment like it was nothing. He shot me a glance, his smirk still in place. "I'll catch you tomorrow, Oscar."

"Tomorrow it is," Oscar replied, trying to keep things light, but even he looked a bit unsettled.

With that, Lucas pushed off the table, tossing a casual wave to the group before turning to leave. Paul and Charles followed him, their laughter trailing behind them like smoke.

As soon as they were out the door, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Sorry about that," Cora said, concern etched on her face. "I thought it would be fine."

"Fine?" I scoffed, trying to shake off the remnants of discomfort. "That was anything but fine."

"I know, I know." She looked down at her drink, swirling it absentmindedly. "Maybe we should've just gone to the park instead."

"Yeah, because that would've been a much more peaceful setting." I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the hint of a smile that broke through.

Liam and Leo exchanged a glance, clearly sensing the tension had dissipated. "We should get going," Liam suggested. "It's starting to rain, and I'm not keen on getting drenched."

Cora nodded, her face softening. "Let's go, then."

As we stepped outside, the sky was a heavy slate gray, droplets already beginning to fall. I hurried along, trying to shake off the remnants of the café drama. The rain was steady, pattering against my skin as I walked, and I wrapped my arms around myself for warmth.

The streets felt different in the rain—darker, quieter. The familiar sights blurred through the droplets on my glasses, each step a reminder of the chaos I couldn't quite escape. I walked alone, feeling the weight of the world settle on my shoulders.

By the time I reached home, the sky had darkened further, the streetlights flickering on in a weak attempt to ward off the encroaching night. I pushed the door open, the familiar creak sounding like a sigh of relief.