Collide

n i n e

Sloane

The party is still in full swing when I make my way back into the house, my heart pounding from the intensity of my encounter with Malachi. I can't shake the feeling of his lips on mine, the heat of his touch lingering on my skin like a brand. But I push those thoughts away, forcing myself to focus on anything but him. Tonight, I just need to get through the rest of this party without falling apart.

As I step back into the living room, the noise and chaos crash over me, a stark contrast to the quiet tension of the backyard. People are still packed into every corner, dancing, laughing, and drinking like there's no tomorrow. It's almost overwhelming, the sheer volume of it all, but I force myself to blend in, to become just another face in the crowd.

I spot Hazel and Nico by the pool table in the corner, their heads bent together as they argue over a shot. Theo is leaning against the wall nearby, his usual easygoing grin in place as he watches them bicker. The sight of them, so normal and familiar, is like a lifeline, grounding me in the present and reminding me that there's more to this night than whatever just happened with Malachi.

"Hey," I say as I approach, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil still churning in my gut. "You guys mind if I join?"

Hazel looks up, a smile spreading across her face as she sees me. "Of course! Nico's just mad because I'm about to beat him."

Nico scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Please. You've only won one game tonight. Don't get cocky."

"Don't listen to him," Hazel says, winking at me. "He's just bitter because I'm finally catching up."

Theo chuckles, shaking his head. "You two are ridiculous. But yeah, Sloane, jump in. We could use a fresh perspective."

I grab a pool cue from the rack on the wall and move to stand beside Hazel, who's lining up her next shot. "So, what's the score?"

"Hazel's ahead by one," Theo supplies, crossing his arms over his chest. "But Nico's convinced he's about to stage a comeback."

"And I will," Nico insists, narrowing his eyes at the table as if it's personally offended him. "Just you wait."

"Sure you will," Hazel says, her tone teasing as she sinks her shot with ease. "But until then, I'm the reigning champ."

Nico groans, running a hand through his hair. "You're insufferable."

"I prefer to think of it as confidence," Hazel says, grinning at him as she steps back to let me take my turn.

As I line up my shot, I can't help but feel a flicker of relief at the normalcy of this moment. For a little while, I can forget about Malachi, forget about the confusing mess of emotions that he stirs up in me. Here, with my friends, I can just be Sloane—no drama, no tension, just a girl trying to win a game of pool.