Leila Wilson never imagined that a single night at a frat party would change her life forever. Quiet, reserved, and more comfortable with a book than in the chaotic swirl of party life, she's never been the type to take risks-until she meets Jesci K...
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Leila and Grace settled into the seats by the sliding door, a quiet spot that overlooked the pool area. The soft glow of the pool lights reflected off the water, casting ripples of light across the deck. Inside, the music was still pounding, but out here, it was muted, more of a distant throb than a direct wave on their senses. Leila found herself exhaling a breath she didn't know she'd been holding, grateful for a moment of calm amidst the chaos.
Grace, however, was still buzzing with energy. She leaned back in her seat, her eyes scanning the crowd with an appraising look. "Wow, the guys here are seriously cute," she said, looking at Leila with a grin.
The atmosphere was electric, and despite her initial reservations, she couldn't deny the appeal of being part of something so alive. But even as she tried to let go, there was a nagging feeling that she didn't quite belong, like she was playing a role that didn't fit.
As Grace continued to talk, Leila's attention was drawn to a figure lounging by the pool. He was alone, sitting back in a chair with a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other, looking completely at ease despite the noise and chaos around him. Something about him seemed different from the rest of the partygoers—detached, almost as if he was observing everything from a distance rather than being part of it.
Grace noticed her staring and followed her gaze, but she didn't recognize him. "Who's that?" she asked, more curious than concerned.
Leila shook her head slightly, her eyes lingering on him. "I don't know... just some random guy"
"Random, but definitely hot," Grace remarked with a wink. "Why don't you go talk to him?"
Leila quickly looked away, her heart suddenly pounding in her chest. "No way," she said, trying to dismiss the idea. "He clearly wants to be left alone."
Grace sighed dramatically. "You never know unless you try. But fine, let's go dance instead then."
Leila nodded, grateful for the change of topic. Together, they made their way back inside, where the music was louder, the bass thrumming through the floor. Grace grabbed her hand and led her toward the center of the living room, where a mass of people were already swaying and moving to the beat.
As they joined the crowd, Leila felt herself start to relax, the music seeping into her bones and pushing away her anxiety. Grace was right—maybe she did need to loosen up a bit, to stop worrying so much about whether she belonged and just let herself have fun.
As they danced, Leila couldn't help but glance back towards the sliding door, where the pool area began. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the stranger by the pool, the way he seemed so removed from everything, yet still somehow present in a way that intrigued her.
Grace tugged on Leila's hand, pulling her away from the dance floor. "I need to go to the bathroom," she shouted over the music, barely giving Leila a chance to respond before leading her towards the staircase. The thumping bass followed them as they climbed the steps, the noise from the party muffling slightly as they reached the upper floor.
