When Stars Align

10: When Dancing Isn't Just Dancing

EMERY
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The music pulsated within the walls, its bass reverberating beneath my feet upon our entrance. Jane and Lily were already chuckling, searching the crowded room for the temporary bar that was surely hidden in a corner.

"We'll get some drinks," Jane announced with a smile, then pulled Lily towards the back. "You locate us in a non-tragic location to stand."

I absentmindedly nodded, my gaze already drifting away. The living room was packed with individuals—some familiar from school, others who seemed to have joined in because of the commotion. The aroma of beer and sweat filled the air, mixing with the subtle hint of alcohol spilling onto the sticky floors. I rubbed my hands on my denim pants, sensing the tingling of anxiety beneath my skin, a hint of that familiar unease I couldn't completely get rid of.

After that, I caught sight of him. Jaxon. Standing next to the distant wall, with his teammates encircling him, carefree smiles exchanged. His sandy blonde hair was wet from the game. Matt stood beside him, looking more at ease than usual, propped against the wall with a drink in his hand. Both of them appeared as if they were meant to be there, at ease in the midst of disorder.

Once again, my heart raced foolishly, remembering the moment his eyes locked with mine across the field. There seemed to be a momentary bond between us, and even now, I couldn't shake off that feeling entirely. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, Matt separated from the group and walked towards me, effortlessly maneuvering through the crowd with his large build. Seeing him generally calmed me down, his reliable, stable presence always there. However, this evening I sensed an unusual sense of imbalance, as if I was preparing for something.

"Hey, you arrived," Matt said, giving a crooked smile while holding out a red cup towards me. "I thought you might vanish after the game."

"I mentioned that I would come," I declared, grabbing the cup. The beverage felt chilly on my fingers, although I didn't feel very thirsty. My eyes wandered once more, scanning the crowd while Matt talked.

"Just didn't expect you to stay for the party," he chuckled softly. "This isn't really where you belong."

"I might be experimenting with a new approach." I attempted to grin, but the tightness in my chest continued to hold on. I could still see Jaxon in the corner of my eye, chuckling at something a guy said, and it was hard not to see his eyes dart towards me for a split second, making a warm blush creep up my neck.

Matt looked in the same direction I was looking. He remained silent, yet I sensed a change in his aura, delicate but present. After coughing, he moved a little further back. "I'm going to use the restroom. I'll be back soon."

"Of course," I murmured as I observed him vanish amidst the crowd. The air around us felt constricted, with the sounds of voices and laughter fading into the distance. I anticipated what was about to happen before I noticed his movement.

Jaxon.

He was now approaching me, moving with a calm and assured pace that effortlessly passed through the crowd as if he was unaware of the people around him. His gaze with blue eyes met mine, the previous intensity still present below the surface. I briefly thought about averting my gaze, acting like I hadn't seen anything, but a part of me wouldn't allow it.

"Hello, Emery."

"Hello." I grasped the cup tightly, feeling the cold plastic keeping me present.

Neither of us spoke for a moment. We simply remained in silence, the air filled with unspoken words and unfinished business between us. His jaw tightened, a hint of emotion flickering across his face—possibly regret, or a similar feeling. It was difficult to determine and I wasn't certain I desired the information.