A TASTE OF CANDY POISON

CHAP 14🌸

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The hum of the car engine was a comforting lullaby, a soothing counterpoint to the chaotic symphony of thoughts swirling in my head.

Mark, my best friend, was at the wheel, his voice a steady stream of chatter as he navigated the familiar streets. He was on the phone, his usual animated self, but I barely registered his words.

My mind was trapped in a loop, replaying the events of the party, the laughter, the music, the sudden, sharp sting of disappointment to myself,and the kiss.

The party had been a blur of flashing lights, booming music, and the intoxicating scent of cheap cologne. It was the kind of party where everyone seemed to know everyone else, where the air crackled with a frenetic energy that was both exhilarating and exhausting.

I had been excited, eager to break out of my usual shell of quiet observation, but the evening had taken an unexpected turn.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by bursts of laughter and genuine smiles.

Students talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories, dreams, and fears, flirting to each other.

For a fleeting moment, I felt a connection when I was with Kylle, a spark, a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before. But it was short-lived.

The rest of the evening was a blur. I experience something I didn't expect. The music, once a source of energy, now felt like a mocking reminder of my own loneliness.

By the time Mark spotted me and helped me, I was exhausted, emotionally drained,shaken by the fear and filled with a heavy sense of disappointment to myself.

As we drove away from the party, the city lights blurring into streaks of color, I retreated into a silent cocoon of introspection.

“Hey, man, you okay?” Mark asked, his voice breaking through the wall of my thoughts. I mumbled a noncommittal response, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

I hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the jumble of emotions swirling inside me. I didn't want to burden him with my insecurities, my anxieties, my feelings of inadequacy.

“y.. yeah,just—,” I finally said, my voice barely a whisper. “just tired, I guess.”

Mark didn't press further, but I could sense his concern. He continued to chat, filling the silence with his usual stream of anecdotes and observations, but his words fell on deaf ears.

My mind was still replaying the scene from the party, the unknown man who kissed me,who whispered some things in my ear,his touch.It was kinda good though but scary.

Suddenly, Mark's voice cut through my reverie. “Hey, you know what? The principal's okay with you going home early. She said it's fine, just make sure you get some rest.”

I was surprised. I had forgotten about the school event I had been supposed to manage. The event had consumed my thoughts, my entire world had shrunk to the size of that crowded room, and I had completely forgotten about my responsibilities as a council president.

“Oh, right,” I mumbled, feeling a pang of guilt. “Thanks, Mark. I was just… lost in thought.”

“No worries, man,” Mark said, his voice reassuring. “It happens. Just try to relax, okay?”

We drove in silence for a while, the city lights a kaleidoscope of colors against the backdrop of the night sky. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I was going home, away from the noise, the crowds, the constant reminders of my own inadequacy.