Bets, Beds and Treads || 18+

𝒊𝒊𝒊.

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪɪɪ
| ʀ ᴇ ɪ ɢ ɴ |
𝐑 𝐄 𝐈 𝐍 𝐀

...as if everything else had melted away, leaving just the two of us in a silent standoff. He didn't flinch, didn't look away-just kept staring at me with those dark, unreadable eyes, like he was daring me to break first.

I could feel my pulse quickened, but there was no way I'd be the one to look away. What was his deal? Why was he even here? You have asked that too many times already.

Part of me wanted to storm over there and demand answers, but another part-probably the smarter part-told me to stay put.

And then it hit me-the bet. Remind me why the hell I agreed to that. Because your ego is too big to admit there's a guy you can't get. Stfu, there's no guy I can't get. Show us then. Aren't you supposed to help me here? Bitch.

I can't back down from a bet, especially one where people think I am going to lose.

But now, seeing him standing there, I felt that familiar mix of dread and thrill creeping up on me. Because this wasn't just about winning some stupid bet.

This was about cracking the shell around someone who seemed impossible to reach, and I'd made it my mission. You bought this upon yourself. Literally shut up, mf, I swear. Whatever.

Approaching him felt like stepping into a minefield, and I wasn't ready for that just yet. So breaking the eye to eye fightoff, I grabbed the drink from the nearest person as they cussed at me.

I downed the drink, barely registering the taste, and started weaving my way through the crowd, inching closer to where Reign stood.

The buzz from earlier hadn't worn off, and this new drink made my steps bolder, my thoughts louder, but I still hesitated when I was only a few feet away. What was I even going to say?

"Hey, nerd, wanna spill your secrets?" It's giving peasant behaviour, Reina.

But I was already too close to back down.

So, I closed the gap, leaning against the wall next to him, pretending I was just taking a break from the chaos around us. It'd be an understatement to say I was uncomfortable.

I stole a glance at him, catching a glimpse of those dark eyes that seemed to see everything while revealing nothing.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally decided to break the awkward silence. This was going to be our first ever real conversation after 11 long years.

"You do know that this is a party, not a funeral, right?" I began, my words flowing a bit slower than usual, "You might have nailed the whole brooding, mysterious vibe, but it isn't really vibing with the party scene. Or maybe you just haven't been to one before. Either way, you're making this place look bad." I aimed for casual, almost teasing, but he didn't bite.

He just kept staring ahead, that same inscrutable expression plastered on his face.

I continued to stare at him, but he remained silent until he turned and locked eyes with me. We are too close...

That calm, steady gaze felt like like it was tearing down my defenses, layer by layer, as if he could see right through me.

It was almost enough to shake me, maybe even make me a bit self-conscious, but I refused to give him that satisfaction.

Does he even realize how creepy he looks right now? It's not giving off hot; it's just unsettling.

Yet, even with the unease, I couldn't ignore how good-looking he was. I'd always known he was attractive; It was no secret to anyone. I just had never given it much thought before, but now I was starting to get all that hype. I get you now, Sia.