𝐑𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 • 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐈 𝐎𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐀

✿ Chapter: 8, Shadowed Feelings ✿

A week had passed since that magical night on the rooftop, and Aliyah felt like she was walking on cloud nine. Notti had become a regular presence in her life, and their connection grew deeper with each passing day. They'd spent evenings dancing, exploring the city, and sharing their dreams, and every moment left her wanting more. But now, as the sun began to set on another warm Saturday evening, Aliyah was about to face an unexpected twist.

It was one of those classic New York evenings, the kind that made you feel alive with the buzz of the city. Aliyah had just finished a dance class and was heading to a local spot where Notti had invited her to meet up with him and some of his boys. She was excited to see him but also felt a bit nervous. They hadn't officially put a label on their relationship, and the thought lingered in the back of her mind as she approached the bustling corner where they agreed to meet.

As she rounded the corner, her heart raced with anticipation. She spotted Notti leaning against a lamppost, his familiar smile lighting up the street. He wore a fitted graphic tee that showcased his toned arms and ripped jeans, looking effortlessly cool as always. But just as she felt that familiar thrill, her heart dropped when she noticed a girl standing next to him.

The girl was cute, with long, curly hair cascading down her back and a body that turned heads. She was laughing at something Notti had said, and Aliyah felt an unexpected pang of jealousy twist in her stomach. It was a feeling she hadn't expected, especially not so soon into their connection. Notti caught her eye and smiled, waving her over, but the sight of that girl made Aliyah's heart sink.

"Yo, Aliyah!" Notti called out, his voice booming above the city noise. "Come through!"

She forced a smile and walked over, trying to shake off the jealousy. "Hey, Notti," she greeted, glancing at the girl who was now looking her up and down. "What's good?"

"This is my girl, Maya," Notti said, introducing the two of them. "Maya, this is Aliyah. She's a dope dancer."

"Nice to meet you, Aliyah," Maya said, her voice smooth but laced with a hint of something competitive. Aliyah couldn't shake the feeling that Maya was sizing her up.

"Yeah, you too," Aliyah replied, trying to keep her tone light but feeling her heart race. "So, you dance too?" she asked, hoping to find common ground.

"Nah, I'm not really into that," Maya said, a smirk on her lips. "But I love to watch people who can move. Notti's got good taste, huh?"

Aliyah felt her stomach churn at the casual way Maya spoke about Notti, as if she had some claim over him. "Yeah, he's got good taste," Aliyah replied, forcing a laugh that felt more like a nervous chuckle.

"Right?" Notti chimed in, looking back and forth between the two girls, sensing the tension but seemingly unaware of its depth. "We were just talking about the spots we want to hit this summer. You down to join, Aliyah?"

"Of course!" she replied a bit too quickly, trying to sound enthusiastic despite the jealousy bubbling inside her. "Where were you thinking?"

Maya chimed in, "We should hit up that new rooftop bar. I heard it's lit and the views are crazy. Right, Notti?"

Notti nodded, glancing at Aliyah, who felt a sudden rush of frustration. "Yeah, that could be dope," he said, clearly caught up in Maya's excitement.

"Sounds great," Aliyah said, trying to keep her tone steady. "I just got a few spots in mind too. We could make a whole day of it." She flashed a smile, but the edge of jealousy lingered.

"Word," Notti replied, clearly unfazed. "I'm down to see what you got in mind."

As they stood there, chatting and laughing, Aliyah felt herself slipping away from the moment. The way Notti looked at Maya, with that easy smile and laid-back demeanor, made her heart ache. It was like she was invisible. And to make it worse, Maya kept leaning into Notti, brushing her arm against his, and Aliyah's irritation started to bubble over.