Poison of love

Mason

My gaze is constantly fixed on Jess. She looks enchanting tonight, with her long golden hair cascading softly over her shoulders and the scent of vanilla wafting through the air around us. I feel incredibly lucky to have her by my side, so much so that a knot grows in my stomach at the mere thought of losing her.
Before we head to the London Eye, we stop at "All Bar One Waterloo," where Will and the others are waiting for us. It's a modern chain bar known for its selection of beers, cocktails, and wines. Will and I often visit it when we want to treat ourselves to a festive evening. The venue is stylish, with a spectacular view of the London Eye. As soon as we enter, I immediately notice that everyone's eyes are on Jess. Will and David are already visibly drunk, while George, Michael, James, and Rudolph can't take their eyes off her.
"Brother! You finally made it!" Will exclaims, hugging me and giving me a pat on the back.
"Will, this is Jess." I sense a certain discomfort in Jess, aware that she's the center of everyone's attention.
"It's like I already know you. Mason has told me a lot about you," Will says with a pleased smile. I'm worried about introducing her to my friends; I know they might make some inappropriate comments about her looks or our relationship.
To avoid any embarrassing situations, I take her hand and lead her to the dance floor, where many people are already moving to the rhythm of the music.
"Are you okay?" I ask her gently. She nods with a slight smile. The music is so loud that it's hard to talk.
"I'm going to get something to drink; wait for me here," I say, heading toward the bar. As I order the cocktails, I turn to check on her and see Rudolph approaching her. He's visibly drunk too, even more than Will; you can tell by the way he stumbles on the dance floor. I grab the drinks quickly and rush to reach them.
"Rudolph, what are you doing?" I ask him sternly, not wanting anyone to get too close to Jess, especially someone like Rudolph, known for hitting on every girl he meets.
"Dude, we were just having a little chat," he replies, swaying, his breath heavy with alcohol.
"I'm here now; you can go," I growl, motioning for him to back off with my head.
"I can't leave you alone for a second without everyone pouncing on you," I tell her, handing her the cocktail.
"Are you jealous?" she asks, surprised.
"And what if I am?" I reply defiantly. I lose myself in her eyes, so blue and intense, reflecting the colorful lights from the ceiling and making them shine even more. The warmth I feel is uncontrollable, and I can't tell if it's the effect of the alcohol or the influence she has on me. I've never felt so vulnerable with anyone.
All I desire is right here in front of my eyes, and I'm not willing to give it up.

The city is illuminated by a myriad of lights. The London Eye is packed with people, and the music resonates throughout the avenue. There are three-quarters of an hour left until midnight. Once we arrive in front of the Ferris wheel, we blend into the crowd, waiting for the fireworks that will mark the beginning of the new year.
I take her hand, holding it tightly so I don't lose her in the chaos, and while we wait for the countdown, I pull her close, wrapping my arm around her waist. Our gazes lock like two magnets, and our lips draw closer, gradually sensing each other's breath. I glance away for a moment, looking at the countdown screen that marks the last ten seconds, before returning to gaze into her eyes. My heart races so fast that I can barely catch my breath. I take her face in my hands and look deeply into her eyes.
"I wish this moment could last forever," I whisper softly in her ear, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"Is this the effect of the alcohol?" she asks, amused.
"No..." I caress her cheek. "I'm drunk only on you."
As the clock strikes midnight, she's about to say something, but I immediately interrupt her with a passionate kiss.
"I hope this new year brings us luck," she says, pulling away from my lips.
"My year started the day I met you," I confess, wrapping an arm around her back as we admire the fireworks. The pyrotechnic display is magical in itself, but having her by my side makes it even more indescribable. Her gaze changes under the lights, and I am enchanted by her pure and genuine beauty. I watch her for a long time, until the end of the fireworks, and suddenly she turns toward me. A spontaneous smile escapes me, without my control. This is the effect Jess has on me. I've never smiled like this before.