Unwritten Chemistry

Like I'm gonna lose you

Kylie's POV

The cold night air bites at my skin as we step out to the bonfire, but I stay glued to Malia's side, holding her hand tightly. I can't help but glance at her every few seconds, checking for any sign of unease. She's putting on a brave face, but I know her well enough to sense how shaken she is, even if she doesn't want anyone to see it. I squeeze her hand a little tighter. She looks up at me with those soft brown eyes and gives me a small smile—like she's saying, I'm okay now. It's over.

The fire crackles in front of us, embers popping as the flames dance against the dark sky. Snowflakes float down lazily, melting the second they meet the ground. Everyone is scattered around the bonfire, bundled up in blankets and holding their drinks. It feels like the tension from earlier has settled into an uneasy calm, but it's there—lingering, just under the surface.

Joshua stands near the fire, arms crossed, a deep frown etched into his face. He's unusually quiet, staring into the flames like the answers to everything are hidden there. As soon as Malia and I sit down, he shifts on his feet, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

- Look. - Joshua starts, his voice low and filled with regret. - I just... I'm sorry. I never should've brought Peder. If I hadn't, none of this would've happened, and Malia wouldn't have been put in that position. It's on me.

The guilt in his voice weighs heavy in the air, and he looks genuinely upset—like he's carrying all of it on his shoulders. Malia shifts beside me, her fingers threading through mine.

- Josh, it's not your fault. - Ruby says gently, wrapping her arms around her knees. - I mean, yes, you shouldn't have invited him, but none of us could've known he'd pull something like that.

- Yeah, man. - Noah adds, still tense but more relaxed now. - The important thing is that Malia's okay. Just... don't let that asshole anywhere near us again.

Joshua nods, though he doesn't look any less troubled.

- I won't. He's out of my life for good. - He glances at Malia, guilt still written all over his face. - I really am sorry, Malia. If I could take it back, I would.

Malia gives him a small, understanding smile.

- It's okay, Josh. Just... keep him away, yeah?

Joshua nods again, visibly relieved that no one's holding it against him, though I can tell he'll beat himself up over it for a while.

I glance at Noah, the guy who stormed in at exactly the right moment and saved my girl. My heart swells with gratitude, and I catch his eye.

- Hey, Noah. Thanks. - I say sincerely. - For taking care of Malia.

Noah gives me a small, reassuring smile.

- Anytime, Kylie. You know I've got her back.

The night stretches on, and bit by bit, the tension melts away like the snowflakes drifting down from the sky. Ruby and Dior start cracking jokes again, and soon everyone is back to swapping funny stories and passing around drinks. The fire burns brighter, casting a warm glow on all of us, and the night starts to feel a little less heavy.

But I don't let go of Malia's hand the entire time.

Eventually, the cold starts to creep into our bones again, and one by one, everyone begins to drift off to bed. I tug Malia up from the blanket we've been sitting on, her hand still in mine. She looks tired but content, her earlier fear fading into the background.

- Let's get you to bed. - I murmur, brushing a kiss against her temple. She nods, leaning into me as we make our way back to the cabin.

Inside, it's warm and quiet. The fire in the living room is dying down, leaving a soft amber glow flickering against the walls. Malia lets out a small yawn as I lead her to our room, her steps slow with exhaustion.