Again

Chapter 10

Thick, humid air clung to Wayne's skin; each breath heavy with the scent of asphalt cooling after a long day in the sun. The muffled roar of cars faded behind them, blending with the low chatter of people still drifting from the concert hall, reluctant to let go of the night. Overhead, streetlights flickered like tired eyes, casting long, wavering shadows across the parking lot. The energy from the concert still lingered, vibrating in the air, but for Wayne and the others, it was as if the excitement had already begun to slip away, replaced by something heavier, quieter.

"Ashe, thanks for coming tonight," Wayne said with a warm smile. His voice was light, but his posture hinted at the exhaustion of the evening. Ashe's smile wavered, his gaze briefly dropping to the ground before he caught himself. He cleared his throat, forcing a cheerfulness that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, I had a great time," he said, his voice catching ever so slightly.

Wayne chuckled. "We should."

A brief silence hung between them, the parking lot around them feeling oddly still despite the crowd moving around them. Ashe hesitated, glancing at Ben before turning back to Wayne. "I could give you a ride home?" His offer was casual, but the question felt weighted.

Wayne's smile lingered, but there was something cautious in the way he shook his head. "I appreciate it, really," he said, the words soft, almost apologetic. "But... Ben's driving me tonight."

Ben's grip tightened around his keys until the metal bit into his palm, a sharp reminder to keep his emotions in check. He forced himself to breathe evenly, but the sight of Ashe lingering too long in Wayne's orbit gnawed at him. A dark knot of jealousy twisted low in his gut, but he swallowed it down, refusing to let it rise to the surface. Ashe's expression faltered, but he nodded, forcing a smile. "Alright, good night then."

"Good night," Wayne replied, though the lightness in his tone did little to ease the disappointment Ashe felt as he turned away.

The group slowly started to part, but not without some hesitation.

"Arthur, are you sure you'll be fine?" Ben asked, his voice firm with concern. The crowd leaving the concert hall would make finding a taxi difficult, and the idea of leaving Arthur stranded felt wrong.

Arthur gave a half-smile, waving off their worries. "I'll be fine. No need to worry."

As if sensing the unease, Ashe stepped in. "I'm heading east. I can give you a ride." His voice was softer now, almost tentative.

Arthur looked at him for a moment, unreadable, before nodding. "Alright. Thanks."

And then there was Rhea.

"Rhea, where are you going? The parking's this way," Wayne called out, noticing her drifting away from the group.

"I saw my cousin," Rhea lied, her voice smooth, practiced. "I'll hitch a ride with her."

Wayne nodded, accepting her words at face value. "Take care."

But Rhea's eyes were focused on something else entirely. She had spotted Jake, arm wrapped around a woman, laughing in a way that made her stomach twist with jealousy. Her night was just beginning.

The drive back felt long, despite the smooth roads and the low hum of the engine. Ben's hands gripped the wheel a little too tightly, his thoughts tangled between the night's events and the lingering bitterness of Wayne's earlier words.

"So... did you have a good time?" Ben asked, his voice casual but strained.

"Good time? I loved it," Wayne said, his excitement rekindling as he recalled the concert. "I can't believe they finally played here."