Gray Areas | Englot | GirlxGirl

5. Muse

Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY

10 Years Ago-Junior Year

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Engfa could never quite understand what Charlotte saw in Arden. Sure, Arden was good-looking-tall, athletic, and a basketball player. But Engfa knew better; Arden was a player. Being Lingling's cousin, he was frequently around, and Engfa had seen enough to know his true nature.

Over the past few months, Charlotte seemed happier, as if she had found the perfect guy, and it made Engfa uncomfortable. It wasn't just that Charlotte no longer responded to her teasing; it felt like losing a challenge.

Eventually, she decided to leave Charlotte alone, especially after Arden had asked her to back off. It seemed like the typical protective boyfriend move, but since he was Lingling's cousin, Engfa reluctantly agreed. Besides, her motivation was already fading.

As months passed, Charlotte and Arden only grew closer. They seemed inseparable, and it grated on Engfa, who couldn't shake the feeling that Arden wasn't good enough for Charlotte. That something about their relationship didn't sit right.

Tonight was the end of their junior year, and Lingling's 17th birthday party was in full swing. Her house had been transformed into a lively venue with flashing lights, pumping music, and drinks flowing freely.

Engfa was enjoying herself on the dance floor when Faye nudged her, interrupting her rhythm. Following Faye's gaze, she spotted Arden and Charlotte dancing closely in the middle of the room. The sight left a sour taste in her mouth, and she quickly downed her drink, reaching for another.

"Whoa! Slow down, Engfa. What's up?" Faye asked, smirked.

Patcha noticed too and wrapped her arms around Engfa from behind. "Someone's really thirsty tonight," she teased.

Engfa shrugged off the hug. "Where's Ling? I want to spice things up," she declared, making her way toward the stairs, with Faye and Patcha laughing as they followed.

In the hallway, Lingling appeared, just finishing locking one of the rooms. "What's going on? Need a room or something?" she joked, dangling a key.

Engfa grinned and threw an arm around her. "Ling, let's make this party wilder!" she whispered.

Lingling raised an eyebrow, glancing at Faye and Patcha, who exchanged knowing looks. Apo suddenly appeared, strolling out of the bathroom, and joined them.

"Hey! Why are you hiding up here? Come on, let's get back down!" he urged, linking arms with Patcha and Lingling.

"Change the music, Apo. Something with a stronger beat!" Engfa shouted.

He laughed and nodded. "Consider it done!" He led them back downstairs, where the atmosphere was even more electric. Apo took over the DJ booth and switched to a high-energy track, which drew the crowd to the dance floor, moving in time with the pulsating lights.

Engfa's eyes narrowed as she spotted Charlotte and Arden still dancing, seemingly unfazed. Frustration simmered in her chest. Arden wasn't the perfect boyfriend Charlotte believed he was-Engfa was sure of it. Determined to interrupt their moment, she picked up a drink and made her way over.

When she reached them, Engfa pretended to stumble, splashing her drink onto Arden. "Oh, sorry," she said, her tone barely apologetic. A small smirk tugged at her lips. "Too crowded."

Arden gave a tight smile, though his annoyance was clear. "No problem, Engfa."

Charlotte's expression hardened as she looked at Engfa. "What are you doing here?" she asked, suspicion in her voice.