𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭

eighteen

Delphine

The cafeteria was buzzing with the usual noise of clanking trays, loud laughter, and the mingled voices of dozens of conversations, but I was barely listening.

Eliza had been talking at me nonstop since we sat down, her excitement bubbling over like a pot left on high heat. She had barely touched her salad as she jumped from one topic to the next, her eyes bright and her words spilling out faster than I could catch.

"So, anyway," she was saying, practically bouncing in her seat, "about tonight—"

I sighed, cutting her off. "Eliza, I told you, I don't do parties."

She rolled her eyes, leaning back and giving me that look, the one that said she was just warming up to start convincing me. "But you never go out, Delphine! It's one night, and I promise, you'll actually have a good time if you just give it a chance."

I picked at my food, trying to ignore her. "I don't see the point. It's just loud music, too many people, and everyone pretending they're having the time of their lives. You know that's not my thing."

Eliza groaned, dragging her fingers through her hair dramatically. "Okay, yes, that's *usually* what a party is. But this is different. Everyone's going to be there! Even half the hockey team, including, might I add, a certain someone who has been showing up during your morning practices lately..."

I shot her a sharp look. "Kaiden? I don't care if he's there. In fact, that's even more reason for me to stay home."

She laughed, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, please, you know you're at least a little curious."

"Curious about what?" I scoffed, though my mind betrayed me by immediately recalling him on the ice that morning. I'd been so caught off guard seeing him there, as if he was invading a space that was supposed to be just mine.

Eliza studied my expression and leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Listen, I know you like to act all tough and aloof, but everyone needs a break once in a while. You're always skating, always pushing yourself to the edge. Come on, Delphine, when was the last time you just let yourself have fun?"

The word *fun* didn't exactly resonate with me. To me, fun was an occasional victory on the ice, a move perfected, a routine nailed. Not a party where people would be drinking, dancing, and asking me pointless questions. But Eliza wasn't letting up, her gaze fixed on me like a determined prosecutor.

"I don't know how you have the energy for all this," I muttered, trying to distract her by pushing my food around my plate.

"Because I make time for it, Delphine," she replied, crossing her arms with a determined look. "You're always telling me that you don't want people in your business, that you're too busy with skating, but that's the problem. You've isolated yourself so much that you don't even realize how good it feels to just... relax. And if you don't come with me tonight, I swear I'm going to bring the party to you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes, really," she said with a fierce determination in her voice. "And trust me, you don't want me throwing a party in your little apartment. You'll come home to glitter and people dancing on tables."

I closed my eyes, letting out a long sigh. "One party, Eliza. One night. That's it."

Her face lit up like she'd won the lottery, and she practically squealed, leaning over to grab my hand. "Yes! Oh my god, Delphine, this is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to introduce you to everyone."

"Introduce me?" I frowned, pulling my hand back. "Eliza, you do realize I don't want to talk to anyone, right?"

"Uh-huh, sure," she said with a playful grin. "But trust me, once you're there, you're going to have more fun than you realize. And don't worry, I'll stay by your side. Just... try to be open to it. That's all I'm asking."