Southern Charm | wlw

8

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the University of San Diego campus as Aspen and Chloe sat in Aspen's dorm room, the soft glow of string lights illuminating their surroundings. The faint hum of laughter and music from the campus quad filtered through the open window, setting the stage for an evening that promised adventure.

Aspen flopped onto her bed, tossing her hair over her eyes. "What do you think about doing something crazy tonight? Just the two of us?" she asked, the thrill of spontaneity bubbling within her.

Chloe's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You mean like we used to? I'm in! We could sneak into that bar downtown!"

Aspen felt her heart race at the idea. The bar had a reputation for being the hotspot in town, frequented by college students and locals alike. "Perfect! Let's do it," she said, a grin spreading across her face.

They quickly changed into their adventure outfits. Aspen opted for her favorite pair of distressed denim shorts and a loose flannel shirt, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, paired with her trusty combat boots. Chloe, on the other hand, slipped into a vintage band tee that hugged her figure perfectly, a pair of high-waisted jeans that accentuated her curves, and statement earrings that swung gently as she moved.

"Looking good!" Aspen called as Chloe twirled, showcasing her outfit. "Ready to break some rules?"

"Always," Chloe replied, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

They headed out, laughter spilling into the night air. As they approached Aspen's Denali, the excitement intensified. "You know, if we get caught, we're both getting kicked out of school," Chloe joked, her tone teasing but her eyes glimmering with anticipation.

Aspen shrugged with a smirk. "What's life without a little risk? Besides, we've pulled off crazier stunts."

They jumped into the truck, Aspen revving the engine as they sped toward downtown. The city lights twinkled like stars, and Aspen felt the adrenaline surge within her.

Once they arrived at the bar, they parked a few blocks away, heartbeats quickening in sync with the music pulsing from the entrance. "Alright, how do we do this?" Chloe asked, glancing around as if they were plotting a heist.

"Easy. We wait for a group to walk in and blend in," Aspen suggested, confidence radiating from her.

Chloe grinned. "You mean, you're going to charm your way in, right?"

Aspen shot her a playful glare. "Oh, please. If anyone's charming, it's definitely you."

With a laugh, they watched a group of laughing college students approach the entrance, their voices ringing with excitement. As they slipped in behind them, Aspen felt a rush of exhilaration.

Inside, the bar was alive with energy—people chatting, laughter echoing, and music thumping. Aspen and Chloe navigated through the crowd, the dim lights casting a warm glow on their faces.

"Okay, what do we want?" Chloe asked, scanning the colorful drinks lining the bar.

"Something strong," Aspen replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I want to feel the thrill of this night!"

After a few moments, they caught the bartender's attention, and Aspen ordered four shots of tequila, the excitement bubbling in her chest. As they clinked their glasses together, Chloe's smile faded slightly.

"Do you think we'll get in trouble?" Chloe asked, a hint of apprehension creeping into her voice.

Aspen laughed, throwing back her shot. "Only if we're not having enough fun!"

They moved to the dance floor, where bodies swayed to the beat of the music, and Aspen felt the rush of freedom wash over her. Chloe pulled her close, and they danced with abandon, laughter spilling into the air around them.

After a few shots, Aspen's inhibitions slipped away, and she grabbed Chloe's hand, pulling her deeper into the throng of dancing bodies. "Look at us! Just like old times!" she shouted over the music, her heart racing with excitement.

Chloe grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Just don't let us get caught, or we'll end up on the news as 'The Two Idiots Who Tried to Sneak into a Bar!'"

Aspen laughed, the thrill of the night electrifying her senses. "I mean, at least we'd be famous!"

After a few more drinks and a dance-off that had the crowd cheering, Aspen and Chloe found a quiet corner to catch their breath. Chloe leaned against the wall, her face flushed with laughter. "I can't believe we actually did this!"

"Best idea ever," Aspen replied, feeling the buzz of alcohol and adrenaline coursing through her.

But as the night wore on, the atmosphere began to shift. Aspen noticed a few glances between Chloe and some of the other boys in the bar, their eyes lingering a bit too long. A small pang of jealousy stirred in Aspen's stomach.

"Are you okay?" Aspen asked, tilting her head slightly.

Chloe shrugged, her smile wavering for a moment. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... you know, a little buzzed."

"Right," Aspen replied, her brow furrowing slightly. She could sense something beneath the surface—a flicker of tension that hadn't been there earlier.

"Let's get another drink," Chloe suggested, trying to shake off the mood.

As they made their way back to the bar, Aspen couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting between them. Was it just the alcohol, or was there something deeper?

They ordered another round and resumed dancing, but Aspen's mind lingered on the growing distance she felt between them. She had hoped for a night of pure fun, but now an undercurrent of jealousy and uncertainty was threading through their carefree adventure.

After what felt like an eternity, Aspen pulled out her phone, glancing at the time. "We should probably head back before we get kicked out of here," she said, a teasing grin plastered on her face, trying to lighten the mood.

"Fine, but only if we can grab a late-night snack on the way back!" Chloe replied, her excitement returning.

As they slipped out of the bar, the cool night air hit them, refreshing and sharp against their warm skin. They climbed back into the Denali, laughter bubbling forth again. But as Aspen started the engine, the thought of Maya crept back into her mind, the unfinished conversation hovering just out of reach.

"Hey, what if we invite Maya to hang out with us next time?" Chloe suggested casually, though Aspen sensed the undercurrent in her voice.

"Yeah, that could be fun," Aspen replied, trying to keep her tone light. But she couldn't shake the feeling that Maya's presence was adding a layer of complexity to their friendship.

As they drove back to the dorm, Aspen glanced at Chloe, who was staring out the window, a contemplative look on her face. The silence hung heavy between them, and Aspen knew they had crossed an invisible line that night, one that threatened to complicate everything.

Suddenly, Aspen's phone buzzed in her pocket, breaking the tension. It was a text from Maya.

Maya: Hey! Just finished up a project. How was your night?

Aspen's heart raced as she exchanged a look with Chloe. The night wasn't over yet, and with it, the looming question of where her friendships would go next. Would this night bring clarity or confusion? Only time would tell.