One-on-One

Chapter 10: Party Lines

The party buzzed around Amira, music thrumming through her veins as she tried to enjoy the moment with Zyair. They moved through the crowd, laughter and playful banter flowing between them, but her mind kept drifting back to Jordan and the girl he was with.

Zyair leaned in closer, brushing his lips against her ear as he said, "You having fun? You look like you're a million miles away."

"Yeah, just a little distracted," Amira admitted, smiling. "Everything's so lively, you know?"

Zyair raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "Lively? Or are you just thinkin' about someone else?"

Amira bit her lip, caught off guard by his insight. "Maybe a little," she said, glancing over at Jordan again. The way he was laughing with the other girl stung more than she expected. "I saw someone I didn't expect to see here."

"Yeah? Who?" Zyair asked, his tone curious but light, as if he was testing the waters.

"Just a friend," she replied, shrugging. "But it's whatever. Let's just enjoy tonight."

"Right, let's do that," Zyair said, squeezing her hand gently. "You know, I like seein' you like this—smilin' and havin' a good time. Makes me wanna keep you around."

His words sent a thrill through her, and she felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "You're not too bad yourself," she teased, nudging him playfully.

They found a spot near the back where the music was still loud but a bit more private. Zyair leaned against the wall, his eyes locking onto hers, and for a moment, everything else faded away. "I mean it, Amira. You're dope. I like bein' around you," he said, his voice low and sincere.

Her heart raced, the chemistry between them undeniable. "I like being around you too," she admitted, her cheeks warming under his gaze.

Just then, Jada appeared, a wide grin on her face. "Amira! There you are! I've been lookin' everywhere for you!"

Amira pulled away slightly, the moment interrupted. "Hey, Jada! What's up?"

"I just wanted to make sure you're having a good time," she said, glancing between Amira and Zyair with a knowing look. "I see you two are getting cozy!"

Zyair chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Just keepin' her company. She's too pretty to be alone at a party like this."

Amira felt her heart flutter again at his words, but before she could respond, she caught Jordan's eye from across the room. He was watching her closely, his expression unreadable, and she felt a pang of guilt mixed with confusion. The girl next to him laughed, leaning into him, and Amira's stomach twisted.

"Uh, I should probably check in with Jor—" she started, but Jada cut her off.

"Girl, don't let him mess with your vibe! You came here to have fun, right?" Jada encouraged, her tone firm.

"Yeah, you're right," Amira said, trying to shake off the feeling. "Let's dance!"

They joined a group on the dance floor, and Zyair wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close as they moved to the rhythm. She felt the heat radiating from him, and for a moment, the world outside faded. The music thrummed through her, and she lost herself in the moment, feeling free.

But as they danced, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Jordan was still watching her. She glanced over her shoulder and caught him again, standing a few feet away with a frown on his face, the other girl oblivious to the tension brewing in the air.

Zyair leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, "You lookin' good out here. Got everyone talkin'."

Amira smiled, but her heart ached with the conflict of emotions swirling inside her. "Thanks, Zyair. I just... I can't help but feel a little off tonight."

"Why's that?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. "You good?"

"Just... old stuff," she admitted, not wanting to dive deeper. "Nothing I can't handle."

"Let me handle it for you, then," he said, his tone playful but sincere. "You know I got your back."

"Yeah, I know," Amira replied, feeling warmth spread through her. "I appreciate that."

As the night went on, Zyair's presence felt comforting, and the connection they shared deepened. But in the back of her mind, she could still feel Jordan's gaze on her, and it added a layer of complexity to her feelings. The night was supposed to be carefree, yet the unspoken tensions between her, Zyair, and Jordan lingered in the shadows.

Later in the evening, as Amira stepped outside for some fresh air, she was surprised to find Jordan leaning against the wall, looking a little lost in thought. The sight of him made her heart race for reasons she couldn't quite decipher.

"Hey," she said, approaching him cautiously. "What are you doing out here?"

"Just needed a break," he replied, his voice tight. "Didn't expect to see you here with... him."

"Zyair's a friend," Amira said, trying to keep her tone light. "We're just hanging out."

"Right," Jordan said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Just hanging out."

The tension between them was thick, and Amira felt her pulse quicken. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," he replied, avoiding her gaze. "Just... be careful, okay? You don't know him like I do."

"Jordan, it's not like that," she said, frustration creeping in. "We're just having fun."

"Fun, huh?" he said, his voice laced with disbelief. "Just make sure you don't lose sight of what really matters."

Before she could respond, Jordan turned and walked back inside, leaving Amira standing alone in the cool night air, her mind racing with confusion and frustration. As she took a deep breath, she felt Zyair's presence behind her, and she turned to see him stepping outside.

"You good?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

"Yeah, just... needed a moment," Amira replied, forcing a smile.

Zyair stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. "You sure? You know I'm here for you, right?"

"Yeah, I know," she said, feeling warmth spread through her at his words. "It's just complicated."

"Life's complicated, but that don't mean you can't enjoy it," he said, his voice low and soothing.

As they stood together in the dim light, Amira felt the pull between them stronger than ever, and for a moment, she let herself get lost in his gaze, the world around them fading away.

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