Between Us

The After Party

Authors Note: I'm SORRY for the weird playlists 😭

The party was winding down, but the energy in the air hadn't died down one bit. The bass from the speakers still vibrated through the walls of Julio's house, and people were scattered around in groups, laughing, dancing, and trying to keep the fun going. Jayden and Konner had stayed at the dance longer than either of them had anticipated, but they were now at Julio's after party, still buzzing from the night's excitement.

It didn't take long for the chaos to find them. Julio, as always, was at the center of it, his presence larger than life. As soon as the two boys stepped into the house, Julio greeted them with a grin as wide as the moon.

"Welcome to the real party!" he said, pulling Jayden and Konner toward the kitchen. "Shots are on the counter. You know the rules, no backing out. You've gotta loosen up, Jayden. It's the only way to really have fun."

Jayden hesitated, his nervousness creeping in. The thought of taking shots made his stomach churn, and the idea of getting drunk had always been a bit daunting. But after everything that had happened tonight, after the nerves, the awkwardness, and the tension that still lingered, Jayden figured maybe this was his chance to let go, if only for a little while.

Konner, standing beside him, frowned. "Jayden, you don't have to do this. We're here to have fun, but we don't need to get crazy."

Jayden smiled weakly, trying to push the knot in his stomach down. "I just want to have fun too, Konner. It's just one shot. What's the worst that could happen?"

Konner looked unsure, clearly worried about Jayden's decision. "I don't know. Just... don't let Julio talk you into anything you're not comfortable with."

But before Konner could protest any further, Julio handed them both a shot glass. "You don't need to think too much, Jayden," he said, flashing a mischievous grin. "One shot, and you'll be the life of the party!"

Jayden's hand shook slightly as he took the glass, glancing at Konner for reassurance. But Konner only shrugged, as if he didn't quite know what to say. Jayden took a deep breath and tossed back the shot, the harsh burn of the alcohol searing through his chest.

It felt warm—too warm—like the tension in his body started to melt away. A small smile spread across his face, and he glanced at Julio, who was already holding up his own shot, ready to take another.

"To having fun!" Julio grinned.

Jayden laughed, feeling a little bolder than before, and lifted his glass again. "To having fun!" he repeated, and this time, the shot went down a little easier. The alcohol was a strange, intoxicating thing, but as it spread through his veins, Jayden felt his body loosen.

Konner shook his head in disbelief but said nothing as he leaned back against the counter, still looking concerned.

"You good?" Julio asked, noticing how Jayden was starting to act a little different. His normally quiet friend had a light in his eyes now, an energy that hadn't been there before.

"I feel... amazing," Jayden said with a grin, his voice louder than usual. He wasn't sure what came over him, but he couldn't stop smiling. "This is fun!"

Julio's face lit up. "See? I knew you needed this! Let's go, Jayden! Time to get this party started!"

Before Jayden knew it, the drinks kept flowing. He wasn't sure how many shots he had taken, but everything was starting to blur together in a world of colors and sounds. His laughter was louder now, and his words came easier. He found himself talking to people he didn't even know.

Konner, standing off to the side, watched with concern. This wasn't the Jayden he knew—the quiet, reserved boy who preferred to stay out of the spotlight. This Jayden was carefree, confident, and unafraid to be the center of attention. Konner didn't like it. He didn't like the way Jayden was letting go of his usual self, becoming someone who wasn't entirely him.

"I think you've had enough," Konner said, stepping toward Jayden, but Jayden only waved him off, still yapping off to people.

"I'm fine, Konner!" Jayden shouted over the music, his voice tinged with excitement. "You should join me! Live a little!"

Konner opened his mouth to argue, but he stopped when he saw Julio. He had slid into the middle of the room, practically glued to Zander's side. Zander, towering and cheesing as always, had his arm around Julio, and the two were clearly lost in their own little world. Julio was sitting on Zander's lap, their faces inches apart, before they pulled each other into a kiss, lost in the party atmosphere. Konner watched them, unsure whether to be disgusted or impressed by their boldness.

As Jayden danced, a voice suddenly cut through the air—one that made Jayden freeze in his tracks.

"Well, well, if it isn't little Jayden," William's voice dripped with condescension as he strolled toward him. "Having fun now, are we?"

Jayden felt a knot in his stomach tighten at the sight of his ex. He'd hoped he wouldn't run into him tonight, but fate didn't seem to care. William smirked at him, his presence making Jayden's buzz feel a little less fun.

Jayden's head swam with confusion, his thoughts still cloudy, but something snapped inside him. He'd had enough of William's cruelty, his manipulation, and his arrogance.

"What do you want, William?" Jayden asked, his voice laced with defiance. "Are you here to ruin my night again? Because I'm really not in the mood for it."

William's smirk widened. "Oh, Jayden. Always so sensitive. I was just wondering when you'd finally get the courage to speak up. I didn't know you were the type to drink to forget about your pathetic little life."

That was it. Jayden had had enough. He shoved a finger in William's chest, his movements exaggerated by the alcohol. "You think you can just talk to me like that? You think I'm just going to let you treat me like nothing?" Jayden's words slurred together, but they were full of anger. "You don't get to do that anymore. You don't get to walk around like you own me. You never did!"

William stumbled back, shocked by Jayden's sudden outburst. The party around them went quiet for a second as everyone turned to watch. William narrowed his eyes, looking almost confused.

"Don't think you can change who I am just because you're drunk, Jayden," William sneered.

Jayden took a step forward, pointing a finger directly at William's chest. "No, I'm not drunk. I'm done," he spat, his face flushed with both anger and alcohol. "I'm done with you and your games. So get out of my face. Now."

William seemed at a loss for words, and before he could retort, Jayden turned and stormed off, ignoring the surprised looks of the people around him. He needed air. He needed to breathe.

Konner, who had been watching from a distance, quickly made his way over to Jayden, his hand resting gently on his shoulder. "Jayden... are you okay?"

Jayden took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He was still buzzing, but the anger in him was beginning to subside. "Yeah... I'm fine. Just... had to get that out of my system."

Konner smiled faintly, relieved to see that Jayden wasn't in a complete meltdown. "Good. You were pretty scary back there. But you know what? I'm proud of you. You stood up for yourself."

Jayden smiled back, feeling a rush of pride and something else. Maybe it wasn't just the alcohol. Maybe, for once, he was starting to believe in himself.

Maybe...