Beautiful Ruins

XXIX 》The Spark. . .

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“You're playing with fire...”

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•TOVIELLA•

If someone had walked up to the table I and my friends occupied and asked how the mood had transformed so fluidly, from happy and cheery to one exuding quiet hostility and vicious tension, I would've been at a loss for words. One minute, we were laughing our asses off at Tevin and Yu-ri's antics and the next the girls seemed to have their eyes locked with Monique's in this cold, hard stare.

The negative energy laid a claim on the space, so much that it clogged the atmosphere around us, making it somewhat difficult to breathe, so much that it easily subdued Austin's booming, bubbly energy as he greeted us. 

“Yo, fellas! How's it going?” The hyper, social prefect seemed to be oblivious to the staredown his cousin's presence had brought on, as he shone pearly whites his usual wide grin had left on display. His jolly orbs that twinkled charmingly in the sunlight, bounced around the table with agility, like he didn't want to give one person attention more than he gave the other.

I couldn't help but feel bad when our dry replies returned only quarter the energy, not to mention that it was just five of us that had greeted back, since Vanilla, Trissi and Yu-ri were too invested in the intense staredown and didn't even bother. 

One look at the boys and Samaira, I could tell they we're just affected by the lingering tension and didn't mean to sound rude and looking back at Austin, it was like he was also oblivious to our lackadaisical vibe as his ever-present smile burgeoned, movements animated and enthusiastic as he begun speaking;

“So gees and girlies, by now, I'm certain the party that's gonna be thrown tomorrow is no news to you unless you've been living under a rock or you've been avoiding the group chat like a Netflix series you're behind on!”

It wasn't a surprise that the joke cut through the thick atmosphere, proving effective by making us all share a laugh.

“Either way, you're enlightened now. There's gonna be enough food to feed an army and the drinks are gonna flow like the Nile River. Did I mention there's gonna be food?” With his stare fixed on Yu-ri while saying the last part, he wiggled his brows, triggering another round of laughter. Slowly, I could feel the tension easing off.

“Not just her oh, y'all's inner foodie will come alive too. I no go lie for you. Trust me, you wouldn't want to miss the free food, drinks and best of all, the chance to witness my questionable dance moves. What more could you ask for?”

“Nothing more, man.” Somadina managed to say, admist laughter, “nothing at all.”

Austin in response, reached out to fist bump him. “Correct guy,” he appraised, “Oh, and guys, as usual, don't fail to bring a tag along; be it friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, sidechicks or even family. You should know I'm referring to you in the family part, almighty S.P,” The ever-present grin on his face broadened as he shot a wink Vanilla's way. “If your sister shows up, e no go bad.”

I couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped my lips, surprised when Vanilla joined in too but realized hers was dry and mirthless.

“Austin Ademide?” She called out to the vivacious, light skinned prefect who seemed a but taken aback by the sweet smile stretching her lips.