Something, Nothing

CHAPTER 29

a/n: 😘

CHAPTER 29 — HIGH

For someone who claims to be an introvert, I sure do contradict myself. There's yet another party and yet again I cannot escape from it. Just because it's the weekend, does it mean that someone has to throw a party? What happened to just staying in the room and sleeping in? Or doing your assignment? Or revising?

I can give you a whole list of things to do before having a party and attending it. And I did say no and my resolve was strong until a certain man came into the room and the resolve just dissipated into nothing.

I don't think I have to say who the said man is.

Anyways I go to the party willingly, knowing how much I am going to regret it. Especially I know that when it comes to parties it is almost inevitable that I would run into Sri. The very Sri who confessed that he likes me. I still don't get how that happened.

I've had time to think about my own feelings and emotions. I am not going to lie. Sri is easy on the eyes. But I just don't feel that way about him. I don't even have the slightest crush on him. I like it more when I think of him as a good friend. Also, he has a girlfriend. I do understand what polyamory is and it is cool for him and them but it's just not for me.

I know I can just say that to him and he'll understand but it is very awkward for me personally.

I spot Sri not ten minutes into the party and wave at him. It is pointless avoiding him. He waves back and comes towards me.

"Hey,"

"Hey," I smile back and then look over his shoulder and around, "Where's Abby?"

"They had to return home for an emergency,"

"Are they okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. They'll be back in a couple of days,"

"Okay,"

"Do you want to get a drink?"

I shake my head, "No, I'm good," it is better for me to stay sober.

"Okay," he takes a sip out of his beer.

I honestly appreciate that he's not pushing me for a response but a part of me just wishes that he would ask me so I don't have to dig out the courage to start the topic. And it is not an easy thing either because a lot of people keep coming to Sri to talk to him. I thought I could easily slip away from him as he talks to them, but he never forgets to introduce me and rope into the conversation. So, I am forced to smile and get to know some people as well. It is tiring and also embarrassing at times because some people recognise me from the lectures that we share or previous parties that I have attended but I cannot seem to recall any of them. And in order to save myself from any future embarrassment I try to pay attention to who I am talking to but I can barely focus. I can remember maybe only one or two of them but I doubt for how long I can remember them. And this is exactly why I suck at socialising and prefer to be by myself. It is far more relaxing and energy-conserving.

There's a small break in between where it's just me and Sri and I quickly utilise it. It's probably because I'm mentally drained from talking to so many people, I don't even think before grabbing his wrist, "Can we go somewhere to talk?"

With a single nod, he leads the way and finally we're away from the crowd. The first thing I do is close my eyes and let out a long breath. I swear one of these days I'm not going to care how quickly my heart starts beating when I see that man — I am going to say no to him. But before I reach that stage, I have to get through this now.

I turn to see Sri and he's already looking with a small smile on his lips.

I sigh — better to just get to the point, "Sri, I am sorry but... I, uh... I don't like you. I mean I do like you but not in I-want-to-date-you kinda way but more like I like you as a friend. I'm sorry,"