Rival Lovers

| 022 |

Zaara

The mall was bustling with activity as I navigated through the aisles, a list of party essentials in hand. Streamers, balloons, snacks—everything needed to make Jay's surprise birthday party a success. As I reached for a pack of vibrant blue balloons, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Glancing at the screen, I saw Tilly's name flash across. Perfect timing. I tapped to answer.

"Hey, Tilly!"

"Hey, Zaara. What's up?"

"Not much. Listen, Lucas and I are throwing a surprise birthday party for Jay tomorrow evening. We're hosting it at our dorm, and I was hoping you could help out."

There was a brief pause on the other end.

"Tilly?"

"Yeah, I'm here. A party for Jay, huh?"

"Yes! I was thinking, could you grab some alcohol for the party? And maybe help set up? Lucas and I will be out distracting Jay, so we'll need someone to get things ready."

Another pause.

"Zaara, you know Jay and I... we don't exactly get along."

I sighed, leaning against the shopping cart. "I know, Tilly. But it's his birthday, and it would mean a lot to Lucas—and to me—if you could help out. Plus, it's a party! Maybe it'll be fun?"

A soft chuckle came through the line. "Alright, alright. I'll do it. But only because you asked."

"Thank you! You're the best. Oh, and there's a spare key under the mat, so you can let yourself in to set up."

"Got it. What time should I be there?"

"Around 6 PM should be good. We'll aim to have Jay there by 7."

"Okay. See you then."

"Thanks again, Tilly. See you!"

As I ended the call, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I knew about the tension between Tilly and Jay, especially after their drunken make-out session at that party a while back. But I hoped that maybe, just maybe, this party could be a step towards mending fences.

Pushing the cart towards the checkout, I mentally ticked off the remaining items on my list. With Tilly's help, everything was falling into place. Now, all we had to do was keep Jay in the dark until tomorrow evening.

As I loaded the bags into my car, I couldn't shake the feeling that this party might lead to more surprises than any of us anticipated.

As I shut the trunk of the car, Lucas appeared beside me, letting out a sigh. "So, we all done?"

I nodded, a smile spreading across my face. "Yeah, I just called Tilly. She's going to grab some alcohol and help us set up."

Lucas stared at me for a moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding slowly. "Cool. Yeah."

There was a brief silence between us, the kind that felt loaded with unspoken words. I was about to suggest we head back when Lucas spoke up again.

"Hey, Zaara? I know I said it already or whatever, but... I really do appreciate you helping me. And stuff."

I raised an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at my lips. "And stuff?"

He huffed, a sheepish look crossing his face as he placed a hand behind his head, rocking slightly on his heels. "And stuff. You know, like giving me that ice pack after I beat the shit out of your ex." He winked at me after that. Cocky motherfucker.

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Well, someone had to patch you up."

His expression softened, sincerity replacing the earlier bravado. "And helping me get Jay a present, now this party... Thanks."

I felt a warmth spread through me at his words, a flutter in my chest that I tried to ignore. "You're welcome, Lucas. It's been... fun."

He smiled, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of us. The sounds of the parking lot faded, and all I could focus on was the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, the way his presence seemed to fill the space around me.

"Yeah," he said softly, his gaze locking onto mine. "It has."

The moment stretched between us, charged with an unspoken tension that neither of us seemed willing to break. I felt my heart race, the air between us thick with possibilities.

Finally, Lucas cleared his throat, glancing away. "We should probably get going."

I nodded, the spell broken. "Yeah, let's go."

As we settled into the car, I reached for the radio dial, eager to fill the silence with some tunes.

"Mind if I pick the station?" I asked, glancing at Lucas.

He shrugged, a playful smirk on his lips. "Sure, but no complaints when I judge your terrible taste."

Rolling my eyes, I tuned into a station playing the latest pop hits. The upbeat tempo of "Sugar Rush" by some boy band filled the car.

Lucas groaned dramatically. "Seriously? This bubblegum pop? My ears are bleeding already."

I shot him a mock glare. "Oh, come on! It's catchy and fun. What's wrong with that?"

He shook his head, reaching for the dial. "Let's find something with actual instruments."

Before he could change the station, I swatted his hand away. "Hey! Driver controls the music."

He raised an eyebrow. "Is that a rule?"

"It is now," I declared, sticking my tongue out at him.

He chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Fine, but if I hear one more song about partying on a Tuesday, I might jump out of the car."

I laughed, knowing he was referring to the recent hit "Turnt on Tuesday." "Alright, deal. No 'Turnt on Tuesday'."

As the song continued, I couldn't help but tap my fingers on the steering wheel, the music lifting my spirits. Lucas watched me, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"You really love this stuff, don't you?" he asked, his tone more curious than mocking.

I nodded. "Yeah, I do. It's like a burst of energy, you know? Makes everything feel a bit brighter."

He considered this, then nodded. "I guess I can see that."

We fell into a comfortable silence, the music filling the space between us. Despite our different tastes, it felt... nice. Sharing this moment, even if we didn't agree on the soundtrack.

As the next song began, I glanced at Lucas. "Wanna pick the next one?"

He looked surprised but nodded. "Sure."

I handed him my phone, and he scrolled through the playlists. After a moment, the opening chords of a classic rock song filled the car.

I smiled. "Not bad, Lucas. Not bad at all."

He grinned, and for the rest of the drive, we took turns choosing songs, our playful banter making the time fly by.

Maybe our tastes weren't so different after all.