BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

Chapter 29: WEEKEND SHENANIGANS AND LOVE CONFESSIONS.

MAYA.

I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of my exhaustion settle in. It was one of those days where every fiber of my being screamed for me to curl up in bed, surrounded by the comforting familiarity of my favorite TV show, junk food, and a cold can of cola. The thought alone was tantalizing, a seductive siren's call that promised a temporary escape from the crushing fatigue that had taken up residence in my body.

But, alas, I had made a promise. Noah's party was tonight, and I had accepted his invitation, despite my reservations. I suspected that this was his way of making amends for canceling our coffee date last time, but honestly, I would have preferred it if he hadn't bothered. Going out when I felt like this was a recipe for disaster. Nothing good ever came from venturing out into the world when I was in this state. It was a setup for awkward encounters, misunderstandings, and general all-around misery.

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache brewing. Why had I agreed to go to this party again? Oh right, because I didn't want to hurt Noah's feelings. But now, as I sat here feeling like a zombie, I couldn't help but wonder if it was all worth it.

I gave myself a once-over in the mirror as I finished dressing up, adjusting the fit of my tank top and smoothing out the ripped fabric of my baggy jeans. It was a casual, laid-back look, perfect for a night out with friends at a party. The mid-ish December chill in the air wasn't too bad, but I was prepared for it, having stashed my hoodie in the car for later. And, of course, my trusty sneakers were on my feet, ready to take on the night. I nodded to myself, feeling comfortable and relaxed in my outfit. Time to head out and see what the night had in store.

As I got to the venue of the party, I stood alone, fidgeting with the hem of my tank top as I gazed out at the growing crowd of partygoers. Eric and Sasha had abandoned me, opting to arrive early so she could spend some time with her new boyfriend, the DJ. I was skeptical of Eric's claim that he wanted to "help" with setting up the equipment. More likely, he just wanted to indulge in some playful tinkering. So, I was left to my own devices.

As I scanned the room, I couldn't help but feel a pang of awkwardness. I wasn't exactly in the mood for socializing, and now, without Eric and Sasha by my side, I felt like a lone island amidst a sea of strangers. I sighed inwardly, wondering how I'd manage to survive this party without too much discomfort.

I swept my gaze across the crowded room, searching for the familiar faces of Eric and Sasha. But they were nowhere to be found, leaving me to navigate the sea of strangers on my own. Just as I was starting to feel a little anxious, Noah appeared by my side, his warm smile, a welcome respite from the chaos.

We chatted briefly, exchanging pleasantries and catching up on each other's lives. But despite my genuine affection for Noah, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in since I'd discovered his feelings for me. I found myself scanning the room nervously, desperate to find another familiar face to distract me from the awkwardness.

Just as I was starting to feel like I might actually have to spend some alone time with Noah, Hossein appeared, his warm smile a beacon of salvation. I seized the opportunity, grasping Hossein's arm and pulling him aside. "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?" I asked, throwing a hasty apology over my shoulder at Noah. "I'll be back," I promised, already propelling Hossein away from the awkwardness that had threatened to engulf me.

The cool night air enveloped us as we stepped out onto the balcony, a welcome feeling from the crowded, noisy party inside. Hossein's chuckle accompanied us as we walked, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "What was that about?" he asked, his voice low and conspiratorial.