𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞- 𝐣𝐣 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤

16.

🦋☀ 🌊 - 16

Olivia didn't even put up a fight the evening of Midsummers. She'd learned the hard way that resistance often made things worse, and at this point, she just wanted to get through the night without adding another layer of trouble to her life.

She stood in front of her mirror, turning slightly to see the back of her navy blue dress, the fabric smooth and silky against her skin. Half of her hair was pinned up into a loose, elegant bun, the other half cascading in soft curls down her back, brushing just past her waist. She hated dressing up, hated the feeling of being watched, but the dress... well, the dress was undeniable. It made her look like someone who belonged in a magazine.

"You look beautiful," her mom said softly, securing a silver hair clip with delicate precision at the side of Olivia's bun.

Olivia nodded, letting a small, tight smile tug at her lips. "Thanks, Mom." The sound of her own voice felt strange in this quiet room, her reflection smiling back at her like a stranger she had to impersonate.

Half-dressed excitement radiated from her mother, who stepped back to admire her daughter fully. "We're meeting Rafe, Sarah, and Topper at the party early. Aren't you excited?" She clapped her hands together, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet like a child anticipating Christmas morning.

Olivia plastered on a smile. "Super," she murmured, hoping her lack of enthusiasm didn't show too badly. Inside, her stomach churned with the usual mix of dread and the faint hope that maybe, somehow, she could find a corner to hide in.

Before anyone could respond, the door creaked open, and Noah walked in. His black tuxedo hung perfectly, tailored to make him look impossibly tall and polished. He had that effortless grin plastered across his face - the kind that made people think he had it all together. Olivia rolled her eyes.

"Are we leaving yet?" he asked casually, though he didn't need to. His presence alone reminded her that this whole night would be scrutinized - by parents, by peers, by everyone with an opinion.

Their mother gathered them together, giving both her children a tight hug. "Look at my kids, all grown up," she said, a note of pride and nostalgia in her voice.

Her dad's gaze sharpened, and Olivia felt that familiar tug of tension. "I better not see you hanging out with those... Pogues tonight." His voice carried the weight of last year's chaos, and she felt her chest tighten.

"They won't be there, Dad," she said quickly, almost too sharply, hoping to defuse the tension.

"The blonde you always hang out with... he got arrested for sinking Topper's boat!" her father reminded her, voice rising slightly. The words echoed in Olivia's mind like a warning bell.

The ride to Cameron's house was quiet, save for the soft hum of the tires on the asphalt and her own scattered thoughts. She stared out the window, the world outside blurring into streaks of light, wishing she could ditch it all - ditch Rafe, ditch the stiff smiles, ditch the expectations. She wanted to be with her friends, with JJ... but that reality seemed a lifetime away.

Finally, she arrived. Stepping out of the car, the cool evening air brushed against her skin, carrying with it the faint scent of salt from the nearby ocean. Her gaze immediately sought Sarah, radiant in a flowing white dress, her hair adorned with a delicate vine halo. "You look gorgeous!" Olivia exclaimed, genuinely, despite her nerves.

"So do you! Oh my gosh!" Sarah returned, grinning. The two girls lingered in their exchange, the comfort of their friendship making Olivia's heartbeat slow just slightly. They did this often, complimenting each other, a ritual that brought back the days when life was simpler.

Conversations around them swirled: the Camerons and Wilkins families chatting about summer plans, sailboats, the upcoming event. Olivia almost forgot Rafe's absence until Noah's teasing voice snapped her back.

"Olivia, look who it is," he said, gesturing dramatically. Rafe appeared at the top of the stairs, looking every bit the polished Kook prince in his blue tux and navy blue tie. Olivia's stomach tightened. He was handsome - undeniably so - but the easy smile didn't reach his eyes the way she wished it would.

"You look beautiful," Rafe said as he approached, offering her his arm.

"Thank you," Olivia replied, nodding politely, masking her unease.

"If you don't mind, can we forget about the other night?" he murmured, scratching the back of his neck. Olivia forced herself to nod, even though forgiveness didn't come easily. Not tonight. Not for him.

"Tonight will be fun," he said, a hopeful note in his voice.

"I'm sure it will be," she replied, glancing briefly at her parents in the corner, who were watching every interaction.

Turning to Sarah, Olivia asked quietly, "Where's Topper?"

"I didn't want him walking out with me," Sarah shrugged. "He was being an asshole again."

"Good for you," Olivia said, secretly admiring her friend's honesty.

"Alright, guys, ready to go?" Mr. Cameron called from the hall, locking arms with his wife, Rose.

"Yes, of course!" Mrs. Wilkins responded, her smile warm, her voice laced with excitement.

Olivia followed in line, her arm tucked lightly into Rafe's. Each step felt measured, calculated, like walking a tightrope. She stole a glance at Kiara and Pope, who were waiting at the party entrance, a silent reassurance of friendship. Their presence was grounding.

As the night unfolded, Kiara and Olivia danced, spinning and laughing, the music washing over them in waves. It was the first time in hours Olivia felt even a fraction of carefree joy - until Rafe approached, extending his hand.

"May I borrow you for a dance?" he asked, his voice polite but insistent.

Olivia nodded, letting herself be led to the center of the dance floor. The lights glimmered off the sequins in her dress, reflections dancing across her nervous smile. She wrapped her hands around Rafe's neck, feeling the weight of his presence, the awkward closeness, the reminder of the night she wished she could skip entirely.

"Are you having fun so far?" Rafe asked, attempting sincerity.

Olivia hesitated, then smiled faintly. "It's a beautiful night, so yes, I am." She allowed herself a small, fragile truth amidst the performative smiles.

The dance continued in awkward silence for a few moments before Rafe leaned closer, moving his face nearer hers. Olivia stiffened instinctively. Then, before she could respond, their lips met. A flash of shock and discomfort ran through her.

In that exact moment, JJ had been making his way to the party. His heart dropped when he saw them. He stopped mid-step, chest tightening. That should have been him. That should have been her choice, her safety, her trust. Instead, he watched, silent and frustrated, as Rafe leaned in.

Olivia pushed him off gently but firmly, stepping back. "I'm sorry, Rafe. I can't do this," she whispered. Her voice trembled just slightly, caught between fear, frustration, and an unspoken longing for someone else.

Rafe's face fell, confusion and hurt mingling in his expression. "Really? I thought things were... working out."

"They're not," Olivia said, her voice firmer now. She wanted honesty, above all else, even in this suffocating, glittering world of expectations. "It was a good dance, but I can't do this. I'm sorry."

The lights reflected off her dress, the shimmer like tiny reminders of freedom she couldn't claim. She turned slightly, scanning for a familiar face, someone who could make her feel safe.