Double Tap: Decode [BXB]

CHAPTER 11

Teagan

"Please, Zion, please," I pleaded desperately as Zion took a sip of his coffee, ordered from the camp's cafeteria, and gazed out the window. It seemed to be his habitual pastime, a way to while away his spare moments. Meanwhile, I fixed him with my most earnest gaze, imploring him to grant my request to join the party tonight.

"Your foot is still swollen. It might worsen," he replied, still not meeting my eyes.

"I'll just sit. What could possibly go wrong?" I reasoned, hoping he would relent.

"Someone might accidentally step on your foot or insist on dancing with you," he enumerated, surprising me with his concern.

I understood his worries, but I couldn't let this night pass without a bit of enjoyment. This was the culmination of our event, the final night of revelry for us freshmen. After spending two days holed up in this lavish yet monotonous room, I craved some excitement. I didn't care if it meant exacerbating my injury; I just wanted to savor the moment. Freshmen Night was a one-time affair, and I refused to let it disappear.

"Please, Zion!" I pleaded again, but he remained unmoved. "You promised to indulge me until I was satisfied, remember?" I reminded him with a mischievous grin, confident he wouldn't back out now. His word was his bond.

"This is an exception," he declared, leaving me utterly flabbergasted. Unbelievable!

"You—" I halted myself before saying something hurtful. Though thoroughly exasperated, I suppressed my frustration, taking slow, calming breaths. As the music from the event ground reverberated through the camp, envy surged within me. The pulsating bass and infectious beat stirred a longing, compelling my body to move in rhythm.

"You can dance here if you want," Zion offered sarcastically, further souring my mood.

"Is that supposed to be a joke?" I snapped. "If you don't let me go, I'll go alone," I warned defiantly.

With determined strides, I headed to the closet, grabbed a plain white shirt, jeans, and socks, and retreated to the bathroom to change. Upon emerging, I was startled to find Zion standing just a meter away, silently observing me. Ignoring his presence, I went to the bed, retrieved my phone, and headed for the door, socks-clad feet notwithstanding. I was ready to party, with or without footwear.

Just as I reached for the doorknob, Zion intercepted me, gripping my hand. Annoyance flickered within me until I saw him drop a pair of slippers at my feet and offer his shoulder for support. Blushing slightly, I realized he had relented.

Carefully slipping on the slippers, mindful of my injury, I acknowledged Zion's silent concession. With him by my side, we exited the room and ventured into the night. The sight of the event ground filled me with anticipation—lights ablaze, music pulsing, and an atmosphere charged with excitement.

"Just make sure you won't regret this," Zion cautioned, his gaze fixed on the stage lights.

"I won't. And if anything goes awry, I know I have someone to rely on," I reassured him, a hint of ambiguity lingering in my words.

As we strolled past the tranquil lake, its surface shimmering under the moonlight, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Zion's actions than met the eye. Something unspoken hung between us, a silent understanding.

"Teagan!" A familiar voice rang out, drawing my attention. It was Sullie, her wide smile illuminated by the same paint adorning her face as everyone else's. She strode over to us, her attire a casual yet stylish ensemble—a black oversized shirt that flirted with off-shoulder territory and denim shorts.