We finish eating, the kitchen settling into a quiet lull, the sounds of plates being pushed aside and lazy conversation filling the air.
I lean back slightly, reaching into my pocket before pulling out the invitation card, tapping it against the counter.
"So... got this earlier," I say, my voice casual, but something about it feels *off* even to me.
Mari glances over, raising a brow, her hands still idly wiping down the stove.
Nevaeh, sipping her water, leans in slightly, peering at the card. "What's that?"
"Some girl came by. Said she lives next door."
I pause, realizing something.
I don't mention what she looks like-because, for some reason, I *honestly forgot*.
Dayvon, still lounging, exhales a slow drag from his blunt, watching the exchange with mild interest.
Mari tilts her head slightly, eyeing me, like she's catching onto *something* I haven't figured out yet.
"You going?" she finally asks.
I stare at the card for a beat longer than necessary.
"Maybe," I mutter.
But somehow, I already know this isn't just about a party.
"Yes, I might go," I say, tapping the invitation card against the counter absentmindedly.
"I was wondering if y'all wanted to come too."
Nevaeh raises a brow, her expression curious but skeptical. "A party? Hm."
Dayvon exhales another slow drag from his blunt, shrugging. "I'm down for whatever."
Mari wipes her hands on a kitchen towel, eyeing me with mild interest. "You *sure* this ain't some random setup?"
I pause, feeling the weight of the question, but shake it off.
"Just a party," I say casually, ignoring the *weird* feeling still lingering in the back of my mind.
Mari hums, unconvinced but intrigued.
"Alright," she finally says. "Could be fun."
I nod, but something in me knows-this party?
It's *not* gonna be just another night out.
---
The next morning, we were all dressed comfortably-Mari beside me, Nevaeh and Dayvon trailing just behind-as we stepped out of my place.
The air was crisp, the quiet energy of the morning settling over us as we began walking.
It didn't take long before realization hit.
Amber's place? *Ridiculously close.*
Just *four stories down.*
I exchanged a quick glance with Mari, who simply hummed, her expression unreadable but aware.
Nevaeh stretched lazily, unfazed, while Dayvon walked with slow, easy confidence, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
The proximity made something in my chest tighten-just a little.
We weren't going far.
Not *at all*.
We stop at her door, exchanging quick glances before Mari knocks.
A moment passes-then the door swings open.
A random white guy stands there, expression neutral, barely sparing us a second glance before stepping aside, silently letting us in.
I hesitate for half a beat before following the others inside.
The place is quiet-too quiet for a party.
Only about six people scattered throughout the space, lounging, talking in low voices.
No blaring music. No chaotic energy. Just... *stillness.*
And then the realization hits.
Where is she?
Where's *Amber*?
We glance over-just in time to see *her*.
Amber walks down, moving with the kind of ease that makes it clear she knows exactly what she's doing, exactly how this moment is supposed to unfold.
I hear Mari's sharp inhale before I fully register her reaction.
Her eyes widen slightly, recognition hitting her fast, hard.
"The hell?" she murmurs under her breath, barely audible, but I catch it.
I glance at her, my brows furrowing.
Mari's gaze stays locked on Amber, a mix of confusion and something else-something unsettled.
"That's her," she mutters, stiffening.
I blink, processing.
Amber-the same woman who had screamed at Mari at the park, telling her to stay away from *me* even though neither of us even knew her.
None of it had made sense then.
And now?
Now, it feels even stranger.
"For real?" I say, my voice laced with quiet surprise, but suddenly, *everything* clicks.
Her randomly following me on Instagram.
Liking *every* single picture.
It hadn't made sense before-just felt like some weird, obsessive coincidence.
But now?
Now, it's *right here*, standing in front of me.
Amber walks over, her gaze locking onto mine instantly-direct, deliberate.
She glances briefly at Dayvon and Nevaeh, acknowledging them with only a passing flicker of interest.
Then-her eyes shift to Mari.
And for the first time, something flickers across her face-*recognition.*
But it's not just that.
It's *surprise*, like she hadn't expected Mari to be here.
Like she thought she'd have me *alone*.
-
We don't say anything.
Dayvon and Nevaeh remain unaware of the full story-only me and Mari know the weight of this moment, the strange history tied to it.
Amber's gaze flickers between us, then settles *only* on me.
"I thought you were only coming," she says, her smirk sharp, cool.
There's something else beneath it-something like *annoyance*, though I don't catch it at first.
Mari shifts slightly beside me, and I feel the unspoken tension settle between us.
Amber isn't just surprised.
She isn't just *acknowledging* Mari.
She's *calculating.*
---
"I don't think we should be here," I say firmly, my voice low but steady.
Dayvon and Nevaeh exchange confused glances, not fully understanding, but they *feel* it-the tension settling thick in the air.
Without hesitation, they follow as I turn to leave, Mari right beside me.
But before we can step out, *Amber moves*.
She cuts in front of us, quick, deliberate, her expression shifting into something almost *too* eager.
"Oh my God, please hold on," she says, voice light, borderline pleading. "The party's just getting started."
Then, her gaze flickers toward Mari-sharper this time, measured.
Her fake smile widens, too polished, too rehearsed.
"I also didn't mean to say those things to you," she adds, tone dripping with forced sincerity. "I was *totally* wrong."
Mari doesn't move.
Doesn't respond.
I feel it-this *isn't* real.
And now?
I just want to leave.
---
"Look, we're not staying. Sorry," I say firmly, my voice sharp with finality.
Without waiting for her response, I step past Amber, my pace steady, leaving *no* room for argument.
Mari moves with me, unwavering, and without hesitation, Dayvon and Nevaeh follow.
The energy behind us feels thick, almost charged, but I don't turn around.
I don't stop.
We step through the door, crossing the threshold, leaving *whatever this was* behind us.
And somehow, I know-this isn't the last time I'll see her.
But right now?
I just need *out.*
---
---
We get into Mari's car, the weight of the moment still pressing against us.
Just as I settle in, Amber *runs* over, stopping right at the passenger-side window where I sit.
Mari exhales sharply, visibly fed up, her fingers gripping the wheel tighter.
"Okay, I understand," Amber says, breathless but controlled. "But how about this-come to my *next* party, and I'll make it up to you. *Promise.*"
She leans in *way* too close to the window, her eyes locked onto mine, flickering briefly to Mari with that same smirk-like she *enjoys* whatever game she's playing.
Then she glances at the backseat, catching Dayvon and Nevaeh before shifting her focus *back* to me.
Slowly, deliberately, she bites her lip.
"I'll *really* make it up to you," she says, her voice lower, smoother.
Something about it isn't *just* an invitation.
It's something *else*.
Something unsettling.
Mari exhales sharply again.
"Man, *drive*," she mutters.
And honestly?
I agree.
---
Mari presses down on the gas, the car jolting forward.
Amber steps back *fast*, barely missing the side mirror as she moves away, her smirk slipping for just a second-just long enough for me to *see* it.
She watches us drive off, her eyes locked onto mine through the window, lingering, tracking.
Even as the distance stretches, even as the music hums low through the car speakers, I can *still* feel her presence.
Mari exhales sharply, gripping the wheel tighter.
"That girl weird as *hell*," she mutters, shaking her head, irritation flickering through her voice.
Dayvon exhales a slow drag, finally speaking.
"Who *was* that?"
Nevaeh leans forward slightly, glancing between me and Mari, sensing the weight in the silence.
Neither of us answer.
Not yet.
---
A few minutes pass, the tension still lingering in the air like an unshaken weight.
Mari exhales sharply, gripping the wheel, eyes locked on the road.
Then, finally, she speaks.
"You remember that time I told y'all some random girl came up to me in the park, yelling at me for no reason?"
Dayvon and Nevaeh glance at her, confused but listening.
"Yeah..." Nevaeh says slowly, piecing things together.
Mari scoffs, shaking her head as she pulls into the McDonald's drive-thru, the glowing menu coming into view.
"Well, *that* was her."
Dayvon exhales through his nose, leaning back against the seat. "Wait-*what?*"
Nevaeh looks over at me, then back at Mari, her expression shifting.
"That same girl?" she murmurs, realization hitting.
Mari nods, rolling down the window as a static voice greets us through the speaker.
But even as she places the order, even as the scent of salty fries fills the air, I feel it-this conversation isn't over.
---
We sit in the parking lot, the quiet hum of passing cars filling the space as we unwrap our food.
The scent of warm fries and salty grease lingers in the air, mixing with the tension that hasn't fully left.
Mari takes a sip of her drink, shaking her head slightly, still caught in the weight of what just happened.
"Man, I *knew* something was off," she mutters, biting into her burger.
Nevaeh leans back, watching both of us, her brows furrowed. "So what now?"
I exhale, grabbing a fry, rolling the thought over in my head before answering.
"Nothing. She's weird, but we're done with that."
Dayvon hums, unconvinced, casually pulling the lid off his nuggets. "You *sure*?"
I don't answer right away.
Because honestly?
I don't know if that's true.
---
"Look, I know I might sound stupid right now, but I can't lie-she's *super* attractive," I admit, shaking my head slightly, half amused, half frustrated with myself.
Dayvon nods instantly, smirking. "Man, *facts*."
Before he can say anything else, Nevaeh swats him on the shoulder. "Boy, *shut up*," she says, rolling her eyes.
Mari exhales sharply, tossing a fry onto her tray with way more force than necessary. "So *that's* the takeaway? Not the fact that she's weird as hell?"
I shrug, unapologetic. "Can't ignore the obvious."
Mari groans, grabbing her drink, shaking her head as she takes a sip. "Unbelievable."
Dayvon chuckles, popping a nugget into his mouth, completely unbothered.
Nevaeh huffs, crossing her arms, looking *way* too disappointed in both of us.
The conversation eases for a second, playful again.
But the weird energy still lingers-just beneath it all.
---
"Look, sorry, but yeah-she's *super* weird. I also agree with that," I say softly, my voice lower, more serious.
Mari watches me, still unconvinced, but the frustration in her expression eases *just* slightly.
Before she can respond, I casually reach over, swiping one of her half-bitten fries.
She *snaps* her head toward me instantly.
"Oh-*you got me messed up*," she mutters, shaking her head.
I smirk, chewing, knowing exactly what I'm doing. "You weren't gonna finish it anyway."
Mari exhales dramatically, shoving the rest of her fries toward me in mock defeat.
"Here, take the *damn* fries, you thief."
Nevaeh giggles, Dayvon just chuckles, and for a moment, the tension eases-just a little.
But I *know* this conversation isn't over.
Not yet.
---
"Hey, I didn't say I wanted *all* of them," I say, slightly shook, glancing at the pile of fries in front of me.
But then-*I smirk*.
An idea settles in, slow, deliberate.
I grab a fry, holding it up, bringing it *right* to Mari's mouth.
"You want me to feed you, huh?" I tease, voice playful, edged with something sharper.
Mari raises a brow, eyes flicking between me and the fry, amused but watching me *closely*.
I tilt my head slightly, still holding it there.
"Go on," I say, voice dipping *just* enough. "If you don't eat it, I *kiss* you."
The words are playful-easy, teasing.
But there's *something else* beneath them.
Something *nobody* notices.
Except her.
I hold the fry steady, eyes locked onto Mari's, the teasing edge in my voice still lingering.
"Come eat it," I say, my tone light but *firm*.
For a second, she just stares, like she's debating something-like she *knows* exactly what I'm doing.
Then, slowly, she leans in.
Takes the fry.
No hesitation.
But her gaze *never* breaks from mine.
Something about it feels different-charged, subtle, *there*.
I smirk, leaning back slightly, like I *won* something.
Mari shakes her head, chewing, amused but *watching me closely*.
And somehow?
It feels like this just shifted into *something else entirely*.
---
"Let's eat them together," I say to Mari, grabbing another fry, letting my tone stay easy, playful.
She smirks, shaking her head but not protesting, grabbing a fry of her own.
I glance at her drink-watching how she takes a sip, how her lips press against the straw.
Something in me flickers, quiet but undeniable.
I look away quickly, hiding the thought before it *becomes something else*.
Instead, I just lean in, matching her pace, eating alongside her.
She watches me, like she *knows* something, but doesn't say it.
And for some reason?
I don't mind.
---
"I love eating off you," I murmur, low enough that only *she* can hear.
Mari's brows lift slightly, but she doesn't say anything-just watches me.
Before she can react, I reach over, effortlessly taking her drink from her hands.
I bring it to my lips, taking a slow sip, eyes still locked on hers.
She exhales, shaking her head, amused but aware.
And for a brief moment, something flickers between us-something unspoken, something charged.
But I don't say anything.
I just keep drinking.
A few minutes later, Mari starts to drive, the hum of the car filling the quiet space.
Dayvon is deep into his phone in the backseat, scrolling lazily.
Nevaeh is curled against him, asleep, her breathing slow, steady.
I watch Mari as she drives, her hands relaxed on the wheel, her gaze focused-until she glances at me.
A smirk tugs at her lips.
I tilt my head slightly, something stirring in me.
"What would happen if I kissed you right now?" I ask, my voice low, easy.
Mari *quickly* glances at me, her grip tightening on the wheel for just a second-barely noticeable, but I *see* it.
She exhales, shaking her head, but the smirk never fully fades.
And something in the air?
Just shifted.
---
I lean back slightly, keeping my eyes locked on Mari, the teasing edge in my voice thick, deliberate.
"You gonna speak?" I say, my tone dipping *just enough*, turning playful-flirty.
She exhales, shaking her head slightly, but I catch the way her lips twitch, the faintest smirk lingering.
Her grip stays steady on the wheel, but for a split second-just *one*-she glances at me again.
The air between us shifts.
Charged.
Unspoken.
And I wait, watching her, knowing-*she's thinking about it.*
Before I can get another flirty word out, Mari pulls up to Dayvon's place.
The car slows to a stop, and as if on cue, Nevaeh stirs-blinking awake, stretching slightly before lifting herself off of Dayvon.
Dayvon exhales, glancing at her with a lazy smirk. "Damn, you was *really* knocked out."
Nevaeh huffs, rubbing her eyes, ignoring him as she grabs her bag.
Mari keeps one hand on the wheel, but I catch the *smallest* smirk still lingering on her lips.
I don't say anything.
Not yet.
-
We watch as Nevaeh follows Dayvon to his place, the quiet hum of the car filling the space as Mari starts to drive away.
I glance at her, the soft glow of passing streetlights catching on her skin, highlighting the easy focus in her expression.
"Why won't you say anything?" I ask, my voice dipping slightly, edged with something unspoken.
I let my hand slide to her thigh, slow, deliberate.
Mari *sighs*-a soft, surprised sound that lingers for just a second, slipping through the quiet.
But she doesn't stop driving.
Doesn't push my hand away.
She just keeps going-headed *right* to my place.
And somehow?
That says *everything*.
---
I smirk, catching onto her game as she slows to a stop outside my place.
Mari doesn't say anything right away, just watching me with that unreadable expression-something teasing, something calculated.
I step out of the car, stretching slightly, letting the night air settle around me.
Then-her voice cuts through, casual but deliberate.
I pause.
Turn around.
"Say that again," I say, biting my lip, my gaze locked onto hers.
Her eyes flicker, something playing in them-something *almost* daring.
And suddenly, the air feels heavier.
Charged.
Like this moment?
It's not over yet.
---
Mari lifts a finger, curling it slightly-beckoning.
"Come closer," she says, voice smooth, easy.
I don't hesitate.
I step toward her, closing the space between us, my gaze locked onto hers, the charge in the air undeniable.
She watches me for a moment, studying, calculating-then, finally, she starts to say it again.
Mari smirks-wide, teasing, *knowing*.
"Go to bed," she says, her voice full of amusement.
I roll my eyes, letting out a playful, exaggerated sigh, annoyance creeping into my expression-but it's not *real*.
It's part of the game.
Part of *us*.
She watches me, clearly enjoying every bit of this, before finally shifting into drive.
I shake my head, smirking despite myself, stepping back toward my door.
But even as she pulls away, even as the tail lights fade into the distance-
I *still* feel her energy lingering.