Ariana
The music pulsed through the room as Ethan and I stepped off the dance floor, our bodies still buzzing from the rhythm and energy of the crowd. I was relieved to take a break, though, as I felt my heart racing—not just from the dancing but from Ryder’s constant gaze on me. I could feel it, even when I wasn’t looking. The intensity of it was suffocating.
Ethan handed me a drink, and I downed it a little too quickly, trying to drown the nerves that were creeping up on me. His gentle squeeze on my hand brought me back to the moment, and I forced a smile, grateful for his presence.
“Come on, let’s go sit down,” Ethan suggested, nodding toward a group in the corner. They were gathered in a circle, clearly starting some kind of game.
I hesitated for a second, unsure if I wanted to be
