The Rejected Luna

Chapter 8

_Avery's POV_

The first few days of college flew by in a blur. I found myself busy with classes, homework, and trying to settle into this new routine. I made a few more friends, mostly through Liam, who seemed to know everyone on campus. He would introduce me to people in our classes or friends he would meet in the cafeteria, and soon, I felt like I was part of a little group. It was comforting, like I wasn’t so alone in this big, unfamiliar place.

Liam quickly became one of my closest friends. He was always kind, always offering to help me out, whether it was finding our classrooms or explaining parts of our homework I struggled with. We would meet at the library or in the café, going over assignments and sharing stories about our families and childhoods. I had never known someone who could make me laugh so easily or who just… understood me.

One night, Jane, one of the girls in our class, invited us to her birthday party. It was at her apartment, and almost everyone from our course showed up. There was music, laughter, and more food than I had ever seen at a party before.

“Avery!” Jane called as I arrived with Liam. She gave me a hug, a big smile on her face. “So glad you could make it!”

“Thanks for inviting me!” I said, smiling back.

As the night went on, everyone seemed so carefree, laughing, talking, and clinking glasses. I had never really drank before, but a few of them convinced me to give it a try.

“Come on, Avery, it’s just one drink!” Jane laughed, handing me a small glass. “It’s my birthday. You have to try it.”

I looked at Liam, unsure. He smiled, nodding reassuringly. “It’s just a small glass. One drink won’t hurt.”

I hesitated, but finally, I took a sip. The drink was strong and warm, burning slightly as it went down. I didn’t mind the taste, though, and soon enough, I was reaching for another glass, then another. I couldn’t even remember how many drinks I had had by the time we were all on the dance floor, laughing and dancing under the lights.

I lost track of time, spinning and moving to the music, feeling light and free. I found myself dancing close to Liam, laughing as he spun me around. But the room started to blur a bit, my feet felt unsteady, and before I knew it, I was struggling to stand.

“Whoa,” I murmured, swaying a little. Liam’s arm wrapped around my waist, steadying me.

“You’ve had enough, Avery,” he said gently, chuckling. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

Everything felt a little fuzzy as he led me out of the party and helped me into a cab. I leaned against him, resting my head on his shoulder, feeling safe and warm. When we got to my apartment, he carried me up the stairs, careful and gentle.

When he set me down on the couch, I looked up at him, feeling a rush of gratitude… and something else. Before I could stop myself, I leaned up and pressed my lips to his.

He hesitated for just a second, but then he kissed me back, his lips soft and warm against mine. The room seemed to melt away, leaving just the two of us. I felt his hand on my cheek, his touch gentle but steady. I pulled him closer, my fingers tracing the lines of his shoulders, his chest. I slipped my hands under his shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin, the strength of his muscles. He let me lift it over his head, revealing the firm lines of his chest and abs.

Everything felt like a dream, each moment blurring into the next. I didn’t think, didn’t hesitate. I was lost in him, in the warmth of his skin and the feel of his arms around me. One thing led to another, and soon, we were wrapped in each other, sharing something deeper than words could ever explain. I drifted off in his arms, feeling safe, warm, and content.

When I opened my eyes the next morning, the sun was streaming through the window. I blinked, the memories of the night before flooding back. I turned, my heart pounding, and saw Liam lying beside me, still asleep, his face peaceful and relaxed.

I took a shaky breath, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I didn’t regret what had happened. There was a part of me that felt… right, in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. But at the same time, I couldn’t help wondering how Liam felt about it all, what he would say when he woke up.

Just then, he stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked a few times, and then his gaze settled on me. A small smile played on his lips. “Hey,” he whispered, his voice warm and soft.

“Hey,” I replied, feeling my cheeks flush.

We lay there for a moment in silence, neither of us moving. Finally, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You okay?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.

I nodded, feeling a little shy. “Yeah… I am. I just… I wasn’t expecting…”

He chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Me neither. But… I don’t regret it, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Relief flooded through me, and I smiled, feeling my heart lift. “Me neither,” I whispered.

We spent a few quiet moments just lying there, wrapped up in each other. It was a new feeling, but it felt good, like I had found something I hadn’t even realized I had been missing.