ELEVEN
1487 Words
Annabel’s POV
Justin stood near the center of the room, surrounded by a few teammates, a drink in hand. He was dressed in a fitted black blazer, sleeves pushed slightly up his forearms, and a dark shirt beneath that somehow made his skin look warmer, his features even sharper.
But when he saw me, the atmosphere shifted, at least for me.
His eyes found mine instantly, locking on like I was the only person in the room. He didn’t smile right away, didn’t wave. He just looked. And for a second, I swore I saw something flicker across his face, something like awe… or maybe longing. It vanished almost as quickly as it came, replaced by his usual composed expression. I felt heat rise in my cheeks as I noticed that he had been staring at me for quite some time.
The room was packed and filled with people, different girls who obviously dressed to kill with their short dresses, skirts, and high heels, all throwing Justin winks and trying to dance seductively towards him. The music was blaring and loud as well. However, Justin didn't notice any of those girls throwing themselves at him; instead, his eyes were on me, and I felt a little nervous as we continued to make eye contact. My eyes widened slightly when he left his circle and took steps forward. He was coming, moving towards me.
He made his way over, slow and purposeful.
"Hey there," he called with a smile, unknowingly drawing all the attention to us. The girls shot me a glare, probably wondering why Justin was talking to me. I was a nobody here after all.
“You came,” he said, voice low, and the faintest hint of relief was in it.
“You invited me,” I smiled, trying not to sound as breathless as I felt. “Would’ve been rude not to.”
He chuckled, and something about the sound made my knees feel unsteady.
"Well, I'm glad you decided to honor my invitation and show up," He said casually, and I nodded, feeling a little awkward and nervous, as Justin and I weren't used to talking to each other like this in public. I didn't expect him to come all the way over here to speak to me in front of people.
He looked at me once again and smiled. "You... you look different," he said, looking at my dress, and my eyes widened. I chuckled nervously, looking away. I knew I had dressed up tonight to impress Justin and look good at the party. He was used to seeing me in my casual wear, so this must have been a little surprising to him.
"I guess I could say the same about you," I said to him with a little shrug. My eyes trailed down his outfit in a very unsubtle way while I tried to act like I didn't really care when, internally, I was going absolutely crazy, but I wasn't going to let him know that.
He looked amused and chuckled, surprising me. I looked up at him, my eyebrows raised at his strange reaction. Was he laughing at me? I frowned at the thought. The sight of him laughing did make my heart skip a bit. Justin was truly captivating. He looked even better when he smiled, and the sound of his laughter was like music to my ears.
Control yourself, Anna!
"I didn't mean like that," he said, after chuckling. I'm sorry if you felt offended, but by different, I mean, you look beautiful. I haven't seen this side of you. And I must say, I like it," Justin said, and the look on his face told me that I wasn't the only one taken aback by his words; he was as well.
Did Justin just compliment me?
I had to remind myself that I was in public and in front of Justin and had to keep my cool, but I couldn't stop the blush from creeping up to my face. All the time I spent preparing for the party was worth it.
"I… I'll go get us some drinks," Justin said, looking a bit embarrassed. He sprinted away from my side before I could even tell him which drink I wanted.
He came back some minutes later, with two glasses of red wine and I took it from him and thanked him. We stood together, engaging in small talked to keep us both busy. For some reason, Justin and I spent the evening close, almost too close. He never strayed far from me. Even when people came up to congratulate him, his hand would find the small of my back, guiding me gently through the crowd or pulling me back beside him when the conversation ended. And I would almost flinch anytime I suddenly felt his hand on my back. It felt so strange, but I liked it.
He didn’t leave my side all evening, even when the crowd swarmed around him like he was a celebrity, which, after tonight’s win, he basically was. I didn’t know how to explain the pull I felt toward him. It wasn’t just attraction. It was deeper, quieter, more dangerous. I kept reminding myself this was temporary. Just a cover. Just until the storm blew over.
But then he leaned toward me, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my ear.
“This place’s a bit loud,” he said in a low voice. “I’m starting to feel a little choked up.”
I turned to him, nodding in agreement, grateful for the excuse to breathe. “Yeah… same.”
He glanced around, like he was searching for something. Then, with that crooked smile of his, he added, “I know a quieter spot nearby. It’s just out on the balcony. Wanna come with me?”
I hesitated, heart picking up speed. But my lips moved on their own. “Sure.” This was an opportunity to be alone with Justin, how could I pass on it.
Before I could even process what was happening, he reached out and took my hand.
His fingers wrapped gently around mine, it felt warm, firm, protective, and for a moment, the entire room faded. It was such a small gesture, but it felt so intimate. I couldn’t stop the flush that crept up my neck.
He led me through a side hallway and pushed open a set of glass doors. The cool night air hit us immediately, crisp and calm, a complete contrast to the chaos we’d left behind.
We stepped onto the balcony. It was wide and open, lined with string lights and overlooking the quiet sweep of the campus. Beyond the edge of the railing, the city lights twinkled in the distance, like stars fallen to earth.
“Wow,” I whispered without meaning to.
Justin turned to face me, his hand still loosely holding mine. “Told you it’d be quieter.”
I smiled, and he gave me that soft, boyish grin, the one that didn’t come out often, but when it did, it felt like he’d let me in past his walls.
Then his expression shifted, a little more serious now. His eyes studied me in the warm glow of the lights, and he said quietly, “I meant what I said back there.”
My stomach fluttered. “About what?”
“That you looked beautiful tonight.”
The words landed so softly but hit so hard.
I felt heat rush to my cheeks, and I dropped my gaze, pretending to be fascinated by the ends of my curled hair as I twirled a strand around my finger.
“Thank you,” I murmured, forcing myself to look back up at him. “You… you look as good as ever.”
His face lit up like someone had just switched on the stars again. I wasn’t sure if he was happy because I returned the compliment, or just happy to be here with me. Maybe both.
He didn’t say anything at first, just kept looking at me like he was trying to memorize the moment. He let go of my hands and we both stayed there in a comfortable silence. The air felt much cleaner and breathable but outside was colder than inside, I didn't mind and Justin didn't look cold either.
Justin suddenly turned to me, stuffing his hands awkwardly into the pockets of his blazer, looking—nervous?
"Annabel?" He called out of the blue and I turned to him, confused and a little curious to know what was going on.
"Justin?" I raised my brown in a questioning way.
He took a breath, his eyes meeting mine. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you…”
My heart skipped at his words and I felt different thoughts racing through my mind. What could he possibly have to tell me?
- Writer
