The music was loud — not just in volume, but in presence. The kind that didn't just fill a room but claimed it. It made the walls feel like they were pulsing. It thudded into Elysia's chest, but her heart didn't budge.
She sat at the edge of the party like she didn't belong to it. And maybe she didn't.
Her drink sat untouched in her hand, the coolness of the cup seeping into her fingers like a gentle reminder she was still here — still real. She wore black. Not because it was trendy, but because it was quiet. Just like her.
Tamara had practically dragged her out of the house.
"You've been overthinking everything lately," she had said, "and I love you, but if you keep hiding in your shell, I'll start throwing rocks."
Now Tamara was dancing in the middle of a crowd that moved like a sea of glitter and chaos, while Elysia sat with shadows for company.
She didn't mind. She preferred it this way — watching. Feeling things people missed. Noticing the cracks between the moments.
There was something calming about being unseen in a room where everyone wanted to be noticed.
Then — something shifted.
It didn't happen loud at first. It was a ripple, like the air held its breath. Then it turned into an undercurrent of whispers and stares, followed by squeals and laughter too high-pitched to be natural.
Elysia glanced toward the entrance, slowly, her eyebrows knitting. And then she saw them.
A group of boys walking in like they weren't attending the party — they were the party.
Effortlessly magnetic. Loud without speaking. Confident like they were born knowing who they were. People moved for them — literally stepped aside like the air had parted.
But even in that pack, there was one who made the room pause.
Orion.
He didn't smile. He didn't need to.
His presence wasn't showy — it was quiet, intense, like he didn't try to own the room, he just did.
A silver chain hung just right, a black hoodie shadowed part of his face, and his eyes... they weren't looking for attention. They were searching for something else. Something real.
Elysia blinked.
He was beautiful, yes — but in a way that felt almost dangerous. Like he held too much. Like getting too close might burn.
Around her, girls squeaked and whispered. One even tripped over her heels trying to get his attention.
Elysia rolled her eyes slightly and looked away. It was all too loud.
Then — as if the universe had made a joke she wasn't in on — he looked at her.
Their eyes met. Direct. Still.
And unlike the others, she didn't look away.
She held his gaze.
It wasn't defiance. It wasn't admiration either. Just... a question in her eyes: Why should I care?
And maybe that's why he moved.
But just before he could, Tamara returned like a thunderstorm.
"Okay!" she yelled over the music, dropping next to Elysia, out of breath. "Tell me you saw that."
"Saw what?"
"Them.Him. Orion. Girl, don't act blind."
Elysia tilted her head. "Is this the part where I fall to my knees or something?"
Tamara laughed, fanning herself. "You are too emotionally numb for your own good. He's fine as hell, Lys."
"He's a boy. A popular one. With a fan club."
Tamara leaned in. "That's not just any boy. That's Orion. Quiet danger. Girls fall for him and end up crying in corners. There's even a rumor he dated that fine girl, Serena, and left her in shambles."
"And yet... people still run to him?"
Tamara shrugged. "People love pain. Especially when it's wrapped in pretty skin."
Elysia chuckled, sipping her drink. "Not me."
Tamara's grin faded. She watched her friend closely. "Hey... are you okay? I know things have been a lot lately."
Elysia nodded, but the lie was soft. "Yeah. I'm just tired."
And then — her eyes widened.
Tamara turned instinctively.
Orion was walking toward them.
Alone. Casual. Hands in his pockets. Eyes on Elysia like he had chosen her before he even entered the room.
"Um... he's coming," Tamara whispered like she had forgotten how to breathe. "Girl, I think he's coming to you."
Elysia didn't speak. Didn't move. Just kept her gaze steady.
When Orion finally reached their table, he stood there for a second — no flashy lines, no dramatic moves.
Just:
"You don't look like you're enjoying yourself."
Elysia looked up, expression unreadable. "Maybe I'm not."
He smiled — not with his lips, but with something quieter. "Why come?"
"My friend said I needed air."
He looked at Tamara, who was doing her best not to explode.
"You don't talk much, do you?" Orion said.
"Only when I have something to say," Elysia replied, voice steady.
There was silence, but not awkward. Just charged.
"I'm Orion."
She nodded slowly. "I know."
"And you are?"
Before she could answer — her phone buzzed.
She glanced down. Mum Calling.
Not now. Not now.
Tamara saw the name on the screen too and made a face. "You gonna—?"
"I have to," Elysia muttered.
She stood up, brushing her dress with one hand.
As she passed Orion, she paused for half a second, looked up at him with the smallest smirk and said, "You can go break someone else's heart tonight."
And then she walked away — leaving Orion standing there, stunned in the silence she left behind.
Tamara exhaled sharply. "She did not just walk away from Orion."
But she had.
Because Elysia was not like the others.
And maybe… that's exactly why he turned to watch her leave.