The beat of the music vibrated through the floors of Ezra's house — a sleek, modern estate perched high in the San Francisco hills. The party was in full swing, with every popular student from across the city packed into the garden, bathed in golden lights and soft candle glow.
Eniya stood by the drink station, laughing politely at something Zion, one of Ezra's football teammates, had just said. Zion was charming, smooth-talking, and very aware of how good he looked in a black button-up.
"I'm just saying," he said with a grin, "beauty and brains don't usually come in the same package. You're rare, Eniya."
She smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Flattery only works when it's not rehearsed."
Zion chuckled, clearly enjoying the chase. "Then I guess I'll have to get more original."
Across the garden, Alexandra Morning Star leaned against a tree with a drink in hand, but he wasn't listening to the music or his friends. His faded red eyes were locked on the girl in the lavender dress.
His friends noticed. Ezra gave him a look. "You good?"
"She's talking to Zion," Alexandra muttered, jaw tight.
Ezra blinked. "Wait—her? That girl from the tournament? You kissed her, right?"
Alexandra didn't respond, but the look in his eyes was answer enough.
Ezra grinned. "Damn. You caught feelings."
Without a word, Alexandra pushed off the tree and walked straight through the crowd.
Eniya didn't notice him until he was already standing beside her. The sudden change in atmosphere made Zion glance up — and instantly step back when he saw who it was.
Alexandra's voice was low, calm, but intense. "We need to talk."
Eniya turned to him, feigning nonchalance. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of something?"
He didn't blink. "Doesn't matter."
Zion cleared his throat awkwardly. "Yo, bro—"
"Not your business," Alexandra cut in smoothly. He didn't even look at him. His hand gently closed around Eniya's wrist, not tight, just enough to pull her away.
She narrowed her eyes, but let herself be led through the garden, through the crowd, past a row of fountains until they reached a quiet part of Ezra's backyard — where flowerbeds surrounded an old marble bench and the stars reflected in a koi pond.
He finally let go of her wrist.
She stepped back. "What's your problem?"
"You are," he said, his voice low.
Eniya blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You've been in my head since that tournament. I don't talk to girls. I don't look at girls. Then you showed up in that dumb little debate, acting like you own the world and talking like you'd set it on fire if anyone challenged you—"
"I tied with you."
"You almost beat me," he admitted.
They stared at each other. Her lips parted slightly.
"And that kiss," he said, softer now. "I don't regret it."
Eniya's breath hitched. "You don't even know me."
he said. "But I think I'd chase you."
She turned back to him, stunned into silence.
And then — she didn't move when he leaned in.
Eniya didn't step back.
His breath was warm, laced with the scent of spearmint and something darker, almost like rain on stone. Their eyes locked — hers glowing with challenge, his burning with something he wasn't used to feeling.
But just before their lips met again, she placed her hand on his chest.
"Wait," she whispered, breathless.
He paused, barely an inch away. "Why?"
She stared up at him, her voice shaky but firm. "Because… if you kiss me now, you're not just playing around anymore. And I don't want to be just another thing you conquer."
His jaw clenched slightly — not in anger, but restraint. "You wouldn't be."
There was a beat of silence. Somewhere far behind them, laughter echoed from the party.
"Good," she said, taking a slow breath. "Then maybe next time… ask me first."
And with a smirk that was equal parts daring and disarming, she turned and walked back toward the lights.
Alexandra stood there in the garden for a moment, watching the swing of her hair, the curve of her confidence.
He exhaled through a smile he didn't know he was holding.
She was trouble. The beautiful kind.
And for the first time in his life, he didn't want to walk away from it.