le taking drags off of cigarettes, chugging who-knows-what from red cups, and making out like it's the last night of their lives, pressed up against wal

the walls, pulsing through every room, syncing u

mes Ellington's house-a massive, Victorian-style villa with tall windows and intricate, classic detailing on every corner. I have to do a double-take; it's the kind of house you see in movies, not in

ke they've got something to prove. I try not to cringe a

with excitement as she makes a beeline for the drink station. She grabs two red solo cups, filling them wi

er the music. I take a cautious sip, the mix of bitter vodka and artific

thusiastically, then leans closer to shout over the music, "Ther

they lose themselves in the moment. The song "Midnight City" by M83 blasts over the speakers, an

houts, her voice barely

middle of the crowd, laughing and swaying to the beat. I let the music wash over me, letting my inhibitions go as Jugyoung and I sing along to the chorus, my nerve

this confident, easygoing smirk on his face as he scans the room, looking completely in his element. His white shirt is open at the top, a few buttons u

strange, feeling this pull toward a guy I barely know, but there's something about him

ose, her voice excited as she shouts, "Oh m

rush on him from the moment she found out about him, and now tha

ing her to go after her crush. But the truth is, I'm here because of

door that leads outside to the pool area. Jugyoung's face fa

as she squeezes my hand. "Stay here and ke

m, realizing that nearly every face here is unfamiliar. People are laughing, shouting, and danci

d brown eyes and a smile that's both shy and inviting. His soft, wavy brown hair frames

eply, not sure if he's talking to me by mistake."What a surprise to se

confused. "Wait.

fusion. "Yeah, we're both in Algebra and Spa

f hair behind my ear to cover my embarrassment. "I'm sorry! I di

ust extends a hand with a f

ing oddly shy as I introduce mys

ually been wanting to tell you-you're am

ething I expected at a party, but it's...kind of sweet. "Thanks,"

I'd like another drink, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance down, s

pologetic smile. "

out any background noise. My mind races, nerves tangled up tight. My pulse quickens, dr