Chapter 37
As I gazed into the mirror, I was taken aback by the stunning reflection staring back at me. My hair cascaded down my shoulders like a rich, velvety waterfall, and I couldn't help but marvel at its luscious texture and shine. It was as if the stylists had worked magic, transforming my hair into a work of art that rivaled the most exquisite wigs. I was entranced, my eyes locked on the mirror as I admired the intricate details of my hairstyle.
A smile spread across my face, and I felt a surge of gratitude towards the stylists who had worked their magic on me. I didn't need words to express my admiration; my face spoke volumes. With a sense of satisfaction, I paid for their exceptional service and promised to come back, still marveling at my reflection as I walked out of the salon.
The next stop on my agenda was a nearby restaurant, where I indulged in a satisfying meal to fuel my evening. As I finished my food and checked the time, I was taken aback by how swiftly the hours had passed. It was almost 5 and the party was scheduled to start at 6 pm. A flutter of excitement and nerves coursed through me as I hastened back to school, eager to prepare for the night ahead.
As I stepped into the warm glow of my hostel room, I couldn't help but be captivated by my reflection in the mirror. The salon's handiwork still held me spellbound, my hair a rich, velvety waterfall that cascaded down my back. The time was ticking away, and I knew I had to get ready for the party, which was scheduled to start at 6 pm. With a sense of urgency, I hastened to the bathroom, carefully gathering my silky locks into a ponytail before slipping into the shower.
The warm water cascaded down my skin, and I felt my muscles relax. But as I reached for my phone to check for messages half expecting a message from Jo, but there was nothing, pang of annoyance shot through me. Hadn't he asked me out and I told him I would think about it. I thought to myself, "Shouldn't he be clamoring for an answer?" The silence was deafening, and I couldn't help but wonder if he had lost interest.
As I finished my bath and began to get dressed, the time seemed to tick away with an annoying swiftness. When I finally glanced at the time, I saw that it was 6:20 pm. A faint curse escaped my lips as I realized I was running a minute behind. But despite the tardiness, I took a deep breath and composed myself, savoring the moment before heading out to the party. The night ahead was full of possibilities, and I was determined to make the most of it.
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The loud music enveloped me as I stepped into the party around 7 pm, the vibrant energy of the crowd infectious. The darkness outside seemed to heighten the electric atmosphere within, where students were letting loose and teachers hovered, ensuring the revelry didn't get too out of hand. My eyes scanned the room with a singular focus - finding Jo. I navigated through the throng of dancing bodies and laughing groups, my gaze darting from face to face, the loud music fading into the background as I searched for the one person.
Just as I was about to succumb to the feeling of being utterly alone in a sea of people, I rounded a corner, and there he was. My breath hitched. Across the room, his familiar silhouette stood out, his height making him easily recognized amidst the throng of students. Relief flooded through me..He looked… stunning. His hair was sleeked back, a style I hadn't seen him wear before, and it accentuated the sharp angles of his face, making him look impossibly handsome.
He wasn't alone.
My eyes widened as I took in the scene before me. Jo was deep in conversation with a girl, her presence radiating warmth and familiarity. They laughed together, their easy banter suggesting a history I knew nothing about. She was beautiful, undeniably so, with a cascade of long, curly hair that bounced with every movement and a smile that could light up the entire room. A strange, unexpected pang shot through me – a mix of surprise and a curious, unsettling question: who was this girl, and why was Jo giving her his undivided attention?
I watched, rooted to the spot, a silent observer in a play I hadn't rehearsed for. The music seemed to fade, the surrounding chatter dissolving into a dull hum. Jo leaned closer to the girl, his voice a low murmur that I couldn't decipher. And then, the world tilted on its axis. His hand found her waist, pulling her closer, his fingers tracing the curve of her back as their lips met. The girl's hand found its way to the back of his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair as the kiss deepened. A soft, lingering kiss that stole the air from my lungs. The blood in my veins turned to ice. The world narrowed to the space between them, the space they now occupied, and the sudden, sharp ache in my chest that mirrored the impossible chasm that had just opened up between us. Wasn't this the person that asked me out just yesterday?