The music inside Marcus's house grew louder as the night continued.
The living room was packed now. Students were dancing, laughing, and shouting over the music. Someone had turned the lights low, and colorful flashes from the speakers lit the room in pulses.
Chelsea stood near the kitchen counter, watching everything with cautious curiosity.
She had never been to a party like this before.
Marcus walked past her carrying a bowl of chips.
"You still alive?" he asked jokingly.
Chelsea smirked.
"Barely."
Marcus laughed.
"You're doing great for your first party."
Chelsea looked around again.
It still felt chaotic.
But strangely… she wasn't uncomfortable anymore.
Her eyes wandered across the room.
Until they landed on Adrian.
He was leaning against the wall again, talking to Ethan.
But his posture was relaxed.
Too relaxed.
Chelsea frowned slightly.
Why does he always look so calm…
At that exact moment Adrian looked up.
Their eyes met.
For a split second.
Chelsea quickly looked away and grabbed her drink.
Marcus noticed the interaction immediately.
He grinned.
"Oh this is getting interesting."
Chelsea glared at him.
"Stop smiling like that."
Marcus shrugged.
"I didn't say anything."
Across the room…
Vanessa stood near the staircase with her group of friends.
Her eyes never left Chelsea.
Ryan stood beside her.
"So that's the girl?" he asked.
Vanessa nodded.
Ryan studied Chelsea.
"She doesn't look like trouble."
Vanessa's voice was sharp.
"She is."
Cole leaned against the railing.
"So what do you want us to do?"
Vanessa's lips curled slightly.
"Nothing big yet."
Her eyes glowed with quiet anger.
"Just make her uncomfortable."
Ryan smirked.
"That I can do."
Meanwhile, Chelsea had moved closer to the patio door for fresh air.
The house was getting warmer as more people arrived.
She stepped outside.
The night air was cool and quiet compared to the noise inside.
Chelsea exhaled softly.
"Finally."
But she wasn't alone for long.
Footsteps approached behind her.
Ryan.
Chelsea turned when she heard him.
Her expression instantly hardened.
"What do you want?"
Ryan smiled lazily.
"Relax."
He leaned against the railing beside her.
"I'm just talking."
Chelsea crossed her arms.
"I'm not interested."
Ryan chuckled.
"You know… you really have a lot of confidence for someone who just showed up."
Chelsea stared at him.
"Do you always talk like this?"
Ryan shrugged.
"Only when someone annoys me."
Chelsea sighed.
"Then stop talking to me."
Ryan's smile widened.
"You really think Adrian is going to protect you forever?"
Chelsea's eyes narrowed.
"I don't need protection."
Ryan leaned closer.
"You might."
Before Chelsea could reply
A hand suddenly grabbed Ryan's shoulder.
Firm.
Strong.
Ryan turned.
Adrian.
His face looked calm.
But his eyes were cold.
"Walk away," Adrian said quietly.
Ryan scoffed.
"What, are you her bodyguard now?"
Adrian didn't move.
Ryan laughed.
"This is hilarious. You actually like her."
Adrian's jaw tightened slightly.
But his voice remained calm.
"Last warning."
Ryan stared at him for a moment.
Then he raised both hands.
"Relax."
He stepped back.
"Not worth the drama."
Ryan walked back toward the house.
But the look he gave Chelsea before leaving was full of promise.
Chelsea exhaled slowly.
"That guy is exhausting."
Adrian leaned against the railing beside her.
"You shouldn't be alone around him."
Chelsea glanced at him.
"I wasn't alone."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Chelsea smirked slightly.
"I can handle idiots."
Adrian almost smiled.
Almost.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
The music from inside echoed faintly outside.
Chelsea finally broke the silence.
"You didn't have to do that."
Adrian shrugged.
"It was annoying."
Chelsea studied him.
"You always act like nothing bothers you."
Adrian looked out at the dark yard.
"Most things don't."
Chelsea sighed.
"You're impossible."
Adrian turned toward her.
"You came to the party anyway."
Chelsea crossed her arms.
"You dared me."
Adrian smirked.
"That worked."
Chelsea rolled her eyes.
"You're unbelievable."
Before Adrian could respond
The patio door suddenly burst open.
Leo stumbled outside dramatically.
"ADRIAN!"
He pointed back toward the house.
"Problem."
Adrian sighed.
"What now?"
Leo grinned.
"Vanessa."
Chelsea stiffened.
Leo leaned closer.
"She's making a scene inside."
Chelsea frowned.
"About what?"
Leo looked between them.
"…You."
Chelsea groaned softly.
"Oh great."
Adrian pushed himself off the railing.
"Stay here."
Chelsea immediately shook her head.
"No."
Adrian looked at her.
"You don't want to walk into that."
Chelsea's expression hardened.
"I'm not hiding from her."
Adrian stared at her for a moment.
Then he sighed.
"Fine."
Leo clapped excitedly.
"Oh this is going to be good."
Chelsea glared at him.
"Not helping."
Together they walked back inside.
The crowd in the living room had formed a circle.
Students were whispering and watching.
Vanessa stood in the middle.
Looking furious.
The moment Chelsea stepped into the room—
Vanessa saw her.
And smiled.
A dangerous smile.
"Perfect," Vanessa said loudly.
"Now we can talk."
Chelsea stopped walking.
The entire party suddenly went quiet.
And Adrian stepped slightly in front of her.
Vanessa's eyes darkened.
"Still hiding behind him?"
Chelsea folded her arms.
"I'm not hiding."
Vanessa laughed softly.
"Oh good."
Her voice dropped.
"Then let's settle this."