Chapter 8- Jealousy and Rivalries
594 Words
The following week, Lunaris Hills buzzed with normal activity. Shops were reopening after the Festival of Lights, townsfolk still chatting excitedly about glowing firework-sprites, and Nami Ferrer was once again tethered to DJ Alvarado, her glowing wrist reminding her of last week’s chaos.
She was restocking shelves when the door jingled. A charming, impeccably dressed young woman stepped inside, holding a notebook and a wand that sparkled like starlight.
“Hello!” she said brightly. “I’m Sofia Rivera, the new magical intern. I heard you’re the town’s best magic-wrangler, and I’d love to learn from you!”
Nami raised an eyebrow. “Best? I’m… competent.”
Sofia’s smile widened. “Oh, but you are the best. And I heard you have… help.” She glanced at DJ, who was lounging on the counter, grinning at the sight of her.
Nami’s chest tightened. Something about Sofia’s charm made her uneasy. Her eyes flicked to DJ, who hadn’t noticed the subtle tension building in the room.
Flirtation Sparks
Sofia approached DJ, notebook in hand. “And you must be… the mischievous one?” she asked, voice light and teasing.
DJ grinned, leaning casually. “That’d be me. DJ. Nice to meet you.”
Sofia laughed softly. “I can tell already… you’re full of surprises. I like that.”
Nami’s jaw tightened. I like that? Really? She glanced at DJ. He looked… interested. Her chest sank.
Tethered Tension
As Sofia chatted with DJ, the tether pulsed unexpectedly, pulling Nami slightly toward him. Her cheeks heated.
“Stay still!” she muttered under her breath.
DJ noticed the tug and looked at her, a hint of guilt in his eyes. “Sorry… I didn’t mean—”
Nami waved him off. “Forget it!”
Sofia tilted her head, smiling knowingly. “You two seem… close. Are you… bonded?”
The words hung in the air. DJ glanced at Nami, eyebrows raised.
“I—” Nami began, then sighed. “Yes. Magic bond. Long story.”
Sofia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Fascinating. That’s… rare. Very rare.”
Nami bristled. “I know.”
Jealousy Sparks
As the afternoon progressed, Nami couldn’t ignore the way DJ laughed at Sofia’s jokes, or the easy way they moved together. Every tug of the tether sent warmth and anxiety through Nami’s body.
She tried to focus on her work—mixing potions, labeling jars—but every glance at DJ reminded her of the first time she realized she cared about him.
DJ noticed her distraction. He tried to reassure her with a playful grin. “Hey… you’re still my favorite chaos partner, right?”
Nami flushed. “Don’t joke. And yes… technically.”
Sofia, oblivious to the tension, laughed again, drawing DJ’s attention. Nami’s stomach twisted.
I don’t like her, Nami admitted silently. I don’t like her… at all.
A Subtle Confession
When the shop finally quieted, DJ approached Nami. “Are you… jealous?” he asked softly, raising an eyebrow.
Nami froze, glaring. “Absolutely not.”
DJ smirked knowingly. “Sure… not jealous. Got it.”
Her cheeks heated. “I said… I’m not—”
He leaned closer, tethered wrist brushing hers. “It’s okay. I like it. I mean… I like you. And only you. Don’t forget that.”
Nami’s breath caught. She didn’t reply. The words, soft and sincere, sank deep into her heart.
The tether pulsed warmly, stronger than ever. Magic and emotion intertwined, affirming what neither could deny anymore: their bond was growing—stronger, more complicated, and utterly inescapable.
- Writer
