Entangled in Lust

3. That Hypnotizing Gaze

The next day was the weekend. I’d already made plans to go to the mall with Jessica and Ashley—to buy a birthday present for Dave. He was throwing a party at his house later that evening, and of course, I had to be there. Dave was one of the most popular students at school. Aside from being handsome and charming, he was also a genius in debate and computer science. Unlike Ashley, who excelled in sciences like math, physics, and chemistry. I often thought Ashley could be a nuclear scientist someday. She was so smart, she sometimes looked down on social science kids like Dave—as if their future was doomed.

After picking out a pretty cool gift, we headed straight to Jessica’s house. She was the expert in fashion and makeup. In her hands, Ashley and I were transformed into better versions of ourselves—more stylish and ready to shine at a party.

By the time we got to Dave’s house, the party was already packed. Music, decorative lights, and laughter filled the air. I went over to Dave, and as usual, our banter flowed naturally.

“Happy birthday, my bodyguard! Hope all your wishes come true,” I said with a wide grin.

“Amen… But you brought me something expensive, right?” Dave teased.

“Ugh, what do you want—a car or a house? Just be grateful I brought you anything!”

“Hahaha! Kidding. But seriously, thanks for remembering and showing up—with your whole cheer squad, no less!” he added, winking at Jessica and Ashley.

“What the hell? I told you, you had to invite my besties too.”

“As if I’d cheer for you. So not important,” Ashley chimed in coldly.

“Relax, Professor. Just kidding!” Dave replied with a laugh.

We laughed together and blended into the party vibe. We met some new faces too. Once things got a bit more official, Dave stood in the center with a mic in hand, ready to cut the cake.

“But before that,” he said, “this first slice goes to my best friend, who’s been with me since kindergarten. The person who always roots for me in debates and never forgets my birthday… Marcella.”

Cheers erupted around us. I smiled. Maybe others thought it was romantic, but to me, it was just normal. Dave and I had been close friends forever—it wasn’t unusual.

-------

After that, I slipped away to the bathroom. I had spilled soda on my dress and needed to rinse it off. As I returned, I heard Dave calling me.

“Cell! Come here a sec!”

I walked over, a little confused. He wanted to introduce me to someone.

“This is my friend from the exchange program. You guys must know each other—you’re in the same class, right?”

Lucas.

So Dave and Lucas already knew each other. That surprised me, but I kept my tone flat.

“Yeah, I know. We’re classmates now,” I replied coolly.

“Hey Lucas, remember me? I’m Jessica! And this girl with glasses is Professor Ashley,” Jessica chirped cheerfully.

“Ugh, cut it out. I’m not a professor, I’m a creator!” Ashley laughed.

Lucas smiled politely. “Hey everyone. Thanks so much for the warm welcome. I didn’t realize you all knew each other since you’re from different programs.”

“I’ve known Cell since kindergarten. These two monkeys I met in junior high—they’re her best friends,” Dave said, pointing at Jessica and Ashley.

“Excuse me? You’re the monkey!” Ashley shot back.

We laughed and chatted casually. Then, one of Dave’s and my favorite songs—a classic disco track from the ‘80s—started playing. Like instinct, Dave grabbed my hand.

“Come on, Cell! Don’t be shy—let’s do our usual thing!”

We danced with our signature moves. Laughing freely, I didn’t even care that people were watching. But after a few songs, I started feeling tired.

“Dave, I’m taking a break. My legs are sore,” I said, catching my breath.

“Sure, go ahead. I’m gonna keep dancing with the others!” he said energetically.

I headed toward a seat at the edge of the room. But just a few steps in, I slipped on a puddle. I almost fell—until a pair of hands caught me.

Lucas.

For a moment, time stopped. Our eyes locked. I could hear my heartbeat echoing. There was something in his gaze—deep, like it could read straight into my thoughts.

After a few seconds, I quickly pulled away.

“Uh… thanks. You saved me from total embarrassment,” I said nervously.

“No problem. Just be careful—the floor’s slippery,” he replied softly.

I sat down, trying to calm my racing heart. A few minutes later, Lucas came back with two cups of soda.

“This is for you. I noticed you hadn’t had a drink yet—and you looked tired,” he said.

I glanced at the cup, then at him. Had he really been watching me all this time?

“Oh… thanks,” I replied, taking the drink.

He noticed my hesitation.

“Why aren’t you drinking it? Afraid I slipped something into it?” he teased lightly.

“Ugh, no! Don’t jump to conclusions. I’m just not thirsty yet,” I replied quickly.

“If you don’t want it, just toss it,” he said, standing up.

Without thinking, I grabbed his arm. “Hey, wait. Don’t be mad. Look—I’m drinking it, okay? I just wasn’t thirsty earlier.”

He looked at my hand still holding onto him. I quickly let go.

“Sorry… reflex,” I murmured.

He sat back down, and we started talking—about school, friends, even favorite foods. It felt like chatting with an old friend, even though this was our first real conversation.

Soon after, a mellow song played. Lucas stood and offered his hand.

“Dance?”

I nodded softly. We danced to the slow rhythm. But the moment didn’t last. The music switched abruptly, and Dave reappeared.

“Cell! Our song! Let’s go!” he said, pulling me back onto the dance floor.

I looked at Lucas for a second, then followed Dave. Strangely, it felt like Dave was trying to divert my attention—like he didn’t want me spending too much time with Lucas. As I followed his steps, I glanced at Dave’s face. He smiled, but somehow… it felt a little forced. As if he was holding something in.

When the party ended, Jessica realized her driver couldn’t pick her up. Same with Pak Tejo—he had to take Mom to the airport. Lucas immediately offered a ride.

“I can take you guys,” he said.

But Dave quickly cut in. “I’ll do it!”

Ashley and Jessica immediately declined.

“Dave, you should rest. It’s your big day—go open your gifts. Let Lucas take us.”

So we ended up going home in Lucas’s car. I sat in the front. Jessica and Ashley got dropped off first. My house was the farthest, so I was last.

As I opened the door and stepped out, Lucas did too.

“Cell… can I have your number?”

I looked at him in surprise, then smiled a little.

“Sure. But don’t start sending me scam calls,” I joked, handing him my phone.

He chuckled. “I won’t. I’m serious.”

“Alright then… drive safe, okay? Bye,” I said, waving.

When I got inside, I couldn’t stop smiling. Something fluttered in my chest. Could I really be starting to like him?

I showered, cleaned off my makeup, and collapsed onto the bed. I buried my face in the pillow, still smiling.

I glanced at my phone. A new contact had appeared on the screen:

Lucas Vega.

But the night passed. And he didn’t message me.

I stared at the screen a while longer, waiting for something that never came.

And slowly… my smile faded.