Reflections Of Us

Breaking Point - Chapter 4

Zeva's POV:

I walk back toward the couch, trying to shake off the tension from talking to Leya. My heart's still racing, and I can't help stealing glances at Keith across the room. He's laughing with someone else now, and a pang of jealousy hits me harder than I expected.

Jazmine slides in next to me, balancing two drinks. "Here, one for you. You look like you need it." She smirks. "Stop staring at him like he's the last slice of pizza on earth."

I force a laugh, taking the drink from her. "It's nothing," I say, though my stomach twists.

Across the room, Keith's attention seems to drift, but not toward me. And Leya... Leya is leaning against the table, her eyes scanning the crowd, probably thinking she owns the place. I clench my cup, wishing I could disappear into the music.

I'm still trying to distract myself on the couch when the music thumps a little louder, and the front door swings open. I glance up and see Kiante stepping in, scanning the room with that familiar confident stride. My stomach twists—he doesn't come to parties often, but when he does, you know trouble isn't far behind.

Jazmine nudges me. "Uh-oh... someone looks serious."

Kiante's eyes lock on Keith immediately. My chest tightens. He strides purposefully through the crowd, clearly headed straight for him. Keith notices and straightens, smirking like he's daring Kiante to make a move.

I shift nervously on the couch, wishing I could disappear into the music, but there's no hiding this tension. Kiante stops a few feet from Keith, jaw tight, arms crossed.

Keith leans back, grin in place, "About what?"

Kiante steps closer, his glare unwavering. "About you taking the captain from me. I worked my ass off for the position, and you waltz in and take it like it means nothing. I don't like you, and I don't trust you around my sister or this team."

Keith chuckles, shrugging. "Relax, man. Being captain isn't a big deal. I'm just doing my job."

Kiante's jaw tightens further. "Doing your job." That's a joke. You think you can charm through everything, but I see through you. Stay out of my way."

I clutch my drink, my stomach twisting. Jazmine squeezes my hand. "Uh-oh... this is about to get messy," she whispers.

The crows around them start to notice, murmurs rippling through the party. I shift nervously on the couch, wishing someone would pull Kiante away before things get out of hand.

Keith smirks, clearly enjoying the attention. "Wow, someone's touchy," he says, loud enough for the nearby group to hear. "It's just a party, man, no need to throw a fit."

Kiante's eyes flash. "Touchy? Try being replaced by someone you know is all flash and no substance." His tone sharpens, and I can feel the heat radiating off him.

I bit my lip, trying to calm the tension I could feel like static in the air. Jazmine leans closer. "Maybe we should—"

Before she can finish, Keith steps forward slightly, face still smiling, but his tone has an edge now. "You know, Kiante, not everyone lives in the past. Maybe it's time you let it go."

Kiante's fists clench, but he doesn't back down. "Let it go? Not when people like you think they can waltz in and take what's mine."

I glance around nervously—partygoers are whispering, phones are being raised to capture this confrontation, and I realize with a pang that this will get messy fast.

I push myself up from the couch, my drink forgotten. "Kiante!" I call out, stepping between him and Keith. "Enough, seriously. Just...chill for a second."

Kiante glares at Keith, then flicks his eyes at me. "Zeva, I—"

"I don't care, I just don't want anyone starting a fight in the middle of a party!" I say, my voice a mix of frustration and fear. "Please, just calm down."

Keith smirks, clearly amused by my attempt to mediate. "Relax, Zeva. He's just talking."

I take a deep breath, looking from Kiante to Keith. "Talking or not, it's getting way too heated. Can we just...not do this here?"

Kiante finally exhales sharply, his jaw still tight, but he steps back slightly. "Fine," he mutters, still glaring at Keith. "But this isn't over."

Keith chuckles under his breath, clearly enjoying himself, while I let out a shaky breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Jazmine leans over, whispering, "Nice save... for now."

I sink back onto the couch, gripping my drink like it's my lifeline. My heart is still racing, and I can feel the adrenaline buzzing through my veins. Jazmine plops down beside me, smirking. "See? Told you it was messy," she teases.

I groan. "Messy doesn't even begin to cover it." I take a sip of my drink, trying to focus on the music, the laughter, anything but the scene I just witnessed.

Across the room, Keith leans against the table, smirking, clearly enjoying himself. His eyes flick toward me, and I can feel them on me even from here. I quickly look down at my phone, pretending to scroll, but I can't stop thinking about his calm, infuriating attitude.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Leya watching the scene unfold. Her brow is slightly furrowed, but there's a hint of amusement in her expression. My stomach tightens again—great, she's seeing all of this too.

Jazmine nudges me. "You're thinking way too hard. Let's grab another drink and try to enjoy this party.

I nod, letting her lead me toward the table, but my eyes drift back to Keith, Kiante, and Leya. The tension hasn't left the room—it's just... simmering, waiting for the next spark.

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Jazmine's POV:

I can feel my blood boiling just watching Kiante and Keith. One wrong word from either of them, and this party will explode. Kiante, all rigid and controlled, glaring like he owns the place. And Keith, leaning back and smirking like this, is sagame.

I glance at Zeva. She's trying so hard to stay calm, but her hands fidget with her drink, and her eyes flicker between them. Poor girl doesn't need this stress.

I huff softly, nudging Zeva. "Listen, I know your brother thinks he's protecting you, but seriously... he's overreacting. Keith's not going to hurt you." I try to sound confident, but I can feel the tension too.

Across the room, Keith glances at Zeva, grinning his irritating, charming grin. And Kiante notices. I bite my lip. "Great," I mutter under my breath. "This is about to get even messier.