Just The 3 Of Us

Chapter 2

I looked at the night city lights, breathing in the fresh air from the balcony. The music inside and the sheer number of people attending the company’s party overwhelmed me, which is why I went outside.

I took a sip from the glass of champagne I was holding as I leaned on the railing. The lights from the city amazed me. December had just begun, yet I could already see the Christmas lights and decorations hanging even in the distance. We were many floors up, but I could still hear the bustling sounds of the night market not far away from the building where the party was being held.

The cold breeze touched my bare skin, and I shivered, closing my eyes. I was wearing a long yellow-silk gown that shimmered like a moonlight, hugging my figure. Its soft, lightweight material gently kissed my skin. The gown’s cowl neckline draped gently over my collarbones, while the deep open back made me feel the night’s chill.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed the door opening behind me, revealing my co-worker and seatmate, Erica.

“Hey, Vera!” she greeted.

I smiled and turned to her. “Hey, Erica.”

“Not coming inside? The party’s main event is about to start,” she giggled. “Also, girl, it’s cold out here. I think it’s better to stay inside.”

I let out a pitch laugh then nodded. “I’m totally fine here. I’ll go inside soon.”

“Well… if you say so!” Erica said, heading back into the hall.

I gulped the last remaining drink left on my glass and followed her inside.

Scanning the room, I looked for familiar faces or at least anyone I could talk to. Not far away, I saw a hand waving right at me. It was Theo. He smiled warmly and gestured for me to come over

Theo wasn’t just a co-worker; he had been a very dear friend since our university days. We both graduated from the same school, under the same program. And had supported each other through different ups and downs. Aside from that, I had always had a crush on him.

Yes, I had always liked Theo. He was there whenever I needed help. We had hooked up a few times, shared subtle romantic gestures, but that was it. Perhaps we were both too afraid to risk and lose our friendship, and so none of us brought up the topic of being official. And yet, I had been silently waiting and hoping he would finally ask me out. I giggle at the thought of finally being together with him.

“Vera, you look so good!” Theo complimented.

I could feel the heat suddenly rising in both of my cheeks. He looked so good too. Just seeing his charming smile made my heart leap.

“Thank you,” I replied, trying to sound calm. “You look good either.”

“Thanks,” he said with a smile.

As we chatted, a tall girl with fair skin and straight blonde hair approached. She wrapped her hands on Theo’s waist. He seemed surprise, but a flicker of affection lit his eyes as he realized who she was

“Babe!” Theo shrieked, leaning in for a kiss.

The girl laughed, then turned to look at me. “Oh, hey! Are you Vera?”

I stood frozen, processing that Theo now had a girlfriend.

“Oh, Vera! Meet Sienna.” Theo introduced. “Sienna, this is Vera, my best friend.”

The words “best friend” suddenly struck me sharply. Right, he had always seen me as a best friend and a sister. It wasn’t because he was scared to risk his feelings on me and make it official—but it was because he had never seen me that way. My heart ached at the sudden realization that I’ve been foolish for holding onto hope all this time.

“Hi, Sienna! I’m Vera,” forcing myself to smile and extend my hand.

“Oh my! I finally met you!” she exclaimed. “My Theo has always talked about how he sees you as a sister! Right, babe?”

‘My’. I scoffed inwardly. Suddenly, I felt that the world was suffocating. Their lovey-dovey display in front of me made me want to disappear and go home. I hated myself for being this way and acting like this—it wasn’t her fault that Theo never liked me.

I excused myself and slipped away to the bathroom, leaving them alone together.

—-

In the hallway, I felt steps following me. A hand reached and grabbed my wrist–it was Theo. Tears had started forming in my eyes, but I forced myself to keep my calm composure.

“Hey… are you okay?” he asked, concern etched throughout on his face.

“Yes, I am!” I replied, forcing a steady and joyous tone.

“Sorry, for not telling you earlier,” Theo said quietly, almost a whisper.

“Why are you saying sorry?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“Because you looked so hurt.” he admitted. “I know we had hooked up a few times before, but… that was it, okay?”

I froze. Wow… this man. His words hit me like a punch to the gut. It felt like he was dumping me right there, right now. The urge to cry suddenly surged stronger, and I could no longer bear it. I gently pulled my wrist away from his hand.

“Hurt? No… I am really happy for you,” I said, forcing a smile. “And oh please, I had always seen you as a friend.”

Theo opened his mouth and was about to respond, but I quickly cut him off.

“I really need to go to the bathroom, please.” I said, stepping back. “Also, your girlfriend might be looking for you.”

—--

The tears that I had been suppressing earlier finally surged the moment I closed the bathroom door. My knees felt weak from what just happened. I opened the faucet and splashed water on my face, trying to regain composure.

This shouldn’t affect me so much. If Theo was able to find someone, then maybe I should be able to find one too. With full determination, I grabbed my pouch and took my makeup. My makeup had run from crying and splashing water, so I carefully reapplied them.

After applying a bold red lipstick, I smoothed my dress and took a deep breath. Finally, I opened the bathroom door and prepared to return to the hall. I was determined to enjoy this night. The heartbreak that occurred just moments ago would not break me.

—-

Back at the hall, the entire atmosphere had completely shifted. The calm and gentle music earlier changed into loud, thumping music. The main event must have concluded already and now everyone was focused on chatting, drinking, and dancing already,

My eyes scanned the room and tried to look for Theo. And there he was–laughing with a circle of coworkers, Sienna tucked comfortably at his side. I rolled my eyes internally.

A server came up to me and offered me a drink. I took one without hesitation.

The strong taste immediately hit me. I wasn’t a strong drinker, even from before. I had always been a light drinker because I never liked its bitterness and lingering smell. But tonight, I didn’t care. I was persistent to forget what happened earlier and just drown myself with drink.

As the night passed, I could not recall how many drinks I had already taken. All I knew was that after the third shot, everything had already started spinning. f**k alcohol. I know that I’ll regret it later once I wake up. The alcohol was drowning in my system. I felt the urge to vomit but forced myself not to because it would stain the hotel’s hall carpet.

I finally made my way toward my hotel room, but the surroundings were swirling so aggressively that I nearly stumbled. The paintings hung on the wall were all doubling in my vision. My head was spinning so much that my foot slipped–but before I could hit the ground, a strong arm caught me.

“Hey!” a deep, masculine voice murmured in my ears. “You are so drunk, woman.”

I smirked after I heard his voice. I could not see the man’s face clearly—because everything else in my head was absurdly going crazy—but I noticed his eyes. Gray.

Gray eyes… just like our CEO.

I snickered on that thought. As if the CEO would ever be here staying on this hotel floor and helping someone like me.

“What are you laughing at ha?” he asked, sounding impatient.

Amidst drunkenness and mess of my emotions, a reckless idea sparked.

“Hey… sleep with me!”

The man stiffened, then instantly let go. I landed on the floor with a painful thump.

“Ouch!”

“No,” he said firmly. “I’m not sleeping with someone who can barely stand.”

“But, I’m not drunk!” I blinked hard. “Okay… maybe I was… but, not anymore.”

“Even if you weren’t drunk,” he shot back, “I wouldn’t just…do that. You don’t even know me.”

“Please…” My voice cracked, “Just help me forget it… it hurts.”

Tears started rolling down again in my cheeks.

To my surprise, the tall man crouched down with me. Panic and concern was obvious on his face as he gently wiped my tears with a handkerchief.

“Hey… don’t cry now,” he muttered. “Look, you’re swayed by your emotions, and you’re drunk. Plus I had some drinks too. You might regret this tomorrow.”

I stood up, swaying but determined. “I won’t. I swear, I won’t.

He placed a hand on his face and let out a quiet, frustrated curse. He stood there for a moment and exhaled sharply just as if he lost an internal battle.

“Alright,” he said softly, meeting my eyes. “But only if you’re sure. And remember that this is your choice.”

My feelings and emotions were all over the place. But, I was certain and determined at the moment.

He grabbed both of my shoulders. Then, without a second thought he gave in a slow and hesitant kiss to my lips—giving me a chance to pull away.

But I didn’t.

I kissed him back and opened my mouth. At the moment, I felt even more drunk than I was. The hallway spun even faster and I could hear my heart thumping loudly.

“Promise, you’ll never regret.” He said as he scooped me in a bridestyle and carried me inside my room.

The rest of the night blurred into something warm and messy. It was a night that would change everything for me.