Rachel POV
We just stared at each other for a moment, neither of us saying anything.
The silence pressed in, awkward and heavy. I finally averted my gaze, deciding it would be easier to just walk past him.
"Hey."
His voice stopped me.
He was leaning against the wall now, arms folded, posture relaxed, like this was casual.
I froze, then turned back, forcing politeness. "Hi."
"How are you enjoying the party?" he asked, trying to sound easygoing. But I could hear the tension underneath it.
I blinked, already irritated. "It's good. Loud."
"Yeah," he said, nodding. "Makes sense. It's quieter in here-"
I cut him off. "We've been practically ignoring each other for weeks. And now you're here acting like we're cool?"
Eli sighed and pushed off the wall, taking a step closer. "I... I've h
