CHAPTER 2
1313 Words
Chapter 2: The Mistletoe Kiss
Silvia’s POV
The room is spinning, but it’s not from the dance. It’s from the sudden rush of feelings coursing through me. Smart’s hand is still resting on my waist, his thumb moving gently over my skin, sending small, almost imperceptible sparks across my body. I try to ignore the heat that floods my cheeks, but it’s impossible when he’s looking at me with that grin—effortless, cocky, and yet… something else. Something that makes me want to trust him.
The song ends, and I step back slightly, breaking the spell. “Okay, that’s enough,” I say, my voice unsteady, trying to sound indifferent.
Smart laughs, not at all bothered by my awkwardness. “You sure? You were starting to enjoy that.”
“I was not!” I protest, but I can’t quite hide the flush on my face.
“I think she was enjoying it,” Adam’s voice cuts in from behind me. I turn to find him watching us, arms crossed over his chest, leaning casually against the wall. He gives me a wink. “You two look like you could be good together.”
I roll my eyes. “Stop it, Adam. It was just a dance. Nothing more.”
“Oh, come on,” Smart says, looking amused. “We’re not going to bite, Silvia. You’re not getting out of this that easily.”
Michael, who’s been quiet the entire time, steps closer, his gaze soft but piercing. “Smart’s right,” he says, his deep voice carrying an air of quiet authority. “It’s just a dance. No one’s asking for anything more.”
I nod, even though part of me wants to argue. The last thing I want is to get wrapped up in some kind of… thing with these guys. I’m not interested. But the way they look at me—especially Michael’s intense gaze—makes me question that conviction.
“We should get some air,” I say suddenly, trying to break the tension that’s building. “I’ll be right back.”
Smart raises an eyebrow but doesn’t protest. “Alright. But you’re coming back, right? We’re not letting you escape that easily.”
I don’t respond, instead turning and walking out of the gymnasium. I need space. I need to think.
The cold hits me immediately as I step outside into the night air. The school’s courtyard is quiet, lit by the soft glow of streetlamps and the twinkling lights from the gym windows. I pull my coat tighter around me, hoping the chill will clear my mind. The party inside was overwhelming—too many people, too much noise, and all those eyes watching me. But now it’s just me and the night.
I breathe deeply, trying to calm the racing thoughts in my head. Why did I agree to dance with them? Why did I let Smart pull me in like that? And why—why does Michael have to look at me like that?
The sound of footsteps behind me pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts. I turn quickly, expecting to see one of the guys following me. Sure enough, it’s Michael.
“Hey,” he says, his voice low, as if he’s unsure of how to approach me. “Can we talk?”
I stare at him, my heart beating faster. “About what?”
He pauses for a moment, running a hand through his hair. “About what’s going on. With the guys… with you… and me.”
My stomach tightens. “There’s nothing going on.”
Michael looks at me, his brown eyes dark but not unfriendly. “Maybe not right now. But I think there’s something you’re not seeing. Or maybe something you’re afraid to see.”
I take a step back, shaking my head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He takes a step toward me, not quite invading my space, but close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from him. “Silvia, you don’t have to pretend. You’re not as immune to us as you think. And I get it, okay? You’ve been hurt. You’re scared. But you don’t have to push us away.”
I want to argue, but the words die in my throat. He’s right. I’ve been hurt before—deeply. Ethan, my last boyfriend, was supposed to be the one. We were together for two years. I thought we had something real. But then, he found someone else. A “better match,” he said. That was the end of it.
“I’m not scared,” I finally manage to say, but my voice sounds thin, even to me.
Michael doesn’t look convinced. “I think you are,” he replies gently. “But that’s okay. We’re not going anywhere. Not unless you want us to.”
I feel a pang in my chest. “I’m not looking for anything right now.”
“I know.” Michael nods. “But maybe you should. Just… think about it.”
Before I can respond, a loud voice cuts through the night. “There you are! We’ve been looking all over for you.”
I turn around to see Smart jogging toward us, a grin on his face. Adam follows close behind, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets.
“Hey, what are you two doing out here?” Smart asks, clearly teasing but not unkindly.
Michael looks at me, then at Smart and Adam. “We were just talking.”
“Talking, huh?” Adam smirks, raising an eyebrow. “I hope you’re not making her uncomfortable, Mike.”
“No,” Michael says, shaking his head. “Just talking. Nothing more.”
Smart chuckles. “Good. You’re not scaring her off, are you? We’re supposed to be having fun tonight.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I say quickly, wanting to cut off any more teasing. “I just needed a break. That’s all.”
Adam shrugs. “Fair enough. So, you’re coming back inside?”
I hesitate for a moment, glancing at Michael, who’s still standing a little too close for comfort. His gaze is unreadable, and I can’t help but feel like there’s more to his words than he’s letting on.
“Yeah,” I say, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. “I’ll come back.”
We walk back to the gym, but this time, the weight of the situation is different. It’s not just the Christmas lights or the festive music—it’s the tension between us. The things left unsaid. And the way I feel like I’m being pulled in three different directions at once.
As we step back into the gym, the lights seem brighter, the music louder, and the crowd even more alive than before. I glance around, noticing all the couples on the dance floor, moving together in sync with the rhythm. It’s everything I’m not. But still, a part of me wonders if maybe… just maybe… I could get used to it.
Smart grins when he sees me. “There you are! Took you long enough.”
I roll my eyes. “I needed some air.”
“You’re just avoiding the inevitable,” he says with a wink, stepping forward. “How about another dance?”
“No thanks,” I reply quickly, crossing my arms.
But Adam steps in. “I’m with Smart on this one. You can’t stay all moody the whole night. It’s Christmas. Time to let loose.”
“I’m not in the mood,” I say firmly, but my resolve is starting to crack. I glance at Michael, who is standing a little farther away, watching me. His expression is unreadable.
“Maybe later,” I add quickly, turning to leave them behind and head toward the punch bowl.
- Writer
