Y/n
After that, Emma and Max sat beside us.
Emma: "Y/N, look! He looks so handsome!"
I nodded, trying my best not to look at Mr. Too-Handsome-For-His-Own-Good because his intense stare made me feel like I owed him rent.
Suddenly, Emma popped up like a toast out of a toaster and skipped off with Mr. Annoying for a dance.
Max: "Ugh, he's such a show-off, Y/N."
I nodded dramatically. "Totally. He's annoying, idiotic, and probably thinks mirrors are made just for him."
Max burst out laughing.
Max: "You hate him too, sis?"
"With every fiber of my being. I mean, why does Emma like him so much? He probably uses hair gel more than shampoo."
Max: "Exactly! I mean, I'm way better than him!"
"Facts. You don't even need hair gel to be cool."I said
We laughed like two evil siblings plotting world domination.
Max: "That's why we're siblings, Y/N." He pinched my cheek like an annoying uncle at a wedding.
Then suddenly, James appeared like he was summoned by awkward vibes.
James: "Hey, let's dance, shall we?"
Max: "Back off, James. I'm taking her."
"Yeah, sorry, next time, buddy."
Max pulled me onto the dance floor and, let me tell you, we did the most chaotic dance ever. I think we accidentally invented a new one called "The Sibling Earthquake." People stared. Someone might have filmed it. We regret nothing.
Emma and Mr. Annoying Extra Deluxe Edition showed up like a storm in heels and cologne.
Emma: "You guys are terrible."
We burst out laughing like two villains caught in the act.
Max: "We know, right sister?" He gave me a playful twirl like we were at a royal ball… if the royal ball was hosted by chaos.
Then Mr. Annoying—with all the charm of a vampire who knew he was hot—stepped forward.
Mr. Annoying: "Here, sir, your lady," he said with a dramatic bow, handing Emma over to Max like she was a priceless vase. Max smirked and whisked her off to the dance floor.
I smiled, ready to sneak off and escape the drama… but before I could vanish, he caught my hand.
My breath hitched.
"What are you doing?" I whispered, suddenly hyper-aware of his hands slipping around my waist. The music changed—slow, romantic, and haunting.
Mr. Annoying: "Just dancing..." He leaned in, his breath brushing my ear. "By the way... don't you think this dress is very, very… short for you?"
I sighed, unamused. "Let me go. I don't want to cause a scene."
Mr. Annoying: "Neither do I, babe," he said, with the kind of smirk that could ruin lives and wardrobes. His grip stayed firm.
Just then, I spotted James moving through the crowd like my guardian angel in sneakers. Relief flooded me.
James: "Hey. Can I dance with my best friend?"
"Please." I didn't even hesitate.
Mr. Annoying: "Okay, okay," he grumbled, rolling his eyes so hard I swear I heard them creak.
James took my hand and spun me away like a hero in an old movie.
James: "You okay?"
I nodded, trying to calm the rush of adrenaline.
But even as I danced with James, I could feel his eyes burning into my back.
"Now I'm fine," I said softly, offering James a grateful smile.
We swayed a little longer to the music—our dancing more like lazy shuffling, but it was comfortable. Safe. A nice break from the chaos.
After that, we walked over and sat with Emma's mom and dad, hoping to blend into the background and avoid any more uninvited waist-holding encounters.
Emma's mom leaned in with a sparkle in her eyes that only moms in matchmaking mode could pull off.
Emma's mom: "You two look absolutely perfect together!"
I choked slightly on the air.
James gave an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his neck. "Oh, haha, we're just friends."
I nodded quickly. "Yeah, just friends... like... best friends... who don't kiss." Why did I say that? Why did I add "who don't kiss"? That made it weirder.
Emma's dad sipped his drink, clearly enjoying the show.
Emma's dad: "Mm-hmm. Sure. That's what they all say before the wedding invitations come in."
James looked like he wanted to melt into the floor.
I suddenly wished I had stayed on the dance floor—with Mr. Annoying.
Okay, not really. But still.
And then, like clockwork… I felt it.
A stare.
His stare.
I glanced across the room.
There he was. Mr. Annoying. Leaning against the wall like a moody villain from a Netflix series. Drink in hand. Eyebrows slightly raised.
Smirking.
He was watching me.
Again.
James gently pulled my hand.
James: "Hey, we should leave now. It's getting late."
I nodded in agreement.
Emma's mom: "Why don't you two just stay the night?"
I smiled politely, already forming an excuse.
"We'd love to, but James has some work to finish, and I have an early appointment tomorrow," I lied smoothly.
Emma walked up to me, her expression a mix of surprise and disappointment.
Emma: "Wait… you're really leaving?"
I sighed, feeling a little guilty.
"Yeah, Emma. But trust me, it's an important meeting. I really can't miss it."
She hugged me tightly.
Emma: "Okay, okay. But call me when you get home, alright?"
Max: "Yes, sister! We still have so much gossip to cover. You should just take a month off before the wedding!"
I laughed. "Yeah, yeah. We'll see."
James tugged on my hand again. I gave everyone one last hug. I noticed Lucas wasn't there. Not that I cared where he was.
We made our way to the car and got in. As James started the engine, there was a moment of silence—until he suddenly spoke up.
James: "So… we've never kissed, huh?"
"Huh?!" I look at him in confusion
James: "You literally just said that!"
You: "Okay, okay, fine. I mean… it's kinda true."
James: "Hmm... I wish I could kiss you right now."
You: "Don't you dare, Jamie. I don't kiss idiots." I laugh
James: "Did you just call me an idiot? Oh, just wait till we get home..."
You: "I was kidding!" I quickly managed
James: "Mhm, suuuure you were."
We both burst out laughing.
James: "You look really happy, Y/N. It makes me happy too."
You: "Hmm... I'm just really happy for Emma and Max. They're like family to me." I smile
James: "Yeah? And what about me?"
I reach over and pinch his cheek.
You: "You can be my brother too!"
His eyes widen like I just insulted his whole bloodline.
James: "Brother?! No way. I'm applying for the husband or boyfriend position, not brother-zone!"
I burst out laughing while he dramatically clutches his heart like I just betrayed him.
James: "But Emma's mom said we look good together."
I pause, staring out the window before mumbling,
You: "You deserve better than me, James."
He turns to look at me, confused.
James: "Why would you say that?"
You: "Because it's true. You're… you're perfect boyfriend material. You're kind, funny, smart. And me? I'm just... some lazy orphan girl with a messy life and no clue what I'm doing."
There's a beat of silence. I expect him to say something to dismiss it, to change the subject. But instead, he speaks softly—
James: "Well, I like that kind of girl."
I roll my eyes, trying to hide the warmth creeping into my cheeks.
You: "Just drive. I'm sleepy."
He laughs, the sound light but full of something deeper.
James: "Ignore me all you want, Y/N… but one day, you're going to fall for me. I can wait."
I don't respond. I just keep my eyes on the window, heart pounding louder than it should. The rest of the ride is quiet.
Then we arrive.
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