Chapter 5

🎶Going out tonight changes into something red

Her mother doesn't like that kind of dress

Everything she never had she's showing off 🎶

-One Direction-

#Jean's POV

 The first thing I do when I step into the club is to let my jaw hit the floor. The Lava, where my friends drag me in, is nothing like I ever imagined. 

 Holy cheeseroll.

 I feel so out of place. This place is so out of my league. 

 I was left awestruck from the first time Kylen's driver dropped us in front of this private club. Even from the front of the club, you can see that this place screams big money. I stare at those two big white pillars that clutch the front door strongly, and then I let my eyes appreciate the lights that shine from the bottom, strengthening the beautiful intricateness of the statue in front of the building.

I'm still wondering how Kylen could get us inside. 

 Well, I know Kylen is wealthy enough to not have any problem with how she spends money. But in my opinion, it's unnecessary to go to this length to celebrate your friend's birthday party at a place like this. I believe the drink alone will cost me a fortune.

 I mean, this is the place where stinking rich people and celebrities chill out. No one can get in without a member card, reservation, or invitation. They even check our ID's twice before letting us in. And from the look on their faces, they're probably doubting our sorry asses. I will be too if the position's reversed.

 I let my jaw hit yet another floor when we passed another door to enter the main area. Wow. Everything inside is so extravagant. The sofas, the lighting, and the bar just look so lavish and glamorous. Never would I ever imagine myself calling a club extravagant, but it is true. 

 There's a light with different colors at each corner that gives a hue of mysterious yet luxurious feels. The main area itself is dim, aside from the big disco ball at the center, where the dance floor is. There's a bar on the right with various bottles of drinks that I didn't know existed until now; please don't ask me their names because I have no way to answer that. 

 I look around one more time to find the best place to sit. The lack of people dancing on the floor confuses me since it's the weekend. Most people here just sit cozily in their seat, sipping on their drink, watching the few people on the dance floor, or talking to their friends.

 I feel so self-conscious as I look at the outfits of the people on the dance floor and silently thank God I'm not wearing my usual jeans and t-shirt, but I'm not going to tell those two friends of mine.

 I'm still not quite comfortable with the feels of the breeze caressing my back. And there's this nagging feeling I get when I'm around people, thinking they're probably looking and assessing me with their discerning eyes, like I'm a manekin on a display. It's always giving me chills down my spine, and not in a good way. I'm probably just overthinking this, but who can say that what I feel is wrong? My feelings are my prerogative. 

 I'm not a fan of showcasing my virtues to express or to prove my confidence and maturity. I think the idea of wearing and doing something that is not your cup of tea as a proof of something else is totally absurd and illogical to me. Yes, the skin of my back is included in my description of virtue; sue me. 

 Also yes, I'm aware that I'm doing something ironic and illogical right now, as per my claim before. Can I blame it on Kylen and Beth for clouding my judgment? No? Alright, let's continue. 

 I consciously watch my step as we walk closer to the table on the right side, closer to the bar counter. I don't want to embarrass myself for tripping over my own clumsy foot. I feel the need to try to look cool and keep my dignity intact, even though we all know that I don't know shit about how to act in a club. I'm a nervous wreck and somewhat anxious. Club was never my "it" place; even when the sofa and the vibe here look cozy and safe.

"Is this for real, Kyl?" I grab Kylen's hand and whisper in a doubtful tone.

"What? You don't like it here?" She inquires shockingly. 

"No, no. There's nothing wrong with this place except that it's so out of my league. You know I've only ever gone to a club once, and that was because I picked up your drunk ass." I whisper again, stepping closer to her.

 I have no idea why I'm whispering to her. I'm guessing that I just don't wish for another person to hear what a shameful thing I speak of—not that they'll bother listening since I'm a nobody, but anyway, I'm rather self-conscious and overly cautious right now. The new environment and appearance sure put me on edge tonight. 

"Don't worry, J. Everything is under control. Leave it to Mama K." She winks at me.

I want to reply to her and say that that's not I mean, when I see a guy at the bar counter turning around and beaming at us. Well, to be exact, at me, as his eyes slide past my best friends in front of me.

 My heart sank. Crap.

 Why is he here? 

 As I see him walk toward our group, all the pieces click together at a speed that makes me dizzy. I should've known. I should've asked her more about this. I mentally slapping and blaming myself for being awestruck with this place that I don't see things clearly.

 This night just keeps getting better. Notice the sarcasm.

 I turn to Kylen and grab her elbow in the middle of her squeals to greet him. "Is this some kind of joke? Tell me you don't know he is here!" I hiss at her through my clenching teeth.

"Oh, come on, Jean. He's been nothing but sweet to you. Give him a break!" Kylen shots back at me with a glare but still has the audacity to smile at him. I groan.

I know. I know that better than anyone.

"Exactly! And you know I can't return them the way he wants."

"Shush it!" She pinches my forearm to stop me and sends a look to turn forward and greet him. 

 I take a deep breath to prepare myself for a round of battle when I see him look expectantly at me.

 Oh. You're curious about him? 

 Let me introduce to you my first unofficial candidate for soon-to-be boyfriend, Edward Smith. He is hot, I admit. Everyone with functional eyes would agree to it. He is the 'tall, dark and sharp green eyes' hot, with a straight nose and full, soft pink lips. How do I know that it's soft? I might've tasted it once before.

 Unfortunately, he is unable to make it to the finish line, with the reasons coming from my side. It's the 'It's not you, it's me' cliche line. I haven't been exactly clear with him about what's keeping me from giving this relationship a chance. I'm aware that my unclear answer will probably look like I'm stringing him along, but Edward's action today strikes me as him not giving up on the possibility of me saying yes to him. 

"Hey, gorgeous. Happy birthday." Edward comes to me and proceeds to hug me. I may have tried to turn my body a little to the side so I don't have to hug him up front. I catch a warning look that Kylen throws at me, but ignore it successfully.

"Thank you, Edward." I smile softly. I may not want to date him right now, but I still know how to play nice and polite.

 He looks me up and down subtly, and something shifts in his eyes but is quickly gone. Appreciation? Adulation? Tenderness? I don't know, but Edward is never shy about showing his affection to me. It's something commendable, but honestly, it's making me feel uncomfortable sometimes. Because he makes me feel things I shouldn't. I think he knows it, and that's why he keeps doing it.

"You look beautiful, as always." He whispers to me, and I feel myself squirming at his proximity. Someone bring a placate about personal space, please. I don't think I can hold up for the night if he keeps getting closer.

"Thankyou." I mumble softly with a small smile. I can feel a blush creep up my cheeks. 

 What can I say? I'm trying to look cool even when my heart does a little jump at his compliment. Who doesn't do a little happy dance inside when receiving a compliment from a hot guy? 

 You're not? Yeah, right. Whatever floats your boat, darling. 

 "Let's go upstairs. I've reserved a private room for us." He says as he motions to me to walk first, then suddenly turns back to ask, "Do you mind, gorgeous? We can stay here if it's more comfortable for you." He remembers that I don't like to stay in a close room with only him.

 What a gentleman he is. I just shake my head no to answer him that I don't mind one bit. I start to walk ahead when I suddenly remember about the split on my back. 

 I stop frozen in place as I feel his hand on the small of my back, and that's when we both stop functioning. The feeling of his cold, smooth hands on my bare skin is unfamiliar yet subtly nice. I snap my head to him, and we both stare at each other in a trance. My heart skips a beat when I see a dark hunger look in his eyes, but then he covers it quickly with a small smile and nudges me forward softly. 

 I start to walk again, still in a daze with a million thoughts running wild in my mind. This is a really bad idea. I've never seen that look on his eyes, and now I can't imagine what this will lead us to. Our relationship has always been in a blurry line that I don't know how to describe it anymore.

 Edward then moves his hand and subtly brushes my hand as he walks a step ahead to guide me to our room. I wish I could reach the room sooner and put in much-needed distance with him.

 The longer I feel his skin on my skin, the more it puts me on edge. He makes me question every single decision I make about us. I'm so confused. I don't know why it feels wrong, but at the same time, I find comfort in his company. Does it make sense?

 Whatever it is, I won't analyze it now. There will be plenty of time for that. I promise myself I will try to have fun tonight. I owe myself at least that much effort. 

 I glance up to see that Kylen and Beth's already stand in front of our room with Cole and Drew, Edward's closest friend, and smile knowingly at me. What a traitor. Who was it that said she would stick to my hip all night?

 I sit beside Kylen and Beth on the long sofa, while Edward sits on the closest chair on my left and Cole and Drew sit on the other side. I fall into conversation easily as everyone hangs and jokes around after sending me another congratulations. I just smile and nod with it, feeling very grateful that I have friends to celebrate with me. Everyone then cheers me birthday, me with my sparkling apple juice held high. 

 As I laugh at Kylen's jokes, I can feel an intense stare burning at the side of my face, and I know who the culprit is. Shortly after, a warm breath blows on my ear, giving me chills, and I hear Edward whisper softly to me.

"Do you want to dance with me?" as he looks at my lips longingly and my heart skips another beat.

OH MY GOD. 

______

Mini theater: 

Jane: Give me a break. This is abuse! Where's the author? (ﾉಥДಥ)ﾉ ︵┻━┻･/

Author: Muhehehe =͟͟͞͞ =͟͟͞͞ ﾍ( ´Д`)ﾉ