I nervously look around to distract myself but I accidentally end up finding Kiara one more time.
“You sure? You’re starting to sweat, my dear brother.”
She’s right. Why the hell am I sweating all of a sudden?
“She was just staring at my hands, it made me uncomfortable,” I mumble, lifting the empty glass of prosecco to my lips before realizing—again—that there’s nothing left.
“No, she wasn’t. She was staring right into your eyes,” she says, laughing.
Was she?
“She’s already gone. Don’t mind it anymore,” I mutter.
“What? She’s right there!” Natalya shoots her hand in Kiara’s direction and I immediately catch it and take it down.
“Shh. Shut up,” I hiss quietly while the corner of my mouth is tugging into an embarrassed smile.
She starts laughing more and almost spills the rest of her drink as she’s fighting me.
She’s so annoying. Where the fuck is Adrien?
“Look at you. That’s it! Break the sad-boy aesthetic and smile!” she squeaks, mocking me.
We stop wrestling and she props her elbow on my shoulder, finishing the rest of her drink in one gulp. For a moment we both just stand there, staring at Kiara like idiots, entirely zoned out.
She’s handing out glasses to the newcomers, while neither of us looks away.
Then she glances back at us.
We snap out of it at the same time and look in completely different directions.
That was so not smooth.
“Great,” Natalya mutters under her breath. “Now she thinks I’m hitting on her too. Perfect.”
The sun has already disappeared behind the horizon, and the garden lights are lit, making everything feel softer. Chatter sounds all around us and music is getting louder since people started dancing under the podium.
I have to chat with some partners, but I always end up checking where Kiara is. She keeps going back to the tent to refill her tray, then circling the garden entrance, offering glasses.
Our eyes have met like four times tonight, every time giving me a small heart attack.
Maybe it’s a sign.
No.
I’m literally staring at her this whole time, so I guess it’s just pure logic instead of a sign.
The singer starts a nice song,Wicked Game, as Natalya is telling me about some drama from her school and plans for her birthday party. Then my heart stops once more as I suddenly see Kiara coming straight toward us.
Oh God.
I widen my eyes at Natalya to give her a signal—I’m not really sure why. She turns around and Kiara is already here.
“Hi!” Natalya squeaks and Kiara lifts her tray.
“Do you guys need more prosecco?” she asks and looks straight at me.
Her voice is soft and sweet, sliding straight into my brain like someone just poured honey into it.
