Pov: Jules
My reflection in the dorm mirror stared back at me, unimpressed. I'd gone through three outfits already, each one failing the vague standard I'd set for myself: casual but not sloppy, confident but not screaming for attention. Harper's voice echoed in my mind from earlier: "It's just a party in an old classroom. Don't overthink it."
But I was overthinking it. Of course I was. Because that's what I did.
I settled on a pair of dark wide jeans and a simple black longsleeve top. It was safe. Comfortable. I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. Good enough, can't go wrong with a full black outfit.
Harper practically dragged me out of the dorm, her excitement vibrating in the air like static electricity. "This is going to be so much fun," she said, looping her arm through mine. "Textbooks, desks, and bad musicâit's the perfect vibe."
I let her lead the way, her energy contagious despite my nerves. By the time we reached the makeshift venue, I had to admit the transformation was impressive. String lights crisscrossed the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. The desks had been shoved to the sides to create a dance floor, and the smell of beer and punch hung in the air. It was chaotic, messy, and surprisingly welcoming.
"See? Told you," Harper said, nudging me as we stepped inside.
"It's... something," I admitted, scanning the room.
--------------------------
Near the drinks table, a couple of guys struck up a conversation with me. One of them, a tall guy with a slightly crooked smile, handed me a cup. "So, what's your verdict on this punch? Grade it like a professor."
I raised an eyebrow, taking a cautious sip. It was overly sweet, with an aftertaste that burned slightly. "Uh, C-plus at best," I said. "It's barely passing."
He laughed. "Harsh. Alright, what would it take to get an A?"
I smirked. "For starters, it would have to taste like something other than melted Jolly Ranchers and regret."
His friend, shorter and stockier, chimed in. "Fair enough. So, what year are you? Junior?"
"Junior," I replied, not missing the subtle note of surprise in his expression.
"Cool," the taller guy said, leaning casually against the table. "We're seniors. You probably don't know us. I'm Ben, and this is Jake. We mostly hang out in the engineering wingânot exactly the social center of campus."
I nodded, sipping my drink. "That explains why I've never seen you. I tend to avoid places with too much math."
Ben laughed again, clearly enjoying the banter. "Smart move. So, if math isn't your thing, what is?"
Before I could answer, Harper appeared at my side, sliding an arm around my shoulders. "Oh, she's full of surprises," she said with a sly grin. "I'll let you figure them out." She winked at me as she walked away, leaving me red-faced and stammering.
The guys chuckled, and Ben offered, "Want me to grab you another drink?"
I glanced at my still half-full cup. "Uh, no thanks. I'm good."
He nodded, though his slight disappointment was obvious. As I turned to look for Harper, I caught her smirking at me from across the room.
Later, she cornered me near the punch bowl. "You realize those guys were flirting with you, right?"
I frowned, genuinely confused. "No, they weren't. They were just being nice."
"Jules, you're adorable, but also completely oblivious," Harper said, laughing. "They were definitely flirting."
I rolled my eyes, taking another sip of my drink. "If you say so."
--------------------------
As the night wore on, Finn's voice boomed from the center of the room, gathering people for a game of Truth or Drink. "Come on, everyone! Don't be cowards. Let's see what secrets you're all hiding."
I hesitated at the edge of the circle, but Harper grabbed my hand, pulling me in. Before I could protest, I found myself sitting between her and Finn. Nathan, who'd been leaning against the far wall like he was too cool for the party, was dragged in as well.
The game started lightâembarrassing childhood stories, bad fashion choices, weird food combinations. Finn's energy kept the group lively, his booming laughter infectious. When he shared a story about stealing his older brother's car at fourteen and nearly driving it into a lake, I couldn't help but laugh along with everyone else.
"Alright, Jules," Finn said, pointing at me. "Truth or drink. What's the most rebellious thing you've ever done?"
I hesitated, glancing at my drink. "Uh... skipped class and lied about it?"
The group groaned in unison. "That's weak!" Harper teased. "Come on, you've got something better than that."
"I really don't," I protested, laughing. "Sorry to disappoint." I took a sip anyway, which only earned more jeers.
When Nathan's turn came, someone asked him about his most embarrassing moment. He leaned back casually, his voice even. "I threw up on my first date in ninth grade. Movie theater popcorn is dangerous, apparently."
The circle erupted into laughter, Finn slapping the floor dramatically. Nathan's deadpan delivery made the story even funnier. I found myself laughing harder than I expected, sneaking another glance at him as the game continued.
Later, someone dared Finn to take a shot for every failed Truth he'd dodged, which he gleefully accepted. By the end of the game, half the group was doubled over with laughter, and I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt this at ease.
--------------------------
As the party continued, the buzz from the punch made everything feel lighter. Harper had disappeared into the crowd, leaving me to wander on my own. I found myself leaning against the wall, watching the chaos unfold. That's when Nathan appeared beside me, his presence steadying without needing to say anything.
"You good?" he asked, his voice low enough to cut through the noise.
I nodded, though my wobble probably betrayed me. He didn't comment, just offered his arm to steady me.
"Come on," he said. "Let's get some air."
Edit: Jules has never flirted before but the alcohol made it come out effortlessly. Metion the alcohol woozing a little bit more. The alcohol made Jules lose her filter and let go, she never really drinks. They go back to the party not the dorm.
--------------------------
Outside, the crisp night air made my head swim less, but the world still tilted pleasantly at the edges. The alcohol was a woozy hum in my veins, loosening thoughts and words I'd normally keep locked up tight. I fumbled with my lighter, but before I could manage, Nathan plucked it out of my hand. He lit my cigarette with the casual ease of someone who'd done it a hundred times, handing it back without a word.
"Thanks," I muttered, taking a drag. The smoke curled into the air, dissipating into the cool night.
Nathan leaned against the wall, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. "You're a mess, you know that?" he said, smirking.
"Takes one to know one," I shot back, grinning despite myself.
I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or the way the moonlight caught the edges of his smirk, but something about the moment made me bolder. My words came easier, less filtered. I found myself rambling about everythingâhow I always lost my favorite pencils, the mismatched socks I'd thrown on earlier, and even the ridiculous punch at the party.
"Seriously, though," I said, gesturing with the cigarette, "that punch tasted like melted Jolly Ranchers and regret."
Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got a whole philosophy about punch now?"
"Don't mock me. I'm full of wisdom," I said, wagging a finger at him.
"Oh, trust me, I've noticed."
I took another drag, exhaling slowly. "Speaking of wisdom, let me guess: you're the type who doesn't even own patterned socks. All boring black and gray, right?"
Nathan tilted his head, amused. "The fuck? Socks are your go-to small talk?"
"Answer the question."
He smirked. "Fine. Yeah, most of my socks are black. They're practical."
"Practical is code for boring," I teased, nudging his shoe with mine. "Next thing you'll tell me, you sleep in jeans and a hoodie."
He shrugged, playing along. "I might. Gotta stay ready for emergencies."
I laughed harder than I probably should have, the alcohol amplifying everything. "You do have serial killer vibes sometimes. But harmless ones. Like... you'd offer to help bury a body but only if it didn't mess up your plans for the day."
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Harmless? That's insulting."
"Oh, please," I said, flicking ash from my cigarette. "You're not scaring anyone. You're just a grumpy guy with too many opinions."
"And you're full of contradictions," he shot back, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Mismatched socks but somehow thoughtful about everything. Tough as nails but can't lie to save your life. You're something else, Jules."
The mix of teasing and something softer in his tone caught me off guard. "Well, you're a... complicated grouch," I countered weakly, but my grin gave me away.
"Terrible comeback," he said, shaking his head, his smirk deepening.
I groaned dramatically, leaning my head back against the wall. "Fine. You win this round."
Our feet bumped occasionally, a casual rhythm we both ignored at first. Then, I nudged him intentionally with my shoe, smirking when he glanced at me.
"What was that for?" he asked, amused.
"You looked too comfortable," I said, feigning seriousness. "Had to keep you on edge."
He snorted softly. "Right. Because I'm so relaxed at all times."
"You kind of are," I teased. "You've got this whole moody, brooding thing going on, but I bet deep down, you're just a big softie."
Nathan raised an eyebrow, his smirk turning playful. "Careful, Jules. Keep pushing and you might find out."
The alcohol buzz made it hard to tell if he was joking, but I laughed nervously anyway. "You wish."
We fell into a comfortable silence after that, the kind that felt easy rather than awkward. I finished my cigarette and stubbed it out on the ground, leaning back against the wall. The cold air bit at my exposed skin, but the warmth from the conversation lingered.
"Why'd you come to the party?" I asked, breaking the quiet.
He shrugged, his smirk softening. "Finn. He'd whine about it forever if I didn't show up. Plus, it's fun watching him make a fool of himself."
I grinned. "He's definitely the life of the party. I'm surprised he hasn't tried to DJ yet."
"Oh, give him time," Nathan said, chuckling. "He'll ruin the music before the night's over."
The image of Finn attempting to DJ with no skills whatsoever made me laugh, the sound echoing into the quiet night. I hugged my arms around myself, feeling warm despite the chill.
Nathan pushed off the wall, glancing toward the door. "You ready to go back in?"
I hesitated, part of me wanting to stay out here longer. But the music and laughter spilling from the party pulled at me. "Yeah, let's go."
He held the door open for me, and I stepped back into the chaos of the classroom-turned-dance-floor. The lights seemed brighter, the music louder, and I felt the woozy buzz of the alcohol returning as the warmth of the room hit me. Nathan stayed close, his presence steady as the night carried on. For the first time in a long time, I let myself just beâtipsy, laughing, and oddly comfortable in the middle of it all.
-----------------------------
A/N
A little longer chapter, the party isn't done yet. It just started ;)
Also, can you tell love slowbrun hihi.
I've actually been writing instead of scrolling on my phone for hours. A win win situation if you ask me.
Don't forget to vote, LOVE YOU ALL <3