Chapter 2 - Derek POV
The anticipation thrummed through me, a restless energy that propelled me between the kitchen and backyard. This party *had* to be perfect. Every bottle of beer chilled just right, every speaker primed to unleash a wave of sound, every light strung like a welcoming beacon. Seventy-five RSVPs. Seventy-five people. The most I’d ever hosted. A tremor of excitement, bordering on mania, pulsed through me. It had to be flawless.
I cranked up an electronic beat, a low throb to fill the space before the crowd arrived. Bottles lined the deck, cups stacked neatly beside them, ready for the rush. I was already imagining the laughter, the spilled drinks, the sheer *energy*.
Isaac, bless his sanity, finally intervened. He grabbed my shoulders, shaking me gently but firmly. “Whoa, Derek. Breathe.”
“I forgot to set out…” I started, the list of potential disasters spiraling in my head.
Isaac silenced me with a hand over my mouth. “Shhhhh. You need a chill pill, dude.”
Reluctantly, I sank onto the couch, Isaac’s push a welcome force. I clasped my hands over my face, fighting the urge to bolt back to the kitchen, to check the ice, to rearrange the snack bowls.
“Don’t even think about it,” Isaac said, his voice a low murmur.
I slumped further into the cushions. What was I supposed to *do* with all this waiting?
***
The music pulsed, the crowd swelled, and somehow, I found myself adrift, wandering aimlessly through the throng. I’d lost track of why I’d even come inside. A hazy memory of needing another beer led me to the kitchen, where I froze. Collin Crowe. Malia Rowan. *Here*.
I hadn’t expected them. I’d pictured them hosting their own exclusive soiree, ignoring my invite. But there they were, tucked into my kitchen, lost in a conversation so intense they hadn’t noticed my drunken stumble. Collin Crowe, the golden boy, the soccer star. I couldn’t fathom what he’d be doing at *my* party. Their world, their effortless popularity… it was a foreign country.
I grabbed a beer, then retreated, letting them continue their conversation. Outside, I cracked open my bottle and gulped down half of it, the bitter liquid barely registering on my tongue.
***
Lost in the rhythm of the music, I was oblivious to the hands pushing at my back. I spun around to find Isaac scowling at me.
“Dude, you promised to stay somewhat sober.”
“Oops,” I mumbled, turning back to the girl I was dancing with.
Isaac didn’t let it go. He yanked me away from the dance floor, dragging me towards the pool. My drunken brain didn’t register the intent until it was too late.
“Isaac, let me go!” I pleaded. He just shook his head, a grim smile playing on his lips.
“You should’ve stayed sober, dude.” And then he hoisted me into the air and launched me into the water.
The cold shock jolted me awake. I sank beneath the surface, letting the water rush around my ears. I watched Isaac through the hazy blur, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. I kicked against the ground, sending myself towards the surface.
“You’re a jerk, you know that?” I yelled as I hauled myself out of the pool.
Collin and Malia were standing with Isaac, their faces mirroring my own fury.
“Dude, that was so uncalled for,” Malia spat, helping me to my feet.
Collin remained silent, but he draped his jacket around my shoulders, recognizing the shivering that racked my body. I nodded my thanks. Together, they led me inside, towards my room, and handed me a towel. They retreated, leaving me privacy to change.
After I'd dried off and changed, I stepped back into the hallway, surprised to find them still waiting. Despite Isaac’s drunken intervention, despite the icy water and the humiliation, I was still buzzing with adrenaline. And then, without thinking, I did something utterly insane.
I reached out and wrapped my arms around Malia, thanking her for defending me. Then, I turned to Collin and handed him his jacket back, pulling him into a hug just as fierce. He stiffened, his eyes widening in shock. I held him tighter, the scent of his cologne flooding my senses. *Damn he smells good*.
I pulled away, a wave of heat rising in my cheeks. I stumbled down the stairs, determined to rejoin the party. Why had I just hugged the two most popular kids in school?
***
The party finally wound down, the last guests trickling out into the cool night air. I offered a tired "goodbye" to each departing attendee, nodding along to their "I had fun"s and "thanks for inviting me"s. Isaac, of course, was already claiming the couch for a sleepover, despite my protests.
The last to leave were Collin and Mal. Before they stepped through the door, I pulled them aside.
“Thanks, you guys, for helping me out. Also, sorry for the really awkward hugs. I don't know what got into me.”
Collin smiled, a genuine, easygoing smile. “You didn’t deserve to get thrown into a pool, no matter how drunk you were.” He paused, then added, “And I enjoyed the hug.”
Malia nodded her agreement. They turned and left, stepping into the darkness. I watched their car disappear down the driveway, a strange flutter in my chest. Collin’s smile, the warmth of his jacket against my skin… it was unsettling.
I had no idea why it did that. I have no chance with him.
I’m not even attracted to guys anyway.