33

HUDSON

THE NIGHT WAS CRISP, and the stars twinkled like diamonds in the dark sky as I approached Luna's house. Laughter and music drifted into the night, contrasting my brooding mood. I hesitated at the crowd's edge, feeling out of place with unfamiliar faces.

My eyes scanned the sea of people, searching for someone I knew, but it was unlikely. Relief washed over me as I spotted Eli near the snack table. I made a beeline for him.

"Hey." He greeted me with a grin. "I've been trying to convince you to have a party for years, and all it took was one ask from Luna."

I rolled my eyes, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips.

"I guess you weren't pretty enough."

He chuckled at my teasing before handing me a drink. We chatted for a bit, making me feel more at ease with my friend at my side. Luna and Maya appeared; their faces lit up with joy. Luna threw her arms around me in a warm hug.

"Happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday to you ." I said, with a genuine smile on my face. "Mine isn't until tomorrow."

She laughed, her eyes sparkling.

"This is a countdown to your day."

We all stood together, chatting and laughing until a group of friends called her and Maya over. She excused herself, leaving me alone with Eli again. I watched her leave. A sense of contentment washed over me until I noticed Cynthia and Jockstrap enter.

My mood darkened. Anger surged through me as I noticed the arrogant grin plastered on his face. I strode over, my fists clenched at my sides.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice low and dangerous.

Jockstrap smirked, crossing his arms.

"I've never missed Luna's birthday, and I don't plan to start now."

"You planned on it when you broke up with her." I said, taking a threatening step forward.

Punching his smug face was too tempting to resist. But I couldn't ruin this for Luna. It's her day.

"I was going to punch you," I said. "But you're not worth it."

I glared at the pair before turning on my heel and stormed off, needing to cool down. Seeking respite from the noise, I stumbled upon a peaceful yard nook. It was times like these that I needed a cigarette.

After a while of brooding, I stood on the party's fringes, my hands shoved deep into my pockets as I leaned against a wall. I watched as Luna flitted from one group to another, her laughter ringing like a melody. Despite my creepy smile, I couldn't help but admire her radiant beauty. Until jockstrap approached.

My jaw felt like it was going to snap at how hard I clenched it as I watched their exchange. Jockstrap leaned his head closer to her to talk over the music. I felt a familiar pang of jealousy and insecurity twist in my gut. The conversation seemed too intimate. My fists clenched at my sides. I couldn't help but feel she still harbored feelings for him, even after what he'd done. Feelings she would never have for me.

Unable to bear it any longer, I turned on my heel and walked away with a heavy heart. I made it a few steps down the street when I heard her voice calling my name. I stopped but didn't turn around.

"Hudson, where are you going?" She called, sounding confused and a little breathless from running after me.

"I didn't want to ruin your moment."

She frowned, stepping closer.

"What are you talking about?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair and tugging the roots in frustration.

"Your precious reunion with your jerk of an ex."

She stared at me in bewilderment.

"I don't understand. What does he have to do with this? We were talking."

"Do you still love him?"

"What?"

"Answer the question, Luna. Do you still love him?"

Her eyes were cast downwards, reflecting her dejected state.

"No, but he was my first love." She said. "That's difficult to get over."

My eyes flashed with a mix of anger and pain.

"That's ridiculous."

"Excuse me."

My shoulders slumped as I took angered steps forward.

"I've been a better fake boyfriend to you than he was as a real one."

Tension hung in the air between us. They slipped past my tongue before I could stop them. She looked stunned, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find the right words.

"I don't understand."

Without thinking, I closed the distance between us, my hands cupping her cheeks as I leaned down and kissed her. It was a kiss filled with all the pent-up emotions I'd been hiding. A mix of desperation, longing, and love. I was kissing the girl I'd been in love with since we were children. The expectations exceeded my dreams. But she never kissed me back.

I pulled away, both of us panting. The shock and confusion on her face mirrored my feelings. I took a step back, my heart hammering against my chest.

"I'm sorry." I said, turning and running towards my house before she could say anything.

I refrained from glancing back, dreading her expression. The bitter air was cold against my skin, but it did nothing to numb my turmoil. I messed everything up.

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