As Leila and Jesci continued their
conversation about university, the noise of the party seemed to fade into the background. Jesci was relaxed now, leaning back, his hand resting on her thigh, as they exchanged thoughts about classes and university life. Their conversation flowed naturally, yet there was an underlying tension simmering between them.

Just as Leila was beginning to feel entirely comfortable, Luka strode into the lounge, his grin mischievous. "Alright, everyone! Time for Seven Minutes in Heaven!" he called out, loud enough to pull everyone's attention his way.

Jesci rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Again?" He wasn't typically one for party games—especially not ones that felt this juvenile. But before Leila could respond, Grace and Wayde entered the room. Grace was all smiles, already eager to jump into the game. Wayde, on the other hand, seemed tense. His eyes fell on Leila and Jesci sitting close together, and his face immediately darkened.

Jesci noticed his expression instantly, scoffing as he muttered to Leila, "Your friend doesn't look too thrilled."

Leila glanced between the two, feeling an uncomfortable heat rise to her cheeks. Wayde's disapproving gaze was hard to ignore, and she felt caught between two friends with very different feelings. A mixture of guilt and defiance churned within her. Why should she feel bad about sitting with Jesci? This was her choice, and she was allowed to make her own decisions.

Jesci's grip on her thigh tightened ever so slightly, his tone calm yet firm as he leaned in. "You don't owe anyone an explanation, you know. If you want to be here, then be here."

Leila nodded, though she could feel Wayde's gaze burning into her. Grace was already drifting over to the circle gathering around the bottle, completely oblivious to the tension in the air. But Wayde remained standing, watching Leila closely, his expression a mix of concern and frustration.

Finally, Wayde spoke, his voice low but directed firmly at Jesci. "Leila, you don't have to do this if you don't want to. You don't need to feel pressured."

Jesci raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curving into a smirk. "She can decide for herself, Wayde. Maybe you should stop trying to speak for her."

Wayde took a step forward, his jaw clenching as he locked eyes with Jesci. "I'm just making sure she knows she has a choice. Not everyone falls for your games, Jesci."

Jesci's smirk faded, his expression hardening. "Some people actually like my company. Maybe you should try letting Leila make her own choices."

Leila felt the tension between them like a storm about to break. She wanted to speak, to somehow diffuse the situation, but the intensity between Wayde and Jesci was palpable. A defiance rose within her, and without a word, she reached for Jesci's hand, ignoring Wayde's unspoken disappointment.

Jesci squeezed her hand reassuringly, shooting Wayde one last look before standing up and leading her toward the group. Luka, who had been watching the whole exchange with interest, smirked as he motioned them to join the circle.

As Leila sat down beside Jesci, her pulse quickened. She caught Grace's beaming smile from across the circle, clearly thrilled to see her friend taking a chance. Jesci spun the bottle with a flourish, the room falling silent as everyone watched it spin.

The bottle spun for what felt like an eternity, the suspense building as it finally slowed and landed directly on Leila.

A chorus of "Oooohs" and laughter filled the room, and Jesci's eyes met hers, his gaze dark and intense. He looked over at Wayde, who was staring at Leila with a mix of worry and frustration, before turning his full attention back to her.

Wayde's voice cut through the noise, low and stern. "Leila, you don't have to go if you don't want to."

Jesci raised an eyebrow, glancing at Wayde with barely hidden irritation. "I think she can decide that for herself, don't you?"

Leila felt her pulse quicken, the thrill of Jesci's attention conflicting with Wayde's concern. Her heart raced, her mind torn between the excitement Jesci stirred within her and the voice in her head echoing Wayde's warning.

But as she looked at Jesci, his gaze softened just slightly, his hand warm in hers. Despite Wayde's objections, she felt a pull toward Jesci that she couldn't deny. Taking a steadying breath, she nodded, allowing herself to be led by Jesci toward the closet.

The door closed behind them, shutting out the noise of the party. The sudden quiet felt heavy, the small space charged with an electric tension. In the dim light, Jesci's gaze roamed over her face, taking in every detail as though he wanted to memorize this moment.

"Finally alone," he murmured, his voice low and intense.

Her heart pounded as his hand found her hip, pulling her closer until there was barely any space left between them. His fingers moved to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering as his eyes held hers.

"You look amazing tonight," he whispered, his voice soft but filled with a heat that made her breath catch.

"Thank you," she managed, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Jesci's hand moved to her cheek, his thumb brushing over her skin as his eyes searched hers. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you, Leila. Since the first night we met."

Her heart raced, her mind spinning as he closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both gentle and consuming. His hands tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against him as the kiss deepened. There was a raw hunger in the way he held her, as if he'd been waiting for this moment as long as she had.

Leila's fingers tangled in his hair, her own hesitation melting under the intensity of his kiss. His lips moved against hers with a fervor that made her pulse race, the passion between them building with each second. She felt a rush of excitement, her own desire rising to match his.

Jesci let out a soft, breathy moan, his hands sliding up her back as he pulled her even closer. The kiss became more intense, more urgent, as if he was pouring all his feelings into that single moment. His grip on her was firm, possessive, leaving no doubt that he wanted her.

When they finally broke apart, their breathing was ragged, their foreheads resting together. Jesci's voice was barely more than a whisper as he spoke, his tone filled with both longing and restraint.

"I want more of you, Leila," he murmured, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her hip. "But only if you do."

Her heart pounded, her breath shaky as she looked into his eyes, feeling the weight of his words. She could see the desire in his gaze, but there was something deeper too—a vulnerability that took her by surprise.

She nodded slowly, a soft smile forming as she whispered, "I want this, too."

Jesci leaned in, his lips capturing hers once more, this time softer, filled with an intimacy that made her heart flutter. He held her close, his hands gentle but sure, as if savoring every moment of this connection.

A light knock on the closet door finally broke their embrace, someone's voice calling out, "Time's up, you two!"

They both laughed softly, the spell between them not quite broken. Jesci kept his forehead against hers for a moment, savoring the closeness before finally stepping back.

"Ready to face the crowd?" he asked, his voice low and warm.

"Ready as I'll ever be," she replied, giving him a shy smile.

Hand in hand, they stepped out of the closet. The noise of the party rushed back around them, but neither seemed to care. Luka, ever the instigator, grinned widely, clapping his hands in mock applause.

"Atta boy, Jesci!" he teased, clearly entertained.

Leila felt her face heat up as she caught the curious looks from others, a few girls throwing her envious glances while others whispered behind their hands. Grace was beaming, practically bouncing on her toes as she gave Leila an approving nod.

But as Leila scanned the room, her smile faltered slightly—Wayde was nowhere to be seen.

Jesci seemed completely unfazed by the attention, keeping a firm but gentle hand on her back. In that moment, the dynamic between them had shifted, a silent understanding passing between them.