24/12/18

MONDAY

JANA

We are all at Serah's house, finishing up the decorations for the celebration. "We are almost done!" Serah cheers. In the hall, we have speakers and lights for the dance. There are games in the drawing-room while the dining area includes drinks and snacks.

"All set!" Noah gives a thumbs up to the whole team.

"Just one more thing," Harry interrupts. "Jana, can you help me hang the pieces on the tree?"

"Yeah, sure." I take the decorative pieces and we go down the hall.

As we start decorating, I hear the front door opening. Noah rushes over, greeting someone excitedly. I glance back, noticing Lyra and Noah hug each other. A weird feeling build up in my chest. Why am I uncomfortable with this? I shake the feeling away, focusing on the tree in front of me.

"Will Jessica come to the party?" I ask Harry to divert myself from them.

He nods, "Yeah, she's coming."

I overhear Noah speaking from the distance, "I'm glad you came." I try not to listen to their conversation by making myself busy talking with Harry.

"Do you really love her or just flirting?" I ask with a grin.

Harry chuckles and starts pouting,  as if he's offended. "Jana, are you doubting me?"

"Everyone's doubting you." Harry and I burst into laughter. As we laugh, Harry spots Jessica as she walks in. He sets the decorations at a nearby table and goes in for a hug.

"How are you?" He asks quietly.

"I'm good," she responds.

Harry turns to me, as if he could go spend  time with her. "You can go, Harry. I will complete it," I assure. He thanks me and leaves with Jessica.

When Harry left I let my mind drift off. I had never know what Noah goes through. What he said to me the other day caught me off guard. Why can't he understand that I can't love him back? I get that he can't love Jenny or Lyra that way, can't he get the same in my case?

The sound of laughter snaps me back to reality. I turn my head back, noticing Ryan and Serah talk. I look back at the tree, pretending I didn't hear them talking. Someone's arm snake around my waist. I smile, knowing it's Ryan.  "Didn't you hear me?" he whispers in my ear.

I turn to face him. "No, I didn't," I lie, but then I break into a smile.

He raises his eyebrow, "Oh?" Ryan grins as he pulls me closer to him.

Before I could say anything, Serah taps a glass to get everyone's attention. "Okay guys! Let's begin the celebration!" Alex happily holds Serah's hand and start dancing to the music that started playing.

I look up at Ryan with a smile. This is a part of our deal.

"Noah, will you dance with me?" I hear Lyra ask.

"Yeah," he agree. I glance back and notuce the bright sme on her face.

"Jana, are you ready for the dance?" I quickly look back at Ryan.

Smiling,  I let out a deep breath. "I'm ready." Keeping my hand on his shoulder, he takes my other hand in his.

He smiles, wrapping his hand around my waist. "Excited?" he breaths, making me blush.

The lights dim while 'Every night in my dreams' plays softly in the background. We slowly move side to side. I stare into  his soft eyes, enjoying this peaceful moment with him. We look at each other like we are the only two souls here. I move closer to him  lips next to his ear. "Deal one completed," I whisper .

He grins, "One more to go." I smile shyly, resting my head on his shoulder, thinking about the next deal.

**********

After the dance, people starts get their drinks. Ryan glances around the room before pulling me by my hand. "Where are we going?" I ask curiously.

Without giving me a reply he takes me around a corner. We stop at an area away from the crowd. He looks around, making sure no one was nearby. Looking back at me, he stares me intently. "The first kiss," he says softly.

I gradually close my eyes after noticing him slowly leaning in. I wait for his lips to touch mine while my heartbeat increases. I feel his breath hit my face the closer he gets. Within another second, I feel his lips touch mine. Our lips slowly move in sync. Our first kiss, forever to remember.

"Gather around, guys. We are about to play some games." I inhale sharply, quickly opening my eyes. I step back after hearing Harry's shouting.

Ryan peeks behind me, observing the crowd forming. "You want to go?" I don't want to, but some people are going to notice that Ryan and I are gone.

I sigh, giving him a nod, "They will be looking for us if we are gone for too long." He turns to leave, but I grab his hand. I lean near his ear, placing my hands on his shoulder. "Deal two isn't  over yet," I whisper. He smiles happily and puts a hand on the small of my back. We discreetly walk back to the drawing-room  making sure no one spotted us.

I didn't get the feel I expected from the first kiss. The books and movies always portrayed first kissed as magical, and people normally get a butterfly feeling in stomach. Isn't we meant for each... No... that's not it. We just got interrupted... that's all.

"Let's play Jenga!" Harry shouts, arranging the blocks on the table in the middle of the room. We all settle on the sofas set around the table.

Harry nods at Serah, telling her that he's finished up setting up the game. She stands up and starts explaining the game. "So here are the simple rules. You can only use one hand whenever you are taking a block. No cheating. If you make the tower fall, you will be given a task given and you cannot back out or negotiate. Is that clear?" Everyone nods in agreement.

"Serah, you should start," Alex says.

She huffs, "Fine." She examines the tower for a few seconds before deciding  to take out a block.

A few people make their move and settle in their seats. "My turn," Alex says, taking out the block and keeping it on top. He was followed by Noah, Lyra and Ryan.

When it's my turn, I bent forward. I feel Ryan leans towards me. "Jana, make it fall." I suck in my breath, trying to focus on the tower. I can practically feel him smirking. "I will give you the best task if you do."

Subtly rolling my eyes,  I hold back the urge to shake my head. "No, thanks," I mutter. I take out a block and place it at the top.

Harry reaches over, carefully placing fingers on a block. He tugs it on gently, making the entire thing fall. He gasps dramatically, making us burst into a fit of laughter. "Time for the task," Serah says in between laugh.

"Do 10 pushups with Jessica on your back!" Ryan shouts. I look at him weirdly. How did he come up with a task so fast? What task has he planned for me? Will he ask me to kiss him in front of everyone? No way!

Harry glares at him playfully, "Thanks, Ryan. I love such kind of task," he smirks. Everyone giggles, intently watching Harry.

I was still thinking about what's on Ryan's mind. He notices my worried face and whispers, "Don't worry babe," I smile. Thank god! He was just kidding about the task. "You got something bigger than this," he adds as my eyes go wide in shock. Something bigger than this?

Harry did pushups successfully and then he sets up the tower once more so would play another round. Jessica and Zyan takes their turns. Sandy goes for the block at the bottom, immediately making the tower fall. She let's out a disappointed sigh, "Give me the task guys."

My eyes shot up, looking right at her with a sly look. I know the perfect thing for her. "Kiss Zyan," I smirk.

"Don't give him a peck. I want a really passionate one," Serah giggles.

"Ooo, that will be interesting." Sandy blushes but doesn't back out on the dare. She pulls Zyan in, kissing him deeply in front of all of us. Ryan whistles. I look up at him weirdly, but he didn't pay too much attention.

Serah finishes her turn quickly and Alex bends over to take the block. Serah snickers, "It's going to fall."

He puts a finger to her mouth. "It won't," he assures. As soon as he pulls the block, the tower tumbles down. He groans,"Damn!"

Serah starts laughing uncontrollably. "I told you!"

"What task should we give him?" Noah asks.

Ryan sits back, thinking carefully. Why is he so much interested in giving tasks today?

"Lift Serah in bridal style and walk around the room," I say. I smirk at Ryan as he stares at me, eyeing me down.

"Jana!" Serah groans, breaking my hold on Ryan. "Isn't it supposed to punish Alex? It feels like you're punishing me."

Noah cocks a brow, "Aren't you his girlfriend?" Noah says supporting me and I smile at him thankfully.

"You should do it, my dear brother," Ryan encourages. Alex sighs, but finally agrees. Serah looks at him shyly as he picks her up.

Ryan looks around the room, making sure no one was paying attention. He taps on my shoulder. I hum in response, slightly leaning my head back. "Wait for your turn," he whisper in my ear. From the look on his face, I can say that he is planning something.

Alex plops Serah back onto the sofa and settles down next to her. Noah and Lyra take carefully take out a piece without making the tower fall and places it on top.

I watch Ryan intently as he does his turn. "I wish if it falls," I mumble. Unfortunately, it doesn't fall and it's officially my turn.

"Your turn babe," he whispers, taking my right hand in his without anyone noticing. I slowly pull out a block with my left hand, but the whole thing suddenly falls. I gasp. Oh my god! He must have grabbed my right hand on purpose!

Ryan releases my hand quickly as I turn to face him. "You cheater," I yell at him. He smirks, knowing what he did.

Serah chuckles, "You can't escape from the task. I will give you the best one!" Serah exclaims.

Ryan cheers in support, "Yes! That's the revenge Serah!" I glare at him, but he keeps smiling. Sinking down in my seat, I start mentally preparing. Everyone is trying to come up with the worst task because I gave them hard tasks.

Ryan smirks slyly,  "I got one." Oh my god! He was waiting for this. I groan kicking his leg. "Oww!" He winked in pain, rubbing the area I hit. "That hurts." I roll my eyes, ignoring his whining. "Drink the entire wine bottle!" Ryan yells, staring  at me with a grin.

"What?" I yell. My heart drops. Did he just... So, thus is what was on his mind.

"Ryan, you are a genius!" Sandy claps in celebration. The two of them hi-fives, giggling at the smart idea.

"Ryan, you are the best!" Serah appreciates.

I nervously swallow the lump forming in my throat. I shouldn't have given them these tasks, it's my mistake. How am I supposed to drink the entire bottle? I don't think I can make it half.

Harry gets up from his seat, "I will get the wine bottle."

I huff, rubbing my face anxiously. "Do you actually want me to drink the entire bottle?" I ask, hoping that they will say no.

"Definitely," Ryan responds with a naughty grin on his face and slyly winks at me.

Noah rises, concern etched on his face, "That's too much for her."

"I agree," Alex adds. I smile gratefully. I'm glad they are on my side.

Serah glares at Alex before focusing on me. "Half the bottle should be fine. It's a strong imported wine."

When I see I don't have any option left, I take the bottle from Harry's hand, I place it on my lips. I take a few long sips, hoping they will tell me to stop. But they don't. I stop halfway, gasping for air. Dizziness takes over, forcing me to lean on Ryan for support.

"You alright?" Noah asks in concern. I take a deep breath and nod. Ryan wraps his hand around me, holding me up.

NOAH

"You alright?" I ask, hoping she is. Ryan wraps his hands around her protectively. She leans into him, nodding slowly. I stare at her in doubt. She just drank half the bottle of wine. How could she be okay?

Harry continues the game, but couldn't concentrate a bit. I was looking at Jana, concerned. "Noah!" I blink rapidly and look at Alex in confusion. "It's your turn," he tells me. I absent-mindedly take a block, making the whole thing fall.

Harry gives me a sly look. "Give him a fantastic task."

Everyone collectively thinks for a task. Out of nowhere, Serah gasps, as if she has found the perfect task. "Kiss someone you love."

I let out a small sigh. I know Serah wants me to kiss Lyra and begin our love  life, but I can't. She's not who I love, and I won't get into a relationship with someone I don't have feelings for. "I love Jana and I know it's inappropriate to kiss her," I respond, glancing at Ryan, who was eyeing me down. I swallow a lump in my throat, regretting  what I just said.

"It's fine!" Jana slurs, sitting up straight. I look at her in worried. We all know she is drunk.

"Jana, be quiet," Ryan mumbles, pulling her closer to him.

"I will just... change the task," Serah says awkwardly. I let out a sigh of relief.

"But Serahhhhhh," Jana grins. "Don't you remember the rules?"

"Oh my god," Sandy tugs on her hair. "This girl!"

"Change it," Ryan demands.

"You can't!" Jana shouts.

Ryan sighs, "Jana, you are not sober. You can't make that decision, "  he keeps his grip on her, preventing her from pulling away.

She ignores Ryan and looks deep into my eyes, "Noah, are you afraid to kiss me?"

Everyone falls silent. I nervously look around the table. They are starinh at me anxiously, waiting for me to answer. I suck in a breath and nod. "I'm afraid to kiss you."

"Okay then," Jana stands up. "I will kiss you."

Ryan grabs her hand, yanking her down. "Jana, sit down," he says sternly.

She puts her finger on his lips, "Ryan, shut up!"

Serah sighs, "Oh my god! Jana, are you-" "Noah, please give her a kiss," Ryan says desperately, cutting Serah off.

I look at him in shock. He actually wants me to kiss her? Everyone gawky between the three of us, unsure of what to make out of the situation. "No," I decline.

"It's fine," Ryan breathes. "It's just a kiss."

I nod hesitated. Does he actually wants me to kiss her? Jana grins, as I went next to her. She is going to regret this later. I get on my knees, fully facing her. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, I stare into her eyes. She closes her eyes, slightly leaning forward  while tilting her. Leaning my head sideways, I place a soft kiss on her cheek. When I pull away, she flutters her eyes open. A shy smile forms on her pretty lips, making her look as beautiful as ever. I wish if Jana was mine.

Shying back to her seat, she settles down. I go back to my seat, crossing my arms. It feels so awkward sitting here again.

***********

Harry streches, yawning in the process. "Let's go outside for the fireworks," he says and we all get up to leave.

"Ryan, can you help me with the arrangements over there?" Alex asks, pointing to a direction.

"Yeah, sure," he agrees and looks at Jana in concern. "Jana, do you want to come with me?"

"Y-you can go," she says. "I don't t-think I can even stand up!" He nods and leaves with the rest of them.

I make my way to Jana and sit next to her. "Are you alright?"

She sways, slightly losing her balance.  "No," she mumbles. "I feel dizzy."

I take out a cushion. "Do you want to lay down for a bit?" I ask, patting down  the cushion.

She opens her mouth wanting to say something,  but rests her head on my shoulder instead. I move closer to her and let her sleep on my shoulder. This reminds me of the trip. We were sitting next to each other, watching a movie. She put her head on my shoulder and I wrap my arm over her. The  was when I knew she was the one for me.

"Noah," she whispers interrupting my thoughts.

I look down,  "Yeah?"

"Do you love me?" I bite my lower lip, stopping myself from grinning. Her baby voice is so cute!

I smile, "Yeah, I do."

She looks up at me, frowning at my response, "But I'm in love with Ryan."

"I know," I respond.

She pushes herself off me, making my arm drop to my side. "Will you stop loving me?"

I inhale sharply, eyes wandering to the ground.  My heart aches at the thought of letting Jana go. "I don't think I can," I respond, slightly shaking my head.

"Noah, I love you, but I can't love you." Sighing, she slowly leans into me again. She said what I have told her a few days back. Is she saying this because she is drunk or because she loves me?

I get lost in my thoughts, letting the worries swarm in my brain. Someone nearby coughs getting my attention. I look up coming face-to-face with Lyra. Her eyes are glazed as she glances at Jana resting on my shoulder. "She loves you, Noah," she says softly.

I give her a pointed look, "She is drunk."

She rolls her eyes, "That's when people speak the truth." I slump down in my seat. She's right! "Are you coming out?

"I'm not coming," I reply, shaking my head dismissively. She nods and leaves us alone.

Tilting my head down to the side, I watch Jana half-asleep Jana on my shoulder. I should  probably move her side. Shifting my wait to the side, I gently nudge her off me. Her eyes open slightly and notices me moving her. "I was just moving so that you can lie down here."

"Don't go," she says, holding my hand. Jana sits up, then lays her head on my lap. I stare at her, watching her get comfortable. Her breathing slows down, going into a peaceful sleep. I tuck her hair behind the ear, admiring how pretty she is. I lean back on the sofa and closed my eyes. My mind wanders back to what Lyra said earlier. Does Jana actually love me? What if she said that because she knew that's what I wanted to hear? What about Ryan? These questions float around in my brain. So many questions, but not any answers.

Some time passes and we are still on the couch. The door opens, footsteps following. "Oh, she slept?" I open my eyes to be greeted by Sandy.

"Yeah," I reply groggily. Flipping my wrist over, I check the watch. It's been more than  thirty minutes.

Sandy kneels down, tapping her. "Jana, wake up." Jana groans slowly opening her eyes and shifts around on the sofa.
"Get up. We have to go." Sandy helps her sit up. "I want to sleep," Jana whines, rubbing her eyes.

By the time everyone came back to the room. Ryan noticed Sandy struggling to drag Jana up. He rushes over to help Sandy. After getting Jana on her on her feet, they get into Ryan's car.

Lyra walks up to me. "She is the one for you," she says.

I huff. That's somethingI have heard hundreds of times already. "Jana loves Ryan," I say in a low tone.

"Make her realize it's you." With that, Lyra walks away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Her voices echos in my mind, replaying what she said over and over again. Make her realize it's you...

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hey guys! Thanks for reading, you all are the reason why I'm encouraged to write more. I will need your support throughout the story so please do vote, comment, and share.