Chapter 3 : Dancing on the Palm

The door to my classroom slammed open as Jessica barged in. She didn't care that class had just ended or that people were staring; she marched right up to our desk like she owned the place.

This had become our daily routine. Now that my detention period was finally over, my life had mostly returned to normal—I had free time at lunch again and I could go home early. But "normal" had changed. "Normal" now included Jessica constantly hovering around Alvin and me like a bright, loud satellite.

"Dude, you got a pet name now?" Alvin whispered, nudging my ribs with his elbow.

"Ugh, don’t ask," I muttered, sliding my books into my bag.

"Al, how many lunch boxes did you bring today?" Jessica asked, leaning onto Alvin’s desk with high spirits.

"As usual, Jess," Alvin said, patting his bag. "My mom prepared one for you too, don’t worry."

"Yesssss! Tell Angela I love her, okay? I’ll make a cheesecake for her later to say thanks."

"Meh, are you sure you can bake, Cheeto?" I asked, shooting her a skeptical smirk. "I don't want to poison Alvin's mom."

"Shut up! If you keep being mean, you’ll get nothing, Kitty!"

We headed out to the courtyard. Our usual spot under the massive oak tree, once a secluded island for outcasts, had become lively. I couldn't deny it—Jessica's presence brought a strange new color to our greyscale friendship. In the past, students avoided this spot because of my reputation. Now? They flocked here.

Jessica’s circle—Amy, Nicole, Faye, and Reggie—started hanging out with us regularly. It was weird being surrounded by people, but the weirdest part was Faye.

Faye was similar to Jessica—ginger hair, popular vibe—but the similarities ended there. Faye was quieter, more observant, and significantly more "touchy." Specifically, toward Alvin. She would lean on his shoulder or brush his arm constantly.

But God, this bastard needed to grow some balls.

I watched as Faye practically draped herself over his shoulder to look at his phone, and Alvin just sat there, stiff as a board. I was 100% sure Faye was interested in him, but he always acted like nothing was happening, or he was just too dense to notice. It was painful to watch. I made a mental note to talk to him later; I couldn't let his dumbass nerd mentality cost him a potential girlfriend.

**

The room smelled of stale chips and overheating game consoles. We were midway through a level, the only sound being the aggressive clicking of buttons.

"Al, you know Faye seems interested in you, right?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the TV.

"You think so?" He paused his character for a second. "Why would she be interested in me, though?"

"I don’t know," I grinned. "Maybe because you look ugly and dumb? Girls like charity cases."

"Fuck you, dude! I’m serious here. Why is she interested in me?"

"Well, look at the facts. First, because she’s touchy with you—like, physically clinging to you. And second, she’s the only girl on the planet who laughs at your pathetic jokes."

"Then Jessica must be interested in you then," Alvin retorted, his voice sharp. "She’s very touchy with you, she laughs at your jokes too, and hell, she even gave you a pet name."

"Jessica is touchy with everyone, man. That's just her personality. And my jokes are genuinely funny, unlike yours. I think the pet name only happened because I keep calling her Cheeto”

"So... I must start calling Jess 'Cheeto' too, then? So she’ll give me a pet name?"

There was something in his tone—a weird desperation.

"Hold up." I dropped my gamepad onto the mattress. "Don’t tell me you like Jessica?"

The silence was loud. Alvin stared at the pause menu.

"Come on, dude. You like Jessica, right?"

".......Yeah."

"Holy shit!!!! Since when???"

"You remember the girl that I liked back in middle school? The one I never told you the name of?"

"Nooo way! Is it Jessica? Why didn't you tell me, man!" I grabbed his shoulder, shaking him in disbelief.

"First, she’s popular," Alvin mumbled, looking down. "Second... I think she likes you."

"Bah, nonsense! That girl only likes to push my buttons! Just like you do, dude! It doesn’t mean you like me romantically, right?"

"Fuck you! I prefer pussy over your monster dick, asshole!"

"Whoa, how did you know my dick size?!" I gasped, acting horrified as I covered my crotch with a pillow. "Are you spying on me?? You pervert!"

"Fuck, man, this is why sometimes you’re unbearable!" Alvin groaned, shoving me.

I laughed, watching his face turn red. "But seriously, man. If you really like her, I’ll be your wingman. I got you."

"How can you become my wingman? You’ve never dated a girl either, dude. You're hopeless."

"Excuse me? I’m dating Angela Peter, you know."

"DUDE!" He kicked me square in the chest, sending me toppling back onto the pillows.

"Hahahaha, your mom is awesome, man! Hahaha!" I sat back up, sobering up a bit. "But seriously, Al. I think you need to be more confident. Stop being a passive pussy, dude. Show her your charm! And you need to join the workout with me at least once a week. We need to get your scrawny ass body some muscle so you don't look so pathetic next to the jocks. Deal?"

Alvin hesitated. "But... you have to help me too."

"With what?"

"By not calling her 'Cheeto' or any other pet names. And stop getting touchy with her. I think... I think it will help my chances if you back off a bit."

I didn't even blink. "DEAL!!!" I grabbed Alvin’s hand and shook it enthusiastically. Bros before hoes, always.

"Then after lunch, we go to the gym. You need to train."

Alvin’s face fell. ".....Can we start next week?"

"No! Today! Get your shoes."

**

For five weeks, our routine was clockwork. School days were for lunch breaks and after-school hangouts. Weekends were for cafés, parks, or—most often—Alvin’s house, where Mrs. Peter fed us like kings for free.

Alvin’s progress was slow but steady. By the third week, we were hitting the iron three times a week. His body was developing, tightening up, but he was still... scrawny. As for love? He was hopeless. Passive as a stone statue. Whenever Jessica clung to him, he froze like a deer in headlights. Total noob.

I kept my word. I became a ghost, avoiding physical contact with Jessica and retiring the name "Cheeto" to give Alvin a clear runway. I pushed him to be proactive, but he wouldn't budge. And Faye? She was still there, clinging to him, desperate for a look he never gave her. His eyes were always averted, fixed on Jessica. I almost pitied Faye.

November 2009. The rainy season hit hard. The constant downpour forced us indoors, usually to the gymnasium. The girls loved it there because they could watch the basketball team preparing for the March Championship. Amy, whose boyfriend was on the main team, was the loudest advocate.

Most of the time, Alvin and I sat on the bleachers, watching Jessica and the girls train with the cheer squad. The squeak of sneakers and the smell of floor wax became the soundtrack of our afternoons. And, truthfully, nothing beat the view.

"Damn, look at those girls, Daeron," Alvin sighed, resting his chin on his hand. "I wish one of them was my girlfriend."

"Meh. If you actually put in the effort, maybe you could get Jessica in no time, Al. Grow some balls already."

"Fuck, man, I don’t know. I’m not sure anymore if she’s interested in me."

"Well, dude, even if you can’t get Jess, Faye is still clinging to you constantly. Perhaps that’s the reason Jessica is hesitant. She thinks you're taken."

"Do you think so?"

"Nah," I grinned. "I think you’re just ugly as fuck, dumbass."

"Asshole!"

We laughed, cheering for the girls. We were weird, but it was our kind of weird.

I had to admit, though, Jessica’s radiance outshone everyone else in that gym. Her ginger hair was a flame against the dull bleachers. Her pale skin flushed reddish after a few minutes of training. Yeah... I knew exactly why Alvin liked her.

"Dude, how about you? I never heard who your target is?" Alvin’s question broke my trance.

"..Hu..uh?.. What’s that?"

"I said, who’s your target?"

"Uhh, I don’t know. To be honest, I never really think about it."

"What the hell, man? If I had your looks, build, and charm, I’d fuck all the girls in school."

"You want to fuck Mrs. Harrington?"

"Hell no!!! You sick fuck!" The laughter echoed in the gym.

When training finished, Jessica cut through the group and grabbed my arm. "Tiger, come with me for a moment."

She dragged me toward the back of the gymnasium, where the shadows were deeper and the sound of the rain was louder against the metal roof.

"What’s up, Jess?"

"What’s wrong with you?"

"Huh? I’m fine, Jess."

"No, you’re avoiding me. For a whole month, you haven't called me Cheeto. Are you in a relationship or what?"

"Huh? Are you?"

"No.. I mean… I don’t have a boyfriend here."

"Okay?"

"What?? I’m the one asking you, Daeron! What’s wrong with you?! Stop being secretive!"

"For fuck's sake, Jess. I don’t understand what you mean. But I’m fine. Do I have a problem with you? Not at all."

"Then explain to me! Why do you keep dodging me? Why did you stop?"

"Uhhh, fine. I don’t want to make it weird, and I think this is the best—"

She grabbed my shirt, her knuckles turning white. Her expression twisted, panic flashing in her eyes like she was scared to lose everything. "What are you talking about, Tiger???"

"Hey, calm down, let me finish—"

"Noooo. I don’t want to hear it!" She pulled me down, burying her face into my chest. I could feel the heat radiating off her.

"Hey, Jess. What’s happening?"

"Noooo, I don’t want to hear it, I don’t want to!"

"Okay, fine, Jess. Please calm down. I don’t know what’s happening between you two, but it’s better you talk about it with Alvin."

She snapped her head up, looking at me like I was speaking a foreign language. "Huh? Alvin? What the hell are you talking about?"

"Uh, well actually... Alvin likes you. And I just don't want to make him jealous."

"What??" She shoved me back, turning away in frustration.

"Hey, what’s wrong, Jess? You’re acting weird."

She spun around again. Before I could react, she stepped in and hugged me tight.

"What if I tell you that I’m interested in you?"

"What?"

She stood on her tiptoes, bringing her face inches from mine. I could feel her soft breath on my skin. The scent of chocolate vanilla filled my senses, dizzying me. Her green eyes seemed to pull me in, enticing me to close the gap.

But suddenly, she shoved me away.

"Just kidding."

She stuck out her tongue, a playful mask slamming down over her vulnerability. She turned and ran back inside the gymnasium, leaving me standing there in the dim light.

"What the fuck… Damn."

**

After that moment behind the gym, the way I looked at Jessica flipped entirely. It was like someone had adjusted the focus on a camera lens. Every time she was near, I became obsessively observant. I traced the constellation of little freckles on her face. I noticed every small mole on her neck and arms. I found myself waiting for the dimples to puncture her cheeks whenever she smiled.

And when our eyes met, the air changed. Her gaze turned heavy, seductive, like she was casting a spell designed specifically to trap me. A spell that bind my heart. Forever.

"So, Daeron, what about you?"

Nicole’s sharp voice shattered the trance. I blinked, realizing the whole group was looking at me.

"Yeah? About what?"

"Uhh, really, dude?" Nicole rolled her eyes so hard I thought they’d get stuck. "What is wrong with you? You’re always spacing out lately. It’s creepy."

"We’re talking about the party this weekend, Daeron," Reggie interjected, saving me from Nicole’s sass. "You in or out?"

"Oh. Yeah, sure. Let’s go."

I stole another glance at Jessica. She was smirking, clearly entertained by my disorientation. Her eyes locked onto mine again, holding that same dangerous heat. Fuck. My stomach twisted with guilt. I couldn't do this. I couldn't betray my best friend.

"Uhh, maybe I’ll skip the party this weekend, guys," Alvin spoke up. His voice cracked, betraying his nervousness. "I want to... uh, finish my game before midterms come up."

"Yo, what the hell, Al? Come on, buddy, don’t be a bummer," I said, clapping a hand on his back.

"...Nah, man. You guys enjoy."

I leaned in, lowering my voice to a harsh whisper so only he could hear. "Come on, man. This is your chance. Get close to Jess in a social setting. Don't waste it."

Alvin didn't look at me. He whispered back, "Seriously, man, I don’t really like parties. It's too much. And you—don’t you dare bail out! Or the girls will be upset."

"Shit, man... at least consider it, yeah?"

"..Alright," he lied. "But please, just have fun."

I backed off. The past few weeks of forced socialization had probably overwhelmed him. Alvin was an indoor creature by nature. It felt wrong to leave my wingman behind, but maybe he just needed to recharge in his natural habitat.

"Alright, since one boy is out, we need three more boys to accompany us," Nicole announced, clapping her hands like a drill sergeant. "Amy will clearly go with Tyson. I’ll take Daeron as my pair. That works, right? How about you, Reggie?"

"I’ll invite Mike, I think," Reggie replied.

"And Faye..." Nicole looked at her with pity. "Since Alvin is out, who will you invite?"

"Umm, I don’t know yet," Faye mumbled, her eyes lingering on Alvin with sad resignation. "Maybe I’ll ask my brother to come?"

"Okay, I think that’s fine. You can find other boys later at the party anyway," Nicole said dismissively. She turned to the redhead. "And Jess, are you gon—"

"I’ll invite someone from my class, don’t worry," Jessica cut in sharply.

The group went silent for a split second.

"Oh... okay," Nicole recovered. "So it’s settled then. Let’s meet up at Reggie’s house. 7 sharp, guys. Don't be late."

**

Sunday arrived, and I decided to actually put in some effort. I dressed properly: a fitted black turtleneck under a brown jacket, dark blue jeans, and brown boat shoes. I strapped on my black leather watch to finish the look. I checked the mirror—hell, I looked stunning. Whoops, easy there. No narcissism, Daeron.

I arrived at Reggie's house 20 minutes early, aiming to be punctual. I knocked, and the door swung open to reveal Reggie’s mom.

"Oh my, are you Mike?" she asked, her face lighting up enthusiastically.

"No, ma’am, I’m Daeron, Reggie’s friend."

"Oh." Her face fell just a fraction. "I thought you were her date. What a shame. Please call me Jenny, sweetheart. Come in."

"Thank you, Jenny."

I sat in the living room with Jenny, making polite conversation to kill time. Surprisingly, the rest of the group arrived at 7 sharp—a miracle for high schoolers.

Faye walked in with her brother, Dustin, looking awkward. Then Jessica walked in with Jones. The air seemed to leave the room. The girls looked completely different from their usual gym clothes, but Jessica... in a red wine dress that hugged her frame, she was enchanting. I physically couldn't take my eyes off her. Fuck. It felt like an addiction, a craving triggered just by her presence.

We entered the party in pairs. Nicole was on my arm, wearing a navy backless dress that left very little to the imagination. She looked undeniably sexy, her brunette hair cascading down to complement the deep blue fabric. She caught me checking her out and leaned in close.

"You like what I’m wearing, right?" she teased.

I leaned down to her ear, playing the game. "Yeah, you look gorgeous, Nicole."

She pressed closer, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper against my neck. "You like my ass, Daeron? You can grab it if you want. Or... if you want to have some fun later, we can just drift away mid-party together, you know."

I felt a jolt of heat; I was fucking turned on by the offer. But my focus fractured. My eyes were magnetically drawn across the room to Jessica. She wasn't smiling. She was watching Nicole whisper to me with a stern expression, her gaze sharp as a dagger, cutting straight through the noise of the party.

**

The party was a blast—a chaotic mix of bass-heavy music, the smell of cheap alcohol, and teenage hormones. People were dancing, drinking, and doing stupid challenges in every corner. If Alvin were here, the sensory overload would probably make him pass out within five minutes.

Suddenly, Nicole dragged my arm, pulling me into the center of the dance floor. Her moves weren't just dancing; they were an invitation. Her dress hugged her frame perfectly, showcasing every curve as she moved. Naturally, my hands found her waist, while she ground her hips slowly against me.

"Mmph," Nicole moaned softly against my skin. Her arms looped around my neck, her eyes heavy with lust. "Fuck, Daeron. We just arrived and you’ve already turned me on."

My breath grew heavy. The sexual frustration from Jessica’s little games over the last few days had primed me, and Nicole was lighting the fuse.

She began kissing the sensitive spot on the right side of my neck. Her hand roamed freely—down my neck, over my chest, tracing my abs, and finally resting dangerously close to my groin. I jolted; there was no hiding the fact that I was hard.

"Fuck," she whispered, biting my earlobe. "Not only are your abs defined... you’re packed down there too. I want you to fuck me senselessly tonight, babe."

My hands slid down to explore her body. I grabbed her firm ass, pulling her tighter. That’s when I realized something—the fabric was smooth. I couldn't feel any panty line beneath the dress.

"Are you going commando right now, Nicole?" I whispered into her ear, the realization sending a spike of adrenaline through me.

"Uhum, babe," she purred. "For your easy access."

That was it. My lust hit its peak. I completely ignored the crowd around us. I wanted to devour her. I grabbed her chin, tilting her head back to kiss her properly.

Suddenly, a hand clamped onto my wrist.

We both snapped out of the trance. It was Reggie. "What are you doing? Don’t do it in public, dumbass. Come on, everyone is looking for you two. We want to cheers."

Fuck. Reggie ruined the moment. But as the fog of lust cleared, I realized she was right—we were being way too bold. We walked back to the table, Nicole clinging to my arm like a trophy.

"Shit, bro! Respect! The party barely started and you already made a girl horny!" Jones’s loud comment cut through the noise, making the rest of the group visibly uncomfortable. But Nicole? She just smirked, unbothered.

We sat at the table, nursing drinks we weren't supposed to have. But hell, a youthful rebellious soul can’t be tamed.

I spent most of the time talking to Tyson, finding common ground as athletes. Then Jones leaned in, desperate for details.

"Yo dude, tell me," Jones asked enthusiastically. "How did you seduce Nicole like that, man?"

"I don’t know," I said, keeping a straight face. "Maybe because I showed her a 'trick'?"

Jones and Tyson leaned in, eyes wide. "Tell me."

"Duh, I’m just joking, man. I’m not sure either. I just followed the flow."

They both slumped back, disappointed.

"Brah, Jessica is rigid," Jones complained, glancing across the table. "She won't allow me to touch her, not even her waist."

"Yeah, she’s a total hottie, man. Even the guys on the basketball team target her," Tyson noted.

"What the hell, man? You already have Amy. You want to swap or what?" Jones shot back.

"The heck, dude? No. I don’t think Jessica wants me anyway. Besides... I heard a rumor she’s dating Sean."

"Who the fuck is Sean, man?" Jones asked. "I never heard of him."

"He goes to the other high school. He’s the ace of their basketball team."

"Shit! The guy who dunked over Cole last year??"

"Yep. That Sean."

My eyes instinctively shifted to Jessica. She was pretending to look at her phone, but I could tell she was eavesdropping. Her posture was stiff. I felt a pang of suspicion. But then again, she spent almost every waking hour with us. It was probably just baseless gossip; a girl like her drew rumors the way a magnet draws iron.

"So, Daeron, I’m curious," Jones said, changing the subject. "Did you really slam that bastard Herald?"

"Huh? Yeah. Why? He’s your friend?"

"No, no, no, no! I hate him too, man," Jones said quickly, his face going pale at the implication.

"I heard you surprise-attacked him, bro. Is it true?" Tyson asked.

"If you consider a head-to-head clash a 'surprise attack,' then yes."

Tyson shook his head, laughing. "Shit. Sometimes the way you talk sounds like a mafia gangster, man. But you look like you belong in a Boyband."

"Oh, fuck you, man." The table erupted in laughter.

The party shifted into high gear. Our group launched into a series of drinking challenges, shots clinking against the table, while others drifted back to the dance pad to stumble through the rhythms. The air was thick with heat and the smell of cheap alcohol. I sat there, watching the chaos unfold.

Suddenly, I felt a presence right beside me. Jessica leaned in, her breath warm against the shell of my ear, bypassing the thumping bass entirely.

"Come with me," she whispered. It wasn't a question; it was a command.