Hiori I²

The music was blasting through the house as you chatted with your friends near the kitchen. You'd decided to come to the party after weeks of hearing about it, and until a few minutes ago, you'd been having a great time. Then you saw Hiori.

They weren't close friends, but they weren't complete strangers either. They shared some classes, spoke occasionally, and always greeted each other when they ran into one another. What Hiori didn't know was that you'd had feelings for him for months, something you'd tried to keep secret to avoid making a fool of yourself, embarrassing him, or ruining what little relationship you had. After all, you were convinced he'd stop talking to you if he found out.

Everything was going relatively well until you noticed a girl sitting next to him. From where you stood, she seemed overly eager to get his attention, laughing at everything he said and leaning closer than usual for a simple conversation. Hiori was still with Karasu and Otoya. You tried to convince yourself that you didn't care. After all, he could talk to whomever he wanted, and you weren't anyone special to him. However, one drink turned into two, then three, and before you knew it, the knot of jealousy in your chest had been replaced by a pleasant feeling of dizziness.

When you decided to get up to find something else to drink, walking proved more difficult than expected. You tripped over someone, and hands caught you before you hit the ground. When you looked up, you found yourself face to face with Hiori. For a few seconds, she watched you silently before frowning slightly, noticing your obvious lack of balance.

"Have you been drinking?"

"No." You answered too quickly. Hiori held your arm when you started to stumble again.

"I think you were."