I mindlessly tapped my fingertips against the glass, causing the champagne bubbles to move back and forth over the surface. Although I wasn't really interested in drinking tonight, no. Not even the finest alcohol.

I had something special planned for her. Well, special is not the word, the thing itself isn't anything no one has ever seen, but I hoped El won't be disappointed. Actually, I was kinda nervous about her reaction. What if she finds it boring and cliché?

My eyes scanned the room, noticing so many familiar faces, talking and laughing with each other. Yet, the one I was looking for suddenly disappeared and was nowhere to be found.

There were two options. Either she went for a cigarette somewhere outside, or she's with that douchebag Alex, because he's also nowhere to be seen. Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic if she likes him and is happy, I just can't stand this man.

Have you ever met someone that is annoying just because they exist? Like, they blink and you're ready to roll the shit out of your eyes.

He used to act so differently before he met El, and for some reason it all feels incredibly suspicious. I find it hard to believe that he's changed so quickly from a player to such a decent man.

Forget what I was saying about the alcohol. I somehow needed to get these thoughts out of my head, and what's better than replacing it with bubbles?

All in all, I trust El, and if she says he treats her well then he better be.

As I checked the time on my wrist watch, I realized that I'd have to leave soon. I had a scheduled meeting with my lawyers, again, like the countless times before couldn't be enough for this week. This shit is exhausting, and I hoped that at least I'll be able to be free for tonight and accompany El at the new house celebration mini party, as she herself had creatively named.

No kidding though, I helped her come up with this while my job was texting invitations to everyone and she just paced around, telling me what to write.

She was so happy to get this house that I wish I could somehow capture how her sapphire eyes looked like, shining with joy ever so beautifully, but unfortunately I think that no camera in this world could do that, neither you can explain it with words.

I smiled at the image that popped up in my mind.

I decided I have to go and look for her, because I don't wanna end up not having enough time to finish my performance. Geez, that sounded like I was taking part in America's Got Talent.

I grabbed her significant, black acoustic guitar and headed to the corridor. Basically, I learned to play and sing her favorite song, 505 by Arctic Monkeys. Which now sounded really cliché and high-school-sweethears alike. I also can't stop imagining her only pretending to love it so it wouldn't be awkward between us.

I confidently headed upstairs to prevent overthinking from completely taking over my mind. There's one room that you can always expect El to be in, which is her bedroom, and now my destination, too.

I noticed that the door was ajar, and I heard muffled sounds from inside. I hesitantly approached the doorway and saw something that instantly made me wanna scratch my eyeballs out.

Alex, professionally known as the douchebag, unceremoniously shoved his tongue down El's throat while they shared an extremely passionate kiss. Mostly his back faced me, however El was standing directly few meters across from me, so she would've noticed me if she just opened her eyes.

I don't know why, but I couldn't tear my gaze away from her hands, roaming his neck and tangling in his hair. And I don't know why it made me feel a certain way, just a strange feeling pouring all over my body. Not a single drop of it was pleasant.

Suddenly, she pulled away and looked up at him, staring right into his eyes with such adoration that it made me sick to my stomach.

I quickly turned around, ready to jog back down the stairs. My chest filled with a bubbly form of anger, but I could also taste a bit of bitter sadness.

I hate it, I hate the fact that I also got to see the way he looked at her, and I hate how he didn't return her look. That's what made me so sick. I might sound crazy because of how in love they seem and against what El is saying, but I'm not really in the mood to question my sanity right now.

"Johnny, wait!" I heard her say from the top of the stairs while I was already halfway down.

I turned my head to her but not really making eye-contact.

"Sorry for disturbing, I didn't mean to."

"It's alright," she replied, slowly approaching me by going down few steps. "What do you need the guitar for?" she asked as silence flooded over us like a tidal wave.

"Oh, I just.. thought you might wanna.. practice a bit, so I wanted to put it in your room."

Christ, what a pathetic excuse.

She frowned a little, "Right. Thanks." And she took the guitar from my hands.

The air around us seemed so thick that you probably cut it with a knife. Although I'm sure it will disappear the next time we see each other.

"Alright, call me if you have questions about the gig or just to talk."

With that I proceeded to walk down the stairs again.

"Wait, you're leaving?"

"Yes, I have to, I'm sorry. I've got a meeting again."

"I see. Thanks for staying so long anyway."

She walked me to the door and I embraced her as goodbye. I also told what time we'll leave to Philadelphia for the show. Long story short, we'll perform the yet unreleased Heroes, live. I know it's a big thing for her, because I can recall how stressful playing in front of other people for the first time actually is.

I took one last glance at El and the apartment behind her, and just as I was about to walk out, I noticed Alex watching the two of us from the staircase.

We briefly locked eyes, and his lips slowly curved out a horrible, sly smile, like he's just won some price and I was the one to lose. I shot him even meaner glance and shut the door close.

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