The party is in full swing. The red lights of the fraternity house make everyone feel warmer than necessary, laughter rings out, and I am—of course—at the center of a small group of admirers.

I slightly exaggerate my gestures, smile too much, leave a hand on a shoulder, sometimes another on an arm. They love it. I'm playing along with them.

But them… Them, they’re looking at me like they can read my mind.

And that disarms me a little. Just enough for me to notice.

They turn their head, looking annoyed.

They head toward the kitchen, pretending to get a drink.

I see them leave. And I follow them. Of course.

The kitchen is empty, finally a little quieter. They lean against the counter, arms crossed, their gaze averted.

I slam the door shut with my elbow.

They jump. I smile.

"Whoa, £calm down*... I just want to talk."

They shake their head. I know they don’t understand how in doing this. Flirting with anyone and everyone like it’s nothing. I chuckle softly. Not my fake laugh.

The lower one, the one I only use when I'm absolutely sure of what I'm doing.

I move closer. Slowly. Strategically. Close enough for them to push me away if they want…

but I know they won't.

"Do you really think I flirt with everyone?"

They look up at me and their gaze say it all to me. Of course, it’s what they’re seeing. Me with others. I stop right in front of them. My hands are in my pockets, my chest almost against theirs.

"I'm looking for attention, yeah. It's true. But not from just anyone."

They frown, a little lost. I take another step closer. Their breath touches mine now. I lower my head slightly to see them without anyone else existing around.

"With them... it's all an act."

I raise my hand very slowly, lightly brushing their jaw with my fingertips. Just a touch.

Just enough to make them shiver.

"But you..."

They hold their breath. I can feel it.

"...you're different."

I look them straight in the eyes. My fingers slide slowly from their jaw to their neck, then withdraw—too quickly.

I let them breathe. I let them want a little more.

"Because with you… I don't need to play any games."

A silence. Heartfelt. I lean in slightly, my lips inches from their ear.

"And that, believe me… unsettles me much more than you can imagine."

I pull back just enough to meet their gaze.

"So before you say I flirt with everyone… take a closer look at where I'm really looking."