The room was filled with the loud hum of music and laughter, but it felt like an oppressive silence to you. You’d managed to avoid the gaze of Xiao all night, but your eyes kept drifting back to him. There he was, looking effortlessly handsome in a crisp white shirt and dark jeans, his usual calm demeanor somehow more captivating in this party setting. He wasn’t with anyone specific, but he was surrounded by people, chatting animatedly and laughing. It was almost as if he was having a great time without you.

It had been months since the abrupt end of your relationship, and the reason behind his decision still eluded you. The sudden cut-off left you with questions and a hollow feeling that only seemed to deepen as time passed. Now, seeing him so unfazed and mingling so easily, a sharp pang of jealousy and hurt cut through you.

By the time the fourth drink had settled in your system, you were beyond the point of graceful handling. Your head spun, the room seemed to tilt, and you felt the sting of tears welling up. Xiao noticed you stumbling towards the door, your face flushed and your steps unsteady.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern as he approached you.

You waved him off, trying to steady yourself but failing miserably. “I don’t need your help,” you slurred, struggling to push past him.

But Xiao was insistent. “You’re clearly not in a state to go home alone. Let me help you.”

You tried to protest, but your words were tangled and incoherent. Xiao gently guided you out of the party, his hand steadying you as you leaned heavily on him. Despite your protests, he ushered you towards his car. You tried to pull away, but the effort was too much, and you ended up collapsing into the passenger seat.

The drive to your place was quiet, punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine. Xiao occasionally glanced at you, his face a mix of concern and something else you couldn’t quite place.