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Tonight, the moon proudly held itself high in the dark sky, casting a silvery glow on clouds all around. Warm ambers of street lights illuminated paths as a gentle breeze would occasionally pass, contrasting the heat during the day.
You'd call the night peaceful... if it weren't for the loud music coming from the house in front—with people inside, partying as if it were their last days on Earth.
Planet inhaled through his nose, then puffed through his mouth. He hardly went to Friday night parties especially since college tends to keep you on your toes for most of the time—But, now that the semester break started, it was finally possible to catch a breath.
immediately after he stepped in the party, Planet spotted the drink table. Vibrations of the music surge through his chest as the colorful flashing lights transitioned to blue, purple, then every other color, blinding him for a moment until his eyes adjusted to his surroundings.
He slipped past a couple arguing about nothing and clusters of people dancing; a few were laughing as if some comedian said the funniest joke imaginable.
The air reeked of the most disorienting smell of sweat, alcohol, and perfume, he's ever inhaled in his 19 years of his life. He almost let the food he ate earlier today find the floor.
He pushed through the crowd, stumbling once or twice before he reached the table. It took him a second to catch his breath, before he snatched the strongest-looking alcohol off the table and poured himself a cup that definitely contained more alcohol than mixer.
He took a sip.
It burned, sharp, bitter and unapologetic— making his eyes water.
He grimaced, but took another sip anyway.
It tasted absolutely disgusting—though, it did its job. A warmth spread through his chest, as tense shoulders relaxed.
The noise started to sound more distant rather than an attack. He leaned against the counter and finished the cup before pouring himself another, and another.
Later did he realise, the corners of his eye started to blur, face burning as well as his entire body.
Planet came across a few batchmates. Some interacted with him, some too wasted to even think about talking. One in particular casually went up to him and asked "Planet, right?" It was hard to tell who was talking to him but it seemed like they've come across each other once before.
And that's how he was dragged into a random circle of friends. He was handed him a drink he didn't ask for, but accepted it anyway. They talked lightly about struggles they all shared like: homework, relationships and some other stuff Planet couldn't be bothered to listen to.
His eyes wandered around the house looking for something better to do than listening to another sob story about their girlfriend leaving them.
Planet excused himself and wobbled towards the table to pour himself another drink. Thankfully, it wasn't as crowded as before since a lot had already left.
"Something light this time. Maybe... orange juice mixed with the tiniest bit of alcohol. Yum." He voiced out his inner thoughts. It's hard to think while you're being run by alcohol.
He poured the almost-finished bottle of liquor and reached to take the orange juice but a hand grabbed it before he did. Rude.
Planet whipped his head to see which jerk couldn't wait until his turn.
Wow.
Who is this angel?
The "jerk" poured what's left of the juice into a glass.
Time seemed to freeze as Planet watched his fingers close around the bottle. Those nails—black base exploding into neon streaks and tiny, careful patterns—which looked like something he took real pleasure in creating.
His hoodie's sleeve had ridden up just enough to show the cluster of rainbow bracelets Planet itched to slip on his own wrist.
He tilted the bottle; lips parted slightly. His eyes fixated on the orange liquid, careful not to waste a single drop.
He was about to place the empty bottle back but instead, his eyes caught Planet's. They stared at each other a second too long.
The handsome stranger looked at the empty bottle in hand then back at Planet.
"Oh- wait. Were you going to..." he gestured at the bottle.
Planet, woke up from his trance state, and struggled to find his words, "No yeah, I was. Don't worry, it's alright."
He slid the glass to Planet. "Here, you can have it. I already drank a lot of it anyway." Cute.
Planet's hand slid into his wrist, playfully tugging him closer—faces only inches away. "Has anyone told you 'You look like you've just stepped out of a movie'?"
"Pardon..?" He blinked, batting his long lashes that framed his pretty eyes.
Planet huffed a laugh.
Planet secretly bit down his bottom lip. Gaze flickering down on parted lips then back up to the taller boy's glittery eyes.
Planet slid away before he did something out of his control and averted his gaze onto the table, "You go to parties often?" He poured the orange juice in his own cup, silently hoping he'd say yes.
"I owed a friend, so I agreed to drive him and a few others home." His fingers twisted a bead on one of his bracelets.
"You can't drive while you're drunk." The now-empty glass on his hand was set down onto the table, then grabbed his own cup.
"Oh- no, no, I'm not. I don't like drinking." He scratched the back of his neck and smiled.
Planet turned to him with a brow raised, "Really?" He took a sip.
The guy nodded. Planet quickly downed his drink then wiped his lips with his sleeve.
"I could drive you home as well if you'd like. It's not safe to travel alone, y'know." The guy he met just a minute ago suggested, voice genuine and sincere.
Planet felt his face heat up, but this time—it wasn't from the alcohol. "That’s so sweet."
"It's nothing." His smile made something in Planet flip.
He lifted his gaze "Here they come."
Planet turned to see the-
He grimaced. An awful smell of beer and sweat punched him like a professional boxer. It wouldn't be surprising if alcohol somehow made it to their blood streams, judging by how badly they were limping and swaying.
After some time, they left the house. Planet contributed to help the person's half-dead friends into the backseat—which took longer than they should've.
Planet sat down with an exhale that was between a yawn and a sigh as the seat beside him was soon filled.
"Comfortable?" He shifted in his seat, adjusting his backrest.
"Its a little warm." Planet threaded his fingers through his hair.
His hand reached forward, and turned up the ac, "How about now?"
"Thanks."
The rest of the car ride continued in a comfortable silence. Planet focused on his own rapid breathing till slowed into a rhythm. He couldn't help but notice the occasional rattling sound of bracelets shifting against each other when he turned the wheel. He needed to buy himself cool bracelets too.
The air conditioning cooled on Planet's face as he listened to the low hum of the car.(which was oddly soothing)
Planet's eyes lids drooped til his vision blurred into darkness. And without another though, he drifted to sleep for the rest of the car ride home.
A gentle nudge shook Planet awake.
His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, forgot where he was until he noticed the guy to his left was leaned in closely, "Here's your stop." He said, voice quieter and softer than earlier.
"Oh, right." Planet rubbed his eyes in an attempt to wake himself. Planet removed the seatbelt and pushed the car door open, but suddenly felt a hand wrap around his arm.
"Wait." The stranger paused before continuing, "What was your name? I forgot to ask earlier."
"Its Planet. And you?" Planet yawned between his words.
"Spoke."
Without any warning, Planet inched closer, closing the gap between them and lightly pressed a kiss on Spoke's cheek.
"Goodnight, Spoke." He pulled away then left, closing the door behind him.