I spun around the hallway, trying to get away from Keifer's burning stare, heart hammering, mind racing… and nearly collided with someone.
"Whoa! Jay?"
I froze. Adam. His familiar grin softened as he steadied me. "Where have you been? You disappeared during the party."
I swallowed hard, still catching my breath, cheeks heating. "Uh… I… just needed some air," I muttered, not meeting his eyes.
Adam studied me carefully, his brow furrowing. "You look… flustered. Everything okay?"
I forced a small, tight smile. "Yeah… fine. Really."
But I wasn't. Not really. My chest still pounded, my head spun from the chaos of the party, Keifer following me, Section E's shocked faces flashing behind my eyelids.
Adam tilted his head, reading me like he always did. "Come on, let's get out of here. I'll take you back to the condo. You can… calm down there."
I hesitated, glancing over my shoulder. The music, the lights, the whispers from the party—it all felt suffocating. Then I nodded, relief washing over me. Anything to escape the storm following me.
We walked in silence for a moment, side by side, the tension between us quiet but palpable. The hallway seemed smaller, tighter, as if it could close in on me at any second.
"You really disappeared fast," Adam said after a beat, voice soft. "We were all worried."
I sighed, shoulders slumping slightly. "I… needed some space."
He nodded, understanding. "I get it. Let's just go back. You can tell me later… or not. Your call."
I managed a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Adam."
And just like that, the chaos of the party—the anger, the tension, the drama—faded a little as we headed back to the condo. But deep down, I knew… none of it was truly over.