Caroline's heels clicked sharply against the polished floor as she was spun back into Aiken's arms. Their movements were elegant, precise—both of them knew how to dance—but their glares betrayed how unwilling they were. Everyone watching could see it.
"Caroline," Aiken said suddenly, his lips curving into a smug smile.
"What?" Caroline snapped, her patience already thin.
"You know… this hairstyle really doesn't suit you—"
Her heel came down on his foot before he could finish.
"Shut up," she hissed.
Aiken's jaw tightened as he tried to suppress the wince. "You should…" He forced the words out through gritted teeth, "…change hairstyle."
Another sharp stomp.
"I said shut up!" Caroline growled, her eyes blazing.
…
The music carried the energy across the dance floor to where Stefan and Bonnie were paired. They moved gracefully, but unlike Aiken and Caroline, their steps were smooth and unforced.
Still, both of their gazes drifted toward the bickering duo.
"Those two…" Bonnie sighed, shaking her head at Caroline and Aiken's not-so-subtle war.
"You should worry a bit," Stefan murmured.
"Huh? Worry?" Bonnie blinked at him, caught off guard.
Stefan's hand rested lightly at her waist as they turned. His expression was calm, but his words carried a weight born from decades of experience. "Aiken doesn't really show emotions to everyone."
"Yes, I know that," Bonnie said, frowning slightly, not sure where he was going with this.
Stefan's eyes flicked toward Caroline, who at that very moment drove her heel into Aiken's foot again. His smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "But he's showing a lot to Caroline."
Bonnie followed his gaze, then froze. "Ah…" she finally whispered, the realization settling in.
Stefan chuckled under his breath. This is payback for that time, Aiken. I still have headaches sometimes...
Bonnie's chest tightened a little as she watched Caroline and Aiken. For a second, unease pricked at her—until her eyes found Elizabeth.
Aiken… he had shown so much care to Elizabeth, too. Maybe even as much as he had shown to her.
She was seated off to the side, idly tracing circles on the rim of her empty glass. Alone. Detached. The loneliness radiating from her was almost tangible.
And just like that, Bonnie's jealousy eased.
Bonnie's shoulders relaxed, her lips pressing into a thoughtful line as she turned back to Stefan.
"Excuse me just for a moment, Stefan," Bonnie said softly.
Stefan gave her a curious look but nodded. She slipped away from his arms and walked toward the couch where Elizabeth sat, absentmindedly rolling the empty glass between her fingers. The sight tugged at Bonnie—Elizabeth looked so out of place, so… caged.
"Elizabeth?" Bonnie's voice was gentle.
Elizabeth's head snapped up immediately. "B-Bonnie… why aren't you with Aiken?"
"Let's not talk about him, alright?" Bonnie smiled warmly, slipping the glass from Elizabeth's hands before taking her hand instead. She gave it a small tug.
"Come on. Let's dance."
Elizabeth blinked in surprise, almost frozen in place. "What? W-With me? I-I don't know how to dance."
"I'll teach you." Bonnie's smile widened as she pulled Elizabeth up, leading her toward the center of the room.
On the floor, the change in partners caught more than a few eyes. Aiken turned his head sharply, his gaze locking on the pair. Caroline followed his line of sight, her brow raising.
"Who's that?" she murmured, her eyes narrowing before softening into admiration. "She's so beautiful…"
Aiken said nothing. His gaze didn't leave Elizabeth and Bonnie.
In the center, Bonnie positioned Elizabeth's arms carefully. Her movements were graceful, fluid. "You hear the music?" she asked.
"Yes…" Elizabeth said, her voice small, embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
"Then follow the rhythm," Bonnie said, beginning to guide her into simple steps. "Look at me in the eyes—the movements will come naturally."
"Eh? But… I don't know them—" Elizabeth stammered.
"Aiken told me you're almost a genius like him." Bonnie's smile was teasing but kind. "Learning a few dance moves shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Elizabeth's face heated instantly. "Aiken… told you that?"
Bonnie chuckled softly, Elizabeth's expression was brightening until she almost looked like a teenager. "Do you like Aiken?" she asked playfully.
Elizabeth's eyes widened, and she nearly stumbled. A rush of shame and embarrassment washed over her, though she couldn't explain why. "S-Sorry, Bonnie…" she murmured as she began to catch the rhythm, her steps slowly falling into sync. "It's just that… he's the only one who understands me—"
"That's fine, Elizabeth," Bonnie cut in gently, her smile this time completely genuine. "I know Aiken is amazing…"
Elizabeth's cheeks turned a deeper red. "…Yeah."
Their steps grew steadier, their movements flowing. Slowly, the awkwardness bled away, replaced by something soft and harmonious. Bonnie's elegance carried Elizabeth along until she almost looked like she had been dancing her whole life.
Aiken was still watching them.
Even Caroline had stilled. She wasn't stomping on his foot anymore—her own gaze lingered on the two women in the center of the floor.
...
Bonnie and Elizabeth had fallen into a rhythm not just in their dancing, but in their words. They talked quietly between steps, Bonnie coaxing Elizabeth out of her shell with gentle smiles and reassuring gestures.
"Sorry, Bonnie," Elizabeth finally said, her tone apologetic. "I… I have to use the bathroom."
"Of course," Bonnie replied warmly, letting go of her hand.
Elizabeth slipped away from the center of the room, her dress brushing softly against the floor as she disappeared toward the hallway.
The moment she was gone, warmth encircled Bonnie's waist—two strong arms wrapping tightly around her.
"Bon Bon…" Aiken's low voice murmured in her ear, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. "Why have you been avoiding me the entire night?" His lips brushed her cheek in a fleeting kiss, mischievous yet tender. "You're making my heart crack."
Bonnie's eyes narrowed, though her pulse betrayed her calm façade. She reached down, prying his arms from her waist with deliberate slowness. When she turned to face him, her smile was there—sweet, but carrying an edge sharp enough to cut.
"Why don't you return to Caroline, huh?" she said, her voice smooth but laced with something ominous, like velvet concealing steel.
To be continued...
***
***
How was this chapter? Liked it?
Sorry if I didn't post a chapter yesterday, I was... kinda tired, I still am, but what can I do. If someone is waiting for the other fic's chapter, it will come out tomorrow. Gonna go sleep now. Goodnight to y'all.