Page 30 of The Gargoyle in the College

He nods. “I can see that. But I think most are here to enjoy the music, the vibe, and maybe the dances.”

I shrug. I don’t agree with that at all. That can’t be further from enjoyment in my book, but maybe Ryan’s enjoying the bar, so I shouldn’t rain on his parade. “Maybe. Why don’t you enjoy the dance a bit too? Since you’re here already.”

He leans a bit closer. “Fancy a dance with me?”

What?

I bite the inside of my mouth, trying to calm myself. This can’t be happening... I must be imagining things.

He gives a nervous laugh. “There are so many people out there, no one will spot us.”

So... He really is asking me for a dance.

I take another sip of my drink. There’s not a lot left, so I finish the rest. Maybe it is the alcohol, there’s a surge of heat inside me, brewing and threatening to spill. “Maybe let’s wait for a slower song.”

“Ah, okay.” He grins and that sends my heartbeat raging.

This is going to be such a bad idea. I’m so bad at dancing. I’m going to step on her feet and it’s going to end so badly that my stomach twitches already.

I take a breath, trying to look normal, maybe the alcohol will make my burning cheeks look normal, or maybe I’m the only one paying attention to that when the lighting in this place is so abnormal.

Worse... The song is tuning out, which means another song is clicking in soon and I’d run out of excuses.

It’s not that I don’t want to dance a tiny bit, but...

My brain is still busy processing why he’s asking me for a dance...

Maybe it’s not going to be that bad.

Ryan stands and reaches a hand to me. “Let’s go?”

It can’t be that bad, right? I told myself I should get to know more people too... I’m not sure whether this is the case, but maybe I can try that. It’s just a dance, after all.

I take his hand, and he leads me to the dancing area. The music is banging there, and I regret my choice at once. It would be a lot better if the music was better, but I can’t do a thing about it...

He chuckles. “Just follow me.”

“I’ll try.” I can barely hear him, and I doubt he can hear me. This bar is stupid. Maybe a lot of bars are like this, which only means that I’m more than right for not liking bars and parties.

I follow his steps regardless. I’m already here, may as well last until the song is over. It can’t be that long. At most, it’ll be five minutes, I can survive that.

He holds my hands, guiding me to the dance moves. “Relax, you’re doing great.”

I take a breath, trying to control myself. It has been a long time since I attempted dancing, so... I almost can’t put my steps together and I swear if I’m not in sneakers, I’d trip and fall. Then everyone will know how much I suck.

We take turns and swirl. I fight to look normal and as if I fit in with this place, even though I know I probably still don’t.

Ryan has a handsome smile on his face. I guess he isn’t a bad guy. Maybe he is here to get to know a new friend too. Seeing we are classmates, it’s not that bad to be with him so I won’t be approached by awkward ones.

My cheeks are heating up even more. I must have drank too much. Where are my friends? Did they leave already?

There are a lot of people around me, not to mention that I’m constantly moving during the dance, I can’t figure out where they are. Are they still having fun somewhere?

Ryan says, “Are you feeling better now? It feels like you are easing into the music.”

Except all I hope is for the music to be over and for me to be off this place. I force a smile. “I hope.”

He chuckles. “Maybe we can go to some other places next time, where it won’t be too noisy.”

---