The afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the lecture hall, casting long streaks of gold across rows of restless students. The professor's voice droned on about the finer details of metabolism, but the room's attention had already begun to drift. It was that time of the semester when the weight of looming exams pressed down, yet the hunger for distraction grew stronger.
Amara sat quietly, her notebook open but nearly empty, the tip of her pen tapping softly against the page. She had already read ahead last night, as she often did, so the lecture felt repetitive. Beside her, Emily shifted in her seat, clearly not paying attention.
When the professor finally dismissed the class, relief swept through the room. Bags zipped, chairs scraped, and a dozen half-whispered conversations sparked up at once. Emily, of course, was the first to lean close, her grin mischievous.
"Guess what?" she whispered, eyes bright.
Amara raised a brow, still slipping her pen into her bag. "What now?"
"There's going to be a party tonight. Damien told me. Apparently, Micheal....yeah, that ridiculously rich guy in business faculty...he's hosting it at his house. A proper mansion party. Everyone's talking about it."
Amara groaned, shaking her head. "Emily… exams are in two weeks. A party is the last thing I need."
"That's exactly why you need it," Emily argued, her voice rising with playful insistence. "A night off. Come on, you never go anywhere. Don't tell me you want to spend another evening buried in your notes."
"I do," Amara said flatly.
Emily rolled her eyes but didn't press further. Not yet. Instead, she gathered her things, chatting about Michael's reputation...the cars he drove, the absurd spending sprees, the endless rumors. Amara only half-listened, her focus already on getting back to her hostel.
By the time the girls arrived at the dorm, Amara's resolve remained firm: no parties. She set her bag down, kicked off her shoes, and sat at the edge of her bed. Emily, however, was just getting started.
"Think about it," Emily said as she flopped onto her own bed, sprawling dramatically. "Huge house, free drinks, music. Everyone will be there. You'll regret it if you don't come."
"Or," Amara countered calmly, "I'll wake up tomorrow with no hangover, no wasted hours, and more time to revise."
Emily shot her a look of mock offense. "You're impossible."
Just then, their roommates entered, chatting about the day. One of them, Elena, dropped onto the chair by the desk. "Are you guys going to Micheal's party tonight?" she asked.
Emily perked up immediately. "I'm trying to convince her," she said, jerking her chin toward Amara.
Elena shrugged. "Honestly, I wasn't planning to go either. Too much noise, too many people."
"See?" Amara said, gesturing toward Elena with a small smile. "Someone agrees with me."
Emily sat up, narrowing her eyes like she had just been issued a challenge. "Okay, fine. Both of you are too boring for your own good. But think about this....don't you feel guilty for bailing on me the other day? I tried to get us that lunch outing, remember? You backed out. Now you want to ditch me again? Amara, be fair."
Amara blinked. "That's not the same thing."
"Close enough," Emily shot back. "Besides, if you don't come, everyone's going to think I'm some lost puppy showing up without my girls. Do you really want to abandon me?"
It was a low blow, and Amara knew it. Emily's eyes were wide, pleading, a practiced mix of dramatics and sincerity.
Amara sighed heavily. She could feel her resistance cracking. "Emily…"
"Yes?" Emily leaned forward eagerly.
"You're insufferable."
"That's not a no," Emily sang, grinning.
Elena looked between them, shaking her head. "If she's going, then I guess I'll tag along too. Can't let you both get into trouble without me."
Amara pinched the bridge of her nose. "You people will be the end of me."
Emily squealed, victorious. "That's it then. Party mode!"
Hours later, the dorm was buzzing with excitement as the girls got ready. Clothes were scattered everywhere, makeup kits open, perfume bottles passed around.
Amara stood before the mirror, reluctantly adjusting the strappy black dress Emily had insisted she borrow. It hugged her figure more snugly than she was used to, its neckline daring. Paired with sleek heels and her hair falling in loose waves, she barely recognized herself.
Emily whistled appreciatively. "Damn, girl. You look hot. I'm almost jealous."
Amara rolled her eyes but couldn't deny the faint blush creeping up her cheeks. Elena, dressed in a glittering silver mini-dress, joined them, grinning. "We're about to turn heads."
By the time they were all ready, the transformation was undeniable. They didn't look like stressed-out students anymore; they looked like they belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine.
Downstairs, two cars waited. Damien leaned casually against his car, chatting with a couple of guys, while Adrian stood by his sleek black ride, dressed sharply even for a party. The sight of him made Amara's chest tighten unexpectedly, though she quickly brushed it off.
"Wow," Damien said as the girls approached. "You all clean up nice."
Introductions were made between the roommates and the guys. Jokes were exchanged, laughter rang out, and the mood was light. Soon, they divided into cars...Amara climbing into Adrian's, while Emily and Elena joined Damien.
The drive was short, filled with music and laughter, until they pulled up to Micheal's house. Calling it a "house" was an understatement. The mansion loomed like something out of a movie...gated, sprawling, with bright lights spilling from tall windows. Expensive cars lined the driveway, bass-heavy music already vibrating through the walls.
"Wow," Amara muttered under her breath.
Emily's voice rang out from Damien's car. "Told you he was rich!"
Inside, the mansion buzzed with energy. Students filled every corner, drinks in hand, music blasting, conversations overlapping. The air smelled of cologne, perfume, and alcohol. Chandeliers sparkled above, while a makeshift dance floor had already taken shape in the living room.
At first, Amara stuck close to Emily, sipping cautiously from a drink someone handed her. But as the night stretched on, the atmosphere swallowed them. Emily danced freely, her laughter ringing over the music, while Amara allowed herself to loosen up...just a little.
Drink after drink appeared in their hands, and soon, restraint gave way. Amara laughed louder, danced harder, swayed to the beat without caring who watched. Emily was no better, already giggling uncontrollably as she clung to Amara's arm.
Elena tried to rein them in, but by midnight it was clear: both Amara and Emily were drunk.
Damien frowned as he approached. "They're not in shape to go back alone."
Adrian, who had been watching from across the room, stepped forward. His expression was unreadable, but his voice was calm. "I'll take Amara. You handle Emily and Elena."
Damien nodded, though he gave Adrian a knowing look.
Adrian slipped an arm around Amara as she staggered, her head heavy against his shoulder. She smelled of fruit punch and perfume, her laughter still bubbling even as her steps faltered.
"Where are we going?" she mumbled.
"Somewhere safe," Adrian said simply.
And with that, he guided her out of the mansion, away from the noise and chaos, toward the waiting car.