Itzel moved through the crowded house, scanning for a familiar face: Dick, Aurora, maybe even Artemis, or Megan. But no one seemed to be around. Her head started to feel a little foggy, and she could feel the warmth of everyone around her, it suddenly became too much and overwhelming. Why can't I just be whelmed?

Noticing a door along one of the many hallways, she thought it might be a bathroom where she could take a few deep breaths to clear her mind – maybe even splash some water on her face and neck to cool off. But as she opened it, she was greeted by Jason standing with his arm around a beautiful girl, her back against the tiled wall. She had long silky black hair that cascaded over her shoulders and when they both separated from their kiss, the girl's eyes were a warm brown that softened her striking features. She was dressed amazingly in Itzel's opinion, a style that made her look as if she belonged there far more than Itzel did.

"Oh! I'm so sorry—I thought..." Itzel stammered, her feet bouncing on the balls of her heels and her head whipping back and forth from the pair to the door before her brain finally decided to work. She closed the door quickly to try not to embarrass herself even more.

In her haste, she turned around too quickly, her foot catching on the edge of the rug as she stumbled, nearly losing her balance. Just as she felt herself tipping, a steady hand caught her waist, pulling her upright.

"Hey, easy there," came a familiar voice chuckling. His hand lingered for a second before he pulled it back, his gaze sweeping over her to make sure she was steady. His grin was one of amusement, clearly noticing the flustered look and the pink tinge in her cheeks.

"Oh, thanks," Itzel murmured, still mortified from accidentally walking in on Jason. She averted her gaze, her heart hammering loudly in her ear, furthering her embarrassment.

Wally, however, wasn't so easily fooled. He tilted his head, studying her with a playful curiosity. "Are you alright?"

She took a beat, nodding and giving him a polite smile. "Yeah, I'm good." She hoped she sounded steadier than she felt but Wally's grin told her he wasn't convinced and he seemed far too entertained by the whole situation.

She began to walk down the hallway, this time skipping the pleasantries and just trying to find her way out to breathe a little. She needed the air and she needed it now.

Undeterred, Wally followed along, his long strides matching her pace. "Look, about what I said earlier," he started. "I didn't mean to... y'know, offend you or anything. I usually talk first before thinking."

Itzel barely spared him a glance, shrugging off his words. His voice, along with the muffled music echoing down the hall, blurred together into white noise. She wanted to let it go, she really did, but this still didn't feel like an apology—just more of his usual smooth-talking, casual deflection.

After weaving through another crowded room, she finally spotted the large glass doors leading to the patio. With relief flooding her chest, she quickened her pace, practically pushing through the last few people. She pushed the doors open and felt the breeze wash over her, instantly soothing the heat and noise that had built up.

Before she could let out a full breath, her eyes landed on Dick and Aurora standing a few steps away. It was hard to make out what they were saying over the music, but she could tell things were not going well for either of them. Aurora was holding a pack of frozen peas on his bruised chin, her touch light as she checked the swelling. Despite her care, it was Dick who seemed annoyed; his brows were drawn tight, his jaw clenched as he watched her, clearly more frustrated with her than the injury itself.

Wally noticed the scene as well, his mouth quirking into a half-smile as he leaned closer to Itzel. "Relax, that's just Dick and Aurora," he said with a casual shrug. "They go at it like this at least once a month. Give them a few minutes; they'll be fine."

Itzel gave him an incredulous look, a scoff escaping her. "Really?" she muttered, watching the tension still simmering between Dick and Aurora. Wally might think it was normal, but seeing Aurora visibly upset like this didn't sit right with her. Ignoring Wally's advice, she made her way over, her hair flying around her as she tried to get to them quickly.

"Hey," Itzel greeted softly as she approached, her eyes flickering between the two of them. Wally stood behind her, trying to grab her arm to pull her away from them, but Itzel shook him off, giving him a look that screamed to back off.

"Everything okay?"

Dick's gaze hardened as he glanced at her, a forced smile on his face. "Itzel, we're fine. Maybe give us a little space?"

Aurora, however, looked away quickly, wiping her eyes in a way that almost seemed like she hoped no one would notice. She sniffled softly, taking a deep breath as she glanced back at Itzel with a shaky smile. "It's fine, El. Really," Aurora added, her voice barely above a whisper, though it didn't quite sound convincing.

Itzel shot Wally a look over her shoulder, annoyed that he'd brushed it off so quickly. Aurora had let go of the makeshift ice pack by now but still tried her best to hide herself.

"What's wrong?" Itzel pushed again, this time she focused in on Aurora alone. Dick rolled his eyes, letting out an annoyed huff.

"Itzel, come," Wally said, forcing a smile. "Let's leave them alone," he tried and Itzel looked back at him in confusion. Her irritation was starting to boil over. Between his behavior and Dick's, she was done. "Maybe another snack or drink? I think that would be good, so that we, ya know, don't start a therapy session on the lawn?"

He laughed at this as though it were some sort of joke that was endlessly funny. He reached out, grabbing Itzel's arm to pull her away for the umpteenth time. Itzel narrowed her eyes at this, her cheeks growing hot in frustration. Did he really think this was the time for it? Did he not care what was happening?

She opened her mouth to respond but stopped short as Artemis and Megan joined the scene, two guys joining along. Boys she hadn't met and at this point, didn't want to. She felt like she didn't have a right to be there anymore. Any ounce of camaraderie she thought she had vanished.

Feeling overwhelmed, Itzel pulled her arm out of Wally's grasp. "I'm going back inside," She murmured. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel, retreating toward the house and pulling out her phone to order herself an Uber.

As she focused on the screen, trying to ignore the lingering embarrassment, she heard someone call her name. She looked up to see Jason watching her, hands tucked casually into the leather jacket he wore.

"Leaving already?"

Itzel hesitated, quickly lowering her phone, but not before Jason noticed the screen. "Yeah, thought I'd call it a night. I'm not a big partier," she said trying to sound casual, yawning. It might have seemed fake to Jason in any other case, but Itzel had different phases of her drinking and her yawn was timed perfectly.

She was used to the family parties growing up—the loud music, constant dancing, and late nights. When she was up and going, she could keep up with the best of them, and the laughter between family and friends buzzed around to keep her awake. One thing her parents had allowed her to do was drink a beer or two at these gatherings, and with her older cousins sneaking in mixed drinks, she was able to grow her tolerance.

But now she was 21, at house parties where not everyone knew each other, and not everyone wanted to dance - they just wanted to stand and talk over loud music. She would've normally been fine with this, pacing herself to enjoy the company. Tonight, however? She'd drunk fast and phase one of her drunk scale had kicked in. Itzel was a sleepy drunk, and with no one beside her, she just wanted to go home back to her apartment.

"Doesn't sound like you're having the best time."

Itzel shrugged her shoulders and waved him off. "It's whatever."

"Clearly not if you're on the verge of tears, " he noted, pointing at her watery eyes. Itzel was quick to use the back of her hands to wipe away anything that Jason was referring to.

"Listen, they were lucky you were even trying to help. I wouldn't have even bothered." He mused but he softened when Itzel didn't return the sentiment. "How about I drive you home? Ubers take forever to get here to the manor, security, and all that jazz. Plus save yourself the thirty bucks."

Itzel hesitated, her gaze drifting past Jason to the glittering lights of the manor's patio as muffled music thumped against the windows. She felt the exhaustion settle into her shoulders, weighing her down, but when she looked back at him, his steady, unbothered expression offered her the relief she'd been looking for all evening. "A ride back would be nice."

Jason nodded and led her toward the garage. Itzel followed, her calves straining as she struggled to keep up with his long strides. The pair of them stepped outside, and the cool night air brushed against her skin once again. Hopefully, this time around, it would provide the comfort she needed. Her breaths felt steadier as she moved further away from the party.

Finally, they reached the garage and his car. She wasn't sure what she expected when she entered but seeing it now, it didn't surprise her one bit. A sleek, dark coupe shined under the lights of the garage. The unmistakable Jaguar logo shining against the front grill of the car.

Jason held the passenger door open for her in which Itzel slid into the seat. She almost couldn't believe the luxury leather that coated the car. It was material she had never felt before. Her hands went to the seat, her fingertips running softly across the stitching. She let go of the breath she was holding while Jason chuckled, closing the door for her.

Just as Jason was moving his way to the driver's side, footsteps echoed inside the garage. Itzels gaze darted up and her stomach flipped as she recognized the woman approaching – the same one she'd awkwardly walked in on with Jason in the bathroom earlier that night, The woman's eyes flashed with something unreadable as she stopped beside Jason, her hand reaching out to rest on his forearm, her fingers barely touching him.

"Leaving your own party?" she asked. Her eyes darted to Itzel narrowing for a fired second before she offered a polite, thin-lipped smile, though her smile didn't reach her eyes. They remained sharp and assessing as they flickered back to Jason.

Itzel shifted in her seat, clasping her hands together and twiddling her thumbs in her lap. She kept her gaze fixed on her fingers, trying her best to pretend she wasn't witnessing their conversation. The tinted windows helped but the woman talking to Jason kept shifting over to where she sat, making Itzel feel like she could see her.

Jason leaned casually against the car, his posture loose and hands tucked into his jacket again. "Yeah, giving the new girl a ride home. Security here makes getting an Uber a nightmare."

The girl hummed once more, her fingers tightening momentarily on his arm. "I see. Well... drive safe."

Itzel watched Jason stare after her, he sighed while running a hand through his hair before pushing off the car and getting in. Itzel shifted her eyes away, hoping her discomfort wasn't obvious.

Jason climbed into the driver's seat with an amused smirk playing on his lips, throwing her a sideway glance as he started the car. "Don't worry about her," his tone dismissive despite the longing in his eyes.

Itzel let out a small, nervous laugh, gathering her hair onto one side and playing with the ends. "I didn't mean to cause any issues. Seriously, I can Uber and you can go back-"

Jason chuckled, "Trust me, you didn't," he replied, his smirk deepening as he backed out of the driveway. His moves were fluid as he shifted the vehicle back into drive and cruised down, leaving the manor behind them.

"You're at the Riverside Apartments right?" He asked, the car humming softly beneath them, the town lights casting fleeting shadows across the dashboard while driving past streets. Itzel hummed a confirmation.

As they settled into silence, she kept her eyes on the townscape where the lights and buildings blurred past and grew hazy. She glanced over at Jason – she knew he'd been kind to her tonight, rescuing her from the party she didn't want to be at but, her heart beat faster as he made a turn that didn't go to her apartment. Maybe he knows a shortcut?

The further they drove, the more distance Jason was putting in between her place, her mind stumbling over the sudden spike in fear her heart bloomed in her chest.

"Where are we going?"

Jason's expression didn't change immediately; he simply continued driving, gaze fixed on the road ahead, as if he hadn't heard her. Itzel's stomach twisted, her fingers tightening as worst-case scenarios began flashing through her mind, one after another. The terrible stories she'd overheard, the warnings her friends had given her, the times she'd promised herself she'd always stay cautious, never let herself be vulnerable... they all came rushing back.

Jason's gaze stayed fixed on the road, not bothering to look at Itzel. We are just around the bend. But as they drove on, he felt Itzels tension in the silence and finally glancing over he caught the look on her face – the subtle tremor in her lip, the distant look in her eyes. He saw the way her fingers gripped the edge of her seat and her shoulders taut. Realizing what she must be thinking, he let out a soft, almost exasperated sigh and immediately flicked his turn signal; guiding them into the neon-lit parking lot of a Steak 'n Shake. He turned into the drive-through, slowing down to a halt behind a single car idling in front of them.

"Hey, relax," he said, his tone a mix of reassurance and playful calm as he glanced at her. "Thought a shake would cheer you up."

Relief filled her as she placed a hand on her chest. "I don't know why you wouldn't say anything."

"So you can throw a tantrum? No thanks, I have enough brothers to entertain myself with that bullshit."

Itzel snorted as the car moved ahead. The casual hum of the drive-through speaker crackled to life, and he pulled up to the speaker box.

Good evening - what can I get started for you?

"What shake do you want?" He asked

"Oh, no I'm fine. I don't need anything."

Jason rolled his eyes, turning to the box. "Two shakes, Oreo Cookie and Vanilla. Make them large, please."

Itzel pulled out her phone, unlocking it, "What's your Zelle, or Vermo? If you insist on a pitstop before dropping me off I'll get mine at least."

Jason raised an eyebrow, shaking his head with a small, amused smile. "You're kidding, right? Put your phone away."

"But I-"

He cut her off with a roll of his eyes, reaching out to push her phone down. "I dragged you here didn't I?"

Before she could protest further, the drive-through window opened, and a young cashier handed over their shakes, thick and topped with whipped cream. Jason handed over a few crumpled bills, thanking the cashier as he took the drinks. He glanced back at her as they pulled forward, the engine humming softly beneath them.

She accepted the shake, murmuring a soft, "Thanks," feeling the coolness of the cup in her hands.

Jason didn't say anything else as he drove them out of the drive-through and circled around to a quieter section of the parking lot, where a single streetlight cast a warm, gentle glow over the area. He pulled into a spot, parking the car, and switching off the engine, letting the silence settle around them. With a flick of his wrist, he rolled down the windows, letting the night air drift in, crisp and refreshing.

Itzel took a sip of her shake, grinning to herself at the taste of the sweetness. She half expected him to break the silence by asking her more about the reason why she wanted to leave. But instead, Jason leaned back into his seat, taking a sip of his own shake.

"Alright," he said, setting his cup down in the holder and crossing his arms. "How about a game of 20 questions?"

Itzel raised an eyebrow, a small laugh escaping her as she stirred her shake with the straw. "20 Questions? Is that what you want?"

Jason shrugged, smirking. "Maybe. C'mon. Hit me with your best shot."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that pushed through. "Fine, I'll play along. "

Itzel pursed her lips, sucking in air between her teeth and lips. She thought for a while before huffing. "I don't know, Um, favorite ice cream flavor?"

"Easy. Mint chocolate chip," he replied without missing a beat. "Anything else is just pretending to be ice cream."

"Bold claim, but okay go off."

"Alright... if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?"

She looked away, eyes drifting past the edge of the parking lot to where the trees cast long shadows on the pavement. "Hmm, probably the beach. Someplace quiet where I can just... listen to the ocean and forget about everything for a little while."

Her mind drifted back to the last time she'd been at the beach with her family. She must have been eleven or twelve and they'd packed up the car with towels and a cooler, ready for the day in the sun. But when they finally found a spot, it had been far from the shore. Her family had stayed seated in the sand but closer to the parking lot. She could still remember the stares though, despite her parents being careful.

At one point, the lifeguard came up to them, probably enough families 'complaining' about them. Her father said nothing as he usually did.

Jason nodded, not prying further. He took another sip of his shake and grinned. "Alright, your turn. And give me something good."

"What is your biggest guilty pleasure?"

And so the pair of them went back in forth with questions and answers that ranged from phobias to fictional characters' wardrobes they would wear and conspiracies that were true.  Jason would want Pride and Prejudice style clothing and Itzel and Jason both agreed that Tupac is alive.

Eventually, Jason paused, his gaze drifting over to her, small almost hesitant smile ghosted his lips.

"Alright, I've got a good one. What's one thing you're afraid people will never understand about you?"

The question caught her off guard, but she masked it, busying herself with her shake.

"Wow, that's... a little deep for a parking lot game," she replied, attempting a casual laugh but feeling his gaze steady on her, warm and attentive.

He shrugged, still watching her. "Just curious. You don't have to answer."

Itzel hesitated – She didn't owe him an answer, but something about the way he looked at her made her want to be honest. "That... sometimes, it feels like no matter how hard I try or how much I do, it's never enough. Like I'm constantly being measured against something I can't reach. And people just see me as... I don't know, either too much or not enough." She gave a small, almost bitter smile. "I'm afraid they'll never get that trying to be who everyone wants me to be... it feels like I lose a little more of myself each time."

Sometimes I don't know if I even know who I am anymore.

She glanced at Jason quickly, almost as if she regretted sharing that much. "Forget it," she murmured, her fingers fiddling with her cup. "It's a weird answer."

"People see what they want to see, I guess. Doesn't make it the truth." Jason raised his cup in a mock toast. "To not being seen clearly by most people. Their loss, huh?"

She tapped her shake against his, laughing. "Their loss."