This is so stupid... I muttered under my breath as I took a sip of my drink, earning a playful nudge from the person sat beside me in the circle. The cool liquid burned slightly as it went down, the faint taste of citrus lingering on my tongue.

Normally I was a huge party person; loved to drink, dance, mingle and be myself for once around people that also knew the struggle of being a public figure and just wanted to let loose. The warm buzz of alcohol mixed with the loud music and chatter created a comforting atmosphere that usually made any gathering enjoyable. Whether it was overcrowded mansion parties or just a close friend get-together, as long as I had a drink in hand I could enjoy myself anywhere.

Tonight, however...was testing that statement.

For the last few months I'd been booked with shoots and opportunities back to back; a magazine shoot, invited to a runway show, flown out to a premiere, modeled for designer brands, interviewed, got called to do auditions for a movie in the coming months, etc. The constant travel and work had left me exhausted, my feet still remembering the ache of high heels from the last runway. I was just happy to see all my hard work paying off with so many people reaching out to me, especially with the new opportunities coming my way like acting which I had started dipping my toes into.

I felt like I'd been flying or in hotels longer than I'd been in my own apartment the last few months, so when my busy schedule finally died down and I decided to take a small break, maybe take a vacation, I was more than ready to just lounge around in my apartment and indulge myself in being lazy for once. The thought of my comfortable couch still tempted me even now as I sat on the hard floor.

Then a good friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to go to this party she was throwing. And, well...who was I to turn down a good time? I said I wouldn't be working and enjoy myself on this break, not that I'd never leave my house.

Plus, a party was always a good excuse to catch up with friends I normally can only text and call due to schedule conflicts. I also loved any opportunity to dress myself up, which I obviously did for that night. Loose fitted jeans, a tucked in collared shirt buttoned only to the middle to show my chest, black Doc. Martins, some accessories here and there with my hair messy but still styled to perfection. The fabric of my shirt felt soft against my skin as I moved.

I walked into the party feeling like I was on cloud nine, greeting and catching up with everyone I knew as I made my way around the house, finally managing to find my friend who invited me and get a couple drinks with her. The house smelled of alcohol, perfume, and faint traces of food. I was having the time of my life...until someone bumped into me and I turned around to see who it was.

Him. Of course he was here too; there was a celebrity there, a model over here, a singer or something around the corner, and right in front of me was the stupid, smug face I dreaded having to look at. And the way that grin only grew when he realized it was me only made it worse, bringing this...warm and definitely unnerving feeling in my chest.

Every other good thing that had happened in the last few months was almost enough for me to forget that I had a couple shoots with him at the very beginning, but unfortunately it seems that I'll never be able to escape him. In work or not, he'll be right there with his stupid handsome face.

I hoped that the house being crowded would allow for me to put some distance between us but of course, no matter where I went I always managed to catch a glimpse of him somewhere nearby. I didn't know if it was intentional or not, but for the sake of having something to bring up next time we worked together, I was going to say he was basically stalking me all night. Obsessed. A crazed fan, even.

For a majority of the party I was able to keep some distance but when it started to die down and people slowly started to leave, it was only natural that the groups left merged together to keep the night going. So now I had to endure being in close proximity to him again, my tail flicking in barely contained annoyance.

It was around one in the morning now and there was still a sizable group with some intending to leave soon or even stay the night since the host offered, I was even considering it but I wasn't sure yet. We had all just been chatting casually or enjoying the company of everyone when suddenly someone piped up with an idea to make the night fun, spin the bottle for seven minutes in heaven.

Apparently there was a trend going around on TikTok that revolved around the game and it was pretty popular, there were a few laughs about the idea since it sounded childish but everyone decided since there was nothing better to do and they'd all had a couple drinks in them, why not? It's not like any of them would kiss and tell, they were all close friends and a scandal was the last thing on any of their minds.

Normally, I wouldn't mind playing along and just having fun with no strings. But now that there was a chance I could be paired with him? Suddenly the whole idea was stupid and we were industry professionals who should just keep drinking until we pass out then I can kick that irritating man out of the house and make him sleep on the porch.

But still, it was my friend's party and I was still a guest. So here I was, sat in a big circle like we were all in high school at a sleepover, watching as one person after another spun a bottle in the middle then headed to a nearby closet with whoever it landed on to start their seven minutes. I had to admit it was pretty amusing to watch the pairs come back, it was pretty clear who simply had a conversation in there and who couldn't keep their hands to themselves.

My friend egged me on when it was my turn, the others around me joking to not mess with the bottle so it'd stop on who I want. I simply let out a dramatic sigh and set down my cup to lean forward and grab the bottle, suddenly feeling a little nervous as I flicked my wrist and watched it spin in a circle on the floor.

I watched with bated breath as it started to slow down, giving its last few spins before finally rocking to a halt. I trailed my eyes from the bottom of the bottle up to the neck, following where it was aimed to see who I'd be partnered with for the next few minutes...

You've got to be fucking kidding me... I said before I could stop myself, everyone erupting into laughs and cheers around me as I stared straight at him.

"It's fate!"

"Make up or make out in there, guys!"

"I don't own a black light, don't make me invest in one." That one came from my friend beside me, earning her a glare and multiple arm smacks.

"As if! Ugh, he'll be lucky if I even let him breathe in there." I huffed, ears flattened against my head as I feel a small blush threatening to grow bigger, my head turning to aim my glare at him across the floor from me.

God, I am nowhere near drunk enough for this shit...

Not wanting to elongate any time I had to spend with him, I got up from my spot and all but stomped over to him with my tail flicking behind me in annoyance, giving his leg a nudge with my foot and jerking my chin toward the closet. "Don't make this drag on any longer than it has to, idiot. We're going to go in there, I'm going to try not to strangle you with a hanger, and you're gonna keep your grubby paws to yourself. Got it?"