Side Story (2) - Chapter 7
Raxian shifted his weight from one foot to the other, adjusting the collar of his jacket as he stood in the entryway of the house. Warm light spilled out from the doorway, casting a golden glow on the snow-covered porch. The sound of cheerful voices and holiday music drifted through the air, carrying the scent of gingerbread and spiced cider.
He glanced around, feeling a bit out of place amidst the festive decorations and bustling crowd. It wasn't that he disliked the holidays, but gatherings like this weren't really his scene. He preferred keeping things low-key, away from the forced cheer of holiday parties where people exchanged niceties and small talk.
Raxian tugged his hands deeper into his pockets, feeling the slight chill of the winter air nipping at the back of his neck. He wasn't sure why he'd let his friend convince him to come. They'd bumped into each other a few days ago, and his friend had insisted that it would be fun—an opportunity to catch up with old friends outside of the usual gaming sessions, away from screens and headsets.
Raxian had hesitated, but something about reconnecting outside of the game had struck a chord. Maybe it was time for a change. But now that he was standing here, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was out of place. He shifted on his feet again, casting another glance back toward the door, considering making a quick exit.
Before he could act on the thought, a familiar voice called out to him from across the room. "Well, look who finally decided to show up!"
Raxian turned, spotting Raze weaving through the crowd with that easy, confident stride of his. Somehow, Raze always seemed to find him first—like he had a sixth sense for these things. As Raze approached, he flashed that trademark grin, the one that made it impossible for Raxian to stay annoyed for long.
Raze had gone all out for the holiday vibe, dressed in a festive sweater covered in intricate patterns of snowflakes and reindeer, the kind of thing that would look goofy on anyone else but somehow suited him perfectly. He'd even topped it off with a bright red scarf, draped around his neck with a casual flair that hinted at his artsy side. A few small pins—symbols and designs Raxian didn't immediately recognize—decorated the edge of the scarf, adding a unique touch.
Raxian raised an eyebrow, unable to resist a smirk. "Nice sweater, Raze. Did you knit that yourself?"
Raze laughed, the sound warm and easy, and struck a mock pose. "What can I say? 'Tis the season to dress like a dork. Besides, I figured someone had to bring the holiday spirit." He studied Raxian for a moment, his eyes sharp despite the lighthearted tone. "You looked like you were about to bolt. Thought I'd keep you from making a run for it."
Raxian shrugged, a small, almost sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, well, I was thinking about it."
Raze's grin softened, and he gave Raxian's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, you're here, right? That's what matters. Take a breath, enjoy it. You might even surprise yourself."
Raxian met his gaze for a moment, feeling the tension ease just a bit. "Yeah, maybe."
With his job done, Raze patted Raxian on the back and took a step back, giving him a quick wink. "All right, I'll stop playing life coach. I'll be around if you need me—just try not to sulk in a corner the whole night, yeah?" He flashed another grin before slipping back into the crowd, seamlessly blending in as he moved to chat with others.
Raxian watched him go, feeling a flicker of gratitude beneath his usual defenses. Raze always had a way of knowing what he needed, even when Raxian couldn't quite put it into words himself. And maybe he was right—maybe it wouldn't hurt to give this a chance.
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After Raze disappeared into the crowd, Raxian took a moment to absorb the scene around him. The house was alive with holiday cheer—laughter, the clinking of glasses, the occasional burst of Christmas music from the corner where a couple of people were gathered around a speaker. For a moment, he just stood there, letting the warmth of the scene seep in.
He spotted a few familiar faces from school, mingling and chatting. One of his friends caught his eye and waved him over, pulling him into a conversation about the break, upcoming plans, and the usual banter that filled the gaps between classes. Raxian managed to keep up, offering the occasional grin or snarky remark, but his thoughts drifted, scanning the room for something—or someone—else.
Then he spotted Fayne near the back of the room, standing by a small table adorned with holiday snacks. She wore a cream-colored sweater dress that draped softly over her frame, a scarf with hints of green and burgundy wrapped loosely around her neck. It added a touch of color to her otherwise understated look, blending in with the festive atmosphere without drawing too much attention. Her sleek bob, usually straight, had a soft wave to it tonight, catching the glow of the fairy lights strung along the walls.
She looked... comfortable, in her own quiet way. Raxian couldn't help but think that it suited her.
He excused himself from the conversation with his friends, weaving through the gathering until he reached her side. Fayne glanced up as he approached, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Hey, Raxian. Didn't expect to see you here."
Raxian shrugged, slipping his hands back into his pockets. "Yeah, same here. Figured I'd give the whole holiday thing a shot." He hesitated for a moment, glancing around the room before focusing back on her. "Hey, have you heard from Milo lately? Haven't seen him around much."
Fayne's eyebrows lifted slightly, clearly caught off guard by the question. "You... noticed?" There was a hint of surprise in her tone, as if she hadn't expected him to pay much attention to Milo's absence.
Raxian shifted a little, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I mean, he's part of the group, right? Just... thought I'd ask."
Fayne's expression softened, and she nodded. "He's okay, Raxian. Just... you know how he is. Big crowds aren't really his thing. He showed up for the tournament because it was important, but these gatherings... not so much." She offered a reassuring smile. "But he's doing all right. You don't need to worry."
Raxian nodded, processing her words, then took a breath before asking the question that had been on his mind. His voice came out a little softer, a little more sincere than usual. "And... what about us? Are we... cool?"
Fayne blinked, clearly taken aback by the question, and for a moment, she studied him, as if trying to figure out where this was coming from. But then she smiled, a warmth returning to her expression. "Yeah, Rax. We're cool. It's just been... different lately, you know? We've all been busy, trying to figure things out. But it's good to see you again."
Raxian let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, a small, relieved smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. It's good to see you too, Fayne."
The tension between them seemed to ease, replaced by a quiet understanding. Raxian reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small, carefully wrapped package. "Hey, um... before the night gets too crazy, I got you something. For Christmas."
Fayne's surprise lingered, but she took the package with a curious smile. "Oh, you didn't have to do that, Rax."
"Yeah, well, I wanted to," he replied, feeling a little awkward but trying to brush it off with a casual shrug. "Just open it, okay?"
Fayne carefully unwrapped the paper, revealing the delicate charm inside. It was intricately designed, a small piece that reflected her interests in a way that only someone who had paid attention would have thought of. Her fingers traced the charm's details, her expression softening as she held it up to the light.
"Raxian, this is... really thoughtful. Thank you," she said, her voice quiet but genuine. She glanced up at him, a warmth in her eyes that he hadn't seen in a while. "I, um... actually got you something too."
She reached into her bag, pulling out a small, neatly wrapped package. Raxian took it, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and curiosity as he tore away the wrapping. Inside was a sleek, high-quality notebook with a dark cover. The words engraved on the front caught his eye: "For the Journey Ahead."
He flipped open the cover, finding a handwritten note inside. "To all the wins, losses, and everything in between. Here's to whatever comes next." A small doodle sat beneath the message—a playful reference to one of their inside jokes from their matches. Raxian couldn't help but smile, a genuine warmth spreading through his chest.
"Wow, Fayne... This is actually... really cool," he said, turning the notebook over in his hands. "You didn't have to do this."
She shrugged, but there was a softness in her smile that matched the twinkling lights around them. "I wanted to. I figured you could use a place to put all those thoughts you never share with anyone."
Raxian let out a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, maybe I'll give it a try." He met her gaze, feeling a strange sense of gratitude that he couldn't quite put into words. "Thanks, Fayne. Really."
They stood there for a moment, the sounds of the party fading into the background as they shared a quiet understanding. For once, the usual tension between them felt like it had melted away, leaving only the warmth of the season and the unspoken promise of a friendship that had weathered more than they'd realized.
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After the exchange of gifts, there was a moment of comfortable silence between Raxian and Fayne. The sound of laughter and festive music filled the room, but it felt distant, as if the rest of the world had faded away for just a moment. Raxian glanced around the room, taking in the bustling scene, then looked back at Fayne, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Thanks, you know, for the gift," he said, running a hand through his hair in a rare moment of self-consciousness. "It means a lot. And... I guess, being here, too."
Fayne returned his smile, the warmth in her expression contrasting with the cooler tones of the winter night outside. "It's good to see you like this, Raxian," she said softly, her voice barely carrying above the hum of the party. "Not just... trying so hard, you know?"
Raxian let out a quiet chuckle, nodding. "Yeah, I guess I'm still figuring out how to just... enjoy things without overthinking everything."
She tilted her head, studying him for a moment, and there was something different in her eyes—something that made Raxian feel like she really saw him, not just the confident mask he usually wore. "You've come a long way, Rax. I can tell."
He looked away, feeling a strange tightness in his chest. It was an unfamiliar mix of gratitude and something softer, something he wasn't quite ready to name. "You're not so bad yourself, Fayne," he said, his voice low and genuine.
Before the moment could stretch into something deeper, one of Raxian's friends called out from across the room, waving for him to join them. Raxian hesitated, glancing between the lively group and Fayne beside him. Normally, he'd jump at the chance to dive back into the chaos, to let the energy of his friends carry him away. But now... he found himself lingering.
Fayne seemed to sense his hesitation, and she gave him a small nudge with her elbow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Go on. Your friends are waiting."
Raxian shook his head slightly, then looked back at her, a more determined expression crossing his features. "Why don't you come with me? I mean, you don't have to, but... I think it'd be nice."
Fayne blinked, clearly taken aback by the invitation. "You sure? I wouldn't want to—"
"You're not interrupting anything," Raxian cut in, his voice a little more insistent than he intended. He softened his tone, glancing toward the group. "I just think it'd be cool if you joined us. You're part of this too, you know?"
She hesitated for a second, then nodded. "All right. Lead the way."
Together, they made their way through the crowd, and Raxian felt a surprising sense of ease settle over him. He introduced Fayne to a few of his friends, and though some of them exchanged curious glances, they quickly welcomed her into the fold. Raxian could see the surprise in their expressions—after all, it wasn't often that he brought someone new into their circle. But he was glad he did.
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As the evening went on, Raxian found himself slipping into conversation, but this time, he was more aware of Fayne's presence at his side. He caught glimpses of her laughing at a joke one of his friends made, or listening intently as they talked about the latest game release. And every time, it brought a small, contented smile to his face.
There was a moment when Raxian glanced over and saw Fayne chatting with Raze, the two of them sharing a quiet laugh over some shared observation. Raze caught Raxian's eye from across the room and gave him a knowing look, raising an eyebrow in a way that made it clear he'd noticed the shift in Raxian's demeanor tonight.
Raxian rolled his eyes in response but couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. Maybe Raze was right—maybe he really was learning to be a little less closed off, a little more open to the people around him.
As the night wore on, Raxian found himself standing beside Fayne again, both of them watching the party unfold around them. The conversation between them had quieted, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that felt... okay. Like they didn't need to fill it with words.
Raxian glanced at her, his smile turning softer. "Thanks for sticking around tonight, Fayne. It's... it's been good."
Fayne looked up at him, and for a moment, her expression mirrored his—warm, sincere, a hint of something unspoken passing between them. "Yeah," she said quietly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It really has."
And as the holiday lights glowed softly around them, Raxian realized that this moment—this simple, unexpected connection—was a gift in itself. One that he hadn't known he needed until now.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------But even as that thought settled, Raxian's attention drifted. Through the glass doors leading to the balcony, he caught sight of a lone figure outside, framed by the twinkling lights of the holiday decorations. He blinked, recognizing the unmistakable silhouette.
Sable.
She stood there, leaning against the balcony railing, her elbows resting on the cool metal as she gazed out over the snow-dusted neighborhood below. Her breath fogged the air in front of her, small clouds vanishing into the night. She was still in her indoor clothes—a cozy sweater in a deep shade of blue that contrasted with the cold night air. A few strands of hair escaped from under her beanie, catching the glow of the lights inside.
Raxian paused for a moment, taking in the scene. She looked almost like a shadow among the lights—separate from the warmth of the party, yet somehow a part of it all the same.
How does she always manage to show up in the least expected places? The thought lingered in his mind as he reached for the handle and pushed the balcony door open, stepping out into the cold.
The air was sharp against his cheeks, and the noise from the party muffled as the door clicked shut behind him. Sable's head turned slightly at the sound, but she didn't pull away from the railing, keeping her gaze on the horizon. Her hands were tucked into the pockets of her sweater, her stance relaxed yet distant.
"What are you doing out here?" Raxian asked, a touch of curiosity creeping into his voice as he moved to stand beside her. He leaned against the railing, mirroring her posture, though he kept a respectful distance between them. His breath mingled with hers in the cold air, vanishing into the night.
Sable shrugged, her gaze still fixed on the dark skyline. "Just needed some air," she replied, her voice carrying a quiet edge, the kind that made it hard to tell what she was really thinking. "It's a little... loud in there."
Raxian nodded, his eyes flicking from her profile to the city lights below. He could understand the need for space—sometimes, the energy of the party felt like too much. Still, he couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "You know, for someone who says she likes being alone, you sure seem to keep ending up around people."
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Maybe you're just not looking in the right places," she shot back, her tone teasing but carrying that familiar bluntness. "Or maybe you don't realize when people actually want to be found."
Raxian chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Yeah, maybe," he replied, though her words lingered in his mind longer than he expected. He turned his attention back to the view, letting the quiet settle between them again. The cold nipped at his skin, but he barely noticed it.
They stood side by side, looking out at the city wrapped in winter's embrace, each lost in their own thoughts. Yet there was a strange comfort in their silence—a feeling that, despite everything, they understood each other in a way that didn't always need words.
Raxian stole another glance at Sable, noticing the way her face softened when she thought no one was looking. He wondered what was going through her mind, why she had slipped away from the warmth of the party to stand alone in the cold. But for now, he didn't press her for answers.
Instead, he let the moment stretch, enjoying the quiet companionship, and the way the cold air seemed to clear his mind. There was something about being here, outside, away from the noise, that made the world feel a little sharper, a little more real.
And as the minutes passed, Raxian found himself thinking that maybe, just maybe, he didn't need all the answers tonight. Some things could wait—like the unspoken questions lingering between them, and the realization that, once again, he'd found her without even meaning to.