Chapter 6

NOAH- Bothered.

I knew this whole thing was going to be a nuisance.

I can’t enjoy my space with people, at least not anymore, should have gone to prison instead. I’ve been at the far end of the balcony all evening, noise-canceling headset over my ears, letting some sad, broken voice from Juice WRLD drown out the chaos inside. It’s the only way I survive these nights by pretending the world doesn’t exist.

I like it out here.

The balcony’s tucked behind the kitchen, quiet, dim. A weak light bulb flickers overhead, the kind of yellow glow that makes everything feel distant. The night air is cool, at least I'm doing my best to avoid my new housemates..

Especially her, the girl with the big cheeks and those soft, uncertain eyes. There’s something about her I don’t want to understand. Something that feels too familiar, I can't explain it.

Everything was fine until the new guy decided to throw a party in my apartment. Music, laughter, the smell of cheap beer and bad decisions. My jaw clenched so hard I could almost hear it crack. But I promised myself I’d stay calm. I can’t afford to lose it again. So I stayed out here, hands buried in my hoodie pocket, waiting for the night to run out.

I reach into my pocket, pulling out a cigarette.

Yeah, it’s legal here. Doesn’t mean it’s good.

I’m not addicted, at least that’s what I tell myself. I light it only when I want to feel something sharp enough to cut through the fog in my chest.

Just as I’m about to flick the lighter, I hear it, muffled sobs.

My hand stills.

I turn, slowly, and there she is, Bambi.

Sitting on the cold floor, knees pulled tight to her chest, shoulders trembling like she’s trying not to let the world see her break. The sound is quiet, the kind that crawls under your skin because it’s too real.

And just like that, something in my chest shifted.

I don’t even know why.

I look away fast, forcing my eyes back to the lighter. This isn’t my problem. She isn’t my problem. People cry all the time. The world keeps spinning.

Still…

Why the hell is she crying?

Shit, I hate that it bothers me.

I’m supposed to stay at least five feet away from her, but why can’t I seem to ignore her? I clench my fists, telling myself it’s fine, she’ll be okay. But somehow, my feet move on their own.

I don’t even know why I can’t help it. Maybe just cheer her up a bit, that’s all. Not like we’ll start talking all the time.

“You seem to enjoy parties when you’re alone, don’t you, Bambi?” I said, and when she looked up at me with those teary eyes, something in my chest just cracked a little.

She looked down immediately, probably embarrassed that I’d caught her crying.

“Bambi? That’s not my name,” she murmured, her voice soft and breaking as she tried to wipe away her tears.

“But it suits you,” I said before I could stop myself. “That’ll be my name for you, I guess.”

She blinked, staring at me a little weirdly.

Shit. Why did I even say that?

The silence that followed was awkward. Maybe I shouldn’t have come here. I shook my head slightly.

“It doesn’t sound bad,” she said finally. “I just didn’t think you’d want to give me a name. You were making a fuss the other day about having people in your space.”

“I still don’t,” I replied, lips twitching.

She let out a small scoff, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. Before I knew it, I was sitting beside her, knees pulled close like hers. God, what was I even doing?

“I’m Noah, by the way,” I muttered.

‘Noah she didn't ask!’

“Zara. Nice to meet you,” she said softly.

I nodded, staying quiet. I wanted to ask her why she was crying, but I wasn’t in any position to. The question sat right at the tip of my tongue, burning.

“Why aren’t you inside with them?” I asked instead.

“Just because…” She shrugged.

“I don’t like crowds either,” she continued, “but I have to cope because of Jace.”

Jace. That name echoed in my head.

“You like him, don’t you?” I asked before I could stop myself. Why did I even ask that?

She turned to look at me immediately, like I had just cracked her biggest secret. Guess I was right. I kind of felt it the other day.

“I don’t…” she said quickly, but her cheeks turned bright red.

“See? I’m right. You’re so bad at lying, it shows instantly on your face.” I teased, a smile tugging at my lips. Shit, did I just smile?

She cupped her cheeks with both hands, pouting. Fuck, she’s so cute, makes me want her, makes me want to protect her and I didn’t even understand why.

She turned to me again, still pouting. “Is it that obvious?”

“Of course,” I replied, a hint of teasing in my tone.

She hit her head lightly with her palm. “Do you think he’ll notice too? I didn’t think it was that obvious. Maybe that’s why Amber…”

“Zara…”

A voice cut through the air, and we both turned toward it. Jace stood at the doorway that led to the balcony.

Zara got up immediately, startled by the sound of her name.

“Jace…” she muttered softly.

“Aren’t you done calling your mum? Amber wants you inside, she said she wants to get to know you,” he said, stepping closer.

“Oh… okay.” She hesitated but nodded anyway.

Who the hell is Amber?

I stood up too, and Jace’s eyes landed on me, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

“Why are you with this dude?” he asked, his tone carrying something between confusion and curiosity.