Chapter Eight

In the Quiet

The music thumped in the background, shaking my body as I took a deep breath, forcing myself to regain control. Ingrid’s curious gaze made it hard to shake the tension in my shoulders, but I couldn’t let her see how rattled her brother was making me feel. I glanced back at Eirik, still caught up in laughter with his friends, and a wave of frustration washed over me. This was ridiculous—-this unshakable urge to intervene in something that was absolutely none of my business. I’ve got to get out of here and clear my head.

“Ingrid, I’m gonna head home.”

“What?? You just got here, stay, please?” She pouted.

“I know, and I’m sorry. I’m just not really in a party mood tonight. Next time though, okay?” I said, wrapping my arms around her.

Ingrid scoffed, but I saw the understanding in her green eyes. “Alright, but you better come to another party whenever you are feeling a little more sociable,” She teased, giving me a playful push.

I stepped back, offering a half-hearted smile as I made my way to the side gate. Each step felt like a release—the noise and chaos fading behind me into the night. Outside, the cool air hit my face, bringing me back to earth. I took a moment to breathe, hoping to shake off the frustration that clung to me like a second skin.

But as I stared up at the stairs leading back inside, a nagging feeling told me this was just the start of something that I would never be ready for.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and checked for messages. The streetlamps cast a warm glow on the pavement, and the cool breeze helped clear my head. Still, thoughts of Eirik—-and that bimbo—crept back in.

What was it about him that stirred something so deep inside me?

Just as I was about to decide to never speak to him again, footsteps echoed on the sidewalk behind me. I turned, half expecting Ingrid trying to convince me to come back, but it was Eirik–slightly out of breath and undeniably charming under the dim glow of the streetlamps. 

“Saxa! Wait, just a second.” His voice held a hint of surprise.

My pulse quickened as he closed the distance, effortless confidence radiating from him. “I didn’t think you’d leave so soon,” he whispered. Running a hand through his dark hair, the movement accentuated the sharp likes of his jaw, and I swallowed hard..

My earlier annoyance flared up but was quickly replaced by an inexplicable curiosity, I was dying to see how his lips felt against mine. “Ingrid said you weren’t really feeling it?” He continued, gaze searching mine. “Is everything okay?”

His concern seemed genuine, and for a moment I was torn between spilling my guts and keeping my distance from a man I barely knew.

I hesitated, weighing my options. Part of me wanted to dismiss him, shrug off his concern. But there was something in those green eyes that made me pause.

“I’m— I’m fine. Just gonna head home.” I finally replied, voice softer than I intended. His expression shifted–confusion and curiosity mixing, the tension between us felt like a rubber band ready to snap.

“Do you mind if I walk you home?” he stepped closer, his presence both comforting and unsettling.

“I only live next door..” I whispered. Glancing back at the house, bass thumping and people milling about inside. “It’s just all a bit too much for me tonight,” I admitted, surprising myself.

Eirik’s smile appeared, soft and genuine. Maybe saying yes wouldn’t be so bad..

“I get it, sometimes it’s nice to just escape all the noise.”

He took another step, and I felt the warmth radiate off him–so different from the chill in the night air.

“Let’s get going then, I promise I won’t be too much of a distraction.”

His teasing tone lightened the mood, and I chuckled softly despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

“Maybe I’ll hold you to that,” I said, glancing up at him.

The way he looked at me —like I was more than just a face in the crowd—made my heart race. We started walking, the laughter and music fading behind us, the quiet settling in around us. With every step, the tension eased, replaced by a curiosity I couldn’t shake. What was it about him that drew me in?

At my front door, I hesitated, fingers playing with my keys.

I looked up at him, uncertainty swirling in my mind. What are the rules here? I can’t really just invite him in, Gran’s room was right off the kitchen..

“Well, saxa. Thank you for coming tonight. I’m sorry you didn’t have a good time…” his voice was low, sincere and it made my heart flutter unexpectedly.

“It wasn’t all bad,” I replied, trying to keep things light, but the weight of the moment pressed in around us. “I mean, it’s not every day you meet a bunch of new, interesting people.” 

I caught a flicker of surprise in his eyes and wondered if I’d crossed an unspoken line. Before I could second guess myself, I added, "I just need to figure out how I fit into all of this.”

The charged silence between us held something unspoken—as if the night itself was waiting. “Well, I did want to say welcome to our little town. I know moving so far from home can be challenging. Just know Ingrid and I are here for you, and for you Gran… whatever you need.”

“I- thank you Eirik, that really means a lot.. I guess you got a lot of information from Ingrid, huh?” I whispered, warmth spreading through me again. It’s just nice to know there are friendly faces here. I guess I just need to take it one day at a time.”

He nodded, his expression softening."Absolutely. And if you ever need someone to show you around, or just to talk—I’m only a call away.” His hand reached up, tucking my hair behind my ear with gentle care. 

“Goodnight, Eirik,” I whispered, unlocking my door and stepping inside.

“Sweet dreams, Saxa,” he said, his voice lingering in my ears long after the door closed behind me. I leaned against it, heart pounding in my ears. The warmth of his touch tingled on my skin