Coco's POV
The ballroom doors swung open again, and that's when everything... stopped.
Even the music slowed and seemed to fit the moment perfectly.
They entered like a storm in tailored suits—
Xavier Cage. Nathan Lawson. Evan Hansen. Michael O'Brien. James Green.
They moved like,
Like the room wasn't something they entered—but something that rearranged itself around them.
They weren't trying to get attention.
They were the kind of guys who never had to.
Xavier walked in first, dressed in all black as always, sharp and effortless, like danger in a suit. His eyes flicked across the room, unreadable as ever. Behind him, Nathan flashed a grin at someone, his golden hair styled to charming perfection. Evan looked cool and composed in a deep wine-colored suit, one hand in his pocket, the other adjusting his cufflinks. Michael was slick, tall, always that smug look like he had the whole school in his pocket, while James—clean-cut, mysterious as ever—was the quiet one, but no less magnetic.
They looked like they stepped off a magazine cover.
Or out of a dream.
Or maybe... a nightmare.
I could practically hear Sid gasp beside me.
"Oh my god," she muttered, barely breathing. "They look like they could be the princes of the underworld."
I didn't say anything.
Because honestly, it wasn't far off.
I wasn't the only one staring. Half the ballroom was. Girls whispered to each other, some fixing their hair, others adjusting their dresses. Guys gave barely concealed side-eyes and muttered comments.
But none of it mattered to them.
They weren't looking at anyone.
Except—
Xavier's eyes met mine.
My heart. Did a thing.
A slow burn, a punch of static. He didn't smile. Of course he didn't. But his gaze lingered like gravity, like he was already walking toward me with his eyes, like I didn't have a choice.
Then, just like that, he looked away.
I blinked.
Sid let out a breath. "I swear, the room just got five degrees colder."
"Yeah," I said, still staring. "Or hotter."
She shot me a look. I cleared my throat and turned toward her quickly. "Anyway, screw princes of the underworld. Tonight, we dance like queens."
She beamed, even if her cheeks were flushed. "Let's do it."
Tonight, I had a plan.
A stupid one, probably. But a plan nonetheless.
I was going to drive him insane.
Not with rage.
Not with accusations or arguments.
Nope.
With silence. With smiles. With strategic, delicious indifference.
Xavier Cage didn't get to keep waltzing into my life like he owned the damn air I breathed, say cryptic things, look like he wanted to devour me, then disappear without a trace.
Not tonight. Tonight, he was going to feel what it was like to crave someone who acted like you weren't even a priority.
I looped my arm through Sid's as we moved through the ballroom. She was still nervous, even though she looked absolutely stunning in that green dress. I made sure to keep her close, dance with her once, even helped her avoid the wandering eyes of a guy from chemistry who didn't know how to take a hint.
But my attention kept drifting.
To him.
Xavier was in the far corner with his ridiculous band of beautiful besties. Nathan was talking to some girls, James and Evan deep in conversation. But Xavier… his eyes were on me.
Always on me.
Good.
So I gave him a show.
Laughed a little louder when Tyler told me a dumb joke.
Held eye contact with with Nathan just long enough to make Xavier shift on his feet.
Tilted my head when a boy I didn't even know asked if I wanted punch, and I answered sweetly, "Only if it's strong."
Then glanced at Xavier with the most innocent smile I could muster.
His jaw clenched.
I could practically feel it across the room.
When I danced with a tall senior who looked like he belonged in a boy band, I didn't look in Xavier's direction—until the spin. My eyes caught his in that brief twirl and I winked.
He looked like he was about to murder the poor guy on the spot.
Sid nudged me once we were back at the snack table. "Okay, what's going on with you?"
"What?" I said, sipping my drink.
"Coco…"
I shrugged. "I'm just enjoying the night."
That wasn't a lie.
Because watching Xavier Cage burn silently in the corner?
Was the most fun I'd had all week.
-----
The auction began and people started bidding, students, teachers, Evan....
He was on a roll, calling out absurd figures he couldn't afford.
"And that is how you win an auction without spending a dime," Evan grinned, plopping down beside me with a mock bow after sneakily placing a fake bid just to rattle the crowd.
I couldn't help but laugh.
Tyler chuckled beside me while Sid snorted into her juice, still recovering from watching a man pay three grand for a signed Mt. Olives blazer.
"Come sit with us," Evan said, waving us toward their table like it was no big deal. "We've got front row seats to the madness."
I hesitated—until I made the mistake of glancing over.
Xavier was already watching me.
Sharp jaw clenched. Shoulders stiff. Dark eyes unreadable but burning.
Which was exactly why I smiled.
"Sure," I said sweetly, linking arms with Sid and Tyler as we crossed the room like we belonged there.
The air at their table was different. Heavier. Charged.
Paris and Tyler were curled into each other like they'd known each other their whole lives—whispering, giggling, fingers brushing on purpose. Mike was staring at Sidney. Weird. James, cool as always, watched everything with that lazy, mysterious smirk like he knew secrets none of us did. Evan gave Xavier a sharp look, leaned over, and whispered something into his ear.
Xavier's hands fisted on the table.
I made a point not to notice.
Instead, I turned to Nate, the only one who wasn't acting weird. "You look unusually well-behaved tonight, Blondie."
He grinned. "Trying not to get banned from yet another school function. That make me boring?"
"Never," I said, laughing.
And when I did, I felt it.
Xavier's stare.
Thick. Unblinking. Dangerous.
Like he was this close to losing it.
Then the lights dimmed, music kicked in, and couples began filing to the dance floor. My stomach clenched a little—but I masked it, sipping my drink again just as Nathan turned to Sid.
"Wanna dance?" he asked casually, offering his hand.
Sid blinked. "M-me?"
He smiled. "You. Unless Coco's gonna get jealous."
I smacked his arm. "You wish. You're just scared I'll beat you at this party the way I did last time ."
" True." He grinned.
Sid looked between us, face flaming, before slowly taking his hand and letting him lead her away. She glanced back at me once—half giddy, half terrified. I gave her two thumbs up.
Once they were gone, I risked another glance at Xavier.
He was still sitting.
Still seething.
Still watching.
Our eyes met—and this time, I didn't smile.
I just tilted my head and raised one brow.
Well?
What are you gonna do, Cage?