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We both nod, and adding a second ball to the game, we decide to make it more interesting. We'd both be aiming at the same time, and whoever gets the first shot wins.
"And go," someone gives the signal.
I throw my ball just as he throws his and…
They both hit the glasses at the same time.
"It's a tie!" someone announces.
Belatedly, I see phones around us. Some recorded the moment to see who got it first, but as they start fighting among themselves, Raf and I decide to accept the tie.
There's a choir of cheers on both sides, guys patting Raf on the back and girls whispering in my ear how cool everything had been.
"Why don't you and your girl come with us upstairs?" Tobias, the guy from before, addresses Raf.
I'm a little tipsy—just a little though—so I give Raf my silent assent, sliding my hand into his as we're led upstairs to a room.
"This is so reminiscent of my first frat party," he whispers, "but also flipped on its head. Everyone…likes us," he states in awe.
"Everyone likesyou," I correct, since I'd seen how many fanboys he'd collected downstairs alone.
Between each pass, he would converse a little with each, his speech and manner so imposing he'd suddenly become some kind of authority in that little circle. Case in point with Tobias, who'd been so in awe with Raf even though we'd both tied, that he'd invited us upstairs.
"I think I need to stop worrying about girls hitting on you and start watching out for the guys," I joke.
He shakes his head at me, but I can tell he's just amused.
Reaching the landing, we're led towards a big room at the end of the hallway. Inside, there are already seven or so people, all sitting around with a can of beer or a glass of alcohol and chatting. Some are also smoking, even though that was prohibited downstairs.
"Everyone, this is Rafaelo and his girl, Noelle," he introduces us, and one by one, people start making introductions.
We take a seat on one of the couches and Tobias offers us both some drinks.
"Are you ok? You had quite a bit of beer?" Raf asks, ever the thoughtful sweetheart.
"You did notice it was awfully diluted. I don't think you need to worry."
Maybe I'm a tiny bit tipsy, but one more beer won't hurt.
Raf snakes a protective arm around my waist as he tugs me into him.
Though in the beginning I fear things will be awkward since we don't know anyone, it soon becomes quite pleasant as we engage in small talk and funny anecdotes.
I become more comfortable as I see there are two more couples in the room, Max and Ava, and Janice and Aaron. Another girl, Samantha, is currently sitting awfully close to one of the frat brothers, Jason, and I note there might be something there. Aside from Tobias, there's one more guy, Levi.
The conversation becomes more and more interesting, and once again I note the effect Raf has on a crowd.
He's speaking and…well, they're just listening.
Right now he's talking about some business model I know nothing about. I only get to chime in when the conversation verges a little more on the fun stuff—like video games.
"It's funny you say that," Raf smiles. "Noelle and I met in an online game."
"No shit," Aaron comments. "That's so cool. I've tried to convince J to play with me so many times, but she's never been into that."
"What was the game?" Levi throws the question, and suddenly, I'm included in the conversation, too.
Every time I speak, though, Raf finds ways to touch me—visibly touch me—for the other guys to see. It's so blatant, I can't stop my lips from curling up in a smile.
