Page 111 of Sixty Meters Under

“I would be skeptical about that. I don’t see you wearing glasses.”

Lennart grimaced, and Liam nudged him with his elbow.

“Are you having a good time?” Lennart asked and looked at Alice who stood further away.

Liam shrugged. “It could be better.”

“You know, there are plenty of ladies with whom you could make your night better.”

“Mm, maybe when I’ll have enough alcohol in my system.” Liam grinned.

“Then, let’s start.” Lennart raised his glass. He felt someone sneak up behind him and turned to face Leticia.

“Hi,” she greeted him with a smile.

“Hey.” Lennart was surprised to see her.

“Can I join you?”

Lennart knew he probably shouldn’t, but he said it anyway, “Um… Yeah?”

Leticia’s smile broadened. She sat beside him and ordered herself a drink.

?

Leticia stayed by his side, and Lennart, in order to numb his senses and the desire for Ryosuke, switched to vodka. He craved Ryosuke’s company, not hers, and whenever he got the chance he looked for Ryosuke in the crowd to make sure he was still there.

Suddenly Leticia wrapped her arms around him and whispered to his ear: “Let’s dance.” She had her promilles up too, so it didn’t surprise him that she acted this way. Barely thinking, Lennart allowed himself to be dragged to the podium. When they stopped, Leticia wrapped her arms around his neck. The music was slow and the two moved to the beat, face to face, and Lennart, although hesitant, allowed her to connect their lips in a kiss. He closed his eyes and let himself be carried by the lust.

Ryosuke…

→

Ryosuke noticed Lennart and Leticia on the dance floor. Her arms around Lennart’s neck, and their noses touching.

All of a sudden Ryosuke had trouble breathing. When they kissed, Ryosuke had to avert his gaze, and he didn’t dare to look again.

“Are you okay?” Ayame asked. “You seem pale.”

“I’m not feeling well, again.” He downed his drink, refusing to look her in the eye.

“Can I help you somehow?” Ayame suggested, putting her hand on his.

Ryosuke shook his head and pulled his hand away. “No, I just need to rest more. I might retreat to my room soon.”

→

It was easier to kiss her while thinking about Ryosuke. Lennart lost track of time and was surprised when he heard the countdown. He pulled away and looked around, his head spinning. Couples stood around them and counted aloud. Lennart felt disoriented and his head buzzed. When midnight struck, everyone celebrated, and the sound of opening champagne bottles echoed through the room making Lennart jump. He looked towards the source of the sound and didn’t see people panicking.

It wasn’t a gun.

“Happy New year,” Leticia spoke to his ear and hugged him.

“You too.”

“Let’s have some champagne,” Leticia suggested and took his hand in hers. Lennart followed her, struggling to regain his balance.

When Lennart could no longer spot the object of his affection in the room, his adrenaline levels rose.