Unconditional Validation

Chapter 15

"Good," I replied. "I don't want you to."

Hand in hand, we slipped back into the venue, just as Skyler and America were taking their final bow. Unfortunately, my depression came back the moment Justin let go of my hand. The warmth of his touch lingered, but the sudden absence felt like a cold gust of wind.

Fuck. I swallowed hard, the thought sinking in. Neither of us were out yet. What were we even doing?

I tried to shake the feeling, but it clung to me like a shadow as we re-entered the ballroom. Skyler had transitioned into DJ mode, spinning upbeat tracks that kept the crowd buzzing. People were dancing, laughing, and living in the moment, but I couldn't bring myself to join in.

My heart sank further when I spotted Justin across the room. A couple of his friends had found him, and to my dismay, Ryder was with them. They were laughing, joking around like nothing had happened. Justin looked so at ease, like he didn't have a care in the world.

Meanwhile, I was stuck by the side door, blending into the shadows like a wallflower. The ache in my chest grew sharper. Part of me wanted to go to him, to join the group and pretend everything was fine. But the other part, the louder part, kept me rooted in place, fear whispering in my ear.

What if he regrets it? What if this was just a moment for him and nothing more?

The thoughts swirled relentlessly, and I couldn't stop them. I hugged my arms around myself, trying to hold it together.

"Tyler?"

I turned to see Skyler standing there, her glittering cat costume catching the light. Her brow furrowed as she studied me.

"You okay?" she asked, her voice low enough that no one else could hear over the music.

I forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... needed some air earlier, that's all."

Skyler didn't look convinced, but she didn't push. "If you need to talk, you know I'm here, right?"

I nodded, grateful for her concern, but I wasn't ready to unload everything. Not yet.

"Thanks, Sky. I'll be okay," I lied.

She gave me one last searching look before heading back to the DJ setup. As she adjusted the playlist, I caught Justin glancing in my direction. Our eyes met briefly before he looked away, laughing at something Ryder said.

The knot in my stomach tightened. Was he trying to keep his distance? Was he embarrassed?

I couldn't fucking take it anymore. The walls felt like they were closing in, the laughter and music blending into an overwhelming hum. I slipped out the door again, letting the cool night air hit my face.

I didn't know how long I stood outside, staring at the city lights and listening to the faint thrum of music behind me. The cold seeped through my damn angel costume, but I didn't care.

"Tyler."

His voice broke through the silence, soft but insistent. I turned to see Justin standing there, his werewolf costume slightly rumpled, his expression a mix of worry and determination.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked, stepping closer.

I shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "Just needed some space."

Justin didn't buy it. "Is this about earlier? About me letting go of your hand?"

I stiffened but didn't answer.

"Ty," he said, his voice softer now. "Talk to me."

I looked up at him, the words spilling out before I could stop them. "I just... I don't know how to do this, Justin. I don't know how to be us when we're not even out. And seeing you with your friends, with Ryder... it felt like you were slipping away, like what happened earlier didn't mean anything."

Justin's eyes widened, and he shook his head quickly. "No, Tyler. No, that's not true."

"Then why did you let go of my hand?" I asked, my voice breaking.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Because I panicked. I didn't want anyone to see us and make things harder for you. For us. But that doesn't mean I regret it. Not for a second."

I looked at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt, but all I saw was sincerity.

"Tyler," he said, stepping closer until we were inches apart. "I meant every word I said earlier. I'm falling for you. Hell, I think I already fell a long time ago. And I'm scared too, to be honest. Scared of what people will say, of how it might change things. But the thought of losing you? That's even scarier."

My breath caught in my throat. The vulnerability in his voice, the way his hands trembled slightly at his sides, it was real.

"I don't want to lose you either," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Justin hesitated for only a moment before pulling me into a hug. His arms wrapped around me tightly, like he was afraid I might slip away if he let go.

"You're not alone in this, okay?" he murmured against my hair. "We'll figure it out. Together."

I closed my eyes and leaned into him, the ache in my chest beginning to ease. It was replaced by a warmth that spread through me like a flickering flame.

The faint sound of applause erupted from inside the ballroom, signaling the end of Skyler's set. Justin pulled back slightly, his hands resting on my shoulders.

"Are you ready to go back in?" he asked gently.

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah. As long as you're with me."

Justin smiled back, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Always."