Chapter 11

The guys exchanged uneasy glances, their bravado faltering in the face of D'Andre's determination. Slowly, they began to disperse, the threat diffusing as they retreated.

D'Andre turned back to Taylor, a mix of relief and frustration coursing through him. "You need to be more careful, man. This could have gone really bad."

Taylor nodded, his expression sheepish. "Yeah, I know. Thanks for stepping in, D'Andre."

D'Andre's gaze softened, a trace of their old friendship resurfacing. "We might not be on the best of terms, but I'm not going to let something like this happen."

As the night continued to unfold in a haze of music and lights, Taylor's tipsy state became increasingly apparent. His words were slurred, his movements unsteady, and his gaze unfocused. D'Andre watched him with a mix of concern and exasperation, fully aware that Taylor was on the edge of losing control.

Their conversation was punctuated by the laughter and shouts of partygoers around them, the atmosphere electric with