elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

Ela laughed, leaning into Nikki’s playful nudge. “Oh, I’ve got a few contenders for sure,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eye. “But the absolute winner? That guy near the buffet who thought it’d be a good idea to impress his date by juggling hors d’oeuvres. Spoiler alert: he dropped a mini quiche on her dress. The look on her face? Priceless.” Ela grinned, shaking her head. “Honestly, I respect the effort, though. You’ve got to have some guts to attempt quiche-juggling at a party.”

She sipped her drink before adding, “And for the record, ‘Thank you for your input, I’ll consider it’ is a power move. If you master saying it with just the right amount of sweet-but-firm energy? Game over. They won’t know what hit them.” Ela tilted her head, her tone softening. “But yeah, screw the expectations. They’re just noise. Do your thing, make your empire, and if anyone doesn’t get it? That’s on them.”

Ela tilted her head to the side, as if to mull it over. “Though, my boyfriend did hire a carriage to get us here, so, maybe I can't make fun of the d’oeuvres guy. But at least Kerem and the carriage was crazy cute, so like, that makes it okay.” @ambivalenceshefelt

Nikki couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head as she sipped her drink. “Oh my God, you’re so right! They must have a manual or something —‘Parenting: The Art of Not-Always-Subtle Manipulation.’ And honestly? If Kris Jenner’s the standard, maybe I should start brainstorming a name for my empire...”

She leaned against the wall, a grin spreading across her face as Ela shared her advice. “You know, I could really get behind that strategy. ‘Thank you for your input, I’ll consider it’ or something in those lines..I’ll just have to practice saying it without rolling my eyes. Think I can pull it off?”

Nikki glanced around, her tone dropping into something more genuine. “But really, thanks for that. Sometimes it feels like everyone’s watching and waiting for me to trip, you know? It’s exhausting trying to keep up with everyone’s expectations.” She gave a soft smile. “So, it’s kind of nice to hear someone say, ‘Screw it, just do you.’ Champagne disasters and all.” She nudged Ela playfully. “And speaking of disasters, I feel like you’ve got a few hilarious stories of your own. Spill! What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen so far tonight?” || @elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

Ela crouched down next to Mac, holding her own drink and smirking lightly. “First of all, love the dedication to your self-made superstition. Bad vibes don’t stand a chance with you around.” She gestured toward the dance floor. “But maybe pace yourself a little? You’ve got to make it to midnight in one piece, right?”

She gave Mac a quick once-over, noting the wince but deciding not to press too hard. “Yeah, I’m having fun. It’s chaotic, loud, and just the right amount of over-the-top. Perfect for New Year’s energy. Besides, watching you dominate the dance floor has been entertainment enough.” Ela grinned. “How about you? Living your best life or just hoping the water gives you a second wind?”

"I can't half-ass it, it's New Years! You gotta dance out all the bad vibes before the clock strikes twelve or it's bad luck," Mac pants -- the superstition being a self made one, but one she held to nonetheless.

Life was actually good right now so she wasn't going to take any chances.

"Thank you!" She called as Ela went to collect the water, a slight wince of pain on her face and her hand moving to her side before she slowly slid herself down the wall to the floor -- the puff of her dress cushioning her descent.

Water would help.

"You're a lifesaver," she said, taking the water and drinking a hearty gulp.

"You having fun?"

@elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

Ela stepped closer, her tone gentle but steady. “Hey, it’s not stupid,” she said, catching Gwen’s eyes with a soft smile. “Sometimes things hit us in ways we don’t expect, and that’s okay. Fancy places can do that—they’ve got this weird mix of awe and pressure, like you’re supposed to know all the unspoken rules. But trust me, you belong here just as much as anyone else.” @gwen-moreno

"I'm okay... I promise." Gwen's wavering voice proved that she, in fact, was not okay, but it felt too stupid to even try to explain. "This is the fanciest place I've ever been too and everything just feels so surreal." She couldn't quite explain how she became emotional over something so simple, but here she was doting her face with bar napkins she grabbed. "I feel out of place, but in the right place at the same time. It's very confusing." @elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

Ela grinned, resting her chin in her hand as she listened. "Oh, I’m with you on the pizza. Wood-fired is the gold standard. Anything else? It’s just a sad imitation." She gave an exaggerated shrug, her playful tone lightening the conversation. "But hey, if treating yourself means a good Italian meal, then that sounds like a win to me. You’ve got to indulge every now and then—it’s not being reckless; it’s just balance."

Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she added, "And about the singing? Don’t worry, I’ll keep my cheers to a tasteful volume. But fair warning: if you hit a good note, I can’t promise I won’t clap or whistle." She smirked. "As for the chaos? Just lean into it, one step at a time. It’s not about controlling it; it’s about enjoying it. Besides, it’s pizza and singing—what’s the worst that could happen?" @basaaragon

"I love a good Italian restaurant and I'm getting a bit sick of cheap takeout. I should treat myself." He should be paying more attention to what he ate, but Bas knew he was still young. Worrying about things like that felt too old man of him. "I have a problem with letting loose, actually. That's why I struggle when things are out of control. Call it the perfectionist in me." He would probably have to have a bit of liquid courage in him to be able to handle singing out loud in front of anyone. "Alright, alright. But don't cheer too loud or I'll get distracted." Honestly, he didn't have the worst voice in the world, but he always worried about singing.

"Pizza shouldn't be made any other way than wood-fired. I'm convinced it doesn't taste as good any other way." Bas nodded along. "Alright, yeah. Let's go. I'm not sure about the chaos just yet, but I can warm up to it eventually. I think."

[elaxkaya]

Ela’s eyes softened as she leaned against the high-top table, her drink in hand. “I get that,” she said with an understanding nod. “Balls can be... a lot. All the glitter, the gowns, the small talk—it’s like being dropped into a movie set, but no one gave you a script.” She offered Valeria a warm smile.

“But hey, you’re here, you look stunning, and you’ve already survived the mingling stage. That’s, like, half the battle.” Ela glanced around the room, her tone light. “The other half? Finding the perfect moment to just enjoy yourself. No rules, no pressure. Even if it’s just appreciating the free wine and people-watching.” @thevaleriaxortiz

Valeria had never really been to a ball and she felt utterly out of place because of it- especially since she'd come alone. At least the drinks were free. She'd seen some people she knew though, mingled for a bit, but ultimately she found herself a little high top table to stand at, sipping her glass of wine as she watched everything playing out around her. The voice nearby snapped out her of her thoughts though and a smile pulled onto her lips as she nodded, "Oh--yeah. I'm fine. Just....a bit overwhelmed?"

[elaxkaya]

Ela offered a small smile, leaning against the wall beside Madison, her own shoulders relaxing a bit. “Needed some air,” she admitted, her voice soft. “The party’s great, don’t get me wrong, but there’s only so much mingling and small talk I can take before I feel like I need to reset, you know?”

She glanced at Madison, noting the slight tension in her expression. “Texting your dad sounds nice. It’s good to check in, especially on a night like this. Makes things feel a little more grounded.” Ela hesitated for a moment, then added, “It’s hard sometimes, being away from people you’re used to having close. I get that. But... at least you’ve got them on the other end of the phone, right?” @madiiscn

Madison took a deep breath, her eyes fixated on the floor beneath her. Sometimes, being away from her friend and family, even almost two years later, got a bit much for her to handle. She missed them dearly, especially at times like these. She supposed she had people in Aurora Bay though, it just wasn't the same.

"Oh, no I'm, uh, I'm fine." She said, as her head shot up to view the intruder. "I'm just... texting my dad. I wanted to see what him and my mom were doing for New Years. What are you, uh, doing out here?"

@elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

Ela tilted her head, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Dancing? Oh, absolutely. I'm not saying I belong on Dancing with the Stars or anything, but give me a good beat, and I'll make it work," she teased, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "And honestly, Jasper, making a fool of yourself is half the fun. Nobody’s looking for perfection at a party like this—they're too busy having their own fun or trying to keep their champagne from spilling."

She leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret. "Besides, someone as polished as you? Even if you stumbled, people would think it was choreographed." She grinned. "But hey, no pressure. If you decide to test your moves, you know where to find me. I’ll even make sure no one records it for posterity... unless it’s really good." @jaspermorgan

Jasper smiled, somewhat sheepishly. "Thank you. It means a lot. And I'm thrilled you're enjoying yourself. It's hard to judge sometimes; I never know if I've done too little or too much of everything. Sometimes it's just guesswork, but with careful planing and precision execution it all pays off."

Jasper was naturally modest, something which people didn't think was genuine given his fame, so he played down many of his achievements even if he was incredibly proud of them. It was nice to hear the words 'you deserve to enjoy it, too' and that made his smile brighter. He was just grateful that someone thought that this years NYE party was a resounding success.

"I'm having a great time, too," Jasper then said. "I like looking for an excuse to get dressed up and celebrate with friends. And I'm happy to have a drink, but dancing... well, I'm not sure about that; I do love to sometimes, but I always worry about making a fool of myself, especially in front of as many people as there are here tonight. Are you much of a dancer, Ela?"

[elaxkaya]

Ela smiled warmly, leaning in as if to share a secret. "Linnea, you're doing more than the right thing—you're giving people a way to feel alive. Dance isn’t just steps and music; it’s a release, a connection to something bigger. And honestly, we all need that, whether it’s in a packed studio or alone in front of a mirror." She paused, her gaze thoughtful.

"And you’re spot on about teaching. It's not about ticking boxes or following some rigid structure; it’s about sparking something in people, making them feel like they can do more than they thought they could. If you’re helping someone find joy or even just a moment of peace, then yeah, you’re nailing it." Ela gave her a confident nod. "Keep going—you’ve got this." @linnea-lorenzo

Ela nodded, feeling the warmth of the conversation. "I love that you're thinking about striking that balance. The best part of dance is how free and expressive it can be, but I know it can be hard to get that across when you're juggling so many things. I think it's awesome you're looking for ways to make people feel like they're enjoying it and not just checking boxes."

She paused, reflecting for a moment. "I totally get the idea of streaming or recording your classes. It’s a way for people to fit dance into their lives without it feeling like an obligation. Plus, they get to go at their own pace, and that’s super empowering." Ela offered a reassuring smile. "You’re creating something really special, Linnea. I’m sure your students will appreciate it, and it could give them the confidence to express themselves more freely, too." Ela leaned back slightly, her eyes thoughtful. "It’s cool that you’re so open to blending what’s out there with what you want to create. It makes a big difference in how people connect to what you’re offering." @linnea-lorenzo

[elaxkaya]

Ela sighs softly, her expression thoughtful. "It's not twisted," she says, her voice quieter now, more empathetic. "Sometimes, the things that hurt us the most end up being the wake-up call we needed. It's like... that pain forced you to see your own strength, to push through in ways you didn't know you could." She pauses, looking at her for a moment before adding, "It’s a messy kind of growth, but it’s real. And yeah, it’s hard to reconcile the anger with the gratitude, but maybe it’s not about making them equal. It’s about accepting both sides, and knowing that you can move forward, no matter what." @cavenshh

"It’s frustrating," she began, her voice low but steady. "I’m angry at him for always dismissing me, for making me feel like I’ll never be enough in his eyes. But somehow, in this twisted way, I needed that to figure out what I’m capable of." Her brow furrowed, her gaze shifting to the glass as if it might hold some kind of answer. "How twisted is it to feel grateful for something that hurt you so much?" She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she glanced up again. "It’s like I’m stuck between wanting to hate him and knowing that, without him, I wouldn’t be where I am now."

@elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

Ela smirks, leaning against the doorframe, arms casually crossed. "Sounds like the holiday cheer is just... overflowing," she teases, her eyes twinkling with a bit of playful sarcasm. "But hey, can't blame your gran for wanting to keep you around. Family's got that way of trapping you in, huh?" She glances toward the party, shrugging. "Guess you’ll just have to stick it out, though. Or maybe... we could stage a daring escape?" @snuubbed

"Flustered? No, my face just does this. 'Dunno why. Genetics, I guess." Leaned up against the wall, gaze directed at the floor, Sasha supposes he must look quite glum in comparison to the now-obsolete holiday decor. A fair assessment; if he could be anywhere other than here, he would be. "The party's nearly bored me to death. I can't leave, though, my gran is blocking the exit."

[elaxkaya]

Ooh, I know you're probably thinkin', "What's the use?" I promise it's the little things that you do That make me wanna give it all to you You know I do, baby You soothe me You hold it down with every word you speak, oh babe Baby Been a minute since I had something so sweet

@keremms

[elaxkaya]

Ela tilted her head, her expression softening as she studied him. "Pissed, huh?" she said with a faint smile, folding her arms loosely across her chest. "Well, at least you're honest about it."

She caught his glance at the phone and raised an eyebrow. "Important, or are you just dodging the vibe?" she asked, her tone light but laced with curiosity. "And no, not looking for anyone specific," Ela added, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "But it seems like I’ve found someone interesting anyway. You sure you're alright?" @eddieferguson

The man turned his attention to the woman and shrugged alright. "I'm alright, love. Maybe a bit pissed, but I reckon we're all a bit to be fair." he gave a little laugh and glanced down to the new notification on his phone, but decided to check it later instead. "Were you looking for someone?"

[elaxkaya]

Ela laughed, the sound light and easy. "Oh, trust me, I get it," she said, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "It’s like they all went to the same school of 'Make Your Kids Think They Have Choices,' right?" She paused, her expression turning playful. "Kris Jenner, though? That's a vibe. You might be the next big thing, just waiting to break out and launch your own reality show."

She took a sip of her drink, her gaze thoughtful. "As for advice... Okay, let's see. My best shot?" Ela raised an eyebrow, leaning in slightly, making sure to keep the mood light. "Start by ignoring the comments and choosing your battles. You don’t have to explain yourself, and if anyone gives you grief, just hit them with a ‘Thank you for your input, I’ll consider it… for like, two seconds.’"

Ela gave her a grin. "And hey, I’m here for the gossip too, but also, it's nice to just… check in, you know? It's not every day you meet someone who knows how to make a champagne-fueled disaster sound hilarious." @ambivalenceshefelt

Nikki chuckled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. "Mom chaos is a whole genre of its own" she quipped, shaking her head. "She's out there playing social butterfly while simultaneously micromanaging my life, like some kind of champagne-fueled small-town Kris Jenner..I mean, I suddenly feel for the Kardashians."

Her gaze flicked back to the other woman, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Hey, mediocre advice sounds like exactly my speed right now. Hit me with your best shot, and maybe I'll share my real New Year's resolution; something in the lines surviving this night without a passive aggressive comment about my life choices."

Nikki paused, the teasing note in her voice softening. "Thanks for checking in, by the way. Even if you're just here for the gossip." she chuckled. Keatons raised well-mannered kids, not idiots. || @elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

Ela raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a teasing smile as she let Kerem guide her through the entrance. The warmth of the hotel enveloped them like a blanket, but it was the way he spoke to her that truly melted the winter chill. "Carrying me over the threshold, huh?" she mused, her voice light and playful, but her gaze locked on his with a glimmer of curiosity. "I don’t know, Kerem. That sounds like a pretty bold move for someone who just kept me from face-planting on the sidewalk." She squeezed his hand back, her fingers snug against his.

"But since you’ve already nailed the ‘knight-in-shining-armor’ thing tonight, I’m willing to entertain your ideas." She tilted her head, eyes sparkling. "If going back to the carriage involves something better than whatever this party involves, you might just have my attention." @keremms

"Don’t worry, I’ve got you," He said, making sure he had a good grasp on her hand keeping her upright and leading them through the crowd closer to the hotel. “For you? There isn’t a single chance I would ever hold back on wanting to make sure you feel like a princess.” 

Kerem couldn’t help but laugh. "You think I’d let you freeze out here? Not a chance," he said, squeezing her hand as he led her up the rest of the steps into the hotel, at least it was going to be a bit warmer. The way she smiled at him made everything feel worth it, and he really would do anything for her. "As for the carriage, well, if you’re looking for more ways to use it, I’m all for suggestions. Though I can think of several things to do if I do carry you over the threshold, none of them involve taking you inside, and all of them involve getting back in that carriage and going home."

@elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

who: @zchraa where: their apartment

The apartment was spotless, fettucine was on the stove and Indra was fast asleep. Ela felt bad for spending too much time with Kerem and not enough time with her sister considering she'd moved back to help with Indra in the first place. So this was her peace offering, even if Zehra really didn't mind. "Hey," she glanced up from her cloth as Zehra came through the door. "Where've you been?"

[elaxkaya]

Ela leans back, her expression thoughtful yet perfectly composed—camera-ready, even in an unposed moment. "I think it might be family-owned," she replies, twirling her chopsticks as if it’s part of a delicate dance. "There’s this whole authenticity thing going on here, and that’s what people love. Like, if you’re going to be in your 'I’m-in-China' vibe, it better feel legit, right?"

She pauses to pick up a dumpling of her own, examining it like it’s a rare gem. "Yeah, people don’t forget. PR is wild—one wrong move and you're trending, but not the way you want. You’d think influencers would be better at reading the room by now." Ela pops the dumpling into her mouth and hums with approval before adding, "But I mean, as long as we’re genuine about it, and not like… trying too hard, we should be fine. Right?"

Her eyes dart around the room again, mentally cataloging the potential Instagrammable corners. "Also, Z, imagine a flat lay here with these dumplings and maybe some dramatic lighting." @zarinamcri

Maybe, just maybe, Zarina's true calling was photography. She had an eye for the perfect angle for everyone and everything, and the evidence was clear on her Instagram page. With everything staged and coordinated flawlessly, her feed was undeniably a work of art—at least that’s what she believed, along with the companies and restaurants that had invested in her and Ela. Together, they were a duo beginning to take the web by storm.

"It's cute," she chirps, glancing up at her friend after setting her phone down. "I'm really loving the vibe—it kind of feels like I'm in China right now," she says with a smile, her eyes quickly scanning the establishment to take in the scenery. "I've only heard good things, though, so hopefully we can add this to the takeout menu drawer. I can only eat so much of Tejas! No hate or anything, but..." Her words trail off as she reaches for a dumpling with her own pair of chopsticks.

She barely brings the dumpling to her glossy lips when a question slips out of her friend's mouth, a perfectly plucked eyebrow arching. "I..." she ponders, lowering the dumpling back down. "Is it family-owned?" she asks, as if it would help her make the decision. "Plus, didn’t someone like Tana get canceled for that about a year ago or something?" She hesitates, not wanting to ruin anything before fully getting her foot in the door.

@elaxkaya

[elaxkaya]

Ela leaned casually against the opposite wall, arms crossed, a warm smile tugging at her lips. "Hiding from your mom? Yikes," she teased lightly, her tone soft enough to show she wasn’t prying. "But hey, we all need a breather sometimes. Fancy parties come with their own brand of chaos."

She tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. "Sorry to disappoint, but no tray of champagne this time. Just me and maybe some mediocre advice if you're really desperate."

Ela stepped a little closer, her voice dropping just slightly. "But seriously, if you want to vent or even just need someone to stand here and make it look like you're deeply engaged in conversation, I’m your girl. What’s the story with your mom, anyway?" @ambivalenceshefelt

The faint hum of the music from the ballroom echoed down the hallway as Nikki glanced up, startled by the sudden interruption. She quickly straightened, brushing a hand over her dress as if smoothing invisible wrinkles. "Oh, hey," she said, offering a tight-lipped smile. "Yeah, no, I'm fine—just hiding from my mother."

She leaned lightly against the wall though. "You're good at this, though. The whole 'wandering in and checking on people' thing. Makes me feel like I'm in a movie or something..next you're gonna tell me you have a tray of champagne and some sage life advice," she teased, deflecting the attention away from herself. || @elaxkaya