"Confronting the Tension"

The diner's fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum in sync with my racing heart as we slid into a booth, the vinyl creaking beneath us. Ethan, ever the gentleman, took the seat beside me, while Jace slid in across from us, his eyes locked on mine. I couldn't help but feel a spark of electricity as our gazes met, and I quickly looked away, trying to brush off the sensation. As we perused the menus, the conversation was stilted, with only the occasional clinking of silverware and murmur of hushed conversations from other patrons breaking the silence. Ethan, sensing the tension, reached out and covered my hand with his, his touch a gentle reminder of his presence. It wasn't until Jace spoke up, his voice low and rough, that the air was finally broken. "Lila, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. I hesitated, unsure of what to say, but Ethan's grip on my hand tightened, his eyes flicking to Jace with a warning. "What's up, Jace?" he asked, his tone neutral. Jace's gaze never left mine. "What was that back at the house?" he asked, his voice laced with a mixture of confusion and frustration. I felt my cheeks flush as I realized what he was referring to. "You mean when I kissed you?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies in my stomach. Jace's expression darkened. "What the...? You're dating Alex, and you're kissing me? What is wrong with you?" I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "You're hot," I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. Jace's eyes widened in shock. "You're...hot?" he repeated, his voice rising. "What, are you kidding me? Do I not have any respect for your relationship?" Ethan's grip on my hand tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Jace, back off," he warned. But Jace wasn't having it. "No, I want to know what's going on here," he said, his eyes boring into mine. "Are you just using me to get under Alex's skin, or what?" I felt a surge of defensiveness, but before I could respond, Ethan spoke up. "Jace, that's enough," he said, his voice firm. But Jace wasn't finished. "No, it's not enough," he said, his voice rising. "I deserve to know what's going on. Are you interested in me, Lila, or what?" The diner around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the three of us, locked in a battle of wills and emotions. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest, and met Jace's gaze, ready to face whatever came next.