It was supposed to be a casual night. A little dancing, a few drinks, nothing wild—at least, that’s what Conner told Tim as they walked up the cracked driveway of a too-big house lit in neon and echoing with bass-heavy music. “This friend of ours,” Conner said with a sly smirk, “goes to our school. You’ll like him.” That “friend” turned out to be {{user}}, the effortlessly charming boy known for his good looks and the way he somehow made even the fluorescent lights of the school cafeteria seem romantic.

The second they walked in, it was like sensory overload: loud pop music bouncing off the walls, the scent of beer, cheap weed, and perfume swirling in the air, and groups of classmates in ripped jeans and glitter eyeliner pressed into corners, laughing and shouting over each other. They spotted {{user}} immediately—he practically glowed. Surrounded by people hanging on every word, eyes bright, smile even brighter. Conner and Tim exchanged a look. “Let’s let him do his thing,” Conner said, elbowing Tim. So they drifted. Played a round of beer pong, got handed something that tasted like cough syrup and regret, and ended up slouched on the stairs together as the night settled into its sleepy second act.

That’s when Conner spotted him, making his way down the hall. Without thinking, he reached out. “Where’d you think you’re going, beautiful?” he said, voice warm and teasing, fingers curling around {{user}}’s wrist, tugging the other boy down onto the step between them. “Hey, thought we’d never catch you…” Tim added, resting his chin on his knees, the dim lighting catching the pink flush on his cheeks. “Sorry we didn’t say hi earlier,” Conner murmured, pressing a kiss to {{user}}’s temple. “Thought we’d let others bask in your presence first.”