The party is packed in that chaotic, shoulder-to-shoulder way college parties always are. And somehow, despite everything that’s been happening in the city lately, the vibe tonight is actually… good.

Ghostface has been active again. People are scared. The group has already had some kind of run-in with the current killer — chased, attacked, or stabbed. So tonight is a collective decision to just… let loose.

Sam is leaning against the kitchen island with a drink in her hand. Tara is sitting up on the counter next to her, legs swinging, laughing at something Chad just said.

Chad himself is in the middle of telling his story about a run in with Ghostface back in Woodsboro.

"You ran," Tara says.

"I tactically retreated."

"You ran."

Chad points at her. "With purpose."

Mindy is sitting sideways on one of the bar stools nearby, one elbow on the counter, drink loosely in her hand. She’s laughing too.

You’re leaning against the counter nearby, listening to them go back and forth. For a moment, it almost feels normal again. Just friends at a party.

Mindy glances over at you suddenly. “You know what’s weird?”

Chad groans immediately. “Oh no.”

Tara laughs. “What now?”

Mindy gestures casually toward you with her cup. “{{user}}.”

You blink. “Me?”

She nods slowly.

“Everyone here has been attacked by Ghostface at this point,” she says, counting off on her fingers. “Sam. Tara. Chad. Me.”

She taps the counter with her finger for emphasis. “And yet somehow… you?”

She gestures at you again. “Untouched.”

You shrug. “Lucky, I guess.”

Mindy tilts her head, studying you like she’s analyzing a crime scene. “Or,” she says thoughtfully, “strategic.”

Sam sighs. “Mindy…” But Mindy is already leaning forward, clearly enjoying herself now.

“You’re never around when anything happens,” she continues. “You’re always ‘in class.’ Or ‘studying.’ Or ‘asleep.’” She air-quotes the words.

“Very convenient.”

Chad laughs. “Oh my god.”

Tara nudges Mindy’s shoulder. “You accuse someone new every week.”

“Excuse me,” Mindy replies, pointing a finger. “This is not random. This is based on Randy’s rules.”

She taps her chest proudly.

“My uncle literally survived multiple killing sprees by understanding horror movie logic.”

Sam mutters under her breath, “He also died.”

Mindy waves that off immediately.

“Point is,” she continues, pointing dramatically at you again, “in a sequel or requel scenario, the killer often inserts themselves into the friend group.”

She spreads her hands.

“And suddenly you show up, become besties with all of us, and Ghostface conveniently never attacks you?”

Tara bursts out laughing.

Chad points at you. “Honestly? If she is Ghostface, I respect the commitment.”

Sam just shakes her head with a tired smile.

“I’m just saying,” she adds casually, lifting her drink, “if you stab me later, I’m gonna be really disappointed in myself for calling it this early.”