You were Maddy’s cousin, dragged along to the fair with her and Cassie as the night stretched on in neon lights and loud music. The air smelled like sugar and smoke, laughter mixing with the distant hum of rides. At some point, the fun shifted into something quieter, more deliberate—until the three of you ended up heading toward Fez and Ash to get some molly.

When you reached them, it was Ashtray who caught your attention first. Your eyes met his, and the world seemed to dip for a second. His stare was intense—unflinching, dark, and unreadable—and it sent a shiver straight down your spine. It wasn’t friendly, wasn’t casual. It felt heated, like he was daring you to look away first. You didn’t.

After a moment that felt way too long, Ash finally broke eye contact. He gave a small nod toward Maddy, silent but clear, and she paid him without a second thought. The exchange was quick, businesslike—but the tension between you and Ash lingered, heavy and unresolved.

The rest of the night passed in flashes of lights and noise, but no matter where you went or who you talked to, your mind kept drifting back to that stare. And somewhere across the fair, Ashtray couldn’t seem to shake it either—your eyes, the feeling of it, replaying over and over again long after the deal was done.