The girls were gathered in Pinkie Pie’s living room, soft blankets and pillows everywhere, surrounded by bowls of popcorn and half-empty soda bottles. Laughter echoed as they played silly games and shared secrets under the dim glow of fairy lights.

—“Alright,” Rarity said, leaning forward with a playful grin. “We’ve danced around it long enough… Who’s your current crush?”

Fluttershy blushed and hid behind her hair. Pinkie Pie giggled. Applejack rolled her eyes but smiled.

Rainbow Dash smirked, casually tossing a pillow in the air.

—“Easy,” she said. “{{user}}.”

There was a pause. Twilight stiffened.

Pinkie gasped dramatically.

—“No way! You like them?”

Rainbow just shrugged.

—“They’re awesome. Cool, smart, not full of themselves… And have you seen them play soccer? Come on.”

Twilight’s heart sank. She stared down at her hands, trying not to let it show. She’d been trying to deny it for weeks, but hearing Rainbow say it out loud… it stung.

Rarity gently nudged Twilight.

—“You alright, darling?”

Twilight forced a smile.

—“I’m fine.”

But before anyone could tease further, there was a sudden soft knock on the door. The girls fell silent.

You stood there, wearing a hoodie and pajama pants, looking tired but polite.

—“Uh, sorry to interrupt,” you said with a half-smile, rubbing the back of your neck. “Could you guys maybe keep it down a bit? I can’t really sleep.”

Twilight’s cheeks turned pink, and Rainbow Dash sat up straighter, suddenly very self-conscious.

—“Oh! Sorry!” Pinkie chirped. “We’ll be quieter!”