“Okay, your brother knows how to party,” Pansy remarks, eyeing the crowd from beside you.
“That’s the only thing he knows how to do,” you mutter, watching Barty twirl someone dramatically on the dance floor.
“And still he’s in the spotlight again. How does he do that?” Daphne asks, arms crossed.
“Built-in madness. He calls it charisma,” you say with a shrug.
Daphne’s eyes flick toward the edge of the room. “And everyone’s here… even him.”
You don’t need to look to know who she means. Theodore. Of course he’s here.
“Not my problem anymore,” you respond smoothly.
“But Evan is, isn’t he? He’s over there, by the way,” Pansy says, nudging you with her elbow.
They don’t know. Neither of them know about the ridiculous deal you made with Evan: every time you catch each other’s eyes, you both take a shot. No questions, no talking — just that.
You glance toward him, and there he is — watching you already. You grab a shot off the tray nearby and down it without flinching.
“Are you okay?” Daphne asks.
“I’ve never felt better,” you reply, smiling.
Barty suddenly appears. “Who’s gossiping about me here and thinks I can’t hear it?”
“Have we ever gossiped?” Daphne retorts, deadpan.
“Never… just been honest,” Pansy adds, sipping her drink.
“You guys are really the reason why I drink,” Barty says, dramatically pressing a hand to his chest.
“Oh, thought that was your narcissistic loneliness,” you shoot back, not missing a beat.
“Sibling love… it touches me every time,” Barty says with a mock tear.
Across the room, Evan leans against the bar next to Regulus.
“Are you sitting here all night or are you dancing at some point?” Evan asks, nodding toward the crowd.
“And miss out on the upcoming drama over there?” Regulus smirks as he watches Theo stalk toward you. “No way.”
Evan turns to look and freezes. “Oh, fu—” he mutters, then grabs another shot and downs it.
“How many is that now?” Regulus asks, raising a brow.
“Could possibly be the fifth? I’m not counting,” Evan shrugs.
Regulus eyes him knowingly. “Are you getting brave for something… or someone?”
“It’s just a bet, but don’t worry… I can handle a lot,” Evan replies, though his tone betrays something else.
“Anyway, what do you think Romeo wants from her?” Regulus nods toward Theo, who’s now weaving through the crowd.
“Small talk… or another break up try,” Evan mumbles.
“Hey… how you doing?” Theo greets you.
You stare. “Are you serious right now?”
“I… I just wanted to know how you were doing. Really,” Theo replies.
“After a message like ‘I can’t do this anymore’?” you scoff.
“Maybe I did it wrong,” he admits, glancing at the floor.
“Really? Who would’ve thought,” you chuckle.
“I just thought maybe we could be normal—” he begins.
You blink at him. Incredulous. Behind you, Pansy and Daphne exchange a knowing look.
“Come on, girls. I need a drink—or five,” you mutter, brushing past Theo.
“Bye bye,” Daphne says sweetly, trailing behind you while Pansy gives Theo one last unimpressed glance and follows.
And then, just as you’re nearing the bar, Mattheo arrives — his eyes scanning the room, looking for you.