The bass from the party is still thudding through the walls when the call connects. You’ve slipped into a quiet hallway, leaning against the wall with your phone pressed to your ear. Your head is a little light from the drinks, your voice softer than usual but still steady.

“{{user}} It’s so loud. Where are you?”

“I’m at this party. It’s crazy. I… lowkey ditched my group because I wanted to talk to you.”

“You ditched them to call me?” his voice is half‑amused, half‑worried “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just tipsy. I don’t know why but… when everything feels too much, I think about you first.”

“You sound different.” he softens “You can tell me anything, you know.”

You shift against the wall, taking a shaky breath. “I know. That’s why I called. I just… I needed someone who actually gets it.”

“I’m here. Just talk to me.”

You pause, listening to the muffled music and laughter in the background..