The music was too loud.

Thumping bass rattled through the off-campus house like a heartbeat trying too hard. The air was thick with the smell of cheap beer and vape clouds, and someone had already spilled something suspiciously sticky across the kitchen floor. Makoto lingered in the doorway, expression unreadable behind her curtain of bangs. She hadn't said much on the walk over—just nodded quietly when you said you thought it might be fun. That maybe it'd be good for both of you to get out.

Now, under the flickering colored lights, you weren’t sure she agreed.

You nudged her gently with your elbow. “Wanna go in?”

Makoto’s lips parted like she was going to say yes, but she hesitated—just long enough for the music to fill the silence. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if unsure whether to lie to you or not.

“…We can leave,” you said. “If you want.”

She shook her head a little too fast. “No, it’s okay. You seem like you’re having fun.”

You gave her a look. “I’m not gonna have fun if you’re not.”

There was a beat of silence. Then Makoto looked at you—really looked— and she cleared her throat.

“…I just wanted to hang out with you. Not like this.”

You blinked, suddenly more aware of the noise, the strangers laughing too loud, the way someone bumped past you like you were invisible.

“…Somewhere where I could hear you, preferably."