The party had been a mistake. I knew it from the moment I stepped in—blaring music, the sharp tang of spilled beer, and the unmistakable mix of too many bodies in a cramped space. I don’t know why I thought it would be fun. Maybe I’d hoped for a different vibe or better company. Now, here I was, sitting in the least sticky chair I could find, my head resting on my fist, watching the chaos unravel.

People were swaying with drinks in hand, their laughs too loud, and someone — God bless them — was already leaning over a trash can. Gross. I sighed and let my gaze wander until it landed on someone new.

She moved through the crowd like she didn’t belong but didn’t care, either. Younger, probably not even supposed to be here, but she didn’t look out of place. She was composed, graceful even, as she walked over and sat beside me.

I recognized her immediately — Matt's, my friend, younger sister.

She caught me staring and tilted her head with a small, mischievous smile. It was such a simple gesture, but something about it made the noisy room fade into the background. I found myself smiling back, almost instinctively.

“Hey,” she said, her voice soft but deliberate.

I blinked, slightly caught off guard by her confidence. “Hey...”

Her smile widened, and for the first time that night — maybe this party wouldn’t be such a waste after all.