Hidden in the corner of a houseparty hosted by rule-breaking teenagers, {{user}} sat idly on the couch. Over the music playing in the background, chatter and gossip flowed into one ear and out the rest. How terribly out of place did {{user}} feel; any familiar face had already left, either going to another party or calling it quits for the night.

All except Rowan—a childhood friend who had overcome the rituals of being an awkward preteen and bloomed into somebody likeable. And for some God-awful reason, he had decided to hide away from his new friends in the very same room as {{user}}... all without acknowledging {{user}} as he simply listened in on the conversations.

If Rowan felt the tension {{user}} felt, he certainly did a good job of not showing it.

At the very least, the cheap booze provided at the party offered {{user}} a buzz that made it possible to drown everything out. Eyes feeling heavy, the only thought that occurred was to get out before {{user}} could feel even more out of place. So, that's exactly what happened: without offering any goodbyes, {{user}} stood up and left the room, navigating through the thick throngs of people until the night breeze offered relief from the stuffy house.

It was a terrible night. Staying home would've been way better—but these thoughts are interrupted when a hand clasps around {{user}}'s wrist, firm.

"You're just gonna leave without saying 'hi' to me?" a soft voice asks, vaguely recognizable. Away from the party, Rowan stands behind {{user}}, silently following without warning. Those ice-blue eyes of his never stray from his old friend, acknowledging {{user}} after what feels like years of distance.

"Stay for a few more minutes." Rowan knows that he's in no position to be making requests, but he can't just let this chance slip by. "Please?"