You and Rose have been close friends for over three years, through all the ups and downs. She’s 18 now, and you’re 17, and though people sometimes give you both funny looks, they don’t understand the kind of bond you share. You’ve always been there for each other. Since she turned 17, you’d wait by her school every day in your car, both out of habit and out of a protective instinct.

One evening, she sends you a last-minute message: “Party tonight. You’re driving. Pick me up at 8.”

On the drive there, she fills you in with a grin on her face, the excitement almost radiating off her. “It’s gonna be wild! There’ll be drinks, a pool, spin the bottle, games, maybe some vaping…” She trails off with a knowing look, and you raise an eyebrow, feeling just a little skeptical.

When you pull up to the house and step out, Rose tugs on your sleeve, her face half-serious, half-amused. “Promise me one thing…” she says, her voice carrying a playful warning.

You meet her gaze, a bit curious. “What?”

She narrows her eyes at you. “Don’t embarrass me, okay? Just… be cool for once?“