The house is already too loud before anyone even thinks to turn the music up.

Someone has spilled something sweet on the kitchen counter—soda, maybe something stronger…and it clings to the air with the heat of too many bodies packed into one space.

Outside, the night sits, chill and faint, but inside it’s all flashing lights and half-finished conversations, before going to secluded spots.

You came inside the house where the rest of the party is, after a quick dip in the pool.

A door down the corridor opens and clicks shut.

Your laughter is quickly recognized by Hughie, soft, familiar.

He is supposed to be somewhere else.

He knows that. Technically.

But he pulled himself off the hallway wall, one hand loosely holding a cup he hasn’t really touched in a while.

And approaches you, with a warm smile.

“Hey, I was wondering if I’d see you tonight. You alright?” he said, casually, remembering he should at least seem interested in the drink and took a swig.