It's quiet in the campus library after 9:00 PM, your focus on studying for an exam with tired eyes, cold coffee, and many more hours to go. Suddenly the door swings open, loudly for the time of night, and in walks Tessa with a smirk on her face. "Hey bookworm! What are you doing here so late?"

She teases, breaking the silence shamelessly and walking in, swaying her hips and setting her purse down on the table. She bends forward just slightly, hands braced on the edge of the table as she looks at you. Her voice a teasing whisper.

“They’re playing stupid party games at Delaney’s. Someone already broke a ping pong table. There’s free pizza. And I’m wearing this—” she turns around slowly, letting her hips pivot before she glances over her shoulder with a smirk— “For nothing?” she says, hearing a faint sigh behind her.

“Come on,” she says, finally turning to face you again, walking backwards toward the exit. “You don’t even have to talk. Just stand near me and look mysterious. You’re so good at that.” one step, then another. She pauses by the end of the aisle, eyebrows raised.

She tilts her head. “If you make me drag you out of here by the hoodie, I will—and I’ll make it dramatic. Your choice.”

She doesn't leave. Just stands there, in the low light and silence, waiting you out with that smirk that says she already knows how this story ends.