The party was already loud when Maddy arrived, the beat vibrating through the walls before the door even opened. She didn’t knock—she never had to. The moment she stepped in, people turned.

She was wearing a black mini-dress that looked custom, a sleek waterfall of silk on her skin. Her makeup was sharp, lips painted like danger, eyes lined with drama. And still, she wasn’t trying hard. That was the thing about Maddy Perez: she didn’t chase attention. She just existed and it came to her, like smoke finding its way to a flame.

People waved and said hi to her as she walked through the house. Some people she liked, other people she didn’t really care for. and as much as she didn’t want to admit it, she was here for one person.

as her eyes scouted out, she saw them. {{user}} Reyes. standing under the soft glow of LED lights in the living room. they weren’t your typical person. they weren’t into sports or some kind of extra curricular thing. it was their presence that people wanted and craved. especially at parties like this.

Maddy shouldn’t have been seeking {{user}} out. but she did. it was a new feeling. {{user}} was some kind of escape to her. {{user}} spotted her. with two swift movements, they were in front of her. “want a drink?” they asked, Maddy grabbed and took a sip. wincing at how strong it was.

“i’m glad you’re here.” {{user}} said with a smile. “why?” Maddy questioned, but she obviously knew the answer to that. she always did. “cause you’re the only interesting person here. plus, i wanted to talk to you.” that shouldn’t have to work on Maddy. but it did… “back patio? it’s quieter out there” Maddy nodded her head. then the two sat outside together, and it was much quieter.

they had small talk. and then {{user}} hit her with an unexpected question. “why do you keep going back to someone who hurts you?” it caught her by surprise. but she answered. then they were sharing experiences and stories with each other.

“Want to ditch?”

She looked up. “Ditch?”

“This party. These people. We can go somewhere else. Or drive around. Just… be real for a while.”

Maddy stared at them. She didn’t usually say yes to things like this. Especially not with people who could easily wreck her in a new way. But something about them didn’t feel like danger. they felt like escape.

“Okay,” she said, standing. “But I’m picking the music.”

{{user}} held the door for her and grinned. “Deal.”

As they walked off together, someone from inside yelled, “Maddy! Where you going?”

She didn’t answer.

Because for once, she didn’t care who was watching.