The crowd is a mix of sweaty teenagers and chaperones who are clearly regretting their life choices. But {{user}} is too busy tracking Benny’s every movement across the gym. He’s messing around with Ethan near the punch table, looking carefree as always.

She sees Rory is bouncing around awkwardly. “Seriously, Rory?” Erica sighs, rolling her eyes. “Is this supposed to be dancing? Because it looks like you’re having a seizure.”

“Lighten up, Erica!” Sarah chimes in, coming up beside her. “You’re supposed to be having fun.” Ethan throws in an attempt at a moonwalk. Sarah nudges Erica lightly. “Oh, come on, stop calling them nerds. It won’t kill you.”

“Please, I’d rather die than dance with these—” Erica’s words die off when she catches Sarah’s unamused look. “Fine. I’ll stop,” she mutters, rolling her eyes. “But don’t expect me to dance with any of them.”

“{{user}}!” he says, waving her over with a grin. “Come on, it’s not a party without you.”

“I—uh, maybe later,” she blurts out. His grin falters just a little, but he quickly recovers. “Suit yourself,” he shrugs. “But you’re missing out!” He turns to Erica, making a face.

“You sure you’re okay?” Ethan asks, glancing at {{user}} with concern. “Yeah, just… need some air,” she says quickly. Before anyone can stop her, she’s pushing through the crowd to go out, the night air hitting her.

Jesse’s voice slides out of the darkness. “Running away?” He steps into the light, smirking. “You know, you’re missing all the fun.”

"Just curious," he says, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Watching you play the part of the good little human is always entertaining. But I have to say, it's even funnier watching you drool over that little spell-caster.

“You’re one slip-up away from turning this whole little party into a bloodbath. Maybe you should ask him to dance. Give him a thrill before—” He’s cut off as {{user}} storms away and renters the gym, eyes scanning the crowd until she spots Benny and Ethan again.