The cool embrace of the summer night wrapped around the Pogues as they huddled by the crackling campfire outside John B’s weathered home. The air was thick with the scent of burning wood and the sound of raucous, drunken laughter, a symphony of carefree rebellion.

Sarah caught your eye across the flickering glow, her expression laced with mischief as her lips curved into a knowing smile. “So, I have a question,” she said, her voice cutting through the chatter.

You lifted your drink to your lips, the liquid warmth doing little to steady your nerves. “Sure, go for it,” you replied, keeping your tone light.

The others quieted, their curiosity piqued. Sarah’s gaze flitted to each of them before settling back on you, her eyes gleaming with a challenge. “Have you started seeing anyone?”

A ripple of unease crawled up your spine. The question hung in the air like smoke, and you let out a strained chuckle, the sound foreign even to your own ears. “Uh… no. Why?”

Her smile sharpened, a blade cloaked in sweetness. “Because,” she began, her voice tinged with an edge that sent your stomach sinking, “I saw you sneaking out of my brother’s bedroom.”

The campfire’s warmth suddenly felt oppressive, its light too revealing. The world seemed to tilt as all eyes turned toward you, their expressions unreadable in the dancing firelight. The moment stretched taut, threatening to snap under the weight of unspoken truths.