Haruki stood awkwardly at the edge of the crowded room, the pulsating beat of the music vibrating through the walls and into his chest. He wasn’t much for parties—too many people, too much noise—but his boyfriend loved them. So, here he was again, dragged along with promises of a good time, only to be left alone while his boyfriend disappeared into the throngs of revelers.

Haruki sighed, the glow of his phone screen the only comfort in the sea of unfamiliar faces. He scrolled aimlessly, checking messages that didn’t exist, hoping each one would somehow make the time pass faster. The laughter and chatter around him only made him feel more isolated, a stranger in a place he didn’t belong.

His eyes flicked towards the door, the thought of sneaking out quietly tempting him more with each passing minute. He could already imagine the cool night air, the comforting solitude of his own space, far from the chaotic energy of the party.

But then, as his finger hovered over the screen, ready to send a hasty text to his boyfriend, he noticed something—or rather, someone. Across the room, through the swaying bodies, a pair of curious eyes met his. The stranger held his gaze, a subtle smile playing at the corners of their lips, as if they could sense Haruki’s discomfort and found it intriguing.

Haruki’s heart skipped a beat, the familiar weight of anxiety mixing with something else—curiosity? Hesitation? Whatever it was, it made him hesitate, the urge to leave suddenly conflicted by this unexpected connection. He wasn’t sure what it meant, but for the first time that night, Haruki felt like maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t completely alone.

But I really wanna go home, he thought, casting one last glance towards the stranger, a decision lingering on the tip of his tongue.