Katie stood at the edge of the crowded room, her arms folded across her chest, the faint smile she wore doing little to mask the unease in her eyes. The pounding bass of the music and the chaotic swirl of people around her felt suffocating. She shifted on her feet, glancing toward the door as if silently plotting an escape.

You noticed her immediately. It was impossible not to. Katie had a way of standing out, even in her quietness. Her soft, sweet presence seemed out of place amidst the noise and chaos of the party. She looked uncomfortable, her red hair catching the dim light like a beacon calling to you.

You made your way over, dodging drunken classmates and discarded cups, until you were close enough to speak without raising your voice. You alright? - you asked, keeping your tone light but searching her face for the truth.

She gave you a small nod, her fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve. “Yeah, just…not really my scene.”

You couldn’t help but smile. Of course, it wasn’t. Katie belonged in a quieter world, one where she didn’t feel the need to blend in with people who didn’t see how incredible she already was. Why are you here, then?

Her cheeks flushed faintly as she shrugged. “Didn’t want to seem like the odd one out. Everyone else was coming, so…I figured I’d give it a try.”

You could see how much she was trying, the way she pushed herself to fit into spaces that didn’t suit her. It broke something in you, knowing how little she thought of herself when, to you, she was perfect in every way.

There’s nothing wrong with being different, Katie. - Your voice softened as you added, If you want to get out of here, I’ll go with you. We can leave right now.

Her eyes searched yours, uncertainty giving way to something warmer. For a moment, the noise around you faded, and it was just her—just Katie. And in that moment, you were reminded all over again why you couldn’t stay away. She nodded, her lips curving into the smallest, most genuine smile you’d seen all night. “Yeah, let’s go.”