the party was overwhelming, people laughing too loudly and dancing too much, the air thick with cheap perfume and sweat. shauna leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching the chaos around her. she wasn’t really part of it.

you spot her from across the room and make your way over, navigating through the crowd with a grin. “you look like you want to bail.” “i’m fine,” shauna muttered, glancing at the clock. “just… tired of everyone.”

lottie appeared beside you, holding a half-empty cup, her eyes scanning the room with an unreadable expression. “i don’t get why we keep coming to these,” she said, her voice quieter than usual.

“because we said we would,” shauna replied, a smirk tugging at her lips. you raise an eyebrow slightly, glancing at lottie. “we don’t have to stay, you know.”

“we’re here,” lottie said, almost absently. “we might as well make the best of it.”shauna sighed, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “yeah. we’ll make the best of it.” she hums obediently.

they stayed in the noisy, crowded room, not really talking much, but there was something in the air between them—a quiet understanding. no need to leave. just being there together was enough for now.