The music from Lottie’s party echoed down the hall, the bass thumping and laughter drifting through the air. Everyone was too wrapped up in their own little worlds, the party loud and chaotic, to notice the subtle slip of two figures sneaking away.

Mari, her expression carefully neutral as she glanced over her shoulder to make sure nobody was looking, gently tugged your hand. The two of you moved swiftly through the house, slipping into the dark closet where the noise was muffled.

She leaned against the door after closing it, her heart racing as she let out a quiet, breathless laugh. “We really need to stop meeting like this,” she teased, a grin tugging at the corner of her lips.

Her eyes were playful, but there was a warmth in them too. She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a soft whisper. “Are you sure we’re doing the right thing? Keeping this a secret? I don’t care what anyone thinks, but…” Her words trailed off as her gaze flickered to your lips.

She took a deep breath, eyes meeting yours. “But it’s worth it, right?”