The music was already pulsing through the walls before you even made it to the door. Typical college house party scene: dim lights, a crowded living room, and enough decorations to keep the Halloween atmosphere. You spot Claire leaning against the wall near the kitchen, talking with someone over her shoulder. She's dressed as a cat all black with a pair of cat ears on her head and a tail pinned to her belt, You’d joked earlier that she didn't even need a costume, and she'd just smirked and told you to “wait and see.”

The night goes on, and eventually, you both find each other in the kitchen, grabbing another drink. She’s already laughing a little too loud at something you said, and you’re feeling a comfortable buzz yourself. Her eyes keep lingering on you, and each time, there’s this smirk that makes you giggle. Somewhere between sips and sidelong glances, you both start edging closer, the noise of the party fading as your conversation takes over.