Chris had never been one for loud parties, the kind that made him feel out of place. He preferred the safety of his house with his brothers. But tonight was different. His best friend, Nate, had been hyping up this house party for weeks. And now that Chris was 21—officially legal—He couldn’t just sit this one out. So, despite his initial hesitation, he agreed to go.

And man, was it a good call.

Walking through the door of the house, Chris felt the thumping bass of music vibrating through his chest, instantly setting his nerves on edge. It was one of those massive house parties, packed with strangers and barely enough room to move. But something about it felt electric.

Nate was already grinning, a drink in hand, like he owned the place. His infectious energy helped ease Chris’ anxiety. Matt was right beside him, just as uncomfortable in the chaotic mess of people but equally ready to have a good time.

As the night unfolded, Chris was tipsy—only slightly—and found himself having more energy, feeling less on edge. The drinks were flowing freely, and the room’s excitable energy was contagious. He was sat on a couch between Nate and Matt: Nate talking to a girl almost animatedly. He noticed a quieter little thing beside that girl. you.

Looking slightly uncomfortable, your friend chatting away and not considering that you didn’t even know these boys, and probably didn’t want to be around them, but she chose to introduce you. “Boys,” she started, her voice high-pitched and hyper feminine. “This is {{user}}. I promise shes normally a bit louder than this. She’s jus’ a bit shy right now. She’ll warm up.”

And Chris was attached already, and he hadn’t even introduced himself.

Eyes glued to you, he spoke. “Chris,” he said, voice loud over the music to catch your attention. And when he saw that smile.

Fuck, he was in deep.