The Biggs’ house was packed. Music thumped through the walls, fake cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and the living room floor had been converted into a makeshift dance floor packed with sweaty costumes and the buzz of teenage chaos.

Tadhg Lynch leaned against the kitchen counter in his Robin costume, drink in one hand, his hood tossed back. His cape brushed against the cabinets every time he shifted. He wasn’t really part of the conversation—more like hovering near Hughie, Liam, Finn, Ronan, and Nolan, half-listening as they shot the breeze.

“She’s dressed as Starfire, right?” Liam asked, nodding toward the crowd.

“Jiji,” Hughie confirmed, grinning. “Yeah. She committed hard. Look at the boots.”

“Committed to looking unreal,” Ronan added, raising his eyebrows.

“Swear down, she looks better than half the influencers I follow,” Finn muttered.

Nolan gave a low whistle. “That’s your childhood best friend, right, Lynch?”

Tadhg didn’t answer. He watched as Jiji danced under the gold glow of the fairy lights—purple dress, orange streaks in her hair, glitter on her cheeks. She laughed like she didn’t even know people were staring.

But he knew. He always knew.

“Wonder if she’s single,” Liam said. “Might have to shoot my shot—”

Tadhg slammed his cup down, hard enough for the table to rattle.

Every head turned.

He didn’t say a word. Just pushed past them, crossing the room like gravity had locked on one person.

The crowd pulsed around her. She didn’t notice him until he was right in front of her, hands slipping gently onto her waist.

Her smile faltered in surprise—just for a second. “Tadhg—?”

Before she could finish, he kissed her.

Right there, in the middle of the dance floor, under flashing lights and shocked stares and the bass drop of a remix, he kissed her.

Not friendly. Not careful. Not secret anymore.

When he finally pulled back, her eyes were wide. His forehead rested against hers, his breath quick. “You good?”

She nodded, grinning like her whole face had cracked open with it. “Yeah,” she whispered. “You?”

Tadhg looked around at the stunned lads on the other side of the room, then back at her. “Yeah. I am now.”

And just like that, the worst-kept secret in school was out.