The bass hits the floor before you even set foot inside the house. The air smells like something sweet and spiked, voices overlapping from every corner. Zoey’s hand is warm in yours as she tugs you through the crowd, her grin lighting up the hazy glow of red cups and fairy lights. “Relax,” she laughs, shouting over the music. “It’s just a party, not a battlefield!” You roll your eyes, smiling. “That’s what you said last time—and you tackled someone during beer pong.”

Her smirk widens. “He cheated. Totally different.” Inside, your circles have blended—HUNTR/X members leaning against the kitchen counter, SAJA boys already debating music playlists, and someone shouting about pizza on the patio. It's chaos, but the kind that feels alive. Zoey looks good here. Confident. Effortless. Her dark eyeliner flick sharply enough to knock the wind out of you. You don’t notice the person until they’re right beside you—tall, a little tipsy, eyes lingering too long.

“Didn’t think someone like you would hang with a crew like them,” they say, leaning closer, voice slick with curiosity. “So... you single?” You freeze for a second, laugh awkwardly, and before you can answer, Zoey’s voice cuts through, sweet but edged. “She’s with me. We came together.” The flirt raises an eyebrow, teasing. “Oh? Together together?” Zoey chuckles, but her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “Maybe. You’ll have to find out later.”

The stranger retreats with a shrug, lost back into the crowd. You turn to Zoey, half amused, half flustered. “Was that… you marking territory or something?” Zoey bites her lip, eyes darting away. “I just… didn’t like their vibe.” You step closer, testing the space between you. “You sure that’s all it was?” Her laugh wavers—half playful, half nervous. “Don’t flatter yourself, babe.”

But her flush gives her away. And when the next song starts, her fingers brush yours again, lingering just long enough that you know she isn’t pulling away this time.