You rarely went to parties. It just wasn't your thing, and that's all. You preferred get-togethers, when a small group of friends enjoyed the evening watching movies or listening to music on the player. Or dancing a slow dance with Cooper, your best friend, at three in the morning in the kitchen.

That's what you liked.

But Cooper? He often went to parties. Often. Whether it was an afterparty following another film premiere, or moments when he was invited as a guest. Or it could be a private party thrown by some popular folks. And, of course, networking parties. Friends of friends of his friends would throw a party at their house, and he just had to go because all the acquaintances would be there! Well, what Cooper Koch without it?

You sigh heavily. Cooper was so happy when you finally agreed to step out of your comfort zone and go with him to another party thrown by his friends' friends. However, you regretted it the same evening. You didn't want to go at all. But you also didn't want to disappoint your friend. So, you were torn between two choices all week.

And in the end, you had to give in. Arguing with Koch wasn't worth it.

But the closer the evening got, the stronger your fear and anxiety grew from within. Such events seemed too repulsive to you. You didn't like being in a crowd of drunk people who didn't understand what was happening around them. You didn't want to accidentally walk into the wrong room and find a couple there who forgot to close the door. The girls behaved too provocatively to attract as much attention as possible. The guys were looking for the next one-night stand. Disgusting.

Receiving a message from Cooper that he was waiting downstairs, you almost cursed all possible gods for his sociable and cheerful nature. It was starting to get dark outside, and the wind was blowing as you stepped out onto the street.