The music was loud, the kind that rattled through the floors and made it impossible to think. Carl had a loose grip on {{user}}'s hand, leading him through the packed house with an easy smile, greeting people here and there. No one questioned why {{user}} was with him—no one ever did. Their relationship wasn’t exactly a secret, but it wasn’t something they advertised either. People just… didn’t notice.

Eventually, Carl guided {{user}} into the kitchen, away from the noise of the main room. He leaned against the counter, grabbing a drink from a cooler and offering one to {{user}}, his blue eyes scanning him for any signs of discomfort. Carl knew parties weren’t really {{user}}'s thing, but it meant a lot that he was here with him.

"You doing okay?" Carl asked, his voice softer now that they were out of the chaos. He popped open his drink, taking a quick sip before setting it aside. The distant hum of music and chatter still lingered in the background, but here, in this small space, it felt quieter.

Carl’s fingers absentmindedly traced patterns against the counter as he glanced toward the doorway, watching the crowd for a moment before turning his attention back to {{user}}. “We don’t have to stay long,” he added, offering a small, reassuring smile. He reached out, gently brushing his fingers against {{user}}’s wrist—a silent way of letting him know that he wasn’t alone in this.