You weren’t the type to party, but tonight, you let herself enjoy it—just a little. The music pulsed around you as she swayed with a few girls, the dim lights making everything feel surreal. That was until you felt the sudden splash of liquid against your dress. A deep red stain spread across the fabric.

You turned sharply, immediately locking eyes with the culprit—a girl smirking, clearly intentional. You scoffed, shaking your head. You wouldn’t give her the reaction she wanted. You moved to step away, but before you could, a guy slid into your space.

“Here, let me help you with that,” he said, his hands already reaching, clearly more interested in touching than helping.

Before you could shove him off, a strong grip yanked the guy back.

Stefan.

His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his posture was enough. Without a word, he pulled you toward the exit. You didn’t resist—not when the alternative was staying there, humiliated and cornered.

“My place is close,” he muttered as they stepped into the night air. “You should clean that before it sets.”

It wasn’t what you expected from him. You had spent years watching Stefan from a distance, convinced he barely noticed her. But right now, with his hand firm around your wrist, guiding you away from the chaos, you realized—maybe you was wrong.