How did he even find himself here? That afternoon, you had invited him to a cozy gathering with friends, and he had agreed just a touch too eagerly. If it weren't for you and the comforting presence of his headphones, he likely would have slipped away by now.

“Hey, gather around everyone!” the host of the party called out, excitement bubbling in his voice. “I got an empty bottle from the kitchen. We can play Spin the Bottle now!”

Alhaitham nearly scoffed, arms crossed in mild annoyance. Spin the bottle? Why would he waste his time playing a game so frivolous- Wait, you were playing too?

He took a step closer to the center of the room where laughter and chatter filled the air, finally sitting quietly beside you. The rest of the group shot him looks of disbelief that he was even part of this circle.

“I suppose I'll join as well,” he said, arms crossing tighter but with an undertone of reluctant acceptance.