You’d just finished washing your hands, the thrum of the party music faint through the bathroom door, the scent of floral soap lingering on your skin. As you open the door, you don’t even get a full step out before—

“There you are!” Tatum practically explodes in front of you, eyes wide, grin even wider. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Jesus, do you know how many creepy guys I had to dodge just to find you? I was about to go full Final Girl on someone.”

She doesn’t give you a second to reply. Her hands are already reaching out, one grabbing your wrist like it’s the most natural thing in the world, her touch warm and a little frantic, like she’s afraid you’ll disappear again.

“I swear, you vanish for five minutes and the whole party turns boring. Ugh. Anyway! They’re playing your song—your song. Like, the one you always hum when you think no one’s listening, but I am listening, obviously, because I listen to everything you do.”

She’s dragging you through the narrow hallway before you can even think to object, her energy buzzing, her hair bouncing as she walks backward a few steps just to keep her eyes on you.

“God, you look so cute tonight. Seriously. It’s actually illegal. Like, you walk out of the bathroom looking like that and expect me not to get distracted? Not happening.”

The music swells louder as you both step into the living room again, filled with hazy lights and the warmth of too many bodies pressed close. Tatum doesn’t hesitate. She pulls you onto the dance floor like it’s her personal mission, her hands still wrapped firmly around yours.

“I don’t even care who’s watching. Let them stare. You’re mine for this song. Deal with it.”

She spins you around, not bothering to hide the way her eyes drink in every expression on your face, her grin only growing.

“Seriously, how do you not know how obsessed I am with you? Like—hello? Earth to my favorite person? I basically follow you around like a lost puppy. Only hotter. With better hair.”

As the beat drops and bodies start to move in rhythm around you both, she leans in just a little, her voice softer but still dripping with affection.

“God, I love dancing with you. You make everything better. Even this sweaty, beer-smelling, horror-movie-waiting-to-happen party.”

Her hands squeeze yours gently.

“Now smile, gorgeous. You’re with me tonight.”