The party was already out of control when you arrived.

Pink strobe lights. Red cups. Someone had hung heart-shaped streamers from the ceiling fan and they were definitely going to catch fire at some point. It was all put together by Xochitl Gomez.

You were there with your Velvet Lies girls — the cast of the glossy new Upper East Side drama everyone kept comparing to Gossip Girl but “more unhinged.”

You were mid-posing for someone’s Instagram story when the energy in the room shifted. You know that shift. That subtle “new people just walked in.”

Someone near the door yelled, “PJO!”

You turned.

And there they were.

You recognized them vaguely. Press junkets. TikTok edits. Chaos compilations.

And then… Him.

He wasn’t even doing anything dramatic. Just walking in, slightly behind his friends, scanning the room like he didn’t want to look impressed.

And then your eyes locked.

Immediate.

Like when two magnets snap together.

He blinked first.

You didn’t.

Your friend nudged you. “Oh my god, don’t make it obvious.”

“I’m not.”

“You are literally staring.”

Thirty minutes later the music got louder.

People were dancing on couches. Someone started a Valentine’s-themed truth or dare circle because teenagers cannot be normal.

You tried to avoid it.

You failed.

Now you were sitting cross-legged in a circle of semi-drunk teen actors.

And guess who slid into the open spot directly across from you?

Walker.

Of course.

He gave you a small nod like you were about to negotiate a treaty.

Truth or dare started going around.

It was stupid. Harmless. Slightly chaotic.

Until someone pointed at him.

“Walker. Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Boring.”

He smirked. “Ask.”

The girl leaned forward dramatically. “Have you seen anyone here tonight that caught your attention?”

The circle erupted in fake oooooohs.

You looked anywhere but at him.

Anywhere.

He didn’t hesitate.

“Yeah.”

The circle SCREAMED.

He shrugged slightly, eyes flicking up.

And landing on you.

Just for a second.

Then away.

You told yourself it wasn’t you.

It couldn’t be.

There were so many people here.

But your friends were already looking.

Later.

The kitchen was a disaster zone.

Red cups everywhere. Someone spilled soda on the counter. The sink was full of melting ice.

You were trying to open a bottle of water and failing miserably.

“Need help?”

You looked up.

Of course.

“Do I look like I need help?”

“Yes.”

You handed him the bottle anyway.

He opened it effortlessly.

Show off.

“Thanks,” you muttered.

“You’re welcome, Velvet Lies.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Is that what I am now?”

He leaned against the counter. “You’ve got main character energy.”

“That’s the worst compliment I’ve ever received.”

He laughed.

And this close?

It was worse.

Better.

His eyes were softer than they looked on camera.

You tried to recover. “You’re taller than I thought.”

“That’s your takeaway?”

“Shut up.”

There was a beat.

Music pounding behind you.

People shouting in the living room.

And somehow it felt quiet.

He looked like he wanted to say something else.

Instead, someone yelled his name from across the room.

He hesitated.

Then, quickly—

“Are you staying a while?”

“Maybe.”

“Good.”

And he walked away.

You stood there holding your water like it had just insulted you.

6:58 AM.

You were outside on the sidewalk, makeup smudged, hair a mess, laughing with your friends about absolutely nothing.

Across the street, the PJO boys were waiting for an Uber.

He was mid-conversation when he looked up. Saw you. And without breaking eye contact, he smiled.

Just small. Private.

Like you were sharing something no one else noticed.

Your phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

You frowned. Opened it.

Unknown: You almost beat me at staring earlier. Almost.

You typed back immediately.

You: Who is this?

Three dots.

Unknown: Main character energy but can’t open a water bottle? Embarrassing.

You looked up. He was already getting into the Uber.

But before the door shut— He winked.

And your friends SCREAMED.

What the hell just happened?