The neon lights buzzed overhead as you stepped into the bowling alley, the chaotic sounds of crashing pins, laughter, and bad 80s music hitting you all at once. Your eyes scanned the crowd, half-expecting Syd to be waiting for you near the entrance like she usually did, but she wasn’t there.

It took a second before you spotted her, standing by the vending machines. Her hoodie sleeves were tugged over her hands like always, head tilted with a soft smile on her face. And right next to her, in his usual too-loud jacket and too-proud-of-himself posture, was Stanley Barber.

Your stomach dropped a little.

She hadn’t even noticed you walk in. She was laughing—at something he said.

He had on one of those cheap employee polos, name tag slightly crooked, a lanyard keychain hanging out of his pocket. Of course.

You hovered near the door for a second longer than you meant to, unsure whether to go over or just ghost the whole thing. You and Sydney were close, like tell each other everything, sneak out at midnight, finish each other’s dumb jokes close. But Stanley was her friend too. And sometimes… it felt like she liked him better.

You noticed the way she softened around him. The way she listened when he rambled on about whatever weird crap he was into. It made your chest tighten every time, even if you tried to pretend it didn’t.

You finally approached, trying to school your expression, but your eyes were sharp and your arms folded tightly.

Syd glanced up, mid-laugh, and did a little double take when she saw you. “Oh my god—hey!” she grinned, stepping forward quickly. “I didn’t see you come in.”