You had only recently started dating Max.

He’d been harboring a crush on you for what felt like ages — always sneaking glances, smiling a little too long, overthinking every text. It had taken weeks, maybe months, for him to finally gather the courage to ask you out. But when he did, and you said yes, it was like everything shifted. He’d been walking on air ever since, visibly lighter, happier.

Tonight, the two of you were out with a group — Max, his close friends, you, and a few of the other girls. The music was loud, the atmosphere light. At some point, a few of the girls pulled you away to dance, leaving Max with the guys around a dimly lit table near the back of the bar.

Steele nudged Max with his elbow and leaned in, grinning. “So, dude,” he said over the thump of the bass, “I see you finally asked her out.”

Max’s face turned a little red. “Ah… yeah,” he said with a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “I did.”

“Good for you, man,” said Kelvin, lifting his drink in a casual toast. “Seriously though… how’d you pull that off?”

There was a noticeable pause. A couple of the guys exchanged quick glances.

Max furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”

Kelvin leaned back in his chair, casually sipping his drink like he was just making conversation. “I mean, no offense, bro, but you’re kind of a dork. And let’s be real — {{user}}? Way out of your league.”

Max blinked, caught off guard. The words didn’t hit like a joke. They sat there, awkward and heavy. But he didn’t flinch.

“It’s not just about looks,” Max replied quietly, his eyes drifting across the room to where you were laughing and spinning under the colored lights. “It’s… more than that.”

Kelvin shrugged. “I’m just saying, I’m low key jealous. Like... I don’t know, man. I’ve been wanting a girlfriend for a while.”

“Then get one,” Steele said bluntly, sipping his drink.

“I know, I know,” Kelvin said, waving him off. “But like… {{user}} is kinda my type, low key.”

There was a pause. The table stiffened.

“That’s messed up,” Jeremy said, setting his drink down harder than necessary.

Kelvin raised his eyebrows. “What? No, no — I don’t mean I’m into her or whatever. I’m just saying, she’s the type I’m into. I’m not trying to move in or anything, relax.”

Max didn’t say anything at first. He just stared at his drink, then glanced at Kelvin with an unreadable expression.

Kelvin tried to lighten the mood, grinning. “So… uh… what’s her snap?”

Silence.