The theater was dark, the only light coming from the giant screen in front of Ryan and Haley as the opening scene of the horror movie flickered to life. Haley had her legs pulled up on the seat, hoodie sleeves wrapped over her hands, eyes already squinting like she was bracing for a jump scare — even though the movie had barely started.

Ryan leaned over and whispered, “You know it’s literally just the studio logo, right?”

“Shhh!” Haley hissed dramatically. “This is the scariest part — the calm before the demon child shows up out of nowhere.”

Ryan chuckled, popping another piece of popcorn into his mouth as he leaned back. Haley had already stolen half the tub from his lap and clutched it like it was a security blanket.

The movie kicked off with a loud bang — cue the first jump scare — and Haley leaped about six inches in the air, accidentally throwing a handful of popcorn on the floor. Ryan tried to stifle his laugh, but she whacked his arm and whispered, “You knew that was coming!”

“I mean, yeah, it’s a horror movie,” he said with a smug grin. “It’s like clockwork.”

Haley rolled her eyes but slid a little closer anyway, gripping his arm now whenever the music got creepy. Ryan played it cool, but every time she flinched and gripped tighter, he smiled a little more. It was their thing — her pretending she hated scary movies, him pretending he wasn’t totally entertained by her reactions.

By the time the movie ended and the credits rolled, Haley was practically hiding in Ryan’s hoodie.

“That was so messed up,” she said, voice slightly muffled. “I’m never sleeping again.”

“You said that last time,” Ryan said, tossing the empty popcorn bucket into the trash on the way out.

“And I meant it!” Haley insisted. “If I see anything crawling on the ceiling tonight, I’m moving back in with my mom.”

Ryan laughed and pulled her close as they stepped out into the cool night air. “Don’t worry. I’ll fight the demon child for you.”

Haley smirked. “Good. You’re sleeping by the door.”