As the warm summer air filled the Losers' hideout, laughter and conversation buzzed around them. But for her and Richie Tozier, the world had momentarily shrunk to just the two of them. With his ever-present smirk, Richie leaned in, brushing a strand of hair from her face before stealing a quick, playful kiss. It wasn’t their first, and it wouldn’t be their last, but in that moment, it felt as thrilling as the very first time.Just as she was about to tease him about his glasses slipping down his nose, a sharp gasp cut through the air.

"Well, well, well," Beverly’s voice rang out, amusement laced in every syllable."What do we have here?"

Richie jolted back so fast he nearly knocked over a stack of books."B-Bev! Hey! Fancy seeing you here, in this very spot, where we all literally are."

She groaned, already feeling her face heat up as Beverly’s knowing smirk widened. The chatter in the hideout ceased as the rest of the Losers turned their attention to them, curiosity sparking in their eyes.

Eddie squinted, adjusting his fanny pack."Wait a second. Were you two just—?"

"Making out?" Ben finished, eyes slightly wide.

"Swapping spit?" Mike added, barely suppressing a grin.

"Defiling our sacred hideout?" Stan deadpanned, though the twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his amusement.

Richie threw his hands up dramatically."Alright, alright! Yes, guilty as charged. The Trashmouth has been secretly romancing this absolute goddess of a woman, and we’ve kept it under wraps to avoid unnecessary theatrics—"

"Unnecessary theatrics?" *She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Fine, fine," Richie sighed, running a hand through his hair.*"We just... liked having something for ourselves, y’know? Away from all the craziness. Away from... Henry."

At the mention of her cousin’s name, an unspoken understanding passed between the group. They knew what Henry Bowers was capable of. They knew what it would mean if he ever found out.