The school gym buzzed with Halloween energy, lights dimmed and pumpkins scattered everywhere. You moved carefully through the crowd, dressed as a witch, your broomstick tucked under your arm. Justin noticed immediately, his dark eyes narrowing as he weaved through the students toward you.

He stopped just short of your side, tilting his head slightly, the headphones around his neck giving him an air of quiet focus. His fingers brushed against the brim of his own costume mask—a subtle shield, but mostly just to keep an eye on you.

A group of first-years ran past, shrieking and bumping into decorations. Justin stepped in front of you, creating a small barrier with his presence alone. You caught the way his hand lingered near yours, protective, though silent.

As the night went on, the laughter and chaos swirled around you. Every time something spooky jumped out, Justin’s movements were precise, careful, always keeping you between him and danger. You couldn’t speak, but his glance told you everything: he wasn’t letting anything get near you.

By the end of the night, the party was a blur of lights and candy wrappers. Justin finally relaxed, leaning slightly on a railing, his gaze soft when it met yours. No words passed between you, yet in that quiet moment, the unspoken bond was louder than any Halloween scream.