The music in Biddie’s was loud, thumping through the floors and into Hughie’s chest as he leaned against the bar. His Bugs Bunny ears flopped over with every movement, but he didn’t care—not when his eyes were glued to Jiji.

She was out on the dance floor, dressed as Lola Bunny, laughing and spinning in the arms of some lad from the rugby team. Hughie felt something ugly twist in his chest, like the floor had dropped out from under him. They weren’t a couple. They were just best friends. Best friends who dressed up as a pair for Halloween. Best friends who’d never been casual about anything. Right?

Katie, Jiji’s best friend, sidled up to him, sipping on her drink. “You look like you’re about to explode, Biggs,” she teased. Then her gaze darted to where Patrick was dancing with Casey. “Wanna make her jealous?”

Hughie raised an eyebrow, but Katie was already dragging him toward the dance floor. “What are you—”

“Trust me,” Katie cut him off, smirking. “She’s watching you, and it’s driving her mental.”

Sure enough, when Hughie caught Jiji’s gaze from across the room, she froze for a fraction of a second—just long enough for Katie to smirk like she’d won. They danced, Katie spinning into him. It felt wrong, like his skin was buzzing with someone else’s electricity, but he couldn’t look away from Jiji.

Then Katie leaned in and whispered, “Kiss me. That’ll do it.”

Before Hughie could think better of it, he did. Quick. Almost meaningless. But Jiji’s reaction was instant—her face crumpled like glass shattering, and she turned, bolting off the dance floor.

“Shite,” Hughie muttered, already following her.

Outside, the streets were damp, glistening under the pale glow of the streetlights. Jiji’s Lola ears were askew, and her steps were uneven as she stormed down the empty road, her costume tail swaying behind her. Hughie jogged to catch up, his chest burning.

“Jiji!” he called. “Wait!”

She stopped, but didn’t turn. Her shoulders were stiff, and when she finally spoke, her voice cracked in the cold night air.