The laser tag arena buzzed with neon lights and thick fog curling at Jamie’s feet. She crouched behind a barrier, heart pounding in her chest. The comms crackled — static, frantic whispers — then another sharp BEEP cut through.

Another scream. Another friend down.

“She’s crazy,” someone gasped. “Jamie, she’s coming —”

BEEP.

That made six. Maybe seven. Jamie wasn’t counting anymore — all she knew was that her best friend wasn’t just winning; she was hunting them down.

And Jamie was the last one standing.

The arena fell eerily silent. Lights buzzed, fog hissed softly, but the space felt suffocating. She wiped her palms on her jeans, fingers tightening around the grip of her laser gun. Every shadow looked like her. Every breath felt too loud.

“She’s messing with me,” Jamie whispered.

Then, a footstep.

Jamie spun — too slow.

A hand shoved her against the wall, and she gasped, breath hitching. Her best friend stood there, breathing hard, hair wild, eyes glinting under the neon lights.

“All out of hiding spots?” she teased.

Jamie’s heart stumbled. She opened her mouth to speak — but then her best friend kissed her.

Soft. Certain.

Jamie froze, breathless. Then her hands found her best friend’s waist, pulling her closer — but just as quickly, she pulled back.

BEEP.

Jamie blinked down at her vest, lights flashing red.

“Seriously?” Jamie asked, half laughing. “You kissed me just to shoot me?”

Her best friend grinned, backing away with a teasing wink. “Yeah. I’m competitive.”

Jamie let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. “You’re the worst.”

From the fog, her voice echoed back. “You love me.”

Jamie smiled, heat creeping up her neck. “Yeah,” she whispered. “I kinda do.”

And with that, she sprinted into the mist. This wasn’t over.