Bette (smiling): Dance with me?

Tina nods, and they move together, effortlessly in sync Bette’s hands settle on Tina’s waist, and Tina’s arms circle Bette’s shoulders. Their eyes lock nothing else exists for a moment but the way their bodies move together, the silent language of something deepening.

Across the room, Lara watches with a soft smile.

Lara (to Helena): Look at her. Tina’s glowing. She finally met someone who makes her happy.

But Helena didn’t respond immediately. She watches them with guarded eyes.

Helena: Let’s just hope it lasts.

Henry stood near the edge of the room, the thump of music muffled beneath the storm building in his chest. His drink had gone warm, his grip tightening unconsciously with every glance toward the dance floor.

Tina and Bette dancing, laughing, oblivious to the world around them but it was the way Tina leaned in the way Bette looked at her like she was the only one in the room.

That’s what stung.

Bette whispered something and Tina threw her head back in a laugh light, real. A sound Henry hadn’t heard from her in what felt like forever.

His fingers curled tighter around the neck of his beer bottle.

Nathan (sighing): God, they’re perfect together.

The word perfect rang like a slap.

Henry’s jaw tensed.

Henry (low, muttering): She doesn’t belong with her.

Nathan (overhearing, glancing at him): What was that?

Henry (still watching them): Nothing.

Nathan (following his gaze, smirking): Oh, man. You’re still on Tina? (pause, then dryly) That ship has sailed.

Henry (snapping): You don’t know what you’re talking about.

Oliver (shrugging): I know what I see. And that? That’s not some fling.

Henry’s nostrils flared as Bette tucked a strand of hair behind Tina’s ear, and Tina’s smile widened, her body instinctively leaning closer.

Nathan (murmuring, half to themselves): They’re just… effortless.

Henry (through gritted teeth): It’s not real.

Oliver (raising a brow): Looks real from here.

Henry (bitter): It’s a phase. That’s all this is. (he gestures vaguely, the words sharp) She’ll come to her senses.

Nathan (sharper now): Careful, man. You’re starting to sound bitter.

That one lands. Hard.

Henry takes a long drink, jaw tight, eyes fixed on Tina like he can will her to turn around to see him. To remember.