The next day's sun bathed the university gardens with a deceiving warmth. It was break time between classes, and as usual, Kali's group had gathered at their favorite table on campus.
"Did you see the poster?" said Viki, waving a folded flyer. "Costume party this Friday in the basement of the Cultural House. Theme: whatever you want, but make it stylish."
"Costume party... again?" Veronica grumbled. "Last year I ended up with fake blood in my underwear."
"Then this year, come better prepared," Jake chimed in with a grin. "I'm going as a grasshopper."
"Grasshopper?" Viki burst into laughter.
"Yes. Sexy. Neon green. With wings. I've got it all planned."
"You're messed up," Veronica said with a hidden smile. "I'm going as a vampire. Classic, elegant, with fangs."
"I'm going to be a mermaid," Viki announced, "but one of those that drags you to the bottom of the ocean and steals your soul—not a Disney one."
Kali laughed.
"Nicco and I are going together," she said, looking at Niccolo with mischief.
"Queen of Hearts," he added, draping his arm over the back of her chair. "And I'll be her loyal partner. Or her slave, depending on her mood."
"Slave with an open shirt and dangerous attitude," Kali said, licking her finger in an exaggeratedly provocative way. "You know, just in case anyone wants to bring fake handcuffs. Or real ones."
"Everything looks good on you," Niccolo told her, lowering his voice in that accent that undid her. "But when you wear that red corset... I'm going to have to restrain myself."
"Will you be able to?" she asked with a poisoned smile.
"No. But that's part of the fun."
Veronica clicked her tongue.
"Please, control your hormones. Some of us are trying to have lunch."
At the far end of the table, Dahlia shifted uncomfortably. She'd been silent the whole time, but of course, Viki noticed.
"And you? Do you know what you're going as?"
"I think... a pirate," Dahlia replied, a bit curtly. "One of those cheap costumes from a dollar store. I can't afford more."
"Hey," said Viki, "what matters isn't how much it costs, but how you wear it. With that serious face and killer stare, you'll look like the captain of a ship full of lost souls."
Dahlia smirked—barely, but genuinely.
...
In Criminology class, Kali and Niccolo sat together, as always. And as always, there was more flirting than focus.
"If you were my partner in crime, what would your specialty be?" Niccolo whispered.
"Emotional manipulation and distraction via cleavage," Kali answered without hesitation.
"Perfect. I've already got our lawyer," he said, winking.
"And you? What's your role?"
"Seduce the prosecution until they forget the case," he said quietly, and Kali giggled, leaning over her notebook to hide the blush.
Veronica, sitting in front, turned her head slightly.
"Are you two going to shut up or do I need to report a case of verbal harassment?"
"Only if you also report how good I look in this shirt," Niccolo replied, making her roll her eyes.
...
In another building, in Philology class, Dahlia was reviewing her notebook when, mustering some courage, she whispered:
"Viki..."
"Mhm?"
"Do you know a guy named Tobias?"
Viki raised an eyebrow.
"Tobias Mason? Of course. Tall, pretty eyes, voice like a radio host. Why?"
"I just... ran into him yesterday. Is he in our program?"
"He studies Comparative Literature. But he's around here a lot. You into him?"
Dahlia didn't answer, but her face did.
"I knew there was something," said Viki, already pulling out her phone. "Here's his Instagram. TobiasM_reads. Literally. He's got that mysterious boy aesthetic that makes you want to write poems."
Dahlia took the phone for a second, noted the username, and handed it back without saying another word. But inside, her heart was skipping.
And knowing he'd be at the party... something inside her said that, this time, she wanted to be there too. Even if it was in a cheap pirate costume.
Because for some reason... it would be worth it.