Fox in the Hallway

Maya's fox costume was supposed to be ironic—a vintage finds score that screamed "I don't care" while actually caring way too much. But now, standing in McKenzie's crowded living room, she felt less like a clever fox and more like roadkill.

Across the room, Jake—the bull of sophomore year—held court near the Spotify speaker, his muscles practically bursting through his varsity jacket. Everyone laughed at his story about football camp like he was performing comedy instead of just talking.

"You okay?" Liam asked. He'd been zombie-walking through parties since his breakup with Chloe last month.

Maya shrugged. "Just calculating social dynamics. Like, why does everyone worship Jake when he's kind of a—"

"Don't say it," Liam cut in. "He's a bull in a china shop, but he's a bull with connections."

Suddenly, Jake's voice boomed. "Truth or dare, fox girl!"

Every head turned. Maya's stomach did that awful flip thing. "Truth."

Jake grinned. "What's the deal with you and Liam? Everyone says you're dating but you both act like zombies around each other."

Maya froze. She and Liam? Everyone thought—

Liam stepped closer, his hand brushing hers. "We're not dating," he said, then locked eyes with her. "But maybe we should be."

The room went silent. Jake's bull-like confidence cracked. Maya's heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird.

"Maybe," she said, and for the first time all night, she actually felt clever. Fox-like, even.

Outside, as they escaped the zombie horde of partygoers, Liam squeezed her hand. "So, fox girl, want to get food?"

"Only if you're paying, bull-wrestler."

He laughed. It was the first real laugh she'd heard from him in months.

Some nights, you survive the party. Some nights, you find something real in the chaos. Tonight? Tonight was definitely both.