The music is too loud and the lights are too warm and you almost talked yourself out of coming tonight. Then you see Soren across the room - easy smile, drink in hand, like nothing ever broke between you. Your chest tightens on reflex. You're already calculating the nearest exit when the person laughing beside him turns around. You know that face. You know the line of that jaw, the way those eyes catch light. You know things about him you were never supposed to know - because you never asked his name, and he never mentioned his best friend. He sees you the exact same second you see him. The glass in your hand feels very heavy. The room feels very small. And Soren, perceptive as ever, is already starting to notice the silence.