He squinted at his clipboard, then at you.

`

The karaoke stage lights—flickering LEDs in purple and gold—cast long, shifting shadows across the sea of faces. You scanned them, your throat tightening around a breath you hadn't realized you'd held.

There, near the back corner. Near the emergency exit sign glowing a faint red.

Joshua. His tall, muscular frame was hard to miss even in the dim haze. He was leaning against the wall, his curly head tilted down, his lips locked with hers. His ex. Her manicured fingers were tangled in the fabric of his white linen shirt, pulling him closer.

`

They hadn't even bothered to find a dark enough corner.`

The host cleared his throat, tapping the mic. A screech of feedback cut through the chatter.

`