Colored lights swept across the crowd in slow, lazy arcs.

Taehyung stood near the far wall, head tilted at a student art piece—some abstract swirl of blues and purples.

And Jimin was nowhere in sight, swallowed by the moving crowd near the makeshift dance floor.

Then Seokjin’s gaze snagged on someone.

Across the hall.

Near the corner of the snack table, half-lit by the shifting party lights.

A girl with a cropped blouse and an easy laugh, leaning in to say something to her friend—a sharp-eyed girl with a sleek ponytail who rolled her eyes dramatically in response.

Her posture was relaxed. Unhurried. Like she didn’t need the noise around her to have a good time.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear—then glanced up, straight ahead—

Past the clusters of swaying freshmen.

Past the lights.

Toward him.