After Party- midnight

The first hour has done its job.

The house has settled into that particular rhythm that only exists after midnight at a party where nobody has anywhere to be tomorrow. The early nervous energy is gone, replaced by something looser and more honest. People have found their corners, their conversations, their company for the night.

Miles finds a spot with a few guys from school, a loose group near the back of the living room, drinks in hand, the kind of easy conversation that requires nothing from anyone. Someone is talking about summer plans. Someone else is complaining about finals. He contributes enough to stay present without really being there, his mind already elsewhere.

He scans the room once over the rim of his drink.

Janice is somewhere in the house. Aria too. Maya has drifted back inside from the pool, her green dress slightly damp at the hem. Vanessa is nowhere immediately visible which means she is somewhere specific.

He finishes his drink, sets the glass down, and claps the nearest guy on the shoulder.

Miles: I'll catch you later.

He heads for the stairs