That night was supposed to be simple just music, laughter, and a break from everything that had been weighing on Zoey's mind.
She hadn't even planned to go at first, but one of Matheo's female friends insisted, saying she didn't want to be the only girl there.
Zoey agreed, not wanting to make things awkward.
Now she sat in a dimly lit karaoke room, surrounded by overlapping voices, off-key singing, and bursts of laughter.
She held the mic for a moment before passing it along, choosing instead to just watch.
Glasses of wine were passed around, and although she only took small sips, the atmosphere felt lighter, easier almost carefree.
Across from her, Matheo sat quietly, not saying much as usual, but occasionally smiling in a way that made everything feel calm.
Zoey liked moments like this.
When nothing felt complicated. When being together was enough.
But moments like that never seemed to last as long as she wanted them to.
At some point, Matheo glanced at his phone, his expression shifting slightly as if something had pulled him back to reality.
"It's getting late," he said.
Zoey turned toward him, a little surprised.
"You're leaving already?" He nodded, already reaching for his things.
"Yeah. My mom's gonna worry." Of course.
That sounded like him.
Zoey gave a small nod, trying to ignore the slight disappointment settling in her chest.
"Okay… text me when you get home."
He nodded back, and without much more to say, he stood up and walked out.
The door closed quietly behind him.
And just like that…
something felt different.
Even so, the night didn't stop.
If anything, it became louder, more chaotic, as if trying to fill the space he left behind.
The music turned up, people sang more freely, and conversations overlapped without much thought.
The wine kept circulating, loosening everyone's guard, making laughter louder and words easier.
Zoey stayed, letting herself blend into the moment, convincing herself it was just another normal night with friends.
Time passed without her noticing, and nothing seemed out of place.
Nothing felt important enough to remember.
It was just a moment.
That was when Lezo made his way over and sat beside her, his presence casual, almost natural.
Holding his phone, he glanced at her and said, "Hey, let's make a mutual on Instaglom.
" Zoey hesitated for a brief second before nodding. "Sure." It didn't feel like a big deal they were part of the same group, after all.
They followed each other, exchanged a few light words, and that was it.
Just something small.
Something forgettable.
At least… that's what Zoey thought.
She didn't realize that this simple moment something she barely thought twice about would later become something she couldn't explain.
The quiet beginning of everything falling apart.