~8th September~

Your POV

"Y/N! Hurry up, we're going to be late!" Tess shouts from the front door.

"I'm coming!" I yell back as I grab some shoes and Joe's present. I run out of my room and down the stairs to Tess.

"The taxi is waiting, what were you doing?" Her face scrunches up as she sniffles. "Did you use the whole perfume bottle?"

"I accidentally dropped it and it smashed..." I mutter. Tess gasps. "I'm sorry! At least the room smells good."

"You're an idiot!"

~Time skip~

"Joe!" I squeal as I run over to him. He smiles and holds his arms out. I crash into him, almost knocking him overs, and hold onto him tightly. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too. You smell really nice."

"Sorry. Had an accident."

"So, how have you been?" He asks as he releases me.

"I've been good. Some bumps here and there, but it's been great! What about you? Have a girlfriend yet?"

He chuckles and rubs the back of his neck. "No, not yet. Some girls have caught my eyes, but I don't think they were into me that much."

"Well, that sucks. I'm sure you won't be single forever."

"Oh, shut up," he laughs. "You sound just like an engaged person."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't even know. But I think you should stop talking to me and give him some attention." He points into the crowd. I turn around and see Dan wandering around awkwardly.

"Yeah, maybe. I'll be coming back, though. Oh, and here you go," I say, handing over his present. "Happy birthday."

I make my way into the crowd, pushing through many familiar faces. I bump into someone and almost fall back, but regain balance. I look up to apologize and find... Caspar.

"Oh, hey! Caspar!"

"Y/N... I didn't know you were back."

"Joe didn't tell you?" He shakes his head and shuffles awkwardly. I realise why and mentally kick myself. "Caspar, about the party last year... it meant nothing. It's complicated." I look behind Caspar to see Dan looking panicked. "I'll explain later, okay? I've got a damsel in distress to rescue." I push past him and make my way to Dan.

Once I've gotten to him, I grab his hand. "Dan!" He looks down at me in relief.

"Thank God!" He shouts above the music. "Come on, lets go to the food." I giggle and nod as he drags me away.

We sit on wooden chairs by the snack table, looking out at everyone dancing. I catch a glimpse of Phil and Tess holding hands and jumping around like children and smile.

"You smell... nice?" Dan states.

"Oh, yeah. Um... dropped the perfume bottle." Dan bursts into laughter.

"Of course you did."

I watch as he stuffs his mouth with one of the tiny cupcakes that Zoe made and shake my head.

"Don't eat everything."

"Who's gonna stop me?" He says, grabbing another cupcake. I take it out of his and and bite into it. "Hey~" he whines.

"Y/N?"

I look up in the direction of the voice to see Caspar.

"Yes?"

"Can we talk?" He asks nervously. I nod.

"I'll be back, okay?" I reassure Dan before walking away with Caspar.

We find our way to Joe's room and sit down on the bed. I fiddle with my fingers as I try to think of something to say.

"Caspar... that party..."

"You kissed me."

"Yes," I cringe. "But it meant nothing. I swear."

"Then why'd you do it?"

I take a deep breath and explain everything, Caspar listening carefully. Once I finish, he pulls me into a giant hug.

"Shit. That sounds horrible."

"It was," I reply.

"If you didn't want to leave Dan... why did you move on?"

I fall silent. "It was best for both of us," I mumble loud enough for Caspar to hear over the music muffled by the thin walls.

"Do... do you still love him?" He asks as he comfortingly rubs my shoulder.

"Of course... as a friend. I've found someone new and I'm over Dan."

"You don't sound too sure."

"I-" I begin before being interrupted by Dan bursting through the door.

"Quick! It's time for cake!" He beams. I giggle and stand with Caspar, making our way out of the room. "Hey." Dan grabs my wrist and holds me back as I pass him. I stop and turn to face him. "Are you okay?" His voice is soft and sweet.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just had to clear things up." He nods in realisation and begins to almost run towards the party, dragging me with him.

"Come on! We might miss out on the best pieces!"

~Time skip~

"How are you still sober?" I question my friend as I drop down onto the couch. The party had ended and everyone else left. I volunteered to help clean up, as Dan and Tess, who were going to help, had to be taken home by Phil after having too much to drink.

"Didn't want to drink." Joe sighs in exhaustion.

"But you're the birthday boy." I nudge his arm with my elbow.

He smiles and shrugs. "Hey, you should stay longer. Everyone was so happy to see you again. We all missed you."

"I don't know. I need to get back to Jase..."

"At least stay until Alfie's birthday. Please?" Joe tries his best attempt at puppy eyes and I can't help but laugh.

"Maybe. I'll have to talk to Jase and Tess."

Joe does a little happy dance before diving forward for a hug. "It's going to be great!"