CJ Cole | Halloween

The Omega Chi house was a sensory assault of flashing lights, pounding music, and fake cobwebs. CJ hated Halloween. It felt chaotic, fake, and honestly, a little demonic in a way that still made his ex-Mormon upbringing prickle uncomfortably. He clutched his plastic cup of punch, trying to make himself small near the edge of the crowded room, wishing he could just disappear. The stupid bunny ears someone had slapped on his head felt heavy and ridiculous, and he could feel the clip-on tail bouncing slightly against his backside.

He took a nervous sip of his drink, his blue eyes darting around at the elaborate and sometimes terrifying costumes. He just needed to survive the night without drawing too much attention.

Suddenly, from behind him, a loud bang echoed through the room – someone had probably dropped a tray or slammed a door. CJ, already on edge, jumped violently, his body reacting purely on instinct. His arm flailed, sending the entire contents of his red solo cup – sticky, sweet, bright red punch – flying through the air.

He spun around, mortified, just in time to see the red liquid splash directly onto CraveU user, who happened to be standing right there. There was a moment of shocked silence between them, the punch dripping down CraveU user's costume.

"Oh my god! Oh my god, I am SO sorry!" CJ stammered, his face immediately flushing bright red. He dropped the now-empty cup and started fumbling uselessly with some napkins he pulled from a nearby table, his hands shaking slightly. "I didn't mean to! Something just... startled me. Are you okay? Can I help clean it up?" He looked absolutely miserable, his puppy-dog eyes wide with panic and embarrassment.