in the ring / harry styles

18- A Sorority Halloween

The dorm room is alive with the energy of anticipation, filled with the sounds of zippers tugged, laughter spilling out, and shoes scuffing against the floor as Emilia, Lynn, and I scramble to put the finishing touches on our costumes for the sorority's big pre-Halloween party. Every inch of the small, familiar space feels transformed tonight—Emilia's makeup brushes and eyeshadow palettes scattered over the desk, Lynn's earrings and rings glittering in a tangled pile beside her bed, and my own costume pieces draped across the chair I'd pulled in front of the mirror. The warm glow from the desk lamp bathes the room in a cozy, intimate light, casting soft shadows across our faces and making the thrill of the evening feel even more real.

For a night that started with a dorm room mess, the plan somehow feels grand. This party is more than just a gathering; it's a campus tradition that gets everyone buzzing with excitement, and every year, it seems to grow in extravagance. The sorority hosting tonight had spent weeks turning their house into some Halloween wonderland, complete with themed rooms and elaborate decor that was meant to impress the entire campus. It's all a little ridiculous, but undeniably thrilling. I can feel that contagious energy seeping into me too, a kind of lightness I haven't felt in days. Maybe, I think, this is exactly what I need—a night to get lost in the music, the costumes, and the intensity of the crowd.

Emilia, ever the effortless beauty, is already almost done, standing before the mirror in a slinky black dress that clings to her figure in all the right ways. Her costume is an elegant nod to old Hollywood, with a dramatic, dark twist; her hair is swept back in soft waves that catch the light and make her look like she's stepped straight out of a noir film. She tilts her head, admiring the effect as she dabs on a deep red lipstick, turning to give us a conspiratorial smile that lights up her eyes.

Lynn, dressed as a fortune teller, adjusts her hoop earrings for the third time, her arms jingling with bangles and bracelets that glint under the dim lights. Her outfit is a perfect mix of mystery and allure, her hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders with a dark scarf tied around her head. Thick, dark eyeliner accentuates her green eyes, giving her a look of depth and intensity that makes her costume feel authentic. She grumbles, tugging at one of her necklaces that's managed to twist with another, her expression exasperated.

"If one more thing tangles, I swear—" she mutters, though there's a smile tugging at her lips.

Emilia laughs, reaching over to help her untangle the jewelry. "You look perfect, Lynn. Very authentic."

As I glance at myself in the mirror, I take a breath, trying to settle the nervous flutter in my stomach. My costume feels simple compared to theirs but striking—a "fallen angel" theme that's all in black. The dark wings draped over my shoulders give it an edge, while the heavier makeup I've applied—dark eyeliner framing my eyes and a deep plum lipstick—adds a bold contrast to my usual look. I let my hair fall loosely around my shoulders, tousled just enough to fit the theme. With a final adjustment to the wings, I try to calm the mixture of excitement and anticipation bubbling inside me.

By the time we reach the sorority house, it's already packed. The front yard and porch are shrouded in swirling fog that clings to the air and spills over the steps, lending the place an eerie, otherworldly feel. A strobe light pulses from somewhere inside, casting the silhouettes of partygoers into jagged, disjointed shapes that seem to twist and flicker with each beat of the pounding bass. The music is so loud I can feel it reverberating through my chest, mingling with the scents of smoky fog, sweet punch, and the unmistakable warmth of bodies packed together. I'm caught in the energy, letting it pull me in as Emilia, Lynn, and I wind our way to the dance floor, laughing and moving together, our costumes catching the light and adding to the dizzying mix of sights and sounds.