Champagne Problems

S E V E N T E E N

Levi is waiting in front of the entrance to Disco Butterfly. It's 11:32, and the others are already two minutes late. They know Levi hates waiting for people. The sun set a while ago, and the people who step out of the club to smoke a cigarette seem drunker each time they return inside.

The neon lights of the club flicker overhead, casting strange shadows on the sidewalk. Calvin Harris's "Summer" blares from the speakers, the bass so heavy that Levi can feel it vibrating through the pavement. He sighs, reaching for a cigarette in his pocket. He lights it, inhales deeply, and lets the smoke escape in slow, deliberate circles. A small smirk creeps onto his face—he's always been proud of this little trick.

Checking his phone again, Levi sees a new message from Yves.

"On my way, be there in a minute –Yv"

Levi pockets his phone just as Yves appears, walking with his usual swagger toward the club.

"Maybe less than a minute," Yves says with a grin, standing next to him.

Yves casually snatches Levi's cigarette, taking a drag and blowing the smoke through his teeth. He steps on the cigarette to extinguish it. "There are Jérome and Riley," Levi nods, pointing to the group approaching.

Jérome, Riley, and Daphné walk toward them. Daphné, no longer in her usual elegant attire, looks a little self-conscious. She's wearing jeans and Vans—clothes borrowed from Riley's younger sister. Riley can't help but smile, and Yves, always quick with a comment, beats him to it.

"I see you went for the casual look," Yves says with a grin, taking in Daphné's outfit. "You're even wearing Vans. I'm impressed."

Daphné, feeling slightly out of place, tugs at the hem of her borrowed top. "Really?" she asks, a little unsure.

Yves chuckles, but his tone softens. "You look great. Different—but great."

Just then, Chantal appears behind Daphné, catching up after parking her car. She had come by earlier to drop off the burgundy Vans for Daphné. Chantal raises an eyebrow when she sees the group waiting.

"Hey, you made it," Riley says with a warm smile.

Chantal nods, but she's clearly distracted. She pulls Daphné aside, glancing back at the group. "Can we talk?"

"What's up?" Daphné asks, a bit confused by Chantal's serious tone.

"I didn't know we were going out with them," Chantal says, gesturing toward Yves, Jérome, and Levi.

Daphné frowns. "But I told you earlier I was with Riley."

"Yeah, but when you said 'the boys,' I thought you meant Benoit, Evian, Vincent, and Remy," Chantal explains with a small sigh.

Daphné shakes her head, laughing softly. "You'll have fun with these guys. Trust me."

Chantal hesitates, then cracks a smile. "Fine. You're probably right. Just... promise me we'll leave if it gets weird."

"I promise," Daphné says with a grin, looping her arm through Chantal's.

They head inside together, joining the others. As soon as they step into Disco Butterfly, the thick smell of synthetic smoke and spilled drinks hits them. The dance floor is already packed, and the DJ is in full swing, blasting Martin Garrix's "Animals."

Riley hands out plastic cups of beer, grinning as he passes one to Daphné. "Here," he says. "No wine tonight. Welcome to the college experience."

Daphné stares at the golden liquid, hesitating. She's never been a fan of beer, but the atmosphere makes her feel daring. She takes a cautious sip and immediately pulls a face.