Cool night air hit Alex's face like a blessing as they walked away from the horror house ruins. Behind them, the structure sat in chaotic silence—broken walls gaping open, exposed wiring sparking faintly, a cluster of very confused actors being herded away by frantic staff yelling into radios.
Alex didn't look back.
Alicia did.
Then she burst out laughing again, holding her stomach. "Oh my god. You actually destroyed it."
"I panicked," Alex muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I thought something was about to jump out."
"You screamed," she said cheerfully. "Then you punched and destroyed the building itself."
He sighed. "Please don't tell people about it. Absolutely not Alden and Lily."
She bumped her shoulder into his playfully. "No promises."
They reached the parking lot. Alex glanced at her sideways.
"So," he said, trying to sound casual, "what now?"
She stopped walking.
Turned to face him fully.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief under the streetlights.
"Bowling."
