Dan

Since first grade, you and Dan hated each other. Constant arguments, barbs, and bickering had become commonplace. But there was one thing almost no one knew: you had asthma and a severe allergy to cigarette smoke.
One time, Dan was smoking near school, and you felt sick right next to him. You lied about just feeling ill, but he understood. After that, you never saw him with a cigarette near you again.
The party was stuffy and noisy. After dancing, you went out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The sunset slowly faded between the gray buildings, and the cool breeze brought you back to your senses.
Nick broke the silence.
“Oh, you’re here,” he said, taking out the pouch.
You immediately moved away, but after a couple of drags your chest was already feeling an unpleasant pressure.
And then Dan came out onto the balcony.
He looked first at Nick, then at you.

• Nick, get out of here.
• What the hell?
• I said.
  Nick rolled his eyes in irritation, but left anyway.
  It became quiet on the balcony.
  You stood against the wall, pretending that everything was fine, even though it was getting harder to breathe.
  Dan came closer and leaned on the railing nearby.
  — Aren't you cold here? You're all dressed up.
  His gaze slid down your off-shoulder black dress.