‘Fuck,’ Kellen says, already on his feet.

‘She’s going after Owen!’ I cry, breaking into a run.

After everything we’ve done today, how could we be so stupid to think Tiffany wouldn’t be out for revenge? Owen was the one who ‘ruined’ Capture the Flag, the one who live-streamed her demise. In her eyes, he’s public enemy number one.

‘What’s going on?’ Josh says, following us into the building. ‘What’s happening?’

‘Pig’s blood!’ I pant, pointing to the top of the stairs. ‘Owen is the target!’

‘Shit,’ he says, trying to push through the crowd of heaving bodies. It seems even busier than usual, almost like everyone’s trying to get in our way.

I look to where the bucket is hanging, and there’s Owen, standing directly beneath it, flicking idly through his phone. Tiffany must have planted him there and gone to release the bucket. Without Ethan’s help, she’s having to pull the whole thing off by herself.

‘Owen!’ Josh yells, finding a gap in the crowd and breaking through. ‘Owen!’

But it’s too late. I see Tiffany up on the balcony. She tugs the rope, and the bucket comes swinging down from the rafters.

‘Look out!’ Josh yells, pushing Owen out of the way. Owen stumbles to his knees as Josh takes the hit himself. He stands there, drenched, his jester’s costume ruined.

My heart sinks. We’ve really fucked up this time. I might as well take a blowtorch and set this place on fire again. Speed things along a little. Just when things were going so well, now we’re gonna have to go back and do it all over again. I understand now why Madzikanda looped so many times. Just when you think you have all the puzzle pieces slotted together, something else falls out of place.

But then something incredible happens and Josh starts to laugh.

He doesn’t stop. He’s literally shaking with mirth, the bells on his cap jingling in time with his heaving shoulders. Class clown right until the very end.

For a moment, Owen just looks at him, stunned. Then he starts laughing too.

‘Oh my God. You look ridiculous,’ Owen says, catching his breath. ‘I can’t believe you did that. You saved me!’

‘’Twas nothing,’ Josh replies, wiping the viscous liquid from his eyes. ‘’Tis but a little beetroot.’ He licks his finger. ‘And perchance a hint of cornflour?’

‘My hero,’ Owen says. ‘You know, I could actually kiss you.’

‘Oh yeah?’ Josh wiggles his eyebrows. ‘Covered in this? I dare you …’

Owen hesitates for a moment, looking around at all the eyes that are on them. He’d told me he wanted to come out to everyone at once, but that’s easier said than done. I’m not sure how he’s going to get out of this one. And, it seems, neither is he.