“Sorry, everyone. Didn’t mean to interrupt the par-tay,” the voice goes on, laughing. Squinting through the darkened crowd, I can see who’s talking—it’s Archer, dressed in a sweeping cape, with his semi-long hair moussed back attractively. I get why this guy’s become an overnight star. He’s conventionally gorgeous, with his dark complexion, deep brown eyes, and hundred-watt smile. Plus, everyone loves his chill attitude and the way he seems to perpetually be in on some private joke. Still, I’d choose the quiet, thoughtful Ansel in a toss-up, any day. I’m happy Archer’s welcomed Ansel into his family, but that’s about as far as my love for Archer goes. Right now, though? I’m relieved Archer’s taken the mic, giving me an out. I take a teeny step away from Ollie.

“Turn the music back on!” someone yells. There are laughs and snickers from the crowd.

“Don’t you know who that is?” a girl’s voice shouts. “Archer de Leon. The star of Space Wars! Let him talk!” There are rumblings and more talking among the crowd. It seems some kids didn’t realize they were in the presence of Hollywood royalty.

Archer quiets everyone down. “This’ll only take a second. Okay, Headmaster? You mind if I make a little toast?” Archer’s eyes seek out Headmaster Ransom’s in the crowd. I follow them till I see Ransom myself. He gestures for Archer to go ahead. That’s the thing about Archer. Even as an alum who doesn’t go to this school anymore, he commands everyone’s attention. Archer raises the cup he holds in his hand. “To all the kids at Darkwood I used to love,” he laughs, tripping a little over his feet. “Especially Ansel Gravelle. My boy.” Now he looks for his Similar in the crowd, and when he finds him, his face spreads into a giant grin. It’s obvious now: Archer’s drunk. Why am I not surprised? “Come on up here, Ansel, buddy!”

Ansel, who’s standing with Maude and Pippa, not far from me and Ollie, gives a half-hearted wave. “That’s okay! I’m good here,” he calls out.

“Come on! Dude! You’re like my brother,” Archer goes on, getting louder with every sentence. “And bros stick together!”

“What happened to Archer while I was gone last year?” Ollie whispers in my ear. I shrug, my eyes still glued to the makeshift stage.

“I don’t know. Fame happened? Apparently Space Wars was streamed more times than any other show this summer, so…” I shrug.

The crowd’s starting to egg Archer on, calling out for Ansel to join his original up at the mic. Flustered, Ansel relents, making his way through the clusters of Darkwood students to the front. Ansel hops up next to his DNA twin, and Archer throws his arm around his Similar’s shoulders. The crowd starts cheering wildly.