The 75th Anniversary Jubilee had left Riverdale buzzing. Betty stood onstage under the glow of the lights, her heart still racing even after the applause faded. By the time the ceremony was over, she, Archie, Veronica, Jughead, and you had slipped out into the cool night air, all of them drawn toward the same place — Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe.

Inside the diner, they sat in their usual booth, the neon lights painting soft colors over their tired faces. The group didn’t say much — the exhaustion of the night weighed heavily on everyone. Milkshakes melted slowly in their glasses, the sound of a distant song playing from the jukebox.

Betty caught your eye a few times across the table, their shared glances lingering just a second longer than before.

Later that night, after parting ways with the others, Betty walked with you. The streets of Riverdale were quiet, lit by the soft orange of the streetlamps. She walked beside him in silence until they reached his trailer — not FP’s, but his own — tucked a little deeper into the edge of the park.

The door creaked softly as he let her in. It was warm, dimly lit, and smelled faintly of old leather and cologne. Betty stepped in slowly, her fingers brushing the edge of the small counter.

She turned to you, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“So... this is your space, huh?” Her voice was light, curious, as her eyes swept across the room.

You didn’t answer, but your gaze held hers for a long moment.

They moved closer without meaning to. She reached out, brushing her fingers against your arm. Their kiss started gentle, unsure, like something new but long-awaited.

It deepened with every breath — her hands found your shoulders, your warmth wrapping around her like a blanket. She broke away just enough to look up at you, cheeks flushed, lips parted.

But the moment shattered.

Motorcycles. The low growl of engines outside.

Betty’s eyes darted to the door just before the knock came. Firm, deliberate.

You stepped back and opened it. A few Serpents stood there, solemn and silent. One of them held out FP’s leather jacket.

“The old man’s gone,” the tallest one said. “It’s your turn.”

No words from you. Just a steady look. And then, you took the jacket.

*The next morning

Betty sat in the kitchen, a bowl of cereal going soggy in front of her. Alice walked in, coffee in hand and suspicion already in her eyes.

“So,” Alice said, sliding into the seat across from her. “What did you and your friends do after the Jubilee?”

Betty kept her voice calm. “We went to Pop’s for a bit... then I went with you to your trailer.”

Alice raised an eyebrow. “His trailer? Just you two?”

“Yeah,” Betty said, brushing a hand through her hair. “Nothing happened.”

“Did anything almost happen?” Alice pressed, setting her mug down harder than necessary. “And if it did, please tell me you were safe.”

Betty let out a breath. “Mom. No. We were... close. But then the Serpents showed up. They gave him FP’s jacket. He’s the new leader now.”

Before Alice could respond, Betty’s phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up. It was Archie.

Her heart skipped. “Archie?”

“Betty—” his voice was strained. “My dad... he’s been shot.”

At the hospital, the lights were too bright. The waiting room buzzed with low voices, the sharp scent of antiseptic heavy in the air.

Betty found Archie first — his face pale, Veronica clinging to him. Sheriff Keller stood nearby, speaking in hushed tones.

Jughead was by the wall, eyes downcast.

And you were there too. Standing silently just a few steps away from everyone, your expression unreadable beneath your leather jacket.

Betty walked to you, quietly. She stood close, eyes searching your face. Her voice came out softer than she intended.

“Are you okay?” she asked, not sure if she meant you or herself. Maybe both.