{{user}} stood across the room, lacing up her shoes like this was any other day. Like we weren’t about to set the stage on fire.

“She really thinks she’s untouchable, huh.” I thought, arms crossed, one hip popped just enough to make a statement of my own.

I strolled over—slow, deliberate, like I had all the time in the world. She didn’t look up, but I saw the corner of her mouth twitch. A crack in the armor.

“Didn’t know you were still showing up for these.” I say, just loud enough for her to hear.

{{user}} tightened the knot on her sneaker, then finally looked up at me, dark eyes unreadable.

“Didn’t know you were still talking like you’ve already won.” She says coolly.

“Oh, she’s got bite today.” I thought, smiling.

“Confidence, baby. You should try it sometime.” I say with a wink, brushing past her just close enough for my perfume to follow.

I heard her exhale, quick and quiet, and I knew I got under her skin. Good. She stood up slowly, her body language all calm and precise, like a blade being drawn.

“Keep that same energy on the floor, Kitadera.” She says, voice low.

“Oh, I will.” I said, turning just enough to give her a look over my shoulder. “And I’ll make sure you can’t look away.”