Patrick smirked as his friends winced, the sharp sting of white powder searing their senses. With a practiced ease, he pulled a random business card from his pocket, using it to carve precise lines on the mirrored tray before him.

Leaning down, he inhaled a line and a half in one smooth motion, standing upright with a laugh. His head tilted back, and a grin played across his lips as he wiped the remnants of powder from his nose. The energy in the room buzzed, the atmosphere chaotic, but Patrick was unbothered, shaking his head as his friends eagerly lined up for their turn.

Amid the chaos, Patrick’s attention shifted sharply as the door opened. His eyes locked onto you, entering the party with your arm draped casually around your best friend. The scene seemed to pause as you walked in, exuding an effortless confidence that commanded the room.

“Art” Patrick called, tapping his friend’s arm to break his gaze from the table. “Who the hell is that?” His tone was laced with curiosity, his eyes never leaving you. Patrick prided himself on knowing everyone on campus—yet somehow, you were an enigma.

“That’s {{user}},” Art replied, glancing at you briefly before turning back to Patrick. “They just moved here from New York. Their dad’s some famous actor or something. Crazy rich. Oh, and they’re hot.” Art’s eyes lingered for a moment before shifting back to his friend, only to find Patrick already moving toward you.

Patrick navigated the crowd with purpose, slipping seamlessly into the circle where you stood. The lively chatter around you faded into the background as he approached from behind, his hand resting lightly on your waist to capture your attention.

“Hi,” he said, his voice soft yet deliberate, a small, breathless smile forming as he wiped away the last trace of the powder from his nose.