You and Powder couldn’t have been more different if you tried. She was outgoing, friendly, and wore her heart on her sleeve. She had this energy about her that could light up a room—quick to laugh, quicker to talk, and always eager to draw people into her orbit.

You, on the other hand? Snarky, blunt, maybe even a little cold. That was the reputation you’d earned. It was probably why your circle of friends was small.

The gathering was winding down now, the noise of laughter and chatter having long since faded. Vander and Silco were busy clearing up the aftermath. Everyone left. But not you. Not Powder.

She glanced up and noticed you for the first time that night, tilting her head slightly as if to size you up.

She knew you, in that vague, surface-level way everyone in the community knew everyone else. You weren’t close, barely acquaintances, really. You didn’t even know if you’d exchanged more than a few words with her before. Still, she smiled at you.

“Hey,” Powder called out, her voice light and curious, cutting through the quiet hum of the room. “Nice look. Where’d you get that jacket? How come you’re still here?”