The sun was just starting to dip, the sky painted orange over the rooftops. Aurora and Infinity were strolling past the park, sipping iced teas from the bodega, when the sound of sneakers squeaking and a ball hitting pavement pulled their attention.

The chain-link fence rattled as Infinity leaned on it, watching the game. “Ayo, DD!” she called out with a grin. “Lemme get yo’ number!”

DD glanced up mid-game, his curly hair catching the light. He smirked, jogging toward them with the ball in one hand. His voice was smooth, Harlem through and through.

“Nah, I’m good… but shorty next to you?” He nodded at Aurora. “I’m tryna get her number.” Aurora’s brows shot up. “Me?” Infinity looked between them, half-smiling like she already knew how this would go.

DD leaned on the fence, eyes locked on hers. “Yeah, you. Don’t play shy now.”

Aurora hesitated, pretending to think, but her heart was beating way too fast. “Only if you don’t blow up my phone at 3 a.m.”

He chuckled, low. “No promises, ma.”