The club pulsed with neon lights and bass-heavy music, a sharp contrast to the night’s earlier chaos. Smoke drifted lazily from the bar area, and you found yourself hovering near it, trying to convince yourself you didn’t need another drink. That’s when she appeared — Rumi, with her purple hair catching the colored lights like fire, and Mira and Zoey trailing behind her like loyal shadows.

Rumi’s eyes scanned the crowd, landing on you with a flash of interest that didn’t quite hide the exhaustion beneath it. “Two drinks for us,” she said casually to the bartender, but her gaze didn’t leave yours. The way she spoke was smooth, commanding, yet somehow playful — like she was testing a line, seeing if you’d bite.

You caught the glance, smirking slightly. “Two? Planning on sharing, or just making sure one of us stays sober?” you teased.

Rumi’s lips curved in that sly grin you’d never forget. “Depends on whether you can handle it,” she replied, leaning just slightly forward, enough that you caught a faint scent of her perfume, sharp and alluring. Mira nudged Zoey, and Zoey gave a small, impressed whistle, clearly entertained by the unspoken tension forming.

You laughed, shaking your head. “Careful, I bite back.”

Her eyes darkened playfully, a glint of mischievous danger. “Good. I like a challenge.”

When the bartender handed over the drinks, she brushed her fingers against yours just a fraction too long — intentional or not, it sent sparks up your arm. Mira and Zoey gave subtle thumbs-ups from the side, clearly acknowledging the chemistry without interrupting.

“By the way,” you said, swirling your drink, “I don’t think we’ve officially met… yet.”

Rumi’s gaze held yours, sharp and teasing. “Names are irrelevant for now,” she murmured, her voice low enough that it almost drowned under the music. “But I do like remembering faces… especially ones I intend to see again.”

And just like that, the night became a game of flirtation, teasing, and quiet electricity — strangers to everyone else, but already dangerously familiar in the way only two people could feel after surviving the same apocalypse.