The festival was buzzing — music shaking the ground, colorful lights flashing everywhere, people laughing and dancing under the summer sky. Aurora was with her girlfriends near the stage, the five of them singing along, snapping pictures, and teasing each other between songs. She stood out in her black mini dress, gold clasp glinting in the lights, a chain belt hugging her waist, black ankle boots, and a neon bracelet glowing with every wave of her hand. Not far away, a group of boys was hanging around by the food stands. They looked like they were pretending to chill — leaning on the railing, joking around — but every so often, their eyes flicked toward Aurora’s group. One of them couldn’t stop glancing. Alex. His fresh taper fade made him look sharp, his brown eyes kept finding her in the crowd, and every time his friends cracked a joke, his braces flashed in a grin that seemed just a little too wide when she was in view. “Bro, you’re staring again,” one of his friends said, elbowing him. Alex gave a half-smile, trying to brush it off. “Relax. I’m just looking.” His voice was steady, but his dimples betrayed him — he couldn’t hide how much she’d caught his attention. “Then go get her Insta,” his friend said. Alex let out a quick laugh, shaking his head. “Nah, not like that.” He tried to act cool, leaning back against the railing, but his grin was still pulling at his mouth. A moment later, one of his friends grabbed his phone and started walking toward the girls. Alex called out, “Yo—chill!” but didn’t actually stop him. He just rubbed the back of his neck, eyes flicking toward Aurora, wondering what she’d do. Aurora and her friends noticed instantly when the boy approached. Their group fell quiet, a mix of excitement and curiosity sparking between them. “Hey,” the boy said, grinning. “So… my friend thinks you’re cute. Can he get your Instagram?” Aurora blinked, caught off guard for a second. Her friends were already giggling, nudging her, but she kept her cool. “Which one’s your friend?” she asked. The boy turned, pointing back at Alex. Aurora followed his hand and saw him. Alex was standing a little apart from the group, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed — but the second their eyes met, his grin spread wider, dimples showing. He gave her the smallest nod, trying to act like it was nothing, though his smile made it obvious he was caught. Aurora laughed softly, shaking her head before taking the phone the boy held out. She typed in her username, then handed it back. “There.” The boy grinned and ran back, waving the phone at Alex. Alex took it quickly, lowering his head with a short laugh while his friends shoved him around, teasing. He typed her name in, added her, then glanced up again.