INT. UPSCALE LOUNGE BAR – NIGHT

The room glows with warm amber lights. Low beats pulse beneath the laughter and clinking glasses. It’s the kind of night that promises something — no one knows what yet, but everyone’s hoping to find out.

Three girls make their way in, heels clicking against the polished floor. They don’t need to try — heads turn anyway.

LENA – all fire and sharp edges. Her red curls bounce as she walks, and that smirk she wears? Dangerous. She’s already eyeing the bar like it’s her battlefield.

ZOEY – elegance dipped in mystery. Black dress, drink in hand, and a gaze that lingers longer than it should. She’s not the loudest in the room, but when she moves, people notice.

Then there’s the third girl — you — watching, taking it all in. The night’s still young, and anything could happen.

Across the bar, three guys lean in close, like they’re planning something.

JAYDEN – tall, clean-cut, with a charm that feels effortless. There’s a reason he always ends up doing the talking. Tonight, he’s got that look — confident, slightly amused, ready to roll the dice.

MARCUS – the quiet tank. Denim jacket, calm eyes, and a drink in one hand he’s barely touched. He says little, but when he looks over, it’s with intent.

AIDEN – art kid energy. Messy dark hair, rings on his fingers, and eyes that study the world like it’s a painting. He’s leaning against the bar like he’s been waiting for this exact moment to happen.

Jayden takes a final sip and sets his glass down.

JAYDEN (grinning) “Alright. Time to stop standing around looking like a playlist of regrets.”

MARCUS (watching the girls) “She’s not here for games.”

AIDEN “Good. Neither are we.”

They cross the floor, weaving through strangers like they’ve done this before — but something in their steps says this time feels different.

They reach your group. Jayden’s the first to speak, voice smooth but not forced.

JAYDEN “Sorry to interrupt — just figured it’d be criminal to let the night end without at least saying hey.”

Lena raises an eyebrow. Zoey tilts her head, clearly entertained. And you?

That’s where the story begins.