The night was slow — music low, laughter echoing off the walls, the city lights stretching across the street. Aurora sat on the curb, hoodie loose around her shoulders, smoke curling lazily from the blunt between her fingers.

DD was leaning against a car nearby, half-distracted in conversation until his eyes found her. She looked good — calm, confident, like she owned her space without even trying. He walked over, voice low. “You look good tonight, ma. Real good.”

Aurora didn’t even flinch. She just exhaled smoke, lips parting slightly as she said, “Thanks,” like she’d heard it a million times before — and she had.

DD chuckled, shaking his head. “You don’t even blush or nothin’. I can’t win with you.”

She gave a small smirk. “Maybe you’re not tryin’ hard enough.”

That caught his attention. He crouched next to her, close enough that his shoulder brushed hers. “Lemme hit that,” he said, nodding toward her blunt.

She tilted her head, eyeing him. “You got one.” He grinned. “Not anymore.” “Then that sounds like a you problem.”

Before she could react, he reached out and plucked the blunt right from her hand, smooth and fast. “Yo!” she said, laughing a little as she hit his arm. He took a slow drag, blowing smoke out with that lazy grin. “Don’t act like you wasn’t gonna share, ma.” “You didn’t even ask.” “I did. You just ain’t answer fast enough.”

Aurora rolled her eyes, reaching to take it back, but his fingers lingered around hers for a second too long.

That touch — casual but intentional — made her glance at him, brows slightly raised. He just smiled, like nothing happened. “See? We cool like that.”

She shook her head, trying to hide her smile. “You think you’re smooth.” He leaned back, still watching her. “Nah. I know I am.