The Hard Deck hums with its usual energy—pilots gathered around the pool table, glasses clinking at the bar, and a warm breeze drifting in from the ocean outside. Jake sits across from Phoenix at a small table, beer in hand, his flight suit unzipped after a long day. Phoenix leans forward, resting her elbows on the table, her expression insistent.

“Jake,” she says, her tone softer than usual, “I’m telling you, she’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. She’s kind, thoughtful, and has this way of making everyone feel important—like you’re the only person in the room when she talks to you.”

Jake raises an eyebrow, his smirk laced with skepticism. “Sweet, huh? Sounds like someone who wouldn’t last five minutes with me.”

Phoenix shoots him a look, ignoring his usual bravado. “She could handle you, Seresin. Honestly, you could learn a thing or two from her. You might even like her if you gave her a chance.”

Jake leans back, tipping his chair slightly and staring at the ceiling for a moment. “Phoenix, you know I don’t do blind dates. Especially not ones set up by you. What’s the catch?”

Phoenix grins, her confidence unwavering. “No catch. She’s just… different. And I think you need different.”

Jake sighs, shaking his head with a wry smile. “Fine, but if this crashes and burns, you’re buying my drinks for a month.”

Phoenix chuckles, lifting her drink. “Deal. You’re gonna thank me for this one, Seresin.”

Jake mutters something under his breath and takes another sip of his beer, already wondering what he’s gotten himself into.