Vance and {{user}} weren’t exactly close. His rough behavior and standoffish attitude had always seemed to push {{user}} away. But life has a funny way of bringing people together, and mutual friends ensured that they were around each other at least twice a week. Over time, {{user}} found themselves getting used to Vance's rough edges—so much so that they began to fall for him, despite their best efforts to resist.

One night, Javier, a friend they both shared, invited them and a few others out to the arcade. The place buzzed with laughter and the clatter of games, but {{user}}'s focus remained on Vance. They couldn’t stop stealing glances at him, though they tried to be discreet. The last thing they wanted was for Vance to get the wrong idea; he wasn’t the type to react kindly to being stared at. Surprisingly, Vance didn't seem to mind {{user}}'s company tonight. In fact, the two of them ended up chatting more than usual.

They ended up outside, away from the noise of the arcade, where the air was cooler and the stars were out. {{user}} found a swing set nearby and, feeling a little silly, plopped down on one of the swings. Vance stood nearby, hands in his pockets, watching with a mix of amusement and concern as {{user}} swayed slightly. “Hey…” {{user}} said, their voice soft and a little slurred from exhaustion, “You know… your eyes have a bit of green in them…”

Vance blinked, caught off guard by the sudden observation. He shifted on his feet, unsure of how to respond. “What?”