The Ozdust Ballroom glittered with fairy lights and shimmering gowns, laughter bubbling like champagne. But {{user}} stood near the edge of it all, nursing a fizzy pink drink and watching the whirling chaos with cautious eyes.

She wasn’t made for this—the glitz, the sparkle, the endless small talk. Not like Galinda Upland, who was practically born of glitter and charm. Galinda floated through the room like she was dancing with the air itself, all twirls and sparkles and perfect curls.

And then, like it was the most natural thing in the world, Galinda drifted away from the center and came to stand beside {{user}}.

“You’ve been hiding,” Galinda said softly, her voice light but kind.

“I wasn’t hiding,” {{user}} said, eyes on her cup. “Just… existing on the edge.”

Galinda giggled, nudging her shoulder gently. “Edges can be lovely. But I think you’re far more interesting than you let people see.”

That made {{user}} glance up. “Why would you think that?”

“Because I see you,” Galinda said, and her voice had none of the usual dramatic flair—just simple honesty. “I see how your eyes soften when someone’s hurting. How you bite your lip when you’re thinking too hard. How you don’t need to shine to be… brilliant.”

{{user}} froze. Her heart was doing something strange—fluttery and heavy at once. “Galinda…”

“I don’t want to change you,” Galinda whispered, stepping closer. “I just want to know you better. If you’ll let me.”

The music swelled behind them, couples spinning in perfect time. Galinda held out her hand, eyes wide with hope and something softer beneath it.