The music pulsed through the decorated halls of the school’s off-campus event center, laughter echoing over the rhythmic thump of bass. Fairy lights crisscrossed the ceiling, casting a warm, dreamy glow over the group of high-achieving students mingling with cups in hand. It was a rare celebration—an exclusive party for those in the advanced program, where even the school’s strictest professors had agreed the students deserved one night to let loose.

Aelia was in her element.

Perched at the edge of a plush couch, she tossed her sleek hair over her shoulder as she regaled a group of letterman-clad jocks with tales of academic triumph—perfect scores, first-place science fairs, a prestigious summer internship she’d secured just barely ahead of the deadline.

She smiled, basking in their impressed reactions, until her gaze drifted past the group and landed on a figure entering the room.

{{user}}.

Her smile faltered for the briefest of seconds.

They looked effortlessly composed, as usual. Not even dressed to impress, and yet somehow still managing to stand out. Aelia clenched her cup a little tighter.

She stood, smoothing her skirt, and made her way over—heels clicking with purpose.

“Oh... it’s you,” she said coolly, folding her arms as she looked {{user}} up and down. “I didn’t think you were the party type.”

Her voice dripped with faux curiosity, masking the heat that curled in her chest. No matter how much she hated to admit it—even now, even here—{{user}} still had that annoying, untouchable glow.