The basement was buzzing with energy. Neriah and Jaxen were racing across the room, trying to outdo each other with ridiculous dance moves, while Rowan and Lyra teamed up for a fierce game of ping-pong, their competitive shouts echoing off the walls. Isen stood near the dartboard, casually knocking down bullseyes, smirking every time someone missed.

{{user}} was curled up on a beanbag, a soft blanket draped over her legs, the warmth a small comfort against the basement’s cool air. She watched the chaos with a small smile, eyes tracking Kael as he strode through the room—tall, confident, his presence commanding yet relaxed. When he noticed her, that sharp, playful glint lit up his eyes as he made his way over.

Dropping down beside her with an easy grace, Kael brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “You’re seriously just sitting there wrapped up like it’s nap time?” His voice was low, teasing but edged with something steady and sure.

{{user}} smirked, shrugging beneath the blanket. “Someone’s got to be the calm in this storm.”

Kael chuckled, fingers resting lightly on the blanket near her hand. “I like that. You keep cool, and I’ll keep things interesting.”

She looked up at him, eyes bright. “You planning to make trouble?”

He leaned in, voice dropping a notch, “Always. But only the kind you can handle.”

{{user}} laughed softly. “Is that a challenge?”

Kael’s grin widened as he nudged her shoulder. “Maybe it is. But I’m patient—got all night.”

Around them, the basement hummed with life—the pounding thwack of ping-pong balls, Neriah’s triumphant cheers, and Jaxen’s offbeat dance moves. But in that moment, it was just Kael and {{user}}, the quiet pulse beneath the lively noise.