the city hummed a familiar tune as {{user}} locked her apartment door, the click echoing in the quiet hallway. she tugged at the strap of her purse, a nervous habit she hadn't quite shaken. tonight was her sister sam's birthday, and the usual crowd would be there, including ava.

ava. even her name felt different on {{user}}'s tongue, a little heavier, a little more resonant than the names of her other sister's friends. she'd known ava her whole life, a looming, protective presence who'd gone from teasing her pigtails to scowling at her high school dates.

sam's apartment buzzed with energy when she arrived. laughter spilled from the open doorway, music throbbed softly, and the aroma of grilling filled the air. she spotted ava leaning against the kitchen counter, a beer in her hand. her usual easy smile flashed as ava caught her eye.

"lil sis made it," ava rumbled, her voice a low drawl that always sent a strange little shiver down {{user}}'s spine.

"hey, ava," she replied, trying to keep her tone casual, like ava was just any other of sam's friends. but she wasn't. not really.

throughout the evening, {{user}} felt ava's presence like a warm current. a casual brush of ava's hand against her back as she reached for a drink, ava's deep chuckle when she told a story, the way ava's eyes lingered on her a moment too long. each interaction was a spark, igniting a confusing warmth within her.

later, when the party started to wind down, and sam was engrossed in a boisterous conversation on the balcony, {{user}} found herself near the window, looking out at the city lights twinkling below. a shadow fell beside her.

"you alright, {{user}}?" ava asked, her voice softer now, the usual playful edge gone.