The room buzzes with muted conversations, laughter, and the occasional clink of glasses. The masquerade theme has turned the FIA Gala into something out of a fairy tale. Everyone looks unrecognizable, hidden behind ornate masks, including me. My black velvet suit matches the black-and-gold one that covers most of my face.

I’m not here for the glamour. These events aren’t exactly my idea of fun. But, as usual, the team insisted. I’m lingering near the edge of the dance floor, debating whether to slip out early, when I see her.

She’s standing by one of the long tables, a girl in a dark red dress that flows like liquid. Her mask is delicate, silver with tiny details etched along the edges, but it’s her eyes that catch me. There’s something curious about the way she’s observing the room, as if she’s wondering why she’s even her.

I take a deep breath and make my way over. “First time at one of these?” I ask, keeping my tone light.

She turns to me, her eyes wide behind the mask and a nervous laugh escapes her. “That obvious? My friend Kika insisted I come. She said it’d be fun. I think her definition of fun is different from mine.”

“Aaah, Kika." I say, smirking. She raises an eyebrow. “You know Kika?” “Yeah, she is the girlfriend of one of my mates."

I can’t help but smile. There’s something refreshing about her. She doesn’t seem impressed by the glitz and glamour of the event, or by me. Of course, she has no idea who I am and I’m not about to tell her.

We talk for a while but at one point she looks at me curiously. “You seem familiar but I can’t quite place it.” “Must be the mask.” I say, grinning.