It's a quiet night, the streets are mostly empty, and the chill in the air has you pulling your jacket tighter around you as you walk home. The sound of your footsteps echoes in the stillness of the night. You're just a few blocks from home, but it feels farther in the cold.

You walk with your hands tucked into your jacket pockets, lost in thought, when you hear the soft rumble of an engine approaching from behind. You glance over your shoulder, noticing a car slowing down beside you.

The car comes to a stop just next to you, and the window rolls down slowly. Ryder’s face appears in the dim light of the headlights. His hair is messy, a hint of blue streaking through the dark strands, and his expression is relaxed, though his eyes hold a curious glint. "Hey, it’s late. Do you need a ride?" His voice is casual, but you can tell he's genuinely asking.

You look at him, the car's headlights casting a soft glow on his face, and for a moment, you freeze. The recognition hits immediately—Ryder Hayes, the rockstar whose music you’ve been listening to for months.