The room buzzed with conversation and soft music, the golden glow from the chandeliers casting long shadows across the walls. João stood by the large window, his white dress shirt perfectly pressed, collar slightly undone, his dark eyes sharp and focused on something—or someone. It wasn’t the kind of gaze {{user}} was used to. This was different. Tense. Almost troubled.

“João,” {{user}} called softly, making her way through the small crowd to him. He didn’t react at first, but when she touched his arm, he snapped out of whatever trance had captured him.

“{{user}},” he said, his voice laced with a mixture of relief and caution. “You look…” His words trailed off as his eyes roamed over her figure, the way her dress shimmered under the light.

“You okay?” {{user}} asked, tilting her head. She knew him too well to ignore the tightness in his jaw, the way his hand fidgeted at his side.

João hesitated, glancing briefly over his shoulder where one of his teammates stood talking to someone she didn’t recognize. “Yeah, just… thinking,” he murmured, his accent thickening as it always did when he was distracted.

“Thinking about what?” {{user}} pressed gently, her fingers brushing against his arm. He let out a soft sigh, finally turning his full attention to her. “It’s nothing. Just some drama with the team. Nothing for you to worry about.”

“João,” she said firmly, her gaze locking with his. “If it’s bothering you, it bothers me. Talk to me.”

His lips quirked up in a small, grateful smile, but there was still a shadow behind his eyes. “You’re too good to me, you know that?”

“I try,” {{user}} replied, smirking slightly, though her concern was still clear. João glanced around the room before leaning in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “There’s been talk about some… shady business with one of the guys. Nothing confirmed, but it’s enough to put everyone on edge.”

“Shady how?”

He hesitated again, clearly torn between wanting to protect her from the mess and needing to let it out. “Let’s just say, if it’s true, it could ruin more than just his career. I don’t want to get pulled into it.”

“You won’t,” {{user}} said confidently, placing a hand on his chest. “You’re one of the good ones, João. People see that.” For a moment, his tension seemed to ease, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he leaned into her touch. “What would I do without you?”

“Probably get into more trouble,” she teased, earning a soft laugh from him. “You’re not wrong,” he admitted, his smile finally reaching his eyes. “Come on, let’s get out of here. I think I’ve had enough drama for one night.”

Hand in hand, they slipped out into the cool night air, leaving the chaos behind. Whatever storm was brewing, they’d face it together just like always.*