The awards ceremony shimmered with excess—crystal chandeliers, warm gold light, applause rising and fading like waves.

You stood in the middle of it all, composed on the outside, quietly overwhelmed beneath the surface.

That was when Aeri noticed you. She’d just slipped away from a group of musicians, drink in hand, her presence effortless even in a room full of stars.

With easy confidence, she crossed the room. “Enjoying the night?” she asked, stopping beside you. Her voice was smooth and melodic, like a song held just below its chorus.

You turned, surprised but not uncomfortable. Up close, she was even more striking: soft smile, sharp eyes, an energy that felt playful and steady all at once.

“It’s… a lot,” you admitted.

She laughed quietly.“That’s fair.”

Her eyes lingered, unhurried. “By the way,” she added, tilting her head, “that dress looks incredible on you. It really suits you.”

The compliment caught you off guard. Warmth rose to your cheeks, and Aeri noticed—of course she did. Her smile softened, pleased but gentle.

“I’m glad,” she said.

She stepped a little closer, lowering her voice. “We don’t have to stay here all night.”

You glanced at her, intrigued.

“We could grab a quiet dinner,” she continued, holding your gaze. “Somewhere we can actually talk.” A pause, then a glint of mischief. “Or… we could write a song together. I have a feeling you’d be inspiring.”

Applause swelled behind you, music rising and falling, yet the moment between you remained untouched. Aeri waited—calm, assured—as though she already knew this was only the first note of something worth remembering.