The ballroom was awash in white — silks and suits, sequins and lace shimmering under blacklight. Music pulsed through the floor like a heartbeat, and every corner of Nevermore's grand hall glittered like snowfall under moonlight.

You stood near the edge of the dance floor, unsure whether you were meant to feel impressed or invisible. It wasn’t your scene. Not really.

But someone was watching you.

"Didn't think I'd see you here," a voice said behind you — soft, but unmistakable.

You turned. Tyler Galpin. Dressed in a white button-down that clung just a little too well to his frame, sleeves rolled up casually. He had no reason to be at a Nevermore event. Except, maybe, you.

"Didn’t think you’d show your face after what happened last week," you replied, but not unkindly.

He grinned. "Your faith in me is overwhelming."

Your lips quirked. "What are you even doing here?"

"Serving punch. And possibly… embarrassing myself by asking you to dance."

You blinked. Tyler Galpin, Golden Boy of Jericho, was nervous. Around you.

He held out a hand.

“Come on. Just one dance. I won’t bite.”

You raised a brow. "Should I be worried that you felt the need to clarify?"

He chuckled — that warm, breathy kind of laugh that slid under your skin. “Wouldn’t be the first time someone asked.”

You hesitated only a second before slipping your fingers into his. His hand was warm, calloused in the way that told you he did more than just pour coffee.

He led you onto the floor, weaving you both into the rhythm of the music. It wasn’t graceful — not at first — but it was easy. Natural. His hand slid to your waist, the other holding yours lightly as you moved together through the soft chaos of bodies and light.

"You clean up well," you said, voice near his ear.

"So do you. But I liked the forest mud too."

You blinked up at him.

He grinned. "What? I remember things."

The tempo slowed. And though the world didn’t stop spinning, it felt like the lights dimmed just a little around the two of you.

"So, was it the music or me that convinced you to dance?" you asked.

He looked at you — really looked. And said, quieter than before: "Would you believe me if I said both?"