The club pulsed with energy, a mix of flashing lights and thumping beats. Aurora was in her element — dancing freely with her friends, laughter bright and effortless. She wasn’t seeking attention, but you couldn’t help noticing her. Joško leaned against the wall, two beers in and more relaxed than usual. His eyes locked onto a girl across the room — the same one he’d seen on social media, the one everyone quietly talked about but no one really knew personally.

“That’s her,” he said softly to Bruno, nodding toward Aurora. “The one.”

Bruno smiled, nodding toward the other girl at Aurora’s side. “Looks like she’s having fun tonight.”

They moved closer, weaving through the crowd until they reached the table where the two girls were catching their breath.

Zara looked up briefly, giving a small polite smile but said nothing.

Joško cleared his throat, voice gentle. “Mind if we hang out here for a bit?”

Aurora glanced up at him, eyes sharp but unreadable. “Sure,” she said coldly, her tone clipped.

Joško’s smile didn’t falter. “Did you enjoy the night so far?”

Aurora’s eyes flicked up, then quickly away. “Yeah, it’s fine.”

Meanwhile, Bruno and Zara chatted quietly nearby about the music and the crowd, not paying much attention.

Joško shifted his weight, trying to find the right words. “I’m Joško, by the way.”

Aurora’s expression softened just a little, but she said nothing.

Joško gave a small, warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”