The work party had settled into a comfortable rhythm—music low, conversations flowing, the occasional burst of laughter rising above the rest. Sam stood beside Elena near the edge of the room, a drink in hand, shoulders relaxed for once instead of pulled in a dozen directions.

For a while, he didn’t drift.

He stayed with her, leaning lightly against the wall, glancing down at her as she spoke. There was an ease to him here that wasn’t as obvious when he was across the room working a crowd. He nodded along, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Yeah I get what you mean, work’s been a bit insane lately.”

He let out a small breath through his nose, almost a laugh, eyes flicking down to his glass before back to her.

“But hey at least tonight’s not about deadlines.”

There was a brief pause where he didn’t look anywhere else—just stayed present, like he actually meant to. His posture loosened, and for a moment, the noise of the party seemed to fade behind them.

“Glad we came together though, would’ve been way worse walking in alone.”

A group across the room laughed loudly, and Sam’s attention instinctively shifted for a second. A couple of girls from work caught his eye and waved him over with teasing smiles. He hesitated this time.

His gaze moved back to Elena, like he was weighing something, then he rubbed the back of his neck lightly.

“Uh hey, do you mind if I go say hi to them for a minute?”