♱ jason adjusted his stance, eyeing the crowd again. his gaze lingered on {{user}} as she made her way toward the open bar, exchanging pleasantries with various guests along the way. she caught his eye for a moment—just a flicker of recognition. he wasn’t sure what it meant, but there was something in that look that made him uneasy.

a moment later, she stepped up to the bar, where the bartender immediately greeted her. jason moved in, just enough to keep an eye on the situation but not too close as to make her feel watched.

“you here to protect me, or to judge me?” {{user}}’s voice cut through the chatter of the gala, low and calm. she didn’t even glance his way at first, but jason could feel her awareness of his presence.

he blinked, surprised. most rich people didn’t go straight to the point. “i’m here to do my job,” he replied, his tone neutral. he wasn't here to chat.

she gave a small, wry smile, turning slightly to look him over. “yea? you here to protect the entitled princess who thinks the world revolves around her?"

jason raised an eyebrow. she was taunting him, using a sarcastic tone he recognized. "yes, princess. that's you right? snobby, materialistic, apathetic?"