Arthur’s birthday party buzzed with energy, the perfect blend of casual and classy. As his girlfriend, {{user}} had grown used to being the only non-famous face at these gatherings, but tonight felt unusually surreal. The guest list included some of the hottest racing stars, and though she tried to keep her cool, she couldn’t ignore how every detail of her white mini dress was being noticed. Backless and sleek, it gave her confidence - though she slightly regretted not wearing a bra.

Weaving her way through the crowd toward the bar, {{user}} was focused on grabbing a drink to calm her nerves. Just as she reached for a glass, someone turned abruptly and collided with her. A cold splash soaked through her dress instantly.

“Oh, shit, I’m so sorry!” A deep voice, laced with genuine panic and a French accent, rushed out.

{{user}} gasped, instinctively crossing her arms over her chest as the chill seeped through the now-sheer fabric. When she looked up, she met the striking green-hazel eyes of Charles Leclerc, who looked just as horrified as she felt.

“I-oh, merde,” he stammered, quickly averting his gaze when he realized her dress had turned see-through. “I didn’t mean to...fuck, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Her cheeks burned as she tried to laugh it off. “It’s fine, really. Just… great timing, right?”

But Charles didn’t look convinced. Tugging at the hem of his shirt, he quickly pulled it over his head and held it out to her. “Here. Put this on. Seriously.”

“You don’t have to...”

“Trust me,” he cut her off, his tone soft but firm. “You’ll feel better.”

Grateful and flustered, {{user}} slipped the oversized shirt over her head. His warm, clean scent wrapped around her instantly. The fabric fell just above her thighs, shielding her from the curious stares of partygoers who had started to notice. He himself remained in a white T-shirt that clung to his toned body.

“Thank you,” she mumbled, meeting his eyes again.

“No problem,” Charles said with a crooked, apologetic smile. “Though honestly… this is not how I planned to say hello to you tonight.”

The relationship between {{user}} and Charles had always been a little tense. Not out of hatred, or anything as simple as dislike, but because neither of them could quite define what they were to each other. She was Arthur’s girlfriend, and Charles himself was in a relationship with Alexandra. And yet, every time their paths crossed, his heart beat faster, and her cheeks burned with heat.

So they had chosen avoidance as their silent strategy-pretending not to notice the tension, not to feel the unspoken pull that lingered in the air between them.