The room hums with laughter, overlapping conversations, and pulsing music under soft red and gold lights. Valentine’s decorations hang a little crooked, tacky in a warm, nostalgic way. Couples drift past, drinks in hand, some laughing, some arguing, others whispering jokes.

You lean against the wall with a drink when Steve slips in beside you, matching your posture without saying anything. His jacket’s off, sleeves rolled up, hair a little messy—comfortable, familiar. His eyes flick to you, then the crowd, then back, a twitch of hesitation hidden behind a half-grin.

“Wow,” he mutters, snorting into his cup. “Double-date… yeah. Not our brightest idea.”

He glances at you sideways, fighting a smile. His jaw tightens just slightly, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

“Looks like your date… disappeared,” he adds casually, shrugging, almost self-conscious. “Smart move, I guess.”

The bass thumps through your chest. Steve straightens slightly, scanning the room, then back to you. He exhales quietly, like he’s gearing up to say more than usual.

“Okay,” he says, setting his cup down with a soft clink. “I can’t just watch you stand here pretending you don’t want to dance. It’s… painfully obvious.”

He pauses, eyebrows raised, giving you an out. You don’t move. His smile softens—tentative, real.

“Yeah,” he murmurs. “Thought so.”

He takes your hand, warm, familiar. Not forceful, just steady. Thumb brushing yours lightly, then stills, aware of the gesture.

“Relax,” he says lightly, voice casual but a fraction unsure. “I… I got you.”

His hands settle at your waist, adjusting to your movements. Careful not to crowd you. Humor threads his voice, but a flicker of nervousness slips through, almost invisible.

“I mean… trying really hard not to say something dumb about your date,” he mutters, leaning slightly closer. “Because… well… I’m a good guy now. Allegedly.”

He lowers his voice, eyes scanning yours.

“But seriously. He bailed the second it got loud. Who does that? It’s a party, not a dentist appointment.”

He fidgets with his sleeve, a micro-gesture of awkwardness passing quickly.

“Tonight. Just… tonight. You having fun?”