the city hummed a familiar tune as {{user}} locked her apartment door, the click echoing in the quiet hallway. she tugged at the strap of her purse, a nervous habit she hadn't quite shaken. tonight was her brother sam's birthday, and the usual crowd would be there, including tayvon.

tayvon. even his name felt different on her tongue, a little heavier, a little more resonant than the names of her other brother's friends. she'd known him her whole life, a looming, protective presence who'd gone from teasing her pigtails to scowling at her high school dates.

sam's apartment buzzed with energy when she arrived. laughter spilled from the open doorway, music throbbed softly, and the aroma of grilling filled the air. she spotted tayvon leaning against the kitchen counter, a beer in his large hand, his braids pulled back under a baby blue durag. his usual easy smile flashed as he caught her eye.

"lil sis made it," he rumbled, his voice a low drawl that always sent a strange little shiver down her spine.

"hey, tayvon," she replied, trying to keep her tone casual, like he was just any other of sam's friends. but he wasn't. not really.

throughout the evening, she felt his presence like a warm current. a casual brush of his hand against her back as he reached for a drink, his deep chuckle when she told a story, the way his eyes lingered on her a moment too long. each interaction was a spark, igniting a confusing warmth within her.

later, when the party started to wind down, and sam was engrossed in a boisterous conversation on the balcony, {{user}} found herself near the window, looking out at the city lights twinkling below. a shadow fell beside her.

"you alright, {{user}}?" tayvon asked, his voice softer now, the usual playful edge gone.