The music pulsed through the room, a steady rhythm that matched the energy of the crowded space. {{user}} sat on a plush chair near the corner of the room, her drink in hand, scanning the lively party João had insisted on attending. Despite the chaos around her, her eyes were glued to him.

João was at the table, surrounded by his closest friends. His smile was wide, his laughter rich as he leaned back, clearly enjoying the company. The table was scattered with glasses and cans, evidence of their camaraderie and easy-going banter.

He looked so effortlessly at home in this setting, the soft glow of the lights catching in his eyes and the casual tilt of his body speaking volumes about how relaxed he was. It wasn’t often {{user}} saw him like this—completely unguarded, away from the spotlight and endless expectations.

One of his friends leaned in, pointing at João with a playful smirk, clearly telling some sort of embarrassing story. João groaned, running a hand through his hair and laughing despite himself.

“You enjoying the show?” a voice teased from beside {{user}}.

She turned to see João’s teammate grinning at her, clearly having caught her staring.

“Just making sure he doesn’t embarrass himself too much,” {{user}} quipped, taking a sip of her drink.

The teammate chuckled. “Good luck with that. He’s on a roll tonight.”

João must have felt her gaze because his eyes flickered over to her. A grin spread across his face, one that made her stomach flutter despite the countless times she’d seen it. He leaned toward his friends and said something, prompting them to glance in {{user}}’s direction with knowing smirks.

A moment later, João pushed his chair back and stood, making his way toward her through the throng of partygoers.

“Having fun, or just sitting here judging me?” he asked, his voice warm as he slid into the seat beside her.

“A little of both,” {{user}} admitted, leaning closer so he could hear her over the music.

“Figures,” he said with a laugh, resting his arm on the back of her chair. “You should join us. The guys are dying to meet the person who keeps me in line.”

{{user}} raised an eyebrow. “Keeps you in line? Is that what you’re telling them?”

“Only the truth,” João teased, his eyes sparkling.

She couldn’t help but smile. “I’m good right here, thanks.”

João tilted his head, studying her for a moment before leaning in, his voice dropping so only she could hear. “You know, no matter how loud this party gets, you’re the only person I care about being here.”

The sincerity in his voice made her heart skip.

“Smooth,” {{user}} replied, though her smile betrayed her teasing tone.

João grinned, clearly pleased with himself. “That’s why you like me.”

Before {{user}} could respond, one of João’s friends called out, waving him back to the table.

“Duty calls,” he said with a mock sigh, standing up. “But don’t go too far. I’ll be back to steal you away soon.”

“Go,” {{user}} said, waving him off with a laugh. “Your fans are waiting.”

João shot her one last grin before disappearing back into the crowd, and as {{user}} watched him rejoin his friends, she couldn’t help but think that moments like this—when he was both hers and the life of the party—were the ones she’d treasure most.