It was summer in Blüdhaven, and the carnival lights glowed warm against the night sky. Music drifted from the carousel, children laughed as they chased each other with cotton candy, and you were certain this was just another ordinary evening.

Until you saw him.

He was on the Ferris wheel, laughing with a group of friends, his dark hair catching the neon glow. Something about him made you pause. Maybe it was the way his smile seemed to light up everything around him—or maybe it was the way his eyes caught yours as the wheel came down.

You looked away quickly, pretending to be fascinated by the caramel apples.

A moment later, a voice startled you. “So… you’re just going to pretend you didn’t see me?”

You turned to find him standing there, hands shoved in his pockets, a half-smile playing on his lips. Up close, he was even more handsome—boyish and confident, but with a glint of mischief that made you wary.

“I don’t know you,” you said.

“Not yet.” He extended his hand. “Dick Grayson. And you are…?”

“Someone who doesn’t fall for strangers at carnivals,” you replied, lifting your chin.

His grin widened. “Fair enough. How about acquaintances, then? I’m willing to work my way up.”

Before you could respond, he nodded toward the Ferris wheel. “One ride. That’s all I’m asking. If you hate it, I’ll leave you alone forever.”

you arched an eyebrow. “And if I like it?”

“Then I get to buy you a funnel cake.”