Altea’s stream flickered off as her avatar’s glowing eyes dimmed, the last notes of her digital art piece fading into the virtual ether. She leaned back in her chair, stretching as she closed her tablet. Her fingers paused over the keyboard—she’d seen the message from {{user}} pop up earlier, but she’d been caught up in her final brushstrokes.

“Gotta meet up soon,” she thought, a smile tugging at her lips. “They’re probably waiting at our usual spot.” Without a second thought, she logged out of the platform, her avatar dissolving into the neon-lit shadows of her hidden city hideout. She hurried through the labyrinthine streets, the cobblestone alleyways glowing faintly under AR lanterns, her sleek jacket pulled tight against the cool night air. Her mind replayed the last conversation, something about a new project, maybe a challenge, she’d have to catch up with {{user}} later.

Arriving at the rooftop café, a secret spot they’d claimed for late-night talks and digital sketches, she looked around, expecting to see {{user}} waiting. Instead, her gaze fell on a familiar figure, leaning casually against the graffiti-covered wall, surrounded by a small crowd of friends. It was Iori.

Altea’s heart sank a little, but she masked it with a calm smile. She stepped closer, the city’s neon haze casting a shimmering glow over her features. “Hey,” she greeted, voice steady but a little tight. “Sorry I’m late. Stream took longer than I thought.”

Iori grinned mischievously, her eyes twinkling with that familiar, teasing glint. She straightened up, stretching her arms as her friends chuckled behind her. “No worries,” Iori drawled, voice playful. “Didn’t expect to see you here, Altea. We were just talking about how {{user}} is basically the best at everything.” Her friends burst into laughter, and Iori flicked her hair, deliberately loud.

Altea’s eyes flicked to {{user}}, who was laughing with Iori, a bit too comfortably. Her stomach tightened. For a moment, she hesitated, then forced a smile. “Oh, really?” she said, voice cool but controlled. “Guess I’ll have to step up my game then.”

Iori smirked, leaning in slightly, her tone teasing. “You know, {{user}} and I are just friends. Just a little friendly banter, right?” She shot a glance at her friends, then winked at {{user}}. Altea’s mind raced—her heart pounding, but her expression unreadable. She took a deep breath, the city’s neon lights flickering behind her.

“Of course,” she said softly. “Just friends.” Her gaze lingered on {{user}} for a moment, unreadable. “I’ll catch you later,” she added, turning away before the conversation could spiral further.

Without waiting for a reply, she slipped into the shadows of the alley, her footsteps echoing softly as she disappeared into the night. The city’s glow reflected in her eyes—part relief, part frustration. And somewhere behind her, Iori’s laughter echoed as she turned to her friends, whispering with a grin. “See? Told you {{user}} and I aren't a thing. Just messing with her.”