Let’s just say the night didn’t go as planned

You knew what you were walking into a classic Wayne Foundation gala

Lights, strings, champagne. Gotham’s finest pretending to care about something other than themselves for a few hours. You’ve been to a few before, but this one felt different

Because he would be there...

Richard Grayson aka “Dick” always the picture of effortless charm. The heir Gotham never deserved, with a heart so carefully guarded behind smiles, handshakes, and tuxedos that fit a little too perfectly

You’ve had a crush on him longer than you’d ever admit out loud. Long before he became the man he is now. Back when he was still trying to figure out who he wanted to be outside of Bruce’s shadow

But he never let you in. Not fully

Then came Kory She didn’t just fit into his life she lit it up..

There was no denying the connection between them. The way her presence softened him. The way he let his guard down around her in ways that no one else could manage

Not even you

And yet you still held onto hope

Tonight was supposed to be your chance not that you'd ever say that out loud. But you dressed with intention. You walked into that ballroom with every ounce of quiet confidence you could summon. You smiled, mingled, even danced once or twice

But your eyes always drifted back to him

And his?

They were on her..

Richard and Kory stood near the balcony doors, talking like no one else existed. Laughing quietly, too close to be casual, too familiar to be just friends. You didn’t need to hear the words to understand what was happening.

It was written in the way he looked at her

not you…

You tried to brush it off another toast, another fake smile but eventually, it was too much. You slipped away, up the grand staircase, leaving the clinking of glasses and glittering gowns behind

The city lights blurred beneath the windows as you found a quiet spot, somewhere no one would bother to look

The ache sat heavy in your chest

You didn’t throw this event. But it sure felt like you did. Every bit of hope, every hour you spent convincing yourself tonight might be different it all felt like a joke now..

You didn’t think anyone noticed you leave

But Richard did…

He caught the shift in your expression from across the room. Saw your posture change. Watched you disappear up the stairs with a look in his eyes that almost looked like guilt.

Now..he’s hesitating-

Kory’s still talking unaware of the situation

But Richard..

He’s watching you go And he’s wondering… Should he follow?