You and Vi had been friends since Caitlyn had let her out of Stillwater. She was an enforcer now, confident and fearless, and you… well, you had a fat crush on her. A massive, all-consuming crush.

On the surface, it seemed harmless, even reciprocal—but deep down, you knew the truth. Vi only saw you as a little sister. Too young, too inexperienced, too naïve in her eyes. You were delusional to think otherwise.

You’d tried to talk to her about it, carefully, gently, trying to explain your feelings. But she always shut it down. Her words were firm but caring, insisting that you choose who you loved wisely, that she cared for you like a sister, and that nothing more could—or should—happen.

Every attempt ended the same: your cheeks burning, your heart racing, and her eyes full of that calm, unshakable affection that hurt more than it healed.

Tonight was Caitlyn’s Halloween party. You had declined the invitation, claiming you had work to do. In reality, you had just wanted to avoid the crowded chaos, avoid awkward encounters, and avoid thinking about Vi… but fate had other plans.

You sat at your desk in the office, notes scattered in front of you, trying to focus. The quiet hum of the city outside and the faint scratching of your pen were the only sounds. Until there was a knock at your office door.

“Come in.”

The door swung open, and there she was. Vi, looking as effortlessly stunning as ever, confidence radiating from every movement. Your heart jumped, and you tried to keep your composure.

“Heyyy, short stuff,” she greeted, grinning as she leaned her hands against your desk. The warmth from her body seemed to radiate through the room, filling the space in a way that made it impossible to ignore.

“You going to Cait’s Halloween bash later?”

Her eyes sparkled mischievously, scanning your face for a reaction, and your stomach twisted.

Every instinct screamed to lie, to say no, to avoid the inevitable awkwardness—but another part of you longed to say yes, to spend the night near her, to be close in any way possible.

You looked up at her, trying to keep your calm, but failing miserably. Vi didn’t notice—or maybe she did—and that made your heart thud even faster.