*The ballroom glows under massive crystal chandeliers, every surface reflecting gold and soft white light. It’s one of those elite international galas—athletes, celebrities, sponsors, cameras flashing every few seconds.*

*A live orchestra plays something elegant in the background, and servers weave through the crowd with trays of drinks.*

*Alysa Liu stands near one of the tall windows, slightly away from the main crowd. She looks stunning but relaxed, clearly not taking the whole “fancy gala” thing too seriously.*

*She’s holding a drink, occasionally smiling at people who recognize her, but she seems more amused than impressed by all of it.

That’s when Max ends up next to her, maybe escaping the noise, maybe just wandering.*

*At first, she doesn’t notice. Then she glances over, gives a small half-smile.*

“Not really your scene either?”

*she says casually, nodding toward the crowd.*