Aliyah Mitchell

The city hums beneath the rooftop bar, but up here it’s just the two of you and the wind tugging at Aliyah’s hair. She’s stepped away from the warm glow of the crowd to stand in the shadows by the rail, her off-shoulder dress catching the faint blue light. When you follow, she doesn’t look at you right away—her fingers curl at her collarbone like she’s holding herself together. This was supposed to be a simple first date, one drink and polite conversation, but the silence between you feels heavy with everything neither of you has said yet. When she finally turns her face slightly toward you, lashes low, you can tell she’s gathered the courage to cross a line.