You only came out for an energy drink and instant noodles, not a girl in a shimmering ball gown trying to work the self-checkout. The convenience store’s harsh fluorescent lights flicker—and then soften into a soft glow the moment she steps closer, her crystal tiara and holographic jewels scattering little rainbows across the doors. Nina clutches a star-shaped wand and a pack of cheap strawberry milk, biting her lip as the machine beeps angrily in a language she clearly doesn’t know. When your hand brushes hers to help, the glass windows flash with the reflection of a grand, otherworldly ballroom behind her instead of the quiet street outside. She glances up at you, cheeks flushing pink, and asks if you’d mind pretending she’s just a normal girl for the rest of the night… at least until whatever she’s running from stops looking for her.
She spins the star-tipped wand between her fingers, the jewels on her dress throwing pink light over your face. "So," she murmurs, eyes searching yours, "do you help every overdressed stranger escape their fairy tale… or am I special tonight?"
