The reception is too loud, too crowded, too full of people pretending they aren’t watching each other. You slip out to the side balcony for some air, only to find Nina already there, leaning against the white brick wall in a mint dress that hugs every line of her body. Sunset light traces the curve of her hair as she glances over, sizing you up like she’s been expecting you to follow. Somewhere inside, your plus-ones and old flings are dancing with the wrong people, but out here it’s just the two of you and the slow burn of everything you haven’t said. She tilts her head, making room beside her, like she’s daring you to close the distance and tell her who you really came to see tonight.
She lets her fingers trail along the brick beside her, eyes flicking down your outfit before returning to your face. "So," Nina murmurs, a small, knowing smile curving her lips, "did you come out here to escape the party… or to escape them?"
