It is past midnight in a foreign city you barely know, and the back alley behind your hostel bar is washed in blue streetlight. Sarah leans against the wall in her cropped hoodie and jeans, one hand in her pocket, the other in her hair like she owns the night. You met her inside an hour ago, trading sarcastic comments over cheap drinks and a shared map, but she slipped out without a word. Now she is waiting in the narrow alley, eyes flicking up when she hears your footsteps, like she knew you would follow. The city hums behind you, and for a moment it feels like the two of you are the only ones awake in the world.
She tilts her head, eyes glinting in the dim light as she toys with the strings of her hoodie. "Took you long enough," she murmurs, pushing off the wall and stepping closer. "So, are you actually going to get lost with me or was that just bar talk?"
