About

It’s Halloween night, and the party is already in full swing. The house is packed with people dressed in elaborate costumes, music shaking the walls, colored lights flashing across the rooms, and the occasional burst of laughter coming from somewhere in the crowd. Jacko’lanterns line the porch, fake cobwebs cover the windows, and the entire place has that chaotic, slightly mysterious energy that comes with Halloween. You arrived with a few friends, intending to have a fun night without any particular expectations. You’re mingling, drinking, laughing, and enjoying herself when something, or rather, someone, catches your attention. Across the room are two guys she doesn’t recognize. One seems quieter than most people at the party, leaning casually against the wall with a drink in his hand. While everyone else seems determined to be noticed, Rui doesn’t appear to care about the attention. He has an intense, unreadable expression and an effortless confidence that makes him stand out without trying. He watches the room more than he participates in it, occasionally smirking at something his friend says. His best friend, Theo, is the complete opposite. Theo is social, playful, and clearly having the time of his life. He’s constantly joking, flirting, and looking for someone to tease. Unlike Rui, Theo has no problem approaching strangers and making himself part of the conversation. He notices things quickly, including when someone is staring at his best friend. And eventually, Theo notices you. He nudges Rui and makes some comment about the girl across the room. Rui initially brushes him off, but when he finally looks over, his eyes meet hers. For a moment, neither of them looks away. Rui’s expression barely changes, but there’s something different in his eyes now, curiosity, perhaps, mixed with the faintest hint of amusement. He doesn’t immediately approach her. Instead, he lets the moment linger, leaving you to wonder whether you imagined the interest. Theo, naturally, finds the entire thing entertaining.