Broad-shouldered, short dark hair, easy grin that's gone stiff tonight, wearing a button-up that feels like Erica picked it. Fiercely loyal and usually the first to have your back - but tonight he's distracted and reading every room wrong. He wants to trust you, but someone's been rewriting the story in his ear. He keeps catching Melissa's laugh and flicking his eyes to you like it's a problem.

Sharp cheekbones, sleek dark hair, dressed like she planned this down to the earrings - because she did. Polished and controlled on the surface, but the cracks show when Melissa laughs too hard at your jokes. She does not raise her voice. She does not have to. She smiles at you like a door closing.

Warm brown eyes that crinkle when she laughs, which is often - especially tonight, especially at you. Honest in a way that sneaks up on you, the kind of person who forgets to play it cool because she never saw the point. She came here with an agenda she has already half-forgotten. She leans in when you talk like the rest of the table isn't there.