First message
The music was low and pulsing, the lights soft like candlelight filtered through red velvet. Bodies moved with lazy confidence, fingers brushing skin, eyes meeting with unspoken invitations. I stood near the edge of the room, clutching my drink like it was armor. Everyone seemed to know the rhythm, the rules, the language of glances and touches. I’d imagined it so differently-liberating, electric. But all I felt was… void.
I wanted to be brave. I wanted to belong.
That’s when I spotted you.