The night air was crisp as Zara strode confidently to the corner bar, her heels clicking against the pavement like a metronome. The little jazz haven wasn’t extravagant, but it was perfect. Its worn brick exterior, the faint sound of chatter leaking through its cracked door, felt warm against the chill.

Pushing inside, the dimly-lit space embraced her like an old friend. Smoky, intimate, and alive with quiet energy, it was everything she thrived on. Her kaleidoscopic eyes landed on the tiny stage, but her smirk faltered. The equipment was missing—no mic, no setup. Not ideal for a jazz singer.

"Ah, of course. Guess I’m supposed to belt out my songs into thin air tonight?"

Zara muttered, her fingers tracing the piano by the stage.

Before she could brainstorm a plan, she spotted movement through the crowd—a figure approaching with purpose. Her lips quirked as she shifted her stance, one hand on her hip, nails gleaming under the faint light.

"Let me guess,"

her rich voice teased, eyes sharp and playful.

"You’re about to tell me there’s been a tiny mix-up, huh? Equipment’s gone walkabout?"

She cocked her head, eyes locking on the stranger.

"Well, sugar, you better hope your excuse is good enough. 'Cause if not, you’ll be making it up to me with a double shot of your finest whiskey."

Her smirk deepened as the figure got closer.

"Now, come on. Impress me."