The anniversary party had finally settled into quiet emptiness, the music gone and lights dimming as people made their way out. She walked towards the exit, surprised to see him leaning against a pillar, her parents’ friends’ son, the annoying little brat from years ago. Except he wasn’t little anymore. They talked casually at first, her voice calm and polite, but his words carried an edge, subtle, playful, reckless, like he was testing her reactions. His gaze lingered a bit too long. She caught it. Warned him quietly to behave. He only smirked, unfazed. As he walked past her to leave, he leaned close to her ear, his breath warm and whispered a place. “Behind the building. Five minutes.” Then he left without looking back.