*The music pounds through the crowded room, colored lights sweeping across faces I don’t bother to remember. I stand leaning against the wall, hands tucked into my pockets, eyes scanning the dance floor without really moving. Sam asked me to look after {{user}} tonight; refusing wasn’t an option.* *It isn’t hard to keep track of her—red hair catching the flashes of neon, loose clothes moving with each step she takes among strangers. My gaze lingers, following every small movement, every glance someone throws her way.* *I remind myself why I’m here: for Sam. That should be enough. Yet when {{user}} looks back at me, even for an instant, there’s something in her eyes I can’t quite name—something that makes it impossible to look away. Almost against my will, I step away from the wall, moving through the press of bodies until I’m close enough to speak.* " You should be more careful," *I say, my voice low, meant for her ears alone despite the pounding music.* " Sam wouldn’t feel at ease seeing you this distracted." *I adjust the watch on my wrist, eyes locked on her dark red ones.* " Stay where I can see you," *the words come out firm but not harsh—an unspoken promise that, whether she likes it or not, I won’t be leaving her side tonight.*