Maya groaned as Chloe tugged her arm through the bustling streets of NYC. "Come on, Maya! You need a break! School, café, homework… you've been chained to responsibilities forever. Tonight, we live a little!"
Maya stumbled slightly, trying to keep pace. "Chloe… I really don't think—"
"Nope. No excuses," Chloe interrupted, grinning mischievously. "You're coming, whether you like it or not."
Maya sighed. She knew better than to argue with Chloe when she had that determined glint in her eye. "Fine. But only for a short while."
The neon lights of the club flickered in rhythm with the thumping bass as they entered. Maya blinked, overwhelmed by the crowd, the music, and the flashing lights. She felt out of place in her simple jeans and sneakers, surrounded by people dressed to kill.
Chloe laughed, pulling her toward the bar. "Relax! You'll have fun. Just… forget about work and Blake for one night."
Maya forced a smile, though her thoughts immediately drifted to the café incident. Why can't I get him out of my head?
---
A few minutes later, as Chloe ordered drinks, Maya's eyes scanned the crowd aimlessly. That's when she saw him — Blake Simpson. Hoodie off, hair slightly tousled, dressed in a simple black T-shirt that hugged his toned frame. He was leaning against the VIP railing, sunglasses on, scanning the room with a quiet intensity that made her stomach twist.
Chloe noticed her staring. "Uh-oh. You're thinking about him again, aren't you?"
Maya shot her a glare, but Chloe's knowing smirk told her she'd already lost the argument.
---
Blake's gaze, however, had already caught Maya's. He spotted her near the bar, standing awkwardly among the crowd. What is she doing here? he thought, a mixture of surprise and amusement curling in his chest. She didn't belong in this scene — too genuine, too real. And yet… captivating.
As if sensing his stare, Maya's eyes met his across the room. Time seemed to slow. Her heart thumped in her chest. Why does he make me feel this way?
Blake's lips curved into a faint smile before he turned away, signaling one of his friends to join him at a quieter spot. But just as he did, a surge of curiosity pulled him back. He needed to see her again — up close.
---
Chloe, oblivious to the silent electricity between them, grabbed Maya's hand. "Dance! Come on, just for one song!"
Maya hesitated. "Chloe… I—"
"You're going to regret it if you don't!" Chloe dragged her onto the crowded dance floor. Maya moved stiffly at first, trying to blend into the rhythm, but Chloe's infectious energy slowly loosened her up.
Then she felt it — a hand brushing hers. She turned, heart racing, and froze. Blake. Standing right beside her, his hand lightly grazing hers in a playful, almost teasing manner.
"You…" Maya whispered, barely audible over the music.
"Surprised to see me?" Blake asked, his voice low, smooth, and teasing. He leaned slightly closer so only she could hear. "I didn't expect to run into you here."
Maya opened her mouth, but no words came out. She could feel the warmth from his proximity, the faint scent of cologne mixing with the nightclub's electric energy.
Blake raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Cat got your tongue?"
Maya flushed, trying to pull her hand back subtly, but Chloe elbowed her playfully. "Relax! It's just him!"
Blake noticed Chloe and gave a half-smile before turning his attention back to Maya. "You're… different from everyone else here," he said, genuine, his voice softening. "Not impressed by the flashing lights or the attention. That's… rare."
Maya's heart fluttered. "I'm not here for that," she said quietly. "I just—" She stopped herself, realizing she sounded defensive.
"Yeah, I know," Blake interrupted with a teasing wink. "I can tell."
---
The song ended, and the crowd surged forward. Blake held Maya's hand lightly, guiding her toward a quieter corner. "I don't usually do this," he admitted, "but… I wanted to see you again. Away from the chaos."
Maya glanced at him, heart pounding. "And… you just happened to show up at the same club I'm dragged to?" she asked, trying to sound annoyed but failing.
Blake's grin widened. "Maybe it's fate."
Maya rolled her eyes, though she couldn't stop the small smile creeping onto her face. Chloe, sensing the private moment, gave them a thumbs-up and disappeared back into the crowd.
---
Blake leaned casually against the wall, observing her with sharp, intent eyes. "You're… different," he repeated. "You don't chase attention, don't flirt for fun… you're real."
Maya swallowed hard. "And you're… Blake Simpson. Celebrity, hockey player, chased by paparazzi daily. You're also… real?" she teased, her voice lighter than she expected.
Blake laughed softly. "I try," he admitted. "But it's… hard to find people who don't see me as just… money, fame, or a photo op."
Maya's gaze softened. "I don't… I don't see you that way."
For a moment, they were silent, just looking at each other. The music faded slightly behind them, the crowd a blur. Maya's heart raced; Blake's expression softened, almost vulnerable.
Then suddenly, a push from the crowd made Maya stumble. Blake's hand shot out, steadying her. "Careful," he murmured, keeping her close for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Maya's cheeks burned. "Thanks," she whispered.
Blake smiled, giving her that mischievous wink that made her knees weak. "Don't mention it… but maybe we should grab a coffee sometime. Away from the crowd."
Maya's stomach flipped. "Uh… yeah… maybe," she stammered.
---
As the night continued, Blake disappeared into the VIP area, leaving Maya and Chloe behind. Maya watched him go, frustration, curiosity, and something more swirling inside her. Why does he make my heart feel like this?
Chloe nudged her. "So… what do you think? Trouble?"
Maya rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. "Definitely. But… interesting trouble."
And somewhere in the VIP section, Blake Simpson couldn't stop thinking about the girl who wasn't impressed by his fame, who didn't chase attention, who had somehow… captured him completely.