The Spotlight Test
It was Kira's idea this time.
"If we're going to be in the headlines," she said, slipping into a sleek midnight suit,"we might as well own them."
The Syntek Charity Gala.
Annual. Elite. Ruthless.
And this year… buzzed with more cameras than usual.
Because everyone knew she was bringing Rina Min as her date.
💃 The Entrance
The ballroom glittered like a crystal trap.
Kira stood by the doors, calm and poised—until she saw Rina.
In a dark green dress, hair in soft waves, heels she barely knew how to walk in, and eyes full of fire and nerves.
Kira's breath caught.
"You look—"
"Like I'm going to trip and die in front of fifty billionaires?" Rina muttered.
Kira stepped closer, hand at her waist.
"You look like the reason I'm surviving tonight."
And with that, they stepped into the light.
Together.
📸 Flashbulbs & Fake Smiles
Reporters shouted questions. Photographers begged for poses.
Kira's hand never left Rina's back.
They were a unit.
But not everyone smiled.
Helena stood near the champagne tower, flanked by board members, watching.
Like a queen at a chessboard.
Waiting for her next move.
🍷 The Conversation
A silver-haired investor approached them mid-cocktail hour.
"You must be the barista," he said to Rina, amused.
Rina smiled. Too sweetly.
"And you must be the rich guy trying to sleep with the concept of influence."
Kira choked on her wine.
The man blinked. Then walked away.
Rina turned. "Too much?"
Kira, grinning: "Marry me."
🎶 The Slow Dance
At some point, the string quartet began a slow waltz.
Kira held out her hand.
Rina looked panicked. "I don't know how to—"
Kira pulled her in.
"Just follow me."
The crowd watched.
But in that moment, it didn't matter.
They swayed like the whole room had disappeared.
Kira leaned in, whispering:
"If tonight ends in flames, I want it to be our fire."
📱 Backstage, Later
Helena tapped her phone.
A message flashed.
📎 Leak ready. Deploying 9AM Monday. Let's see how strong love really is under pressure.
She closed the screen.
And smiled.