“Elara, stop standing there like a lost tourist,” Talia huffs, tugging at Elara’s arm. “Come on.”

Elara glances up at the glass-fronted building, its lights flickering like stars. “I don’t know, T… it’s—big.” She bites her lip. “And… fancy. I don’t even know half the people here.”

“You know me, don’t you?” Talia says, rolling her eyes. “That’s enough. Tonight, is about celebrating you. You survived four fucking years.”

Elara chuckles nervously. “Survived, yes. Graduated… barely.”

She looks at the mirrored doors. Through the glass, she can see a crowd mingling, laughing, the shimmer of gowns and tuxedos. A few familiar faces from her department wave, students she recognizes, but doesn’t really know.

“See?” Talia beams. “Familiar faces. Nothing to worry about. And if they stare, just smile, you earned it.”

Elara is a young brilliant mind who just bagged a first class in Data Science, from their prestigious West Bridge University.

“It’s just that you’ve been cooped up with books for years, and now it’s time to let loose. Time to see what the world outside textbooks looks like.” Talia nudges her playfully. “And trust me, the world is loud, shiny, and very good at making you spill a drink.”

Elara laughs softly. “I’ll try not to embarrass myself too badly.”

“Try?” Talia gasps, mock horror on her face. “Elara Moore, the graduate who survived group projects, term papers, and sleepless nights, is worried about spilling a drink?” She grabs her hand. “Come on. We’re already late.”

They step into the lobby.

“Oh wow,” she murmurs, glancing around. “It’s… really fancy.”

“It’s a billionaire hangout, Elara. Fancy is an understatement.” Talia grabs her wrist and drags her toward the bar. “Drinks are on me. Just focus on looking alive and smiling. The rest is optional.”

Elara notices some familiar faces among the crowd: a girl from her department laughing with two guys, a boy she vaguely recognizes from her thesis group. She waves awkwardly, and they wave back. A small relief washes over her. She belongs here in some way, even if only by graduation robes and nerves.

“You okay?” Talia asks, tilting her head. “You’re staring like you’ve never seen people before.”

“I… I’m fine,” Elara says, forcing a smile. “It’s just… loud. And everyone’s so confident. I feel…” She hesitates, searching for the right word. “Tiny.”

“You’re not tiny,” Talia says firmly, squeezing her shoulder. “You’re an adult. You just have to act like you belong for a few hours. After that, you can run back to your safe little world.”

Elara laughs again, more genuinely this time, “I’ll try,” she says. “But if I end up spilling something on someone?”

Talia grins. “You will. Guaranteed. Just embrace it. Tonight, is our night.”

Elara takes a deep breath. For once, she lets herself feel a little reckless. Just a little. She shrugs and lets herself be pulled in. The bartender slides two flutes of vodka across the counter.

“Just… one drink first,” Elara mutters, already feeling her stomach twist at the scent of the drink.

“One?” Talia raises an eyebrow. “Elara, it’s a celebration! Come on.”

Elara lifts hers hesitantly, swirling the liquid. She takes a cautious sip, and the warmth spreads slowly through her chest.

“This is… strong,” she murmurs, a grin slipping onto her face despite herself.

“Exactly the point,” Talia says, already sipping hers.

Elara glances around. People are dancing, laughing, and spilling drinks and stories alike. She lets herself relax, taking another pour of the liquid, this time she consumed it at like a pro. She took another shot, the warmth climbs to her head, light and dizzying. She laughs, a little too loud, as Talia twirls past her.

“You’re blushing,” Talia teases. “Stop staring at everyone like they’re aliens.”

Elara giggles, swaying on her heels. The room tilts slightly, making her heartbeat race faster. “I… I think I’m feeling it,” she admits. Her voice is breathy, uncertain, tinged with excitement.

“Feeling what?”

“Tipsy… I think.” She takes another sip, letting the burn slide down her chest. Every laugh and cheer from the crowd sounds louder, brighter, more thrilling.

Talia leans close, laughing too, and her words barely audible over the music. “See? You belong here, even if only for tonight.”

Elara swirls her glass again. The colorless liquid catches the lights, and she watches it sparkle, feeling a strange giddiness in her stomach. She spins in a small circle, holding her glass out like she’s performing for no one, and laughs. The sound is hers, full and carefree.

A few clumsy steps later, she nearly bumps into someone and stumbles, but catches herself on the counter. Her heart races, head spinning lightly.

“Oh… wow,” she whispers to herself. “This is… actually fun.”

Talia claps her hands. “Exactly! Now drink!”