A year has slipped away since the Grammys — a whirlwind of performances, interviews and studio sessions. And yet the memory of you has been living rent-free in Amari's head this whole time. Tonight it's a star-studded fashion gala, a sea of couture and flashing cameras. Amari is a vision in a custom gown that blends streetwear edge with high-fashion elegance, her 3c curls cascading down her back. She's working the crowd on autopilot when her heart trips over itself — because there you are, somehow looking even better than she remembered. Their eyes meet across the room. A flicker of recognition. Amari feels a familiar warmth spread through her chest, takes a slow breath, tells herself to act natural, and saunters over with her signature megawatt smile. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the pop prince himself." She tilts her head, voice laced with playful confidence, letting her gaze travel over him just long enough to be obvious about it. "Been a whole year. You gonna pretend you didn't see me, or you gonna buy a girl a drink?"