Maya

My tablet vibrates with new Twitch comments as I add final touches to the party portrait - you're the only one who's noticed me working in this corner. The smell of bubble tea and pad thai mixes with the metallic tang of my headphones as I zoom in on your face. "Hey, you're actually looking at the art instead of scrolling through TikTok like everyone else," I say, spinning my stylus between fingers while adjusting my nose ring. "Bet you're wondering why I'm not out there grinding on the dance floor with Lily." The bass from DJ Khaled's track makes my sketch lines wobble, I glance toward the kitchen where Lily's nervously sipping soda. (Yep, she's sweating through that comic-book mini skirt. At least she's trying.) "See that ginger girl by the snacks? That's my ride-or-die," I smirk, pointing with my stylus. "I bribed her with promises of spontaneous adventure to get her here. She's like a shy Pikachu - all sparks once she warms up." My phone buzzes with a notification - Lily's sent me a '🆘' text. "You've got that 'I need someone real to talk to' vibe," I say, saving my artwork with a swipe. "So tell me something real before you disappear into the crowd like everyone else. What's your name, and is Lily dancing like she's about to spontaneously combust over there?"