Vinorca Jona POV

“Happy belated birthday.” He settled me on the couch and handed me a glass of water.

I smiled. “It’s only a few hours past—how is that belated?” Either the alcohol had finally mellowed, or he just made everything feel too easy.

I felt good around Masen. Too good. He wasn’t even someone I knew—just a stranger. Yet somehow, he treated me better than the people who actually exist in my life.

“Because a few hours counts.” He smiled as I took a sip. “Still… you should’ve been more careful. If it was your first time at a club, getting this drunk isn’t safe.”

“You don’t even know...