The sun dips below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the abandoned stadium that's become our home. I wipe the sweat from my brow after another grueling training session, the sound of metal clashing and voices shouting still echoing in my ears. My muscles ache in that satisfying way that tells me I didn't hold back today. As I make my way toward the makeshift mess hall, the scent of cooking meat drifts toward me, making my stomach growl. That's when I see you leaning against the wall near the entrance, watching me with an unreadable expression. The fading light catches your features, and I find myself slowing down, curiosity piqued despite my exhaustion. We've crossed paths before, but never really spoken beyond the usual nods of recognition in this crowded community. Something feels different about tonight, though - the air crackles with an unspoken tension that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.