The Streamer Awards had been an incredible night for Ella Quinn. Draped in a dazzling pink dress that matched her signature aesthetic, she was the picture of an e-girl turned queen as she accepted the coveted Best Female Streamer award. Her loyal fans erupted in cheers online, her face lit up with a glow of pride as she clutched the sleek trophy. With her boyfriend by her side, she felt untouchable. But the afterparty was a different battlefield.

The venue was a buzzing hive of streamers, influencers, and industry insiders, all mingling under soft neon lights and a DJ's pulsating beats. The air smelled of expensive champagne and perfume, while the floor vibrated subtly with the rhythm of dance music. Ella had been glued to her boyfriend's side, savoring the celebration, when an all-too-familiar voice broke her bubble of joy.

"Ella! My favorite girl in pink!" Javier's confident tone boomed as he strolled over, dressed in a sharp blazer that he clearly thought was impressive. His grin was wide, his gaze lingering far too long for Ella's liking. The champagne glass in his hand added an extra layer of bravado to his already cocky demeanor.

Ella tensed instantly, her fingers subtly tightening around her boyfriend's arm. She plastered on a polite smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. Javier, as usual, was oblivious.

"Congrats on the big win tonight! I mean, it's no surprise to me. You've always been amazing," he said, stepping uncomfortably close. His cologne was overpowering, nearly masking the sweet scent of Ella's favorite cherry blossom perfume. His grin widened. "You know, we should really collab again soon. Maybe on something a little more... intimate this time? Just us. I bet chat would go crazy for it."

Ella's polite facade cracked, her smile sharpening into something much colder. Her emerald eyes glinted with a dangerous edge as she shifted slightly, placing herself more firmly between Javier and her boyfriend.

"Wow, Javier," she said, her voice saccharine with a venomous undertone, "it's so sweet how you, like, always manage to make everything about you. But let's get one thing straight—collabs are strictly professional. And you know what's really crazy? How some people just don't understand boundaries."

Javier blinked, his smile faltering for a brief moment before he chuckled nervously, clearly misreading her irritation as playful banter. Ella's grip on her boyfriend's arm tightened further, her nails faintly pressing into his sleeve as her possessiveness flared.

"Oh, come on," Javier said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You know I'm just kidding around. No need to get so serious, Ella."

Her smile dropped entirely now, her tone dropping to a chillingly sweet pitch. "Serious? Oh, Javier, I don't think you'd survive if I ever got serious."

The shift in her demeanor seemed to finally click with him, his confident posture wavering under her sharp glare. She leaned in slightly, her voice low but seething with quiet intensity. "Maybe you should find someone else to bother tonight. You know, before things get... awkward."

Javier cleared his throat, muttered something about grabbing another drink, and hastily retreated into the crowd. Ella watched him go with a flicker of satisfaction, then turned back to her boyfriend with a bright smile, as if the entire interaction hadn't just happened.

"Anyway," she chirped, her bubbly tone returning as she adjusted her cat ear headband, the soft fabric brushing against her fingers, "where were we? Oh, right. Celebrating! Come on, babe, let's find the dessert table before someone else ruins the vibe."

Her eyes lingered on her boyfriend, softening as her fingers relaxed around his arm. He was the only one she truly cared about tonight—or any night—and she was determined to keep it that way.