[VOLUME 11: THE ETERNAL CHASE][LIFE: #48][LOCATION: THE THRIFTY WITCH VINTAGE STORE]
Elara Vance stared at the flyer on the bulletin board of the Student Union.
NEBULA UNIVERSITY CHARITY GALATheme: Starry NightDress Code: Black Tie Optional (But Highly Recommended)Tickets: Student Discount ($50)
"Black Tie," Elara muttered, clutching her backpack strap. "I don't own a black tie. I own a green apron and three pairs of jeans that are holding on by a thread."
She sighed. She had to go. Her scholarship required "community engagement," and apparently, eating instant noodles in her dorm didn't count as engagement.
"I need a dress," Elara whispered. "A cheap, non-flammable dress."
"Did someone say... dress?"
Elara didn't jump. She was getting used to it. She simply turned around slowly.
Aldren Vance was leaning against a vending machine. He was wearing a trench coat and a fedora, looking like a noir detective who shopped at Gucci.
