Champagne Problems

S I X T E E N

"Thank you, everybody! We are Divergent! Thanks for coming!" Levi announces into the microphone, his hand raised high in a final wave to the applauding crowd. The energy in the room is still buzzing from their performance, and Levi's grin reflects the same excitement they all feel after nailing their first original song.

Riley steps out from behind the drum kit, twirling his drumsticks in his hands. He spots Daphné standing toward the front, a look of quiet admiration on her face. He immediately makes his way toward her, still riding the high of the show. "What are you doing here?" he asks, unable to hide his wide smile.

"I came to see you play," Daphné replies, smiling back, her eyes glowing with the excitement of the night. "I saw the poster last Sunday when I was here with Chantal, her brother, and my brother." She pauses, then asks curiously, "Was that an original song?"

Riley grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, we wrote it last week."

"It was really good," Daphné says as she slips off her heels, wiggling her toes in relief. "These shoes are killing me, though."

Riley chuckles, glancing at her feet. "You drove all the way from Monte Carlo to catch the show in those?"

Daphné nods. "I made it just in time to catch the last half of 'Don't Stop.' I couldn't make it earlier, but I had to come."

Riley shakes his head, still grinning. "Thirty minutes of driving just for thirty seconds of music? I'm honored."

"It was worth it," Daphné says softly. "You guys were really good."

"Thanks," Riley replies, still buzzing from the performance. Then, an idea strikes him. "Hey, we're all going out tonight to celebrate. Do you want to come? I owe you a real night out, remember?"

Daphné glances down at her feet, which are red and sore from her heels. "I don't know if I can handle these shoes any longer," she admits, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

Riley smirks. "Then change into something comfortable. You don't want to ruin that dress at Disco Butterfly, trust me. It gets wild, and beer spills everywhere."

Daphné chuckles. "What do you suggest I wear?"

"A pair of jeans, a simple top, and some sneakers," Riley says without hesitation. "You'll blend right in."

Daphné raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Jeans? Sneakers? I don't own anything like that." She pauses before adding, "My grandfather would probably have a heart attack if he saw me wearing jeans."

Riley laughs, shaking his head. "Then you're about to break some rules tonight. My sister has plenty of stuff you can borrow. I'm sure something will fit."

---

Back inside the café, Fenna approaches Yves and Levi, her face glowing with excitement. "You guys were amazing! Everyone loved it!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious.

Yves, grinning widely, replies, "Thanks for letting us play here. It was awesome." He glances over at Levi, who's been unusually quiet, staring at Fenna as if caught in a trance.

Yves nudges him, whispering, "Come on, man. Ask her already."

Clearing his throat nervously, Levi finally manages to speak. "Uh, we're going out tonight to celebrate. Do you want to join us?"

Fenna's eyes light up, her smile bright. "Yeah, that sounds fun! I just need to finish up here, but I'll meet you guys at Disco Butterfly later."

Yves raises an eyebrow at Levi, a knowing smirk on his face. "Disco Butterfly it is," he says, before walking away to give them some space.