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E P I S O D E T W O : e c h o e s  o f  t h e  c i t y

Now Playing: Smoke (Reprise)
Victoria Monét

Xoë found herself at Stefon's brownstone, settled into a cozy spot on his terrace. The air was warm due to his outdoor heater, carrying the soft hum of the city beneath them. The terrace was one of her favorite places in his home—lined with string lights that cast a golden glow, potted plants that made the space feel intimate, and a perfectly curated sound system that ensured the music hit just right.

She sat back against the cushioned outdoor sofa, one leg tucked beneath her, as Stefon sparked the blunt. The flicker of the lighter briefly illuminated his face, sharp features cast in a warm glow before he took a slow drag, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke into the night. He passed it to her without a word, the exchange effortless, familiar.

Xoë took her turn, bringing it to her lips and inhaling deeply before letting the smoke curl from her lips. The tension in her shoulders melted away almost instantly, the weight of the day dissipating as the THC settled in.

Stefon leaned back, arm draped across the back of the couch, watching her with an easy smirk.

"You get through all your piercings and tattoos today, or you got people still tryna book last minute?" His voice was low, smooth, blending seamlessly with the mellow R&B playing from the speakers.

She let out a soft chuckle, passing the blunt back.

"Nah, I shut my books down for the day. If I let them, they'd have me there all night." She stretched her arms above her head, letting her body sink deeper into relaxation. "I had this one dude come in for an ear piercing yesterday, and I swear, he acted like I was amputating something. Damn near screamed."

Stefon laughed, shaking his head as he took another hit.

"Man, people are dramatic as hell over the smallest things." He exhaled, tilting his head toward her. "I bet you kept it cool though."