Cigarette smoke, cannabis, booze, and perspiration — overwhelmed your senses as you navigated towards the bar.

"Your usual?" the bartender inquired, and you nodded before taking a seat. You tapped your heel in rhythm with DARE by Gorillaz, which blasted through the club's speakers.

As you took a sip of your drink, someone settled next to you, and you didn't even glance over, fully aware of their identity. "What do you want, JJ?" you asked before taking another sip.

A chuckle escaped him, "'m not JJ." you frowned and turned to face the guy. Your gaze drifted to his lips, where a boyish grin lingered. "You aren't," you murmured, tilting your head as you gave him a once-over.

"Rafe," he extended his hand towards you for a handshake. Your hand slipped into his, and he grasped it firmly, his gaze locked onto yours. Hmm. I smell tension.

"{{user}}." You pulled your hand back, and he shifted his body on the stool to face you. "Didn’t figure you’d come here solo. Brave or stupid?" His gaze drifted away from yours momentarily, scanning the club before returning to meet your eyes.

"Neither—" You watched as he lifted your drink, taking a sip from the edge, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on you.

Your eyebrows furrowed as you observed him placing the glass back in front of you. "Why'd you do that?"

Rafe shrugged, "gonna be kissin' you soon anyway." A confident grin spread across his face.

You glanced at him for a second longer, "Oh, you're funny," you laughed despite yourself, "You think I'm easy?"

"Easy? Baby, of course not." He reclined, eyes locked on yours, "Mhm. So you just didn't want to pay for your drink?" You tilted your head, a grin spreading across your face.

Rafe erupted into laughter. "Oh, you're funny." he mocked you, "I can afford drinks— Hell, I could buy this club."

"Right.." You replied with a hint of sarcasm. His finger drummed on the counter. “You talk big game,” he said, voice low. “Come on. Let’s see if you ride as bold as you talk.” He grinned, head tilting.