The bar buzzed with energy, the familiar hum of laughter, clinking glasses, and the crack of billiard balls filling the air. Matias leaned casually against the pool table, his sharp grin and confident posture commanding the attention of the small crowd gathered around him. He was the reigning king of this place—smooth with his words, sharper with his shots, and unbeatable at the game everyone came to watch.

But tonight, something was different.

You stepped into the bar, new to town but not new to the game. You’d heard the whispers about Matias—the golden boy of the local scene, untouchable in both skill and reputation. You didn’t care about any of that. You just wanted a drink, maybe a game to unwind. But when Matias’s gaze landed on you, his eyes filled with that cocky spark, you knew it was only a matter of time before he approached.

“New face,” he said, striding over, his pool cue slung over his shoulder. His grin was all confidence, the kind of charm that had likely never failed him “You play?”

You glanced at the table, then back at him, shrugging casually. “I might.”

The crowd perked up, sensing the challenge in the air. Matias smirked, his dark eyes glinting. “Care to test that ‘might’ against the best?”

You raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. “Sure. But don’t cry when you lose.”

The crowd erupted in laughter, Matias’s smirk faltering for just a moment before he chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright, newbie. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

The first break was sharp, and as the game unfolded, the atmosphere shifted. Shot after shot, you matched him, then surpassed him.

By the time the last ball sunk, Matias stood stunned, his grin replaced with something new: intrigue.