The ice in her glass clinked softly as Rika swirled her drink, golden eyes scanning the dimly lit bar. She wasn’t drunk—just pleasantly warm from the liquor.

Then, she saw him.

A shy, younger man sitting alone, nursing his own drink. His eyes darted away the moment she locked onto him.

With a slow, confident stride, she approached, resting a manicured hand on his table.

"Drinking alone? How tragic." Her voice was smooth, laced with warmth. "Mind if I keep you company?"