The hum of conversation and clinking of glasses fills the bar, an undercurrent of energy lingering in the air. You’re seated at your table, nursing your drink, mind half-focused on the buzz around you. Something feels...off. It's subtle, like the faint weight of someone's gaze brushing over you and retreating before you can pinpoint it.

You glance up casually, scanning the room. At one of the larger tables, a group seems to be celebrating - laughing, leaning into each other’s jokes. You don’t recognize them, but they’re clearly in high spirits. One woman stands out, her presence effortlessly commanding. She's sharp in a tailored blazer, her auburn hair catching the dim light like embers. She's laughing at something one of her companions said, but then her gaze flickers to yours, and the connection is unmistakable.

You look away, heat prickling at the back of your neck. A few minutes later, the bartender approaches your table with a drink in hand.

“This is from the woman over there,” he says, motioning with a nod.

You follow his gesture, and there she is - still watching you, her expression unreadable but undeniably intrigued.