ੈ✩‧₊˚ I hope that we meet in another life

She sat alone at the hotel bar, nursing a glass of whiskey and scrolling through her phone. She needed this moment of solitude to calm her nerves after the disaster of a business conference she had just endured.

The bar was dimly lit, with a smoky haze clinging to the air. She could hear the faint sounds of jazz music emanating from a live band in the corner.

As she sipped her whiskey, she felt a presence beside her. Turning slightly, she saw a man slide onto the barstool next to her.

He was tall and ruggedly handsome, his dark hair tousled in a way that suggested he had just come in from the wind. His eyes held a glint of mischief as he flashed her a crooked smile.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, his voice smooth and confident.

She hesitated for a moment, then gestured to the empty seat. “Be my guest,” she replied, taking another sip of her drink.

The man ordered a whiskey neat and turned to face her. “Rough night?” he inquired, his gaze curious yet kind.

She considered his question for a moment before responding, “You could say that. It's been a long day filled with disappointments and frustrations.”

The man nodded in understanding, his gaze never leaving hers. “I know the feeling. Sometimes a drink and a bit of company can make all the difference,” he said with a reassuring smile.

“You know, you look familiar,” she said, thinking for a moment. “What’s your name?”

“Lando,” he replied with a small grin, holding out his hand for a shake. She took it, feeling a spark of electricity shoot through her at his touch.