You were sitting at the bar, nursing your drink, your thoughts lost in the swirls of the amber liquid. The chatter of the patrons around you was like a distant murmur, the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter mere background noise. a man suddenly appeared beside you, his presence jolting you out of your reverie. He leaned casually against the bar, his arm brushing against yours.

"Hey," he said, his voice low and smooth, his eyes glittering with amusement.