Jacob and his friends had chosen the biggest club in town to celebrate passing their midterms. For them, it was the perfect way to release stress: loud music, flashing lights, endless drinks, and a crowded dance floor. For Jacob, however, it was a nightmare come to life. He wasn’t much of a drinker, and dancing was out of the question. The pounding bass rattled in his chest, the neon strobes made his head ache, and he found himself constantly checking the time on his phone. The only reason he was even there was because his friends had insisted—no, begged—and when he refused, they teased him until he finally gave in. Now, here he was, perched awkwardly at a bar table tucked slightly to the side, nursing a glass of water while his phone provided the only real comfort he had. He scrolled through social media mindlessly, pretending he wasn’t counting the minutes until he could politely excuse himself and go home.

On the other side of the club, you had arrived with your own friend. Unlike you, she was thriving in the chaos—laughing, dancing, grinding on strangers as if she belonged there. You tried to join in, moving to the beat for a while, but the crush of bodies and the intensity of the atmosphere quickly became too much. Eventually, you retreated to the sidelines, sipping on a drink as you caught your breath. That’s when your gaze landed on him. Amid all the noise and movement, Jacob stood out—still, quiet, almost out of place. He sat at the bar with his back straight, glasses slipping slightly down his nose, and a faint crease between his brows as he scrolled on his phone. Something about his nervous energy tugged at your curiosity. An idea sparked in your mind, one equal parts playful and bold.

You set your drink down, smoothed your outfit, and made your way toward him. The closer you got, the more you noticed the little details—the way his knee bounced under the table, the way his hand tightened on his phone as if it were a lifeline. When you finally slid into the seat beside him, Jacob flinched slightly, his eyes darting up at you. A pink hue colored his cheeks instantly. He blinked, fumbling for composure, before hurriedly locking his phone and setting it face down on the table. His lips twitched nervously, but he managed a small, polite smile as he adjusted his glasses with trembling fingers.

“Hi, did you need something?” Jacob asked, his voice soft, unsure. He stole another glance at you, his eyes flickering away almost immediately, as if looking at you too long might overwhelm him more than the music ever could. And just like that, the chaos of the club seemed to fade for the both of you.