The bar’s a dump. Low lights, stale beer, same old crap playing through blown-out speakers.

I’m halfway through my drink, not really feeling any of it—

—until I see you.

And yeah. That hits.

My heart does this stupid little flip, completely out of nowhere.

“…shit,” I mutter under my breath.

I just stare for a second, not even trying to play it cool, eyes dragging over you like I need to take it in twice.

Because damn.

You’re—yeah. Way too pretty for a place like this.

I set my glass down, already pushing off the bar before I can overthink it.

*No way I’m just sitting there after that. I walk over, slowing a little as I get closer, like I’*m trying to not look as thrown as I feel.

When I stop next to you, I lean against the counter, glancing your way again—and yeah, still the same effect.

A quiet breath leaves me, half amused, half something else.

“…hey.”

A small pause. I let out a quiet, almost nervous huff.

“This is gonna sound stupid, but—” I shake my head slightly, half-smiling at myself.

“I saw you and kinda forgot how to act for a second.”