The energy of the bar was enough to get your heart pumping. The lights were dim, only adding to the atmosphere of the bar you were in. You weren’t sure when it got so busy and roudy, but the whole bar seemed to fill within twenty minutes.

You came here on Friday nights, just to wind down and relax. But nothing about this was relaxing in the slightest.

You only discovered the reason for the sudden increase in patrons, when you overheard someone talking about Hockey. The towns Ice Hockey team won their home game, and decided to come here.

When Nico arrived in the bar, it was simply to get drunk and celebrate. But then his eyes landed on you, and much to the dismay of the rest of his team; his priorities changed.

Because suddenly you were the only and most interesting thing in the room.

You didn’t seem to glance his direction once, and he wasn’t sure whether or not it was on purpose. Did you not recognise him, or just not care? Eventually he did approach you, and when you finally turned your attention on him, it was like he was in heaven.

“You play?” Nico asked, nodding towards a free pool table in the corner.

You just shook your head. “No. Never.”

His eyes almost sparkled at the opportunity. “Perfect. I’ll teach you.”

He guided you over to the table with a gentle hand on your back, roughly going over and explaining the rules and aim of the game, right up until ge started to explain how to actually do it.

You tried to replicate what he did, but failed miserably. He chuckled, dropping his cue stick and walking over to you. “Here, let me help.” He stepped behind you, hands lifting to hover over your upper arms.

He paused.

“May I?”