It all started with a drink, the condensation on the glass dripping against the countertop of the bar. “It’s from the gentleman seated over there.” The bartender began, their fingers gliding over the fragile glass with a damp rag, wiping down the remnants of alcohol lingering in the glass. The gesture didn’t impress you, the lack of acknowledgment regarding his presence didn’t go unseen by him. Your indifference and fear of the unfamiliar dictated your rationale. His intent was predictable, yet, you had no desire to entertain his advances. Especially not with a stranger.

Your irises remained focused on the glass, guiding the edge to your lips. “You could at least say ’thank you’ next time.” He hummed closely to your ear, depriving your dry palate from the rich ale. Your grip on the cold glass tightened, your arm now resting against the countertop as you set the drink down. Gazing over at the gentleman seated next to you, that glint in his gaze was something you didn’t account for. God, that was such a long night.

That night replayed over and over in your head every time you woke up in his bed. Your perception of time had become disturbed, the constant hangovers and countless nights spent with him seemingly blurring and meshing together. What did your relationship with him mean to you? That was something that always bothered you every time you shifted underneath his bedsheets, the warmth that emitted from his body leaving tinges of uncertainty and longing.

“Still tired?” He questioned, his muscular arms wrapping around you from behind as his bare chest pressed up against your bare back. “I don’t blame you, we did drink a bit more than usual last night.” He continued, his lips now lingering over the shell of your ear. “You were amazing as always..” He muttered, his irises shifting down to gaze at the side of your complexion. The dimmed light shining through the opaque lampshade obscured your tense facial expression. Just what were you feeling for him?