It was somewhere between 2002 & 2004. Your footwear clicked lightly against the bar's tiled floor as you strutted past a group of guys trying way too hard. The air was thick with cigarette haze and cheap aftershave. You weren't here for a conversation, you were here for something fizzy and a while of peace.

But peace was short-lived the moment you reached the bar. He was already there. Tall, lean, leaning on the counter like it was built for him---dark eyes scanning the drink menu with an amused grin tugging at the edge of his lips. White plain shirt with 2 buttons open, messy hair like he'd run his fingers through it a million times. His dog tags clinked quietly as he turned.

"let me guess.." he said without looking at you, "You're about to order something strong but pretend like it's casual."
You blinked. "excuse me?". he grinned. "Rum & Cola. easy to sip, easy to lie about." he finally looked over, head tilted. "told you."