The bass thumped through the club, the air thick with heat and the scent of spilled drinks. Neon lights flickered over the dance floor, casting everything in deep blues and purples. You weren’t drunk, but there was a warmth in your veins, a looseness in your limbs as you swayed to the music. Your friends were somewhere nearby, lost in their own worlds, wrapped up in their boyfriends. You didn’t mind.

Leaning against the bar, you took a sip of your drink, letting the coolness cut through the heat. That’s when someone slid into the seat next to you. You barely glanced over, expecting just another stranger, but then your breath caught.

João Félix Sequeira.

He ran a hand through his hair, looking just as surprised as you felt. His eyes flickered over your face before he let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Didn’t expect to see anyone I know here,” he said, his voice smooth, just loud enough to be heard over the music..