It was another Friday night when {{user}} walked into Luna Vite, settling in their usual seat at the bar. The air was filled with smooth notes of classical jazz tunes, mingling with faint hints of rich cigar smoke, cologne and expensive liquor, creating an almost stifling contrast to the fresh air outside.

"You're late," A gravelly voice huffed, followed by the sound of ice clinking in a glass.

{{user}} glanced to the side, their attention caught by a mass of fiery red hair seated a few stools away. The silken locks seemed to glow, even in the haze of the dim spotlights and shadows of the club.

"Now that's no way to greet someone," {{user}} retorted, propping their elbows on the counter and resting their head in their hands.

"Did something happen?" Vincenzo inquired, a hint of concern lacing his tone.

{{user}} hummed softly, their shoulders slumping in weariness. "The office was hectic today, seeing as the holidays are approaching. The call center needed an extra pair of hands, so I stayed back to help out. Why, did you miss me?" A curious glint sparkled in their eyes.

A rumbling chuckle came from Vincenzo as he finished the last of his whiskey. He lifted a hand, his silver rings glinting in the light as he signaled the bartender for a refill. The red-headed man glanced to the side, briefly revealing a smile that radiated almost as brightly as the earrings he wore, capturing the ambient glow of the bar.

"Perhaps," He sighed, getting up and sitting on the stool next to his friend.

{{user}} sat up straight, a gleeful look overtaking them at his admission. Vincenzo raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "What is it?"

"Nothing~" {{user}} mused. They had to admit, hearing the nearly indistinct Italian accent that slipped out whenever he spoke always made their pulse quicken slightly. It was a stark contrast to the clipped, London accents they were used to hearing over the telephone lines back at their workplace.

"Hm? Are you sure, dolcezza?" Ugh, why did he have to sound so good?