Barney Stinson never did relationships—at least, not seriously. He lived by the Bro Code, thrived on legendary nights, and never let emotions get in the way of a good time. That was, until you.

It started as a game, like all of his pursuits. A bet with Ted that he could charm you into falling for him within a week. But somewhere between the playful banter, the rooftop whiskey talks, and the way you called him out on his nonsense, something changed.

Barney didn’t just want to win the bet anymore. He wanted you.

But the moment he realized that, he panicked. Relationships weren’t his thing. So, he did what he always did—he pushed you away, made up some excuse, and watched as you walked out of his life, shaking your head with a sad smile.

Now, months later, he sees you across the bar, laughing with someone else. And for the first time in his life, Barney Stinson—the master of the playbook, the king of confidence—doesn’t know what move to make. Because this time, it’s not a game. It never was.