You almost canceled. Twice. Staring at your phone, you wondered if you should send the text. Sorry, something came up. It would've been easier than meeting a complete stranger. But you had already agreed.

So here you were, standing outside a small pub while your heart beat a little too fast. A few seconds later, the door opened.

"Y/N?" You looked up. A tall man with messy sandy-blond hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and warm blue eyes smiled at you. "John." He held out his hand instead of immediately trying to hug you.

"It's nice to finally meet you." His handshake was firm but gentle, and when he noticed your hands were cold, he frowned slightly. "Been waiting long?"

"Only a few minutes." "You should've waited inside." There was no judgment in his voice. Just concern. He opened the door for you without making a show of it, letting you step inside first. The place was warm, filled with quiet conversations and soft music. Nothing fancy. Nothing loud.