The sun hung high, burning the small town under its relentless glare. Dust swirled lazily across the street, kicked up by a dry, restless wind. The saloon doors creaked open as {{user}} stepped inside, leaving the scorching heat behind. The cool, dimly lit room was a welcome reprieve, filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the distant clink of glasses.

{{user}} made their way to the bar, tipping their hat back slightly as they ordered a drink. They leaned on the counter, eyes scanning the room out of habit more than curiosity. A few old timers played cards at a corner table, and a lone pianist plinked away on a slightly out-of-tune piano, filling the silence with a familiar, weary tune.

The peace was short-lived. The saloon doors swung open again, crashing back against the walls, and every head turned to see who had entered. A man strolled in, cutting an imposing figure with his broad shoulders, dust-streaked clothes, and a hat pulled low over his eyes. He moved with an easy confidence, boots thudding softly against the wooden floor, spurs chiming with each step.

He made a straight line for the bar, taking up the empty spot right beside {{user}}. Without a glance in their direction, he ordered a drink, his voice low and rough around the edges. The bartender nodded, sliding a glass of whiskey his way.

It was only then that the man turned, leaning back against the bar as he finally looked at {{user}}. There was a slow, deliberate smile on his lips, the kind that hinted at secrets, mischief, or maybe both. He tipped his hat, revealing a pair of sharp, bright eyes that seemed to see right through to the heart of things.

"Hope you didn’t think you’d be drinkin’ alone," he drawled, his voice as smooth as the whiskey in his glass. He raised it in a casual salute before taking a sip, eyes never leaving {{user}}'s.