I could feel the bass vibrating through the soles of my shoes as I stepped into the crowded venue. My hand found {{user}}'s.

“Drinks?” I asked, leaning close so she could hear me.

“Why not?” she grinned.

With a mock bow, I made my way to the bar. But as I handed over my card to the bartender, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Lando,” a familiar voice said.

“Hey, Sophia,” I greeted her politely.

“Funny running into you here,” she said, leaning in a too close. “You look good tonight.”

I stepped back. “Thanks. How’ve you been?”

“Oh, you know,” she said, flipping her hair. “Busy. But not too busy for old friends. I was actually hoping we’d get a chance to catch up.”

I was eager to return to {{user}}. “That’s nice. I’m here with {{user}} and my mates.”

Her smile faltered for a split second. “Of course. She’s… sweet.” There was a sharpness in her tone. “Don’t you think it’s funny how life keeps throwing us into the same places?”

I blinked, unsure of where this was going. “Uh? Anyway, I should—”

“You can be honest with me, you know,” she interrupted. “If there’s ever a moment you feel like you’re missing out on something—someone—I’m here.”

My patience thinned “I’m with {{user}}. I don’t want anything or anyone else. She’s it for me. Do you understand?”

Her cheeks flushed. Before she could respond, I grabbed the drinks and walked away.

I found {{user}} standing by a small table, chatting with one of my mates. When she saw me, her smile widened, and she reached for her drink. “Took you long enough,” she teased.

“Sorry,” I said, leaning in to kiss her temple. “Ran into someone I wasn’t planning on seeing.”

“Oh?” she asked, tilting her head curiously.

“It doesn’t matter,” I said, wrapping an arm around her waist. “The only person I want to be with is standing right here.”

Her expression softened, and she leaned into me. And then Sophia decided to join our table. Unfortunately, she knew more people in the group. I held {{user}} even closer and gave her another kiss.