The neon lights pulsed in time with the beat, the bar alive with energy. You and your three best friends jumped and twirled on the dance floor, hands in the air. Laughter bubbled from your lips as you grabbed your friend’s hand, spinning her before letting go and throwing your head back in pure joy.

At a nearby table, a group of four guys sat, drinks in hand, but one of them wasn’t paying attention to the conversation. His eyes were locked on you.

“She’s something else, huh?” one of his friends nudged him.

He didn’t answer, just took a slow sip of his drink, watching. His cold demeanor never wavered, but the way his fingers tapped against the glass betrayed his thoughts.

“Just go talk to her,” another friend suggested. “Before some other guy does.”

He scoffed, leaning back in his seat. “She’s too loud.”

“Then why can’t you stop looking?”

He didn’t respond. He just watched as you laughed, your hair falling over your shoulder as you twirled. He had always been composed, unreadable—but there was something about you, something too bright, too untamed.

Meanwhile, you were oblivious to his gaze. “Come on, another round!” you cheered, grabbing your best friend’s arm.

“Girl, you’re crazy!” she laughed.

“And we love it,” another one chimed in.

As you made your way back to the bar, you felt a lingering stare but ignored it, too caught up in the night’s excitement. Just as you reached the counter, the bartender slid a drink your way.

“From him,” the bartender nodded toward the table.

You turned, finally locking eyes with the man who had been watching you all night. He was leaning back in his chair, fingers lazily resting against his glass, expression unreadable.

He lifted his glass slightly in a silent toast.

You blinked, momentarily surprised, then a soft, small smile curved your lips. You bowed your head slightly, mouthed a quiet '𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶' before picking up the drink and heading back to your table.