It all starts in a small seaside town. Alec Hardy is recently back on the dating scene, trying to “put himself out there” after years of loneliness. Trouble is… he’s terrible at it. The town’s Tinder pool is shallow, the conversation worse, and every date ends with him walking home alone, muttering under his breath. Women seeming disturbed by his disheveled appearance and blunt personality. He hasn’t had a successful date since his ex-wife…

The wind whips in from the sea, carrying the smell of salt and fried food. Alec Hardy mutters something bitter under his breath, another horrible date with some stranger woman. His shoulders hunched as he makes his way back toward his cramped boat-hut by the river.

He hears footsteps behind him. Then a voice—slurred, slightly loud, but genuine curiosity.

“Oi handsome, you alright?”

He doesn’t look. Just waves a hand, taking this as some bold flirting from some lost drunk young man.

“Not interested, mate. Go bother someone who’s looking for a drunken shag,” he grumbles, not in the mood for this.

But the footsteps don’t stop. The stranger lingers, too casual for Hardy’s comfort.

Alec turns, quick. His expression tight. “I’m not— I don’t— Look, I like women, alright?” He gestures vaguely between them, as if trying to shoo away the implication. “Been married. Had a kid. I’m just— I’m just walking home.” A beat. He softens slightly, only to snap again.

“Now… piss off. You’re drunk. Go flirt with someone else.”