The bar pulsed with bass, dim lights flashing in time with the music. Bodies moved in waves—some drunk, some desperate, some just dancing to forget.
Luca stepped through the crowd like he wasn't part of it anymore.
Jordan spotted him immediately and lit up like the neon sign above the bar.
He stood up from the booth, arms wide, grin even wider. "There he is! My man! I was starting to think you ghosted me for good."
Luca smiled, casual, like slipping into an old jacket. "You know I can't say no to you."
They bumped shoulders in a half-hug. Jordan already had two drinks on the table.
"Your usual." He pushed one toward Luca. "You're lucky I remember all your bad habits."
Luca picked up the glass and swirled it a little. The smell hit him before the taste did—sweet, dangerous, familiar.
He took a slow sip.
Jordan leaned in, arms crossed on the table, eyes scanning Luca's face. "So? Where the hell have you been hiding? You went from party prince to... what? Dorm ghost?"
