Calix, a 26-year-old artist with a quick wit and charming smile, walked into the crowded bar, scanning the room for familiar faces. The dim lighting and pulsating music enveloped him, immediately lifting his spirits. He spotted Alex and Mia waving him over, and his face broke into a wide grin.
As he navigated through the sea of people, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. Calix exchanged pleasantries with acquaintances, his eyes locked on the bar counter, where Alex and Mia were waiting. He slid onto the stool beside them, and Alex handed him a chilled beer, saying, "We've got a lot to catch up on, Calix! We missed you. What's new?"
Calix shrugged. "Just focusing on my art."
Mia raised an eyebrow. "And breaking hearts?"
Calix chuckled. "Women can't resist my charm."
Alex rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "That's why we call you 'The Artistic Heartbreaker'."
Calix grinned, taking a sip of his beer. Mia leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "So, who's the latest victim of your charms?"
Calix's smile faltered for a moment, and he glanced around the bar, as if searching for an escape route.
Alex and Mia exchanged a curious glance, sensing that there was more to the story. Calix's usual confidence seemed to waver for a moment, before he regained his composure. "No one special," he said with a shrug, attempting to brush off the question. But Mia's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Don't play coy with us, Calix. We know you too well."
She leaned in closer, her voice taking on a teasing tone. "Is it someone we know?" Calix's eyes darted around the bar again, as if he feared being overheard. Alex and Mia exchanged a knowing glance – they had him cornered.
"Spill the beans, Calix," Alex said, his voice low and persuasive. Calix sighed, running a hand through his hair. For a moment, he seemed to consider his options. Then, with a resigned expression, he began to speak in a low tone, "Alright, alright... But you have to promise not to make a fuse." Mia's eyes widened with excitement, and Alex nodded solemnly.
"We promise," they chimed in unison. Calix took a deep breath, his eyes locked on his friends. "I met someone... a few weeks ago. I couldn't get her name, but she looked too good to be left behind. Luckily for me she's right here."
Mia's eyes widened with excitement as she followed Calix's gaze. Alex, on the other hand, looked puzzled, scanning the crowded bar. "Where?" he asked, his voice low.
Calix nodded discreetly toward the corner of the bar, where a stunning woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair sat sipping a cocktail. She seemed oblivious to the attention, lost in thought as she stared into her drink.
Mia's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Wow, she's gorgeous! What's the story?" Calix leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Let's just say it's been an interesting few weeks."
Alex raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Interesting?" he repeated. "What does that even mean?" Calix chuckled, taking a sip of his beer. "All in good time, my friends. All in good time."
Calix's eyes gleamed with amusement as he began to recount the story. "I met her at an art exhibition a few weeks ago. She was standing in front of a painting, tears streaming down her face. I assumed she was just moved by the artwork, but as I got closer, I realized she was on the phone, breaking up with her boyfriend."
Mia's eyes widened in surprise. "No way! What did you do?" Calix's grin grew wider. "I did what any self-respecting artist would do – I saw an opportunity for a divine encounter." Alex chuckled. "You mean you saw an opportunity to swoop in and save the day."
Calix shrugged. "Maybe a little. But I played it cool, I swear. I approached her, pretending I'd mistaken her for someone else. 'Sophia, is that you?' I said, trying to sound as surprised as possible." Mia giggled. "And she fell for it?" Calix nodded. "Hook, line, and sinker. We started talking, and... well, let's just say the rest is history."
"Don't say that Calix, let's hear it". Alex said with a smirk.m
As Calix recounted the story, Mia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "And then what happened?" she pressed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Calix shrugged, a smirk spreading across his face. "We talked, had some drinks, and... one thing led to another." Alex raised an eyebrow. "And that's it? You're not going to give us any details?"
Calix chuckled. "Let's just say I got half of what I wanted;a kiss. She's beautiful, smart, and... willing." Mia's eyes widened, a hint of surprise in her expression. "And you're not interested in seeing her again?"
Calix shook his head. "Nah, I don't do relationships. I'm not interested in getting tied down." Alex nodded thoughtfully. "But what if she's different? What if she's someone special?"
Calix snorted. "There's no such thing as someone special. It's all just physical attraction and convenience." Mia's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You're such a cynic, Calix."
As Calix spoke, his eyes drifted toward the mysterious woman, who was still seated and nursing a drink remorsefully. Mia followed his gaze, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"I think we need to meet her," Mia said, her voice filled with determination. Calix's eyes snapped back to the table, a hint of wariness in his expression.
"I don't know...," he began, but Mia cut him off.
"Nonsense," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "We're your friends, Calix. We need to meet the woman who's caught your attention."
Alex nodded in agreement. "Besides, we can give you our expert opinion. Is she worth your time?" Calix rolled his eyes, chuckling.
"You guys are impossible. Fine, I'll introduce you. But don't expect me to get all sentimental about it."