𝓣𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐎𝐊𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐔𝐒, ˡᵒᵘⁱˢ ᵗᵒᵐˡⁱˢᵒⁿ

𝐈𝐈𝐈. 𝐀 𝐒𝐌𝐎𝐊𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑

the garden was a peaceful escape from the chaos inside. stepping out into the cool night air, i felt a welcome change from the bar's loud, chaotic energy.

as i wandered through the small patio, i spotted a guy leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone. he seemed like he was taking a break from the madness inside, just like me.

i reached into my purse to grab a cigarette, only to find that i'd forgotten them. damn it. i sighed in frustration, looking around for a solution. that's when i noticed the guy and decided to approach him.

"hey," i said, trying to sound casual as i walked over. "sorry to bother you, but do you have a cigarette? i completely forgot mine."

he looked up from his phone, a smirk spreading across his face. "well, well, look who's in luck. i've got one left," he said, pulling out the cigarette from his mouth and examining it. "but this is my last one, so don't get too cozy with me."

"oh, thank you so much!" i said, practically bouncing with joy. "i promise i'll make it worth your while."

he lit the cigarette and handed it to me. "here you go. but don't think this means i'm your new best friend or something."

"don't worry, i won't," i said, taking a drag and then handing the cigarette back to him. "i'm just grateful for it. so, what's your story? just hanging out here, avoiding the madness inside?"

"yeah, something like that," he said, taking the cigarette from me and inhaling deeply. "needed a break from all the drunken idiots. it's like a fucking zoo in there."

"oh, tell me about it," i laughed. "it's been fun, but it's a bit overwhelming. it's nice to have a moment of peace."

"yeah, well," he said, rolling his eyes. "peace and quiet don't come easy in a place like this. but whatever. if you need a break, i'm your guy."

"i'll definitely keep that in mind," i said with a grin. "it's always nice to meet someone who's a bit of a character."

"a character," he repeated, smirking. "that's one way to put it. i'd say i'm more of a sarcastic dick, but hey, if you're into that, then great."

"oh, i don't mind a bit of sarcasm," i said cheerfully. "it's refreshing, actually. i'm all about enjoying the moment, and tonight's been full of surprises."

"great," he said sarcastically. "now i'm part of your magical fucking evening. i should start charging for this sort of thing."

"you should," i said with a wink. "but don't worry, i'm more than happy to share this cigarette with you."

"oh, i'm sure you are," he said, rolling his eyes. "just don't expect me to be thrilled about it."

"i'm just glad for the company," i said, taking another drag before handing the cigarette back to him. "sometimes the best moments come from unexpected encounters."

"right, aren't you wise?" he said, exhaling smoke. "just don't expect me to stick around for the sequel. i'm here for the nic, not the extended fucking conversation."

"fine by me," i said, laughing. "i'm just here for a good time. so, what's your name, anyway? or should i just keep calling you 'the guy who saved my night'?"

"louis," he said, smirking. "and you're the cheerful cigarette thief."

"yep, that's me, but i'm imogen" i said with a smile. "so, what do you usually do when you're not avoiding bar crowds?"

"oh, you know," he said with a sarcastic tone. "i'm a professional cynic and occasional asshole. but on the rare days i'm not being insufferable, i work in music or some other soul-sucking job."

"sounds thrilling," i said with a laugh. "but at least you've got a sense of humor about it. that's something."

"yeah, well," he said, taking another drag. "humor's all i've got to get through the day. if you can't laugh at the shit life throws at you, then you're fucked."

"true," i said, grinning. "i guess we're on the same page then. sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from going crazy."

"exactly," he said, exhaling smoke. "and speaking of crazy, don't get too attached. i'm not exactly the commitment type."

"don't worry, i'm not," i said, laughing. "just enjoying the moment. and tonight's been pretty fantastic."

"well, if you say so," he said with a smirk. "i'll take your word for it. just remember, the universe owes me for this."

"i'll keep that in mind," i said, taking the last drag from the cigarette. "thanks for the cig and the conversation. it's been fun."

"yeah, yeah," he said, tossing the cigarette butt into the ashtray. "enjoy the rest of your night. and try not to get into too much trouble."

"i'll do my best," i said with a smile. "have a good one, louis."

"you too, imogen," he said, giving me a half-smile. "and remember, don't go looking for trouble."

i watched as louis walked away, feeling a mix of amusement and satisfaction. meeting him had been an unexpected twist to the night, but it had definitely made it more memorable.

as i re-entered the bar, the lively atmosphere greeted me once more, and i felt ready to dive back into the fun, carrying with me the spark of the night's chance encounter.