𝓣𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐎𝐊𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐔𝐒, ˡᵒᵘⁱˢ ᵗᵒᵐˡⁱˢᵒⁿ

𝐗. 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒

the night was spontaneous, a last-minute decision that came about after addy and jacob practically dragged me out of my cottage. i was initially reluctant, but their infectious enthusiasm won me over.

after a week of seeing louis almost every day, i figured i could use a change of pace. addy and jacob had insisted we needed a night out to blow off steam, so i threw on my most dazzling outfit and agreed.

"come on, imogen, it'll be fun!" addy had said, practically tugging me from my door. "we need to get out and have some fun. it's been ages since we went dancing!"

"yeah, and i've been dying to show use my favourite bar," jacob added. "you'll love it, i promise."

i sighed but couldn't help smiling. "alright, alright. just give me a minute to get dressed."

i had opted for an off-the-shoulder black tight top, a black skirt, and a red leather jacket that added a pop of color. my red bow was a playful touch, and i paired it with tights, boots, and vivienne westwood earrings. i felt like a fashion statement and a walking ball of energy as i completed my look with a touch of bold red lipstick.

"you look incredible," addy said when she saw me in the hallway. "that jacket is everything!"

"thank you, beautiful!" i beamed. "i'm ready to dance the night away."

the drive was filled with laughter and chatter. addy and jacob couldn't stop talking about how awesome the bar was and how it was supposed to have great music.

"so, tell me again why we're going to this bar?" I asked, leaning forward from the backseat.

"because it's going to be amazing, and you need to unwind!" addy replied. "plus, we need a break from all the wedding planning."

"and we need you to stop moping around," jacob chimed in, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. "tonight is all about having fun."

when we arrived at the bar, it was bustling with energy. led lights flashed, and the music was already pulsing through the walls. the place had an electric vibe, and despite my initial reservations, i felt a rush of excitement.

"let's get drinks first," addy suggested as we made our way inside. the bar was packed, and it took a few minutes to navigate through the crowd. i could feel the bass of the music in my chest, and it made me even more eager to start dancing.

at the bar, i ordered a cocktail, and addy got something stronger. we clinked glasses and took our first sips, savoring the taste. the alcohol had a way of warming me up and melting away any lingering doubts.

"this is perfect," i said, feeling the buzz of the drink and the excitement of the night. "i'm so glad you convinced me to come."

"we're just getting started!" addy said, grinning. "lets hit the dance floor before it gets too crowded."

we found jacob, who had managed to snag a table for us. as we headed to the dance area, i caught a glimpse of someone familiar in the corner of my eye.

it was louis, leaning casually against the bar with a group of friends. he looked slightly out of place, his usual confident demeanor a bit more subdued tonight.

"no way," i muttered to addy, nudging her. "it's him."

"who?" addy asked, looking over.

"the guy i met like last week," i explained. "we've crossed paths a lot lately."

addy raised an eyebrow. "well, isn't that a coincidence? let's not let it bother us. we're here to have fun."

i nodded, trying to shake off the odd feeling. we hit the dance floor, and i let the music take over. the rhythm was infectious, and i danced with abandon.