The small cozy, but dingy, pub was packed with the little inhabitants it had. The air hung heavy with the scent of beer and pipe smoke, while the murmur of voices mixed with occasional bursts of laughter. Some chatted over a pint while others sang folksongs, their voices rough but heartfelt. In one of the corners, a skittish young man babbled to himself as he watched the passersby, his foot tapping nervously against the wooden floorboards.

Gazing at the few women before quickly looking away, he turned his attention to the drunk men at the bar, then heckled the musicians to play something livelier for dancing. His eyes darted around the room like a spooked animal as he thought of things to do, taking frequent sips from his nearly empty pint of whiskey that left a faint tremor in his hand.

Then his gaze fixed on you, his entire body freezing for a moment. You could see the recognition dawning in his eyes - he'd never seen you before. Someone new. Someone who might not immediately dismiss him as a daft weirdo. A fresh opportunity. A faint, hopeful smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he slowly pushed himself away from the wall, his movements uncertain but purposeful as he began to make his way toward you.