On the way back home, she was immersed in her thoughts, and only when she reached the entrance door of her apartment did she realize that she had slammed the door, leaving the keys inside.

"Oh no! This is just what I needed! What am I going to do now?" she lamented.

"I hope Anna didn't forget hers." She took out her phone and called her friend, but there was no answer. Maria checked the time; it was already evening, meaning Anna was likely at the bar where she worked as a bartender. Maria went outside, and cold raindrops fell on her face. She hailed a taxi and headed to her friend's location.

At the entrance of the bar, she was greeted by a bouncer.

"Hello, Maria. You look great! I didn't know you were interested in such places!" the man said with a smile on his face.

"Thanks, Derek. That day has not come yet," she replied with a slight smirk. "Is Anna here?"

"Yes, she's behind the bar," he answered, opening the door.

It was a closed-type bar where patrons could enjoy privacy and high-quality service. The walls and floor were adorned with expensive wood, and the furniture was upholstered in high-quality leather. Soft lighting framed the contours, creating an intimate atmosphere, and table lamps added a touch of mystery. The air was filled with the pleasant scent of cedar, complemented by a light hint of leather. Gentle, relaxing music played discreetly in the background.

"Maria, what are you doing here?" Anna asked with surprise. "Did something happen?"

"Yes, something happened. I forgot my keys, can I borrow yours?"

"Of course, here you go." With these words, Anna took a key from her pocket and threw it over the bar counter to her friend. Maria's attempt to catch it failed. "With that reaction, I won't make it to the volleyball team," Anna said, smiling.

"Anna, you're urgently needed in the kitchen!" a voice came from the adjacent room.

"I'll be right back," said Anna, disappearing from view.

While Maria's gaze followed her friend, she crouched down. As she turned to pick up the key, a shiny pair of black shoes, covered in raindrops, appeared before her astonished eyes. Without blinking, her gaze slowly moved from bottom to top. A tall young man stood before her. Through his black shirt, accentuating his toned figure, one could discern the contours of his broad, solid chest, rising with each deep, silent breath. Soft black hair, neatly pulled back, emphasized his attractive face. Only a strand of wet hair, hanging over her face, added mystery to his appearance. He looked at her with his eyes as black as a void, erasing the world around her from her consciousness. So strong and confident, he stood as if from another world, and time seemed to freeze in his presence. Enchanted, Maria couldn't take her eyes off him. It's uncertain how much more time would have passed if not for a cold raindrop that fell from his wet hair, slowly rolling down her neck, disappearing behind the collar of her dress. The cold touch on her skin left a shiver, like an invisible trace of his touch, bringing her back to reality. With a sharp deep breath, Maria quickly lowered her head, hiding her embarrassed face, and stared at the key in her hands.

"I apologize," said a soft, deep male voice.

She raised her head again and saw him slightly bending over, extending his hand to her. After a moment of contemplation, she hesitantly and cautiously placed the tips of her thin and cold fingers into his large, warm palm. With a gentle yet confident motion, he pulled her up, helping her stand. Now she stood so close to him that the tip of her nose barely touched his chest, and she could smell the scent of wet leather emanating from his black coat.

"Thank you," she whispered with a soft voice, lowering her gaze to the floor. Without saying another word, she walked quickly towards the exit. After taking a couple of steps forward, she turned around to look at him again, seeing that he was watching her. With a short sigh, Maria turned around and, quickening her pace, left the bar. It felt like her body was on fire, so she rushed into the streams of cold pouring rain.