C1 Chance Encounter

Hey everyone!

Before we start this book, I just want to give you a heads up: this is ‘kinda’ slow burn story! Don't expect things to happen quickly, especially when it comes to romance.

Oh, and to set the mood, I have a music recommendation for you: "Keep it Movin" by Tiana and Hakeem from the Empire Soundtrack. Trust me, it's the perfect vibe for this read.

Now, let's get started and enjoy!

***

"Thank you all for coming out to see us perform, guys! We're back and better than ever! We love each and every one of you!"

The crowd erupted with cheers and applause, filling the air with electric energy. Angelo couldn't help but chuckle to himself. The Extremes always had the crowd eating out of their hands. And why wouldn't they? They were the best in the business.

***

BACKSTAGE

"Hey Helia, were you trying to impress Layla with your smooth rhymes? I saw you winking at her during the show. Dude, you need to tone down the PDA. Get a room!"

"Not my fault you can't maintain a steady relationship, Angelo. PDA is just one of the many things you can't handle. Hehe."

Angelo playfully glared at Helia. He was the second vocalist and rapper for the Extremes, always finding ways to remind Angelo of his perpetual single status and his non-committal views on relationships. But Angelo didn't care. He was popular and believed he could have any girl he wanted.

After all, he was Angelo, the leader of one of the country's best bands, "Extremes". Their world tour had finally ended, and they had decided to base themselves back in City D—where it all began.

"Guys, I'm gonna head out for a drink. I need some time to decompress after all that screaming and cheering."

"Pfft, you never get used to it, do you, Angelo?" Damien, the bassist, joked.

"Never, Damien. I'll catch up with all of you later tonight."

Angelo grabbed a hat to cover up his distinctive gold hair. The last thing he wanted was to run into any overzealous fans tonight. All he wanted was some alone time, and the hat would help him achieve that.

He craved fresh air, and a leisurely walk always helped clear his mind.

****ASTRIA'S POV***

Sigh..

I can't wait for this shift to be over! Lucy keeps ranting and raving about how much she regrets missing the Extremes show.

I never really understood her obsession with them. Sure, their music is good, but I never took a personal interest in them. They were just another band whose songs I casually listened to. Listening to her incessant complaining about missing the show was really starting to drain me.

****

Angelo hadn't walked too far before he stumbled upon a charming little bar. A drink wouldn't hurt at this point. In fact, he needed one.

He walked in and made his way straight to the bar counter.

"A scotch on the rocks, please."

"People still drink that? I thought martinis were all the rage around here."

"Well, who says I'm from around here?" Angelo replied with a sly grin, meeting the gaze of the person serving him.

‘Tonight is my lucky night! I've got a female bartender taking care of me. This should be easy.’ Angelo thought to himself.

"Oh, so you're not from around here, huh? Well, welcome to Ricky's Bar on Angel Avenue. I hope you enjoy your time here. Here's your scotch," she said, sliding the glass towards him.

"Thanks, beautiful. I must be incredibly lucky tonight. An angel is tending to my every need."

Astria quickly averted her gaze and moved on to serve the next customer. But Angelo could sense her polite rejection.

‘Wow, she's playing hard to get. This just got interesting. I wonder how long she can keep it up.’ He smiled to himself, savoring his drink.

****

***ASTRIA'S POV***

Of course, the guy with the hat had to be a cocky bastard. He was attractive, sure, but that "baby girl" comment? Who even says that anymore?! My annoyance grew with each passing second. Thankfully, my shift is almost over, and I'll be out of this place soon enough.

****

Angelo waited for the bar to clear out a bit before continuing to observe the bartender. She had this goth look, complete with spiked white hair with black dye.

But he could tell that all that makeup and style was just a facade. Behind her dark exterior, her eyes gave away her true self—adorable blue eyes that seemed to catch his gaze every now and then. She wasn't exactly his type, but that didn't mean he couldn't explore other flavors, right?

"Hey, I'm sorry about the 'baby girl' comment. Can I at least know your name?"

"It's Astria, and I accept your apology."

"Astria, what an interesting name for an equally interesting girl."

Her expression transformed instantly, as if a storm was brewing within her. But Angelo wasn't ready to back down. He wondered how long she could resist his charm and good looks.

"Dude, is this your way of flirting?"

"Not usually, but it seems I've lost my touch when it comes to someone like you."

"Ah, so this is a thing, huh? Well, let me give you a little advice. You better stop while you still can. You never know who you're dealing with. It could be a depressed lady, a psychopath, or whatever."

"Well, I've seen it all and then some. Do you have any idea who I am?”