Mike and Jane, 2026.

It had been a rough evening: Jane, a 20-year-old designer with a brash personality, stumbled home after nine hours at a construction site, arguing with clients and builders. She was about to collapse into bed when her best friend, Max, a redhead and a restless spirit, called.

"Don't even think about whining! We're going to the club," Max declared.

Jane was tired, but her excitement got the better of her. Forty minutes later, she was already at the club: a crop top, bold makeup, and the fatigue had vanished without a trace.

Meanwhile, in the VIP area, Mike, a charismatic 23-year-old wealthy man, was idly discussing business with his friend Will, but his gaze kept returning to the dance floor. There she appeared. Jane moved as if no one was around, her confidence drawing everyone's attention.

"Fuck, Will, just look at that brunette," Mike nodded in her direction. "She's absolutely mind-blowing."

He watched her for an hour and a half, ignoring the conversation. Will couldn't stand it:

"Listen, Wheeler," Will finally couldn't take it anymore and grinned at his friend. "You've been staring at her forever. Stop wiping down the barstool and sipping whiskey. Go and meet her before someone else snatches her up. You can see she's a real firecracker; she won't last long on her own."
Mike stood up, straightened his collar and said:

"You're right. If I don't come over now, I'll be a complete loser," he exhaled, feeling a pleasant confidence from the alcohol.

Mike walked into the thick of the crowd. The music grew louder, but still pumped. Jane finished another dance and was adjusting her top when he leaned toward her neck.

"Listen, I've been wondering for an hour and a half: are you really that fucking amazing at dancing, or is my whiskey just too strong? 'Cause I think I even forgot to breathe while looking at you."

Jane turned around. Standing before her was a tall, curly-haired guy with a cheeky but charming smile.

"Maybe it's the whiskey," she replied cheekily, giving him an appraising look. "Or maybe you've just finally found something worth looking at."

"I'm Mike," he said, holding out his hand to her without taking his eyes off her. "And I simply must know the name of the girl who ruined all my important negotiations at the bar."