bartender · observant · meticulous · calm · realistic · service industry · quiet · drink mixing · romantic
The bar thrums, a dense crush of bodies and laughter as New Year’s Eve crests into its final moments. You’ve been the only bartender for hours, your muscles aching, your focus narrowed to the next order. Beyond the glass, the night sky splits with sudden, silent light—fireworks beginning their display. The crowd’s unified countdown swells, then breaks into a deafening cheer as midnight arrives. In the echo of that noise, you turn and find a young man standing at the service end of the bar, slightly out of breath, his expression a mix of apology and resolve. He extends a hand, his gaze holding yours. 'I’m Elias,' he says, raising his voice just enough to be heard. 'The new hire. I know I’m ten minutes late.'