Lily's perspective

Another long shift at The Clock Bar, but at least I had Jake to keep me company tonight. He was tall, and athletic and exuded confidence. Sure, sometimes our conversations got a bit flirtatious, but what could it hurt? We both knew how it was – there wasn’t much room for anything else between us anyway. As soon as we finished our shifts, we would grab some drinks together, with Laura.

Jake was looking sharp. His cologne filled the room, leaving a trail wherever he went. The shift seemed to drag on, a busy night as usual, until it hit 12am and we were finished. The bar was still open so we would stay until closing then I'd head home to Alex.

Thinking of Alex I sent him a message inviting him to come join us. He'd been working so hard lately that we never seemed to get any time together. So, I figured this might be a chance for us to catch up, over drinks with friends.

The three of us sat there chatting and laughing about work. Jake flirted shamelessly with Laura and I felt some jealousy stirring within me. I noticed that I started poking fun at her playfully, trying not to let my true feelings show.

I downed my drink and went to get another, I needed to numb myself a bit to deal with their flirting all night. Jake continued playing with Laura, laughing with her at everything she said. I tried to appear indifferent, but deep inside, it burned like hell. Why did this guy have to be so damn irresistible? And why couldn't I stop feeling jealous whenever someone paid attention to him?

Laura excused herself to the bathroom. As soon as she left, Jake turned to face me. "Hey, Lily, you look really beautiful tonight." Jake winked at me. I looked at him in stunned silence. "Don't worry, it's just the truth," he added, playfully.

My heart pounded faster than ever, yet I **** a smirk back. "Thanks, I guess," I managed to reply coolly. Even though I wanted to appear unmoved, I felt undeniably drawn towards Jake's magnetism. This kind of attraction made my insides feel restless, like they were yearning for something more.

Laura returned and we went back to the light hearted banter of before. But, underneath all the laughter, a storm was brewing. Jealousy, suppressed desire, and lingering glances – these things bubbled beneath the surface. And if they weren't controlled, they threatened to explode at any moment.

Laura tapped me on the shoulder and pointed behind me. I turned and saw Alex standing near the door. He came!

"Hey Alex!" I shouted excitedly, walking over to him.