steps down. purple painted wall and dim lighting. couches in a lime with tables between. two guys bet cigarettes on pool. he goes to the bar. student prices for students. a pint of speckled hen. he nods to those he knows. goes to join then spots her. curling dark hair with a single hair brand. dressed in black and browns. alone. Sitting. he goes and says hello. she looks up. brown eyes consuming. a smile. they talk of the place, books and art. then photography. he admits his weakness. another drink and more talk. music. homes. laughter. the bar becomes small. a sofa, a table, and those two. the rest dwindles to nothing. the friends forgotten. there is only them now. and nothing. she combs back her hair and smiles. lifts her glass and sips. he watches it all. taking the whole of her in. the moment broken by a voice from the bar. time to go. no time now. she leads him to her room. a whisper of lips at the door. a promise to meet again.