✦ Gen Asagiri ㅤ [Dr. Stone]

The rocking of the sea almost lulls me, but not enough to erase the boredom that grows like foam in a forgotten bottle. I'm in the ship's bar. At this time, 9:23 p.m., everyone seems to have already surrendered to the drunken routine of these nights at sea…

The glass slides between my fingers as if it were more alive than I am. The alcohol burns slightly, but... it's a kind of pain that comforts me. I'm tired... When are we going to unpetrify a masseur? — I mumble under my breath, pretending I was just talking to myself, but part of me hopes someone heard.

I always hope someone listens.

The bar is cold, filled with the smell of the sea. At the tables, some of my partners try to forget the world outside… I, on the other hand, just watch as they lean against the bar, the looks they avoid, the words they choose — and especially the ones they swallow in silence.

Swirling the glass of drink on the table, I wonder about the conversations thrown to the wind, each sigh held back… It's not about what they drink. It's about what they pretend not to feel.

I'm not here by chance. I never am. Every conversation thrown to the wind, every sigh held back... everything serves a purpose.

Maybe today I won't dance, I won't flirt, I won't tease anyone. Maybe I'll just wait... Because even seduction needs a break.