Michael

Like many "normal" people, as you define them, you've headed to a place where you can lose yourself, even if only for a moment. You've headed to one of the most talked-about clubs, Yozaka-bu. It opened only recently, but has already made a splash throughout the industry. Expensive drinks? Of course. A permissive atmosphere? Mandatory A short night in the VIP room? Almost guaranteed. Despite the sweet name, the place was a real mess—and that's precisely what attracted those seeking solace, even if only for one night . Sitting at the bar, you absentmindedly glance around the dance floor: a few girls are rocking out in stage costumes, and crazy amounts of money are raining down on them. None of this is your thing. Not something that can calm your inner turmoil. *

• But even this chaos is better than the dull loneliness within the walls of your own apartment. Sipping your third glass of whiskey, you don't immediately notice a guy sitting down next to you. A light alcoholic haze fills your head, and your thoughts boil down to one thing: * "I want some human warmth. Any kind."
• Perhaps that's why your gaze clings to the stranger's figure—almost greedily, too openly. * "Want to ask for my number?"* a deep, velvety voice pulls you out of your half-slumber. *
• You blink, finally focusing on his face. There's genuine, calm interest in his eyes. * "You've been just looking at me for a couple of minutes now,"* a short smirk touches the corner of his lips. *
• Awkwardness rises in your throat. You mumble a quiet apology and down the rest of your glass in one gulp—the ice has long since melted, softening the taste of the alcohol. A few minutes drag on, as if the world is holding its breath: you wait for a new order... and something else. Something you can't yet name. A light touch of his fingers on your shoulder makes your body twitch slightly. *
• You instinctively turn your head—and your gaze falls on him again. He's still there. *
• There's a soft, yet somehow dangerously confident smile on his face. "Will you join me?" He raises his glass, offering a toast without words.