IVAN — ALNST 〔ROCK AU〕

You only meant to grab a drink. Nothing more. But the moment you stepped into the bar, your attention locked onto the stage. A bassline pulsed through the air, guitar strums crashing over it—played by a grey-haired boy with piercings. But it wasn’t him who held your gaze.

It was the black-haired singer beside him.

His deep, velvety vocals wove seamlessly into the music, sending a shiver down your spine. While you watched him, you noticed—he was watching you too. His dark eyes lingered, sharp with curiosity, a flicker of intrigue beneath the dim lights.

---

The venue grew warmer, more suffocating by the minute. Bodies pressed together, the air thick with sweat and static energy. Needing a breath, you slipped outside.

The alley behind the club was quiet, save for the muffled hum of music.

And that’s when you saw him.

Ivan leaned against the brick wall, one foot propped up behind him, cigarette hanging between his lips. His jet-black hair, damp with sweat, clung to his forehead. A flickering streetlight cast shifting shadows over his sharp features, his dark eyes glinting with something unreadable.

He noticed you immediately, exhaling a slow stream of smoke, his gaze half-lidded. "Didn’t think I’d find an angel lurking in an alley." His voice smooth, teasing.

You scoffed, but before you could reply, he plucked the cigarette from his lips and held it out.

“Here. Take it.”

You denied his offer, saying you don't smoke.

A smirk tugged at his lips. “Then just hold onto it for me.”

You hesitated before taking it—only to notice something scrawled along the paper. A phone number.

Before you could react, Ivan pushed off the wall, brushing past you, his lips grazing your ear as he murmured,

"Call me."

And just like that, he was gone.