Club B
The VIP section of Club B was lively, but Brian and his friends had the best seats in the house. From their elevated booth, they had a perfect view of the dance floor and bar, watching as people lost themselves in music and drinks. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and expensive cologne, mixed with the neon lights flickering across the club's dark interior.
Brian leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable as he swirled the drink in his hand. His friends, however, were anything but quiet.
"Brian, do you have a problem you want us to solve for you?" Joshua asked, tilting his head in curiosity.
Brian barely glanced at him, his tone as indifferent as ever. "Why? Do I look like I have a problem?"
Joshua and Victor exchanged looks before Victor smirked. "You coming to the club is what's alarming," he pointed out, raising a brow.
Richard, always ready to tease, leaned forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "He's probably expecting someone."
Joshua caught on quickly, grinning. "Who's bold enough to get Almighty Brian's attention?"
"Susan?" Daniel asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.
"Who said it's Susan?" Richard asked, his teasing tone making the others chuckle.
Before anyone could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Hello, guys," Victoria greeted with a bright smile, practically glowing with excitement.
Daniel's expression darkened slightly. "Why are you here?"
Victoria rolled her eyes. "Just here to catch fun like you guys," she said, unfazed.
Daniel sighed. "Don't go back home late."
Victoria pouted. "Stop treating me like a kid."
Richard smirked, nudging Joshua. "Don't mind him. He doesn't want me to pursue you, that's why he's acting like that."
"Dare," Daniel warned, his voice low, making everyone laugh.
Victoria turned to Brian, her eyes shining with hope. "Brian?"
Brian barely lifted his gaze. "How are you?" His response was polite but distant.
"I'm good," Victoria said, unfazed, as she took a seat beside Daniel.
Richard took the opportunity to tease. "Do you miss me?"
"You wish," Victoria said, rolling her eyes.
Just then, another voice joined the conversation.
"How are you guys enjoying the atmosphere?" Susan greeted as she approached, her tone smooth and confident.
Richard grinned. "Welcome, beautiful."
Susan gave a seductive smile, letting her gaze linger on them. "How's everyone? I just felt like greeting you. I'm going to perform a dance. Do you mind coming to see me later?"
"I don't mind. I don't know about the rest," Richard answered first.
"I definitely don't mind," Joshua added eagerly.
"Why would I mind seeing beauty?" Victor teased, flashing a charming smile.
Daniel shook his head at their responses. "Can you guys be a little modest?"
Victor leaned back, laughing. "What will I do with modesty?"
Susan turned to Daniel, her confidence wavering just slightly. "Daniel, do you mind coming also?"
Daniel smirked. "Is that really my question?"
Susan's confidence returned as she defended herself. "Of course."
Daniel sighed, then gave a small smile. "I'll be there. It's boring here anyway."
Finally, Susan turned to Brian. "Brian?"
He was about to reject the offer, his lips already parting to refuse—until his gaze flickered past Susan. His eyes locked onto a familiar figure moving through the crowd, blending effortlessly with the sea of people.
His expression shifted, subtle yet noticeable to those who knew him well.
Brian's gaze remained fixed on the figure. "Alright, I'll be there."
Susan hesitated. "Really?" she asked again, as if she hadn't heard him right.
The entire group went silent. Even Susan looked momentarily stunned.
"Really?" she repeated, still unsure if she had misheard.
Brian didn't bother to respond this time. Instead, he took another sip of his drink, his mind already elsewhere.
The atmosphere in Club B shifted the moment Brian agreed to watch Susan dance. His friends exchanged glances, their surprise evident.
"Wait, are you really interested in Susan?" Joshua asked, leaning forward in disbelief.
Richard frowned, rubbing his chin. "Wait, did I make a mistake?" he muttered, almost to himself.
Daniel smirked, crossing his arms. "Probably. I'm the one who knows him best," he said with a proud tilt of his head.
"I didn't see that coming," Victor admitted, his brows raised.
Victoria, however, wasn't paying attention to the others. Her gaze remained fixed on Brian, who sat completely unbothered, casually scrolling through his phone as if he wasn't the subject of their conversation.
"Brian, won't you say anything?" Victoria asked, surprised at herself for even caring.
Brian finally glanced at her, his expression blank. "What should I say?" he asked, clearly not understanding the fuss.
Before anyone could add to the conversation, Joshua cut in, eager to change the subject. "I think Susan is starting her show soon."
They all made their way downstairs, where Susan prepared to perform. The music started—Shameless by Camila Cabello. A slow, sultry rhythm filled the club as Susan moved to the beat, her body flowing effortlessly with each note. Every move was precise, calculated, and undeniably seductive.
She was undeniably skilled—a natural performer. The crowd was captivated.
But Brian?
His eyes weren't on Susan.
Instead, he was scanning the room, searching for someone else.
At a dimly lit corner of the club, Irene sat alone. She leaned against the bar, sipping her drink with a look of mild boredom. Unlike the other women vying for attention, she had opted for a pair of oversized black boyfriend jeans and a mint long-sleeve crop top—a simple outfit that did nothing to hide her beauty. Even in her least seductive form, she stood out effortlessly.
As Susan's performance came to an end, the crowd erupted into applause, praising her skill.
And then, out of nowhere, Irene staggered forward, her heels clicking against the floor as she cut through the crowd.
"Wow, you're fucking good at dancing. Will you be my dance teacher?" Irene asked, a teasing smirk playing on her lips.
The tension in the room shifted.
Susan, known throughout X City as the most beautiful woman, suddenly found herself face to face with someone who could rival her in looks. And it didn't sit well with her.
Her smile thinned. "Who are you, Miss? I've never seen you before."
The question hung in the air. Everyone had been wondering the same thing.
Irene took another sip of her drink before responding. "I'm Irene. Irene Queen, from Country K."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"The Queens?" Susan echoed, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"The Queen," Irene corrected, the pride in her voice unmistakable.
A new wave of whispers rippled through the spectators. The Queens were famous in Country K, known for their high-end fashion brands. They sold everything—clothes, shoes, bags, accessories. Their name carried weight.
Susan's smile returned, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's nice meeting you. Do you mind having a duel with me?" she suggested, her voice deceptively sweet.
Irene chuckled, shaking her head. "I can do anything, but dancing is not my forte." She paused, then tilted her head with a smirk. "But… do you mind dancing for me? I'll pay you."
A sharp silence fell over the room.
Daniel exhaled sharply, already feeling a headache forming. "Can this girl be less troublesome?" he muttered under his breath.
Susan's expression darkened. "Miss, that's not proper. I'm not in need of your money."
Irene feigned surprise. "I thought you were a dancer? And everyone—" she turned to the crowd with a lazy smile. "Don't you want to see her dance again?"
The roar of the crowd was deafening. They wanted more.
Susan's jaw clenched.
"Sorry for disturbing your fun, guys. Let's go." Victor grabbed Irene's arm, pulling her away from the growing tension.
Susan watched them go,thinking Irene is Victor's girlfriend, she then turned back to Victor, her gaze sharp. "I suggest you hold your girlfriend tight, Young Master."
Victor didn't even spare her a glance. "None of your concern." His tone was cold, dismissive.
Irene, still acting oblivious, smiled innocently. "What's wrong? I just wanted to see her dance."
"Shut up," Daniel muttered in irritation, his patience wearing thin.
And just like that, the night's excitement took a very interesting turn.
The air inside the club pulsed with energy, flashing neon lights casting vibrant colors across the room. The scent of expensive liquor and sweat lingered in the air as the bass vibrated through the floor.
Brian,his sharp eyes watching the scene unfold as Irene swayed slightly, unbothered by the expectant gazes around her.
"She just wants you to dance. What's hard about that?" Brian asked, his tone as smooth as ever.
"Exactly." Irene responded with a playful smirk before staggering into Brian's arms.
The entire group fell into silence. Their eyes widened, anticipating Brian to push her away. Instead, he tightened his grip on her waist, steadying her effortlessly. His voice dropped into a quiet whisper, only for her to hear.
"Stand right."
Richard, watching the interaction with keen interest, muttered to himself, "I was right after all."
Susan's expression darkened as jealousy flickered in her eyes. Her nails dug into her palms as she fought the irritation bubbling inside her.
"But Brian—" she started, her voice laced with frustration.
Brian barely spared her a glance. "I want to see you dance. Will you dance for me?"