The club buzzed with flashing lights and loud music. The dance floor in the centre was filled with people dancing along to the beat vibrating through the floor, chaotic, loud, and alive.
It was the newest spot in the city and had already become a favorite hangout spot for young people. In a few short weeks, a reservation was needed to enter, but it still had a long line of hopefuls forming outside for a chance to enter.
At the bar, in a secluded corner, sat a man whose face couldn't be seen clearly. Still, the shape of his back and the curve of his neck as he drank his alcohol drew attention like a magnet. Many people wanted to approach him, glancing over multiple times. A few brave ones actually did, smiling brightly, only to be turned away within seconds.
A young man sat in a nearby booth watching him.
"Ryan, everyone meets scumbags in their lifetime," a voice said beside him. "It's because you're inexperienced. After a few more dates, you'll be able to spot them at once."
Alex, his best friend and coworker, patted his shoulder in comfort.
"You don't have to feel bad. It's not your fault. The idiot doesn't know what he lost."
Ryan didn't reply.
His attention was elsewhere.
The man at the bar just rejected someone else. He couldn't hear their exchange. But the other person seemed somewhat angry. He looked like he was going to attack the man before he was pulled away by his companion.
"How does one gain experience?" Ryan finally asked, his eyes still fixed on the man at the bar.
"Dating. Not just one person," Alex replied. "The more the better."
"At the same time?"
Alex choked. "Of course not, that's cheating. You can be talking to multiple people at the same time before dating, though. Once you enter a relationship, you have to be loyal. Or one-night stands. No strings attached. Just pure fun and pleasure, plus you get to meet a lot of interesting people."
He took a deep breath, leaning back. "As long as you don't catch feelings, you'll be fine."
"Oh. Unlike you." Ryan turned to Alex, raising his brow.
"It's hard not to. They all take really good care of me." Alex let out a sigh. "I want to be in a relationship. A real one. But they only want me for my body. It's brutal out there."
Ryan nodded slowly, not really getting it.
Almost every other week, Alex would keep him awake as he ranted about his latest heartbreak. This year alone, he had suffered from 7 failed relationships or friends-with-benefits situations. And it was only the fourth month.
Sometimes he wondered why the guy kept trying, since every time he only got hurt.
People were too complicated and relationships even more.
"I'm going to the bathroom," Alex said, standing up. "Wait here. I'll try not to be gone too long."
Ryan watched him leave.
As Alex disappeared into the crowd, he took another sip of his drink.
His gaze drifted back to the man at the bar. The man was still there. Still alone and nursing his drink.
The man would make a good one-night stand. He didn't seem to like company and they would probably never meet again. He didn't usually go to clubs. If they won't meet again, it would be impossible to catch feelings.
A few moments later, he downed the last drop of his drink and straightened his clothes. He took off his glasses, placing them beside the glass, and stood up.
He walked across the room.
"Hey," he called as he reached the bar.
The man sitting turned at the sound of his voice.
Ryan didn't notice the leg sticking out from someone seated nearby. He stumbled forward and almost fell, but firm, strong arms caught him before he hit the ground.
A hand gripped his wrist, wrapping him in the scent of sandalwood and oak.
"Sorry," someone called. Probably the owner of the leg, but Ryan wasn't paying attention. All he could feel were the warm arms holding him.
He lifted his head, but couldn't see the face of his savior clearly. His vision was fuzzy without his glasses. He shouldn't have taken them off, but Alex once mentioned his glasses made him look cute and young.
He wanted to come off as mature and confident, but he had ended up making a fool of himself.
Ryan could tell it was him. The man he wanted to approach.
His heart began to thump in his chest.
"Are you okay?" a deep and gentle voice asked from above him.
"I'm fine," Ryan muttered, trying to regain his balance.
The other man led him to a nearby chair. Ryan sat up straight, awkward but determined to regain his composure. No failure was allowed
The man returned to his own seat, which was right next to Ryan's, and picked up his glass, taking a sip.
"Emm… thank you," Ryan said.
Then turned to the bartender. "I'll have what he's having."
The other man put his glass back on the table and turned to look at Ryan, but said nothing.
The bartender nodded and began pouring and mixing drinks. Before long, he placed a glass filled with a golden orange drink on the table in front of Ryan.
He picked it up and took a sip.
It was sharp, tangy, and bitter. He tried not to cough.
So this was what alcohol tasted like. He set the glass back down, furrowing his brows.
He heard a muffled laugh from beside him but chose to ignore it.
He took another sip, feeling the burn, then turned to the man beside him.
"Would you like to have sex with me?"
The other man choked mid-sip and started coughing. "What did you say?"
"I asked if you would like to have sex with me. I can pay you, if you want."
The man was silent for a beat.
Ryan was beginning to wonder if he had made a mistake. He hadn't asked Alex how one got a one-night stand. Maybe there were rules. He probably offended the man with how he blurted it out.
"Do you… know me?" the man finally asked.
"I don't think that would be necessary," Ryan said calmly. "Since it's just a one-night stand,"
The man repeated slowly, "A one-night stand."
"If you're not interested," Ryan said, standing up. "I'll find someone else. I just thought you were the best-looking person here."
He turned to leave.
"Wait," the man said quickly, reaching out to catch Ryan's hand. "I would like to."
Ryan stopped, feeling the heat of the man's fingers. It was that easy to get someone? But what was he supposed to do next?
"Or you don't want me anymore?"
"I do," Ryan hurriedly answered, his face warming. "Which hotel would you recommend?"