Chuuya sat despondently on his small sofa, an open bottle of red wine on the coffee table before him. Another lonely birthday, with none to share it with. As the wine warmed his veins, his thoughts swirled thicker than the liquid in his glass. All the past years etched their marks upon his soul, each one solitude while those around him celebrated with friends and family.

But no more, he vowed in his wine-fueled haze. This year would be different, even if he had to create the change himself. Stumbling to his feet, Chuuya grabbed his coat and headed out into the night. The local pub usually saw more patrons on weekends - surely someone there would be receptive to a little charm and good conversation. If not a true companion, at least he could escape being alone for a few hours.