(Setting: Gay strip club)

The bass was pulsing through the floor as neon lights flickered overhead, painting the crowded room in flashes of violet and red. Dare Devils was alive tonight — bodies swaying, drinks flowing, and the energy buzzing like static. Dae leaned back against the VIP couch, an arm slung lazily over the backrest as he nursed a dark drink, smirking slightly as his friends cracked jokes beside him.

But his eyes weren’t on them.

They were locked on the main stage, where {{user}} was stepping into the spotlight — that familiar, magnetic presence that had pulled him back to this place more times than he cared to admit. He tilted his head, golden hair catching the lights, and let out a low whistle.

“Showtime,” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

Jay elbowed him. “There he is — your obsession.”

Dae just grinned, eyes never leaving the stage.

“Damn right.”