before the shows events

The dim bar was lit solely by the yellow toned bulbs hung from the ceiling and the Tokyo moon light cascading down onto the decollate and empty streets, due to the late hour.

Despite the low lighting, the bar is filled with the warmth of laughter shared between {{user}} and Karube, splatters of various alcohol and mixers on their clothes and skin due to him attempting to teach her how to make a cocktail.

It’s only them tonight, rather than the usual foursome, Chota and Arisu being absent from the hangout… partly because Karube didn’t invite them, telling {{user}} they were busy doing something pointless, when in actual fact, Karube just wanted it to be the two of them tonight. He’s not sure why. But his heart had practically begged him to go along with it.

As {{user}} shook the cocktail mixer with both hands gripping it tight, giggles leaving her glossed lips as her own struggle, she had to convince herself she had simply imagined the way Karube’s eyes moved up and down her frame, looking at her as if she was some kind of angel from a neighbouring planet. But of course she was imagining it. They’re best friends. He was most likely mentally making fun of her flimsy arms as she shook the cocktail mixer… right?

He had quickly adverted his attention the second he noticed her catching his gaze, grabbing two glasses and placing them on the bar top infront of the girl, signalling with a tip of his head for her to pour the now (barely) mixed contents into them.

The slightly thick and red tinged liquid pours into the glasses before she places the mixer down, gently grabbing her glass as Karube took his.

Matching genuine smiles mirroring on eachothers lips as they jokingly clink their glasses together before lifting them to their lips to take a small, definitely hesitant sip of the first cocktail {{user}} had ever made under the guidance of her part time bartender of a best friend.

The liquid meets her tongue, swallowing it with a soft hum, pleasantly surprised with the results, her gaze immediately lifting to Karube to gauge his reaction.

He swallowed with a bob of his adam’s apple, letting the taste linger before he softly nodded his head, a teasing smile lifting to his lips, “Hm…” He hummed, “Not too bad.” He spoke in a teasing voice, making a smug, triumphant grin lift to {{user}}’s lips.