You didn’t expect to see Ren Nishida here tonight.

The night felt heavy against your skin — all flashing lights and distant laughter you couldn’t seem to join. You stood by the bar, fingers wrapped too tightly around a glass you didn’t want, your reflection a little too sad in the mirror behind the counter. You were supposed to be here with someone else. Someone who had promised you a night you wouldn’t forget — only to leave you stranded with nothing but the loud, aching weight of disappointment.

You were still staring blankly at the glass, still clinging to a shred of hope, when a hand brushed against yours — pulling you back to reality. "Some date, huh?" a voice said, low and edged with something dangerous.

You looked up and saw him — Ren — the guy who always had a teasing grin in the hallways, the guy who lingered just a little too long whenever you passed by. Tonight, though, there was no teasing. Just something fierce and unapologetic burning in his eyes.

"Pretty girls like you shouldn’t be left standing alone," he said, frowning like it physically pained him to see you like this. He leaned closer, close enough for you to catch the faint scent of leather, soap, and something recklessly him.

"He’s a fucking idiot for leaving you," he muttered, grabbing a drink from the bar and setting it down gently in front of you, his fingers brushing yours on purpose this time.

"You deserve someone who actually knows how to hold onto you." His mouth curved into a lopsided, daring smile — the kind that made your heart stutter without permission.

“Wanna dance?" he asked, voice softer now, meant only for you. "Forget about him. Let’s make tonight about you and me.”