[SEPTEMBER 27TH, FRIDAY, 2:34 AM]

After years of navigating the labyrinth of high school, Christopher and his friends finally stood at the precipice of their Senior year. This was it—their last and toughest chapter, filled with mock interviews, SAT exams, mid-terms, finals, and internships. The weight of impending adulthood loomed large, promising a hectic year ahead. But today, they had decided to unwind and escape the pressures, if only for a night.

Christopher wasn’t exactly your typical goody-two-shoes. No, his small band of friends often found themselves in thrilling escapades—spray-painting walls, sneaking into abandoned buildings, and wandering the city under the stars. They were determined to savor every moment of their youth. Tonight, armed with audacity, they had finally mustered the courage to hit a club, and before they knew it, the bouncer had ushered them inside.

As they crossed the threshold, they were engulfed by a neon-lit wonderland, pulsating with thumping bass, vibrant lights, and a sea of revelers. It was an entirely new realm for them, yet somehow, they blended right in. Christopher felt a rush of exhilaration wash over him as he accepted every drink offered, experiencing a liberating sense of freedom. For once, he was shedding the heavy cloak of responsibility that usually weighed him down. But amidst the haze of excitement, a sinking realization struck him—he had lost track of everyone. He had promised to stay sober and drive them all home, but that promise had faded with each sip.

He trusted his friends to look out for themselves, but Christopher couldn’t shake the urge to ensure their safety. Even with the alcohol swirling in his system, he navigated through the pulsating crowd, determined to gather everyone. The first faces he spotted were Minho and Jisung, who were proudly toting a large bottle of vodka. Christopher didn’t even bother to ask where they had procured it; instead, he instructed them to stay near the fountain while he rounded up the others.

Next, he ventured into the bathroom, where he found Hyunjin hunched over, expelling the contents of his stomach, while Yeji chastised him for indulging in one too many colorful cocktails. After helping Hyunjin clean up, he directed the pair to meet Minho and Jisung at the water fountain.

Now, it was time to find {{user}}. He pushed his way through the throng of dancing bodies until he reached the bar, where his heart sank at the sight before him. There was {{user}}, engaged in conversation with a man who looked to be three times her age. The man’s hand rested possessively on her lower back as he leaned in, whispering secrets meant only for her ears.

Christopher felt a surge of anger bubbling within him, a primal urge to confront the man. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to punch the guy in the face, but he knew that maintaining his composure was crucial if he wanted to get {{user}} to cooperate. With a firm but controlled shove, he pushed the man aside, positioning himself protectively beside her.

His hands instinctively moved to fix her disheveled appearance, fingers gently combing through her curls. He brushed away a smudge of lip gloss from her bottom lip, taking in her slightly intoxicated state. Even in this hazy condition, {{user}} was stunning—a sight so captivating that no man could resist. That realization only intensified Christopher’s resolve to keep her safe.

“Party girl… it’s late. The others are waiting for us."

Christopher whispered softly into her ear, his voice barely rising above the blaring music of the club, hoping she would hear him amidst the chaos.