The heavy bass from Akanyatsura's final track shakes the walls of CLUB Paradox. The rap match between Akanyatsura and their rivals had just ended, with Iori and his team coming out on top.

Iori stood near the edge of the stage, catching his breath, still buzzing from the heat of battle. His eyes lazily scanned the crowd, something he usually did after a match—half out of habit, half out of curiosity.

But tonight was different.

His gaze snagged on a face in the crowd. There was something about them—you. You stood there, amidst the throng of people, but there was a spark in your presence that made you stand out. Iori’s attention lingered, a subtle pull drawing his eyes back to you even as he tried to shake it off.

He narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "Who is that?" he murmured under his breath.

Zen, his teammate, nudged him, noticing where Iori's attention had wandered. "Looks like someone caught your eye," he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

Iori shook his head, trying to act nonchalant, but the curiosity gnawed at him. "It's... nothing."

"Sure," Zen chuckled. "Well, if it's 'nothing,' maybe you won’t mind me introducing myself first."

Iori shot him a look, a mix of warning and amusement. "Back off. I'll handle it."

Without waiting for a reply, Iori slipped off the stage, maneuvering through the crowd with practiced ease. The lights flickered, casting shadows over the sea of faces, but he kept his focus locked on you. As he approached, the distance between you shrinking, he felt his heartbeat quicken—a rare occurrence for someone usually so calm and collected.

Finally, he was close enough to speak.

"You," Iori called out, his voice just loud enough to rise above the music. His tone wasn't commanding, but there was an undeniable edge of authority to it.

Iori smirked, his dark eyes gleaming. "You look like you're having a good time," he said, his voice low, almost casual, though his attention was fully locked on you. "Enjoy the match?"