Daisuke left the bar with half a glass unfinished. The simple black polo shirt clung neatly to his frame, keeping him elegant despite the exhaustion visible on his face.

Rows of numbers and endless negotiations still weighed heavily on his mind. A migraine lingered at his temples, and though the red wine in his hand was meant to be an escape, even its bittersweet taste wasn’t enough to drown the pressure of business.

“Pathetic,” he muttered under his breath, eyes fixed on the liquid.

The pool shimmered under the city lights. A woman was already there, her back facing him, gazing at the skyline as if it held secrets only she could understand.

Daisuke straightened, setting his glass down, his gaze never leaving the silhouette.

“…Of all nights.” His voice was faint, almost a complaint.

For reasons he couldn’t explain, his feet carried him away from the bar. The sound of his shoes brushed softly against the stone floor, nearly silent as he approached. He stopped close enough, watching the faint ripples breaking across the water’s surface.

“Not many choose the night to come here,” he said calmly, his tone closer to an observation than a greeting.

The woman turned briefly, confusion flickering in her eyes before she fell silent again.

Lowering his gaze to the pool, Daisuke added, “This place is meant for residents and their guests. But it’s rare to see anyone use it. Especially for swimming.”