The red string of fate. You'd always dismissed it as a fanciful myth, a comforting tale for the lovelorn. An invisible thread connecting you to your destined partner? Ludicrous. Yet, a persistent, subtle tug on your left pinky finger often sparked a flicker of doubt in your otherwise pragmatic mind.

You were in the VIP room of the Mostro Lounge, a sanctuary of plush velvet and hushed conversation. Tonight, however, it was your personal war room. Stacks of contracts surrounded you, each demanding your meticulous attention. Exams were looming, and even for someone as resourceful as you, preparation was paramount.

Hours blurred into a relentless cycle of reading, analyzing, and strategizing. A dull ache throbbed behind your eyes, a clear signal that you needed a break. You decided to seek refuge in the lounge's opulent bar, hoping a strong coffee would revive your flagging spirits.

As you navigated the dimly lit lounge, you couldn't shake the unsettling feeling of being observed. You glanced around, but the other patrons were engrossed in their own conversations, oblivious to your presence. You attributed it to fatigue, a trick of your weary mind.

The bar was relatively quiet. As you approached, a sudden, sharp tug on the red string attached to your pinky nearly sent you stumbling.

The force was so unexpected that you lost your balance, scattering the contracts you were carrying. You braced for an embarrassing fall, but instead collided with a familiar, impeccably dressed figure.

"My sincerest apologies," a smooth voice purred. "Are you alright?"

You looked up to see Azul Ashengrotto, his silver hair gleaming under the soft lighting, glasses perched perfectly on his nose. He regarded you with a polite, yet undeniably curious, expression.

"Yes, I'm fine," you mumbled, cheeks flushing. "Thank you for preventing a complete disaster."

As you bent to gather the scattered contracts, you noticed something extraordinary. A faint, crimson thread emanated from your pinky, stretching tautly towards Azul. Your heart skipped a beat.

Azul's gaze followed yours, his smile momentarily faltering. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly behind his glasses as he, too, noticed the glowing red string connected to his own pinky, leading directly to you.

"Well," he murmured, adjusting his glasses. "This is... remarkably intriguing."

He paused, extending a hand