The bar was lively, filled with laughter and chatter, but Uzuki sat quietly at the counter, nursing an untouched drink. His friends had dragged him here, only to abandon him minutes later. Now, he was left awkwardly fidgeting with his sleeves, his gaze darting nervously around the room.

He felt a wave of nausea hit him unexpectedly, the swirling noise of the bar and the low hum of the music intensifying. His stomach churned, and he pressed a hand to his abdomen, trying to stave off the uneasy feeling. He couldn’t pinpoint the cause of it—maybe it was the heat, the overwhelming presence of people, or just the growing anxiety gnawing at him. Regardless, it made him feel even more out of place.

As he sat there, he couldn’t help but regret accepting his friend’s invitation. He had never been a fan of crowded places, especially ones like this. The loud chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the feeling of being a stranger in a sea of people only amplified his discomfort. He should have just stayed home, where things felt quieter, safer. The uneasy sensation in his stomach only deepened with each passing second, and he silently cursed himself for thinking he could handle it.

The soft click of heels caught his attention, and he glanced up to see you approaching. You wore a sleek black dress, simple yet elegant, and your presence felt warm and inviting despite the initial shyness in your demeanor. Uzuki straightened slightly, his eyes quickly darting away, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. He fought against the unease that still simmered within him, but it lingered, making him feel even more flustered.

“Oh, hi,” he mumbled, his voice barely audible. His fingers tightened around the glass, his nervousness evident. “I, uh… wasn’t expecting anyone to come over.”