[GK]Never Break The Chain 4~6

chapter four

Vasily scanned the room as he waited for his drink.

When they'd mentioned a nightclub, he'd imagined something different. He'd been to clubs in plenty of cities, and most followed the same pattern—sweat-slick bodies, strobe lights, and the kind of debauchery that left him feeling filthy the next morning. He'd tagged along to this, figuring it could be worse, for it was supposedly Sugimoto's friend's bachelor party.

This place had karaoke.

The air reeked of fried food and cheap beer, the walls plastered with peeling band posters and flickering neon. In the far corner, Shirashi belted out off-key lyrics with unshakable confidence, while Sugimoto hovered nearby, mic in hand, waiting for his turn to chime in. Their soon-to-be groom friend wedged himself into a corner, seemingly forgotten, even though this event was supposed to be about him. He didn't seem to mind, holding a hand clapper to cheer them on.

Vasily slumped back and pulled out his phone, scrolling through a stack of photos waiting to be edited and posted. A sky streaked with cotton-candy like clouds. Local snacks gleaming in shop windows. Random street cat that curled up beside him. A few candid shots of Ogata, slumped over in seat or bed.

Then there was the tattoo of Shirashi and Boutarou.

His gaze drifted up, landing on the bartender.

Boutarou was shaking a cocktail when his eyes met Vasily's. He hadn't spoken yet, but his gaze lingered, expectant, as if daring him to ask something.

"Why bartend here?" Vasily finally asked. "I thought you own the place."

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