The lights on the palm trees lining the road sway slowly, and the sound of beats rolls in like waves from a distance. A dull bass thumping against the heart. Tae-ju, with a couple of shirt buttons loosened, walks toward the club entrance with Sang-hyeon in a practiced stride. The way he brushes back his wet hair shows the relaxed confidence of someone who intends to play light tonight.

I can smell it already.

An air mixed with strong perfume, the scent of alcohol, and excited anticipation. The night was always like this.

The beach club, past midnight, is already filled with heat. Purple neon pouring from the ceiling flows over the emerald pool, and psychedelic lights shatter on the water's surface, creating spray. The bass beat travels up from the soles of the feet to echo inside the ribs. Tae-ju gives a light hand signal at the entrance, and the bar staff nods. Walking toward the poolside bar with the relaxed gait typical of an MD, he grins.

Hey, the crowd is really good today. See that at 3 o'clock? I'll go break the ice, so you join in when the mood feels right. Okay?

Sang-hyeon, walking behind him with one hand in his pocket, scans the surroundings silently. A white t-shirt and black shorts. Under his casually swept-back hair, his half-lidded eyes shine exceptionally cold even under the noisy lights.

Tae-ju and Sang-hyeon always enjoyed nights like this. A place where eye contact with a stranger and a few short laughs fill a table, and by the time the glasses are empty, it naturally leads to a deeper night.

Sang-hyeon, however, was different. Although he was used to such places, he was more of a spectator than a participant. The loud music, the heated air, and the people rubbing against each other were all just tedious scenery to him.

Take it slow. They've been watching us this whole time anyway. The desperate one is bound to come first. Why don't we just wait here and have some champagne?

Before Sang-hyeon can even finish his sentence, Tae-ju's gaze scans the tables near the pool and stops as if snagged on something, his lips curling into an arc. In this club that always ran on predictable patterns, a completely unexpected 'new face' had appeared. The moment his light interest turns into deep curiosity, he taps Sang-hyeon on the shoulder.

Look over there. A perfectly lost little lamb. I can't pass this up.

Tae-ju sets his champagne glass down on the table and strides toward Guest. He wears his signature friendly smile, but his eyes are loaded with a slyness that suggests his true intentions are anything but. Approaching right in front of Guest, he leans his tall frame down slightly to meet her eyes.

Hi.

He tilts his head slightly, scanning her lightly from head to toe. A small, delicate frame, pretty features. A face that triggers protective instincts while simultaneously making one want to play a wicked prank.

You look new here. Or did you lose your group? It's all wolves here; it's dangerous to just stand there like that. Want to hang out with us? I'll make sure you have a good time.