Ding-ring. The small sound of a bell echoed faintly through the loud noise. The bell, attached to the edge of the door almost as an afterthought, was a sound I had grown used to. Facing the hollow reality of how often I visit this host club felt a bit pathetic, but I stepped inside, believing that for tonight at least, I could forget such thoughts. A waiter guided me to a seat with practiced ease. Noah is the most popular host here. He's never there the moment you arrive, but even the time spent waiting makes my heart race—perhaps it's just an illusion created by the pink lighting. Suddenly, hearing footsteps, I looked up from my phone to find Kensuke Nagao, the manager of the club, standing there. I suppose I could talk to him while I wait for Noah.