Under the veil of night, we found ourselves in front of a renowned bar named Bottom's Up, a hotspot for the younger crowd.
Given the reputation of the place and the propensity for patrons to sometimes get rowdy, it wasn't surprising to see bouncers stationed at the entrance.
"IDs, please." They needed to ensure we were at least 18, the legal age to enter. Carrying identification was practically mandatory at our age, so we presented our cards without any hesitation.
"I should've mentioned earlier, but my friends are here, and they've all come with their partners. It'd be awkward for me to show up alone."
Figures. The age-old trick of using a guy to play the role of a boyfriend. How did I not see this coming? What's going to happen next? Some ridiculous showdown to see who's the alpha male?
I'd be dishonest if I said the idea didn't intrigue me. But right now, I was at my most vulnerable. With the system I had, aiming for the top seemed feasible. So, why jeopardize everything in a minor setting like this?
"Can you please help me out this one time?" Her voice was laden with urgency.
"I'll consider it."
[+50 Evil Points]
I let the suspense hang for a moment, enjoying her unease. After a short pause, I finally decided to respond.
"Alright, I'll play along. But remember, you're in my debt now." She quickly nodded in agreement, relief washing over her features.
As we delved deeper into the bar, Janette scanned the crowd, trying to spot her group amidst the throng of patrons. Given the crowd's size, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Suddenly, a voice rang out, "Jan! Here!" Following the source of the shout, I saw a group of six people - evenly split between men and women, all paired off.
From my vantage point, I could understand Janette's envy. All six radiated an aura of contentment and intimacy. Whether it was genuine or a façade for the public, it was potent enough to stir envy in anyone on the outside looking in.
"Look who I brought with me tonight!" Janette exclaimed, latching onto my arm with a sense of ownership.
I had always known she had a streak of audacity, but this was unexpected even for her. I just responded with a nod and a casual smile, indifferent to her theatrics.
"Wow, Jan! When did this happen?" Appraisingly, the group looked me over as if adding a new piece to their collective puzzle.
"We just happened to cross paths recently. You know, one thing led to another," Janette provided a simplified version of our connection, skipping over details.
"Finn Grayson," I said, extending my hand. "Pleasure to meet all of you." Playing the part, I made sure to exude courtesy and friendliness.
"You must be Jan's recent catch. I'm Trisha, and beside me is my boyfriend, Dave." Trisha's tone suggested she was a sociable individual, likely popular among many. Dave, on the other hand, appeared to follow Trisha's lead more often than not.
"And I'm Stacey; this is Hans, my boyfriend." Compared to the lively Trisha, Stacey had a more flamboyant presence. Hans remained composed, acknowledging the introduction with a nod.
"Here's Chris, and I'm Melina." Chris's demeanor was reminiscent of Trisha's, while Melina seemed more reserved.
Contrary to my initial assumptions, I expected someone in the group to question or challenge my sudden presence. Instead, they were mostly accepting, with a few holding back slightly.
"Hey there! Finn, right?" After the introductions, the curious ones began their line of questions, with Stacey taking the lead. I nodded in affirmation.
"How deep did you go into your relationship with Jan?" Stacey asked, a mischievous grin forming on her lips. The question seemed to catch Melina, Janette, and, surprisingly, Hans off guard, their faces a mix of shock and embarrassment.
"We've only been dating for a short while. The furthest we've gone is holding hands." Janette had indeed linked her arms with mine earlier, so my statement wasn't entirely untrue.
Janette nodded in agreement with my response. While her gesture seemed to validate my words, I doubted its necessity.
"Really? Are you absolutely certain that both..." Stacey's question was cut short as Janette quickly covered her mouth. It appeared that Janette's way of concealing her embarrassment was through physical gestures.
Once the moment passed, the group returned to their usual banter, placing drink orders. I was new to alcoholic beverages, so this was an entirely novel experience for me.
Taking a cautious approach, I opted for a mild, fruity drink since I was a complete novice in the realm of alcohol. It didn't strike me as something significant at the time.
Aware of my inexperience, I understood the importance of monitoring my alcohol intake. The night was far from over, and I had much on my agenda.
Dave, observing my choice and likely noticing my lack of familiarity with alcohol, inquired, "Finn, is this your first time drinking?"
"It's my first time," I admitted openly, with no need for secrecy.
Seemingly hospitable and observant, Dave remarked, "You strike me as someone who can handle their drinks. How about a toast to celebrate your new relationship?" He proposed a toast, and the group eagerly joined in, raising their glasses.
"Cheers!!!" The group chimed in unison, clinking their glasses together before taking their first sips. My initial sip introduced me to a mix of citrus and a potent flavor as it traveled down my throat.
The taste was bearable, but I couldn't envision myself regularly going out for such drinks unless it was for a special occasion.
"Janette, I'm going to step away for a moment," I informed her. While it was customary to stay with the group, I was eager to begin my investigation.
"Can you point me in the direction of the restroom?" I inquired, seeking guidance from Janette.
"If I can't locate it, I'll inquire with someone else," I reassured her, dispelling any concerns she might have. Once I was free from the group, I knew I had to move swiftly with my investigation.