Yurina tugged at the hem of her borrowed dress for what felt like the hundredth time, trying to convince herself it wasn't too short. Serena had insisted she wear it, calling it "sexy as fuck." While Yurina appreciated the compliment, she couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort clinging to her skin. The dress clung tightly to her body in all the wrong ways—or maybe all the right ones, depending on how you looked at it—but she felt exposed. Vulnerable.
She glanced over at Serena, who walked confidently beside her, looking effortlessly cool in a sleek, black outfit that showed off just enough skin without overdoing it. Serena looked at ease, as if this was just another night, no big deal. Meanwhile, Yurina's stomach was in knots.
"You look hot, seriously," Serena said, noticing her discomfort. She shot Yurina a sly smile. "Relax. Trust me, you're gonna turn heads tonight."
Her words were meant to comfort, but instead, they only made Yurina's anxiety spike. Turning heads was the last thing she wanted. Still, she forced a smile, hoping it looked more genuine than it felt. "Thanks," she mumbled, unsure of how else to respond.
Serena led her down a narrow, dark alleyway, the kind of place she'd avoid on instinct, with a chill crawling up her spine. "Uh, Serena...are you sure this is the right way?" Her voice wavered as she took in the graffiti-covered walls and faint sound of distant chatter.
"Yeah, don't worry. I've been down this alley plenty of times. It's exclusive," Serena added with a smirk. "You gotta know the right people."
Yurina swallowed hard, trying to ignore the creeping sense of unease that came with every step. The alley twisted and turned, growing darker with each passing second. She kept close to Serena, following her lead even though every instinct in her body told her to turn back. But Serena seemed so sure, so confident, and she didn't want to look like the scared freshman who couldn't handle a little bit of mystery.
At the end of the alley, Serena stopped in front of a plain, unmarked door. She knocked in a rhythmic pattern like a secret code. Yurina held her breath, unsure of what to expect, until the door creaked open a few seconds later.
A man she didn't recognize stood on the other side, his face shadowed in the dim light. He nodded at Serena, barely sparing Yurina a glance before stepping aside to let them both in. Serena grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside before Yurina could even process what was happening.
The room was bathed in dark, red lighting—deep, almost suffocating, like a photographer's darkroom. It made everything feel hazy, surreal, like she'd stepped into another world. The heavy bass of music thumped through the walls, and the air was thick with the smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke. People were everywhere—dancing, talking, drinking—and from the looks of it, most of them were students from her college.
Serena led her through the crowd, gripping her wrist firmly as she navigated the sea of bodies with ease. Yurina followed blindly, the noise and chaos making it impossible to focus on anything else.
Finally, Serena pulled her into a small, slightly more secluded area where a group of guys were hanging out. The first face Yurina recognized was Daiya's, lounging casually on a couch with a drink in hand, his trademark grin plastered on his face. A couple of other guys were with him, laughing and talking, but all she could focus on was the thrum of the music and the way the room seemed to spin a little.
Serena plopped down between Daiya and another man with long, dark hair tied into a neat knot at the back of his head. Across from them, seated with a lit cigarette dangling from his lips, was a guy with striking dark brown hair and a black eye patch covering one of his eyes.
Daiya immediately smirked as he noticed Yurina standing awkwardly, unsure of what to do with herself. "Well, well, looks like the fresh meat decided to join us after all," he teased, shooting a quick look at the guy with dark hair before turning his gaze back to her.
Serena nudged him hard in the ribs with her elbow. "Shut the hell up, Daiya. Don't listen to him," she said, rolling her eyes. Then, without warning, she leaned across the table, deftly snatching the cigarette from the brunette man's mouth and placing it between her own lips. "Thanks, Wataru," she murmured around the cigarette before taking a long drag. Wataru didn't seem to mind, only quirking an eyebrow as if he found her antics amusing.
Serena finally turned to Wataru, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Alright, might as well do the introductions. Everyone, this is my roommate, Wataru. That idiot is Daiya, you've already met," she pointed with her thumb. "This one"—she gestured to the dark-haired guy sitting beside her—"is Shigeru." His lips curled into a faint smile at the mention of his name. "And that," Serena added, nodding toward the brown-haired man with the cigarette, "is Wataru."
Wataru gave her a long look, as if he were sizing her up. His eye patch and general demeanor made him seem mysterious and a little dangerous, and she wasn't sure whether to feel intrigued or terrified.
"Don't let them scare you," Serena said, flicking ash from the cigarette she'd stolen. "They're mostly harmless."
Shigeru's faint smile widened slightly as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bag filled with pills—pills that looked eerily familiar to the ones Yurina had stumbled across in Serena's closet earlier. She swallowed hard, trying to calm the sudden nerves twisting in her gut as she watched him nonchalantly take one out, placing it on his tongue.
Then, without a word, he grabbed Serena by the back of her head and kissed her. The suddenness of it made Yurina's eyes widen. It wasn't a soft kiss, either. They kissed like they'd done this a thousand times before—wild, reckless, almost as if it was routine. Her stomach churned at the sight, a nervousness bubbling up in her chest that she couldn't shake.
When they finally pulled apart, Serena muttered, "God, I hate men." She may have sounded indifferent, but the smirk on Shigeru's face told Yurina she didn't mind all that much.
Is this what people in college are like? Her eyes darted to the door, wondering if maybe she'd made a mistake coming here after all.
Serena stood, brushing herself off. "I'm gonna go have some fun without you dumbasses," she announced, lighting another cigarette as if what just happened was no big deal. She paused by Yurina, giving her a sideways glance. "Don't let them pick on you too much, yeah?" Yurina barely had time to respond before Serena disappeared into the crowd, leaving her alone with three people she barely knew.
Daiya and Shigeru were both staring at her now, smiles creeping onto their faces. It wasn't a malicious look, but it made her feel small, like prey under the gaze of something much bigger. "Well, fresh meat," Daiya drawled, patting the spot next to him, "why don't you come sit with us?"
The weight of her legs suddenly felt heavy, like they were filled with lead. The last thing she wanted was to be stuck between these guys, but Serena's absence left her with no real choice. So, shakily, she took her spot, settling between Daiya and Shigeru. The couch felt much smaller now, and the proximity made her skin crawl with unease.
Shigeru leaned in slightly, his eyes scanning her face, and a strange, prickly sensation crept up her neck. "So, freshman," he started, "you up for some fun or not?"
She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Daiya shifted closer, his arm brushing against her shoulder, and his fingers lightly grazed the collarbone peeking out from her dress. "Maybe...maybe don't do that," she stammered, trying to keep her voice steady as her heart pounded in her chest.
Daiya chuckled, his laugh light but mocking. "Relax, I'm not gonna bite." He glanced over at Shigeru, who smirked in response.
She forced a laugh, trying to dispel the tension, but it only made her feel more out of place. "I just—um, I don't really...do this stuff."
Both of them exchanged a look, clearly amused by her discomfort. "Oh, come on," Shigeru pressed, "It's not a big deal. We're just trying to help you loosen up, have a little fun."
"Yeah," Daiya added, leaning closer again. "You'll feel better once you let go a little. Trust us."
Her eyes darted to the small bag of pills Shigeru had pulled out earlier, her stomach churning at the thought of what they were offering. "I—I think I'm good, really." She shifted nervously, wanting to shrink into the couch and disappear. Just when she thought she couldn't handle the tension any longer, Wataru, who had been mostly silent up until now, took a long drag from his cigarette and let out a low, dismissive scoff.
"Gross as hell," Wataru muttered, loud enough for both Daiya and Shigeru to hear. They both looked up, irritation flickering across their faces. Wataru stood, towering over the group, and exhaled a plume of smoke before tapping out his cigarette in an ashtray.
"I'm going out for a minute."
As he turned to leave, he paused, glancing down at Yurina with a half-lidded gaze. "Just a heads-up," he said casually, "the two of them are trying to fuck you at the same time. Thought you should know."
Yurina's face flushed as his blunt words caught her off guard, leaving her head spinning. She couldn't even look at Shigeru or Daiya—especially not after that.
"Well, looks like the jig is up," Daiya said, leaning back and letting his gaze flick between Yurina and Shigeru. He enjoyed pushing people's buttons—especially nervous types like her. The way her face turned red, like a ripe tomato, was fuel for him. There was something about how easily she reacted that made him want to push a bit harder, just to see where her line was. And he didn't particularly care if he crossed it.
Yurina swallowed hard, her heart racing as she cleared her throat and stood up, an excuse already forming in her mind. "I—I'm gonna go use the bathroom," she muttered, avoiding eye contact as she edged away from the couch.
Daiya watched her leave, sighing softly. He slouched back, shaking his head slightly. "Man, I was really hoping to get my hands on her," he said, grinning. "Way hotter than Serena."
Shigeru, looking unbothered, lit a cigarette, his face shadowed in the flickering light of his lighter. He took a long drag, exhaling the smoke in a lazy stream. "She is," he said nonchalantly, watching the smoke drift upward, "but there's no point in dwelling on it."
Daiya groaned, running a hand through his white hair. "C'mon, toss me a pill like you did for Serena," he muttered, glancing at Shigeru with expectation.
Shigeru chuckled, tossing a small bag of pills over with no particular care. "Pop it yourself," he said with a smirk, watching as Daiya caught the bag and pulled out one of the tiny pills. "Don't whine about it."
Meanwhile, Yurina was weaving through the crowded room, the weight of what had just happened sitting heavy in her chest. Were they really trying to sleep with me? The thought made her stomach twist. It felt unreal—like she had walked into a bizarre dream.
Finally, she reached the back door. She pushed it open, letting the cool night air wash over her flushed skin. Leaning against the wall, she took a deep breath, hoping to clear her head.
The scent of cigarette smoke reached her, and she turned to see Wataru leaning against the wall, cigarette in hand, the streetlights casting long shadows around him. Before she could think to leave, Wataru called out. "I know you're there." She flinched, startled by how quickly he'd noticed her.
Clearing her throat, she hesitated, then walked over, feeling heavier with each step.
Wataru watched her approach, the cigarette hanging leisurely from his mouth. "What's the matter? Daiya and Shigeru not enough for you?"
Her face flushed again as she fumbled for something to say, words sticking in her throat. "I—I just needed some air," she mumbled, her voice shaky. "That's all."
He let out a harsh laugh, taking another drag of his cigarette before flicking the ashes to the ground. "Didn't take you for the type to enjoy parties like this," he remarked, the smirk never leaving his face.
There was something about his tone—like he didn't care about anything or anyone. Still, she tried to play it off, though her hands trembled slightly. "It's... not really my thing," she admitted, hoping her voice didn't betray her nervousness.
"So why the hell are you here, then?"
"Serena dragged me along," she replied, hoping the explanation would satisfy him.
He scoffed, shaking his head. "Figures," he muttered, blowing out a stream of smoke. "You don't seem like you'd survive five minutes in there without someone holding your hand."
Maybe he was right—she felt completely out of her element, as if everyone could see right through her. Wataru took another drag and looked at her again, his eyes narrowing. "You want a hit?" he asked, offering the cigarette out as if it were nothing.
She blinked, taken aback by the offer. Did he really think she smoked? She'd never touched a cigarette in her life. But the way Wataru offered made it seem casual, like something everyone here did. She didn't want to look even more out of place. "I... I don't really smoke," she murmured.
"One hit isn't gonna kill you," he countered, a faint smile on his lips. "If you're gonna be at parties like this, you gotta learn to loosen up. You're making yourself look like a stuck-up prude."
The words stung more than they should have, and as much as she wanted to prove she wasn't as out of place as she felt, she hesitated. But finally, she whispered, "Okay."
He didn't hand her the cigarette directly. "I'm not just gonna let you take it. Unless you wanna cough your lungs out." Before she could ask what he meant, Wataru brought the cigarette to his lips, inhaled deeply, then reached out, grabbing the back of her neck to pull her closer. Her heart pounded as his lips met hers in a rough, sudden kiss, exhaling smoke into her mouth.
She inhaled instinctively, feeling the warmth hit her lungs. The taste was bitter, the heat harsh, but the sensation of Wataru's lips on hers was more overwhelming than anything else. When he finally pulled back, she coughed slightly, her body tingling from the contact.
Wataru smirked, watching her, as if he could see every thought running through her head. "Not bad, right?"
She wiped her mouth, still catching her breath, the taste of him lingering. "That...was different," she admitted softly. She'd never been kissed like that before, let alone had someone blow smoke into her mouth. It was strange—almost intimate, in a way she wasn't used to.
After a moment of silence, she found herself asking, "Is...is it normal? To, uh, kiss your friends like that?" The kiss between Serena and Shigeru still lingered in her mind, seeming casual but confusing.
"Pretty normal, yeah. Serena hates men, but still hooks up with guys when she's bored," he said nonchalantly, leaning back against the wall. "She's into girls, but sometimes a little dick's all she wants. Shigeru doesn't care either way."
So that was it. To them, these kisses and touches didn't mean anything; they were part of the scene. But to Yurina? She wasn't used to any of it and felt as if she were barely keeping up.
Curiosity gnawed at her as she thought about the pills from earlier. They weren't just random drugs. "What were those pills, anyway?" she asked quietly, hoping she didn't sound too naive.
Wataru flicked the ash from his cigarette and leaned his head back, the motion accentuating the sharp curve of his Adam's apple. It was a simple gesture, but there was something oddly captivating about it, drawing Yurina's gaze to the smooth line of his neck. She quickly shook the thought away.
"Shigeru's dad's the CEO of some big pharmaceutical company," Wataru said, his voice tinged with boredom, as though it were common knowledge. "That's why he's got access to all that shit. Dude can get his hands on any drug he wants. Some of it's legit, but a lot of it... well, let's just say his dad's got some side businesses that aren't exactly legal."
Yurina's mind clicked into place. Of course, that explained the easy access and the carefree attitude they all seemed to have about it. Shigeru had probably been surrounded by this kind of thing his whole life. Yurina couldn't imagine what it must feel like to have that kind of power—or the absence of consequences.
"What kind were they?" she asked, her voice a little softer than usual.
"Ecstasy," Wataru replied, giving her a sideways glance.
Ecstasy. She had heard of it, of course—the way it made people feel euphoric, like nothing else in the world mattered. But hearing it from Wataru's mouth made it feel more real, more tempting in a way that unsettled her. "Have you... ever done it before?"
A low laugh rumbled from Wataru, the sound dark and knowing, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. "I'm on it right now."
Yurina blinked in surprise. He's on it now? She hadn't expected that. He seemed so composed. She'd imagined someone on a drug like that to be wilder, more out of control.
"I couldn't tell," she admitted, her voice betraying her surprise.
"What, you think I'm gonna be rolling around on the floor or something?" Wataru laughed again, shaking his head. "Nah. Some people lose their shit, but I'm not one of them."
Yurina wanted to understand, to know what it felt like. But at the same time, she wasn't sure if she was ready for that. Was this what Serena had led her into? Was this the kind of thing they expected of her? Wataru's voice cut through her thoughts.
"Wanna taste?"
The question lingered between them like a challenge. Did she want to? Would it be easier if she just gave in, let loose like he suggested? Maybe then she wouldn't feel so out of place, so awkward. But the thought of it—of losing control—terrified her more than anything.
"I don't know..." she murmured.
"As long as you didn't drink anything, you'll be fine. You won't feel it right away, but when you do..." Wataru leaned in slightly, a wicked smile curling on his lips, half feral and half playful. "You'll probably be super fucking horny."
The idea made Yurina feel more nervous—and strangely aroused—than she wanted to admit.
But then again, maybe she was just overthinking it. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. But what if it was?
Wataru shifted his weight against the wall, pulling a small, white pill from his pocket. He held it between his fingers, twirling it casually, like it was no more than a piece of candy. His eyes locked onto hers, patient yet expectant, as he waited for her answer.
"So? What's it gonna be?"
Yurina's heart hammered in her chest, nerves on edge. She reasoned with herself. Just this once. It wasn't like she was going to make a habit of it. Just something to take the edge off, to fit in, to not feel like an outsider for once. Besides, Wataru seemed fine—he wasn't out of control or anything. She could handle it.
"Okay. Just this once..." she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
A wide smirk stretched across Wataru's face as he leaned forward. He placed the pill on his tongue, then closed the distance between them in a swift motion. His hand gripped the back of her neck, tilting her head back as his lips captured hers in a kiss.
The sensation was immediate—warm, soft, and surprisingly intimate. She could feel the pill on his tongue as he kissed her, his lips moving with practiced ease. It reminded her of the way Shigeru had kissed Serena earlier, but this felt different. More deliberate. More intense. He pulled back, his eyes never leaving hers as she stood there, dazed and flushed.
"Eat up," he murmured.
The pill slid down her throat before she could second-guess herself. The aftertaste lingered—bitter, chemical, with a faint trace of tobacco from Wataru's mouth. Her lips tingled, and her body felt warmer than before, a strange anticipation settling in her stomach.
It hit her after a moment—she had actually done it. She had taken an illegal drug. This is insane. But it was too late to turn back now. The nervous energy coursing through her veins wasn't going anywhere.
"What—what now?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Another drag from his cigarette, and Wataru leaned back, looking pleased with himself.
"Now, you wait."