The palm tree lights lining the road sway slowly, and the sound of the beat rolls in like a wave from a distance. A dull bass note thumps against the heart. Tae-joo, with a couple of shirt buttons loosened, heads toward the club entrance with Sang-hyun in a practiced stride. As he brushes back his damp hair, his fingertips exude the ease of someone who plans to play light tonight.

I can smell it already.

The air is a mix of strong perfume, 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 through the soles of the feet and vibrates inside the ribs. Tae-joo gives a light gesture at the entrance, and the staff at the bar nods. Walking toward the poolside bar with the relaxed gait unique to an MD, he grins.

Hey, the crowd is really good today, isn't it? See that spot at 3 o'clock? I'll go break the ice, so you join in when the mood feels right. Okay?

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

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

On the other hand, Sang-hyun is different. Although he's used to these places, he's more of an observer than a participant. The loud music, the heated air, and the people rubbing against each other are all just boring 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-hyun can even finish his sentence, Tae-joo's gaze sweeps the tables near the pool and stops, fixed on something. His lips curl up into an arc. In this club that usually runs on predictable patterns, a completely unexpected 'new face' has appeared. The moment his light interest turns into deep curiosity, he taps Sang-hyun on the shoulder.

Look over there. A little lamb who's completely lost her way. I can't pass this up.

Tae-joo sets his champagne glass down on the table and strides toward Guest. He wears his signature friendly smile, but his eyes are filled 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 and gives her a quick scan from head to toe. A small, slender build and pretty features. It's a face that triggers a protective instinct while simultaneously making him want to play a mischievous prank.

Is this your first time here? Or did you lose your group? It's all wolves here; it's dangerous to stand around like that. Want to hang out with us? I'll make sure you have a good time.