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As we stepped inside, the doors slammed shut behind us, cutting off the cool evening air and trapping us in a wave of sound and heat that felt almost tangible. Naturally, the music was cranked up in here, with it's deep, pulsing bass that resonated through the floor and into my chest, layered with sharp synths and a relentless kick drum that made it impossible to stay still.
Strobe lights cut through the darkness in electric blues and vibrant pinks, flashing to the beat, while slower lasers swept across the ceiling like they were searching for something. The whole place had this electric feel, alive and breathing along with the crowd.
The interior felt bigger than I remembered, a vast space with a soaring ceiling that disappeared into swirling clouds of dry-ice fog. The walls, the same shiny black as the outside, were broken up by mirror panels and vertical neon strips that glowed in shifting colors, magenta fading into cyan, then into a deep violet that made everyone look a little otherworldly.
A massive chandelier made of countless tiny LED orbs hung over the center of the dance floor, pulsing brighter and dimmer like a heartbeat. Every time it flared, it caught on sweat-slick skin, sequins, and glasses, scattering light everywhere.
The dance floor was packed, bodies moving together under the lights. People were grinding and spinning, throwing their hands in the air. Some had real rhythm, while others were just enthusiastically off-beat, lost in the music.
Closer to the edges, groups of friends laughed and shouted to be heard over the noise, while couples cozied up in darker corners, taking advantage of the shadows between the flashes. The air was a mix of expensive cologne, spilled cocktails, dry ice, and that unmistakable warm-human scent of a hundred bodies working hard to forget their week.
Ahhh, I was home...
This was my aesthetic, my vibe, my...uh, whatever word you'd use to describe your safe space or whatever.
Miles was already bouncing on his feet, eyes wide like he'd just discovered fire. "See?" he yelled over the music, arms wide open. "Told you this place was next level! Best spot in all of New Athens, no question. You're welcome."
I just smiled and nodded, letting him bask in his excitement. I recognized that look on his face,.pure excitement mixed with a desperate need to impress Jessie. It was almost sweet in that chaotic Miles way. Jessie, for her part, was slowly spinning around, taking in the lights and the crowd with a look that was half genuine awe, half amused skepticism.
"Okay," she admitted, raising her voice so I could hear her. "I take back half of my complaints. This is… ridiculously over the top. In a good way."
Miles's grin was about to split his face in two. He grabbed her hand without warning and tugged her toward the dance floor. "Come on! Let's make the most of it. Dance with me."
Jessie laughed, pulling back just enough to keep him from dragging her fully in. "Oh no. Absolutely not. I have standards, Miles. The last time you danced, it looked like you were trying to fight off a fucking demon! I'm not risking public embarrassment tonight."
Miles clutched his chest in mock heartbreak. "That was one time! And it was artistic interpretation!"
"It looked like a seizure," she shot back, still smiling.
I watched their playful bickering, feeling that familiar mix of affection and exhaustion. The music was tempting, pulling at me the way it always did, whispering that if I just let loose, everything would feel easier for a while. But tonight I had a plan, more like a fragile resolution. No blacking out, no poor choices, and no waking up with regrets. I wanted to play it safe, keep it together, like an adult.
I cleared my throat, leaning in so they could hear me over the music. "You two go ahead and sort out the bee-dance debate. I'll get the first round of drinks."
Jessie turned to me, her brow slightly furrowed with concern. "You sure? You're not already hating this place, are you? We can leave if it's not your vibe."
Not my vibe?! This was were I live and breathe!
I shook my head quickly, forcing a smile. "No, no, I like it. I promise. It's great. I just thought someone should grab drinks before the bar gets crazy."
She studied me for a moment, like she could sense there was more to it, but then shrugged and let Miles pull her toward the floor. "Fine. But don't disappear on us. And nothing too sweet for me, surprise me with something strong."
Miles shot me a victorious thumbs-up over his shoulder as they melted into the crowd, already starting to move to the beat. I watched them, Jessie laughing as Miles proved her point with some truly dreadful dance moves, and felt a small pang of envy. They looked so free in a way I hadn't allowed myself to be in quite a while.
I was leaving for drinks, but I was also leaving to give Miles a chance to shoot his shot with Jessie...he's crush on the dark skinned girl was so obvious I almost felt bad for him.
I can't really blame him though, wasn't I obsessed with my own boss?
Turning towards the bar, I weaved through the edge of the crowd. The bar stretched nearly the entire length of one wall, a long slab of polished black marble lit from underneath with shifting colored lights that made the bottles behind it gleam like gems.
Bartenders in sleek black shirts moved quickly, shaking and pouring drinks, sliding them across the surface with practiced flair. Above them, another massive LED screen played abstract visuals, swirling galaxies and geometric patterns that pulsed in perfect sync with the music.
I found an open spot close to the end, leaned against the cool marble, and took a moment to breathe. From here, I had a great view of the entire club: dancers lost in their own worlds, VIP booths upstairs where silhouettes lounged behind thin curtains, and the occasional burst of confetti or foam from some promotion I couldn't remember from last time. It was overwhelming, beautiful, and a bit dangerous all at once.
Finally, a bartender caught my eye, a tall guy with piercings and a polite but distant smile. I ordered Jessie's surprise (something with gin and elderflower, I remembered she liked floral), a whiskey soda for Miles, and just soda water with lime for myself. Baby steps.
While I waited, my gaze drifted back to the dance floor. I could spot them easily...Miles flailing with endearing determination, Jessie finally giving in and moving with him, her laughter ringing out even from here. For a fleeting moment, I imagined joining them, letting the bass take over, losing myself in the rhythm, the lights, and the heat.
Maybe finding someone to grind up against–
Nope, not tonight.
I had to control myself...
I will not be sleeping with anyone!
When my drink arrived, the cold glass grounding me, I leaned back against the bar, watching my friends instead. Safe zone achieved. For now, this was enough.