—Chen Yu, you're paying today!
The man in the leather jacket said as he lazily swirled a glass that smelled of cheap alcohol. It ate into the skin more strongly than tobacco in the curtains of old bars.
Kem Chen Yu sat next to him, nervously touching the sticky table, finishing off the last drop of beer from a cloudy glass and laughing from a hangover, he said: — I always pay , just not always with money.
Nearby, the man's friends burst into laughter. They were sitting in a basement bar, where they didn't ask for names or memorize faces.
An ideal place for people who have nothing to lose and too many habits.
Kem Chen Yu leaned back in his chair, throwing his arm over the one next to him. He looked relaxed, but there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
Twenty-seven years, zero achievements. This fact was becoming more and more obvious to him. But the reputation of a hurricane is restless and noisy. It suited him.
He knew that in this world where vivid emotions and loud actions are valued, this is what can attract attention.
— I heard, that you were kicked out again?
Another friend asked, leaning slightly towards him. The question reminded him of his previous failures, but Chen Yu wasn't going to be provoked.
—They didn't kick me out. I left before they realized how valuable I was!
Chen Yu replied, trying to sound confident. At that moment, he felt like more than just a bartender. He was a man who could control the atmosphere, create a mood and raise glasses.
— You just worked as a bartender.
The other man remarked with a sneer, and laughter rang out around the table again. He knew it was just a joke, but there was a growing irritation inside Chen Yu.
— Pf-ft! Even more so.
He said, realizing that his profession might have been underestimated. In any case, each of them knew that a bartender was not just a man behind the counter.
This is primarily a psychologist who listens and supports, as well as a master who knows how to pour the perfect cocktail.
Laughter spread across the table again, but Chen Yu did not share the general merriment. He looked at his friends, who seemed to be enjoying the moment, unaware of his inner conflict.
Chen Yu, who was sitting next to his drinking buddies, took a sip from his glass and grimaced. Alcohol was so cheap that it probably saw the industrial revolution.
It was more than just a drink. It was a symbol of their life, full of failures and failures, but at the same time a way to forget about reality, at least for a while.
— Listen, have you ever thought about settling down?
Li Wei leaned towards him, his voice low but insistent.
Chen Yu froze for a moment. He knew that this question was not new, but he still did not answer immediately: —Yes.
Chen Yu said, and there was irony in his voice.
—What did you think of? – Li Wei didn't back down, his curiosity was genuine.
— That I have a left hand! –Chen Yu said, and understanding flashed in his eyes.
Laughter again, casual and free. Chen Yu loved such moments. That laugh was like a lifeline in a sea of routine worries.
It was at this moment that the door of the bar opened with a distinctive sound that broke the evening silence. Along with the cold wind, a girl entered the room.
She was not loud, her presence did not cause excessive attention, but the gaze naturally turned in her direction. Her black hair hung like a shadow over her shoulders, creating a mystical image that drew her to herself.
The light of the neon signs reflected on her face, giving her skin a porcelain pallor, which enhanced the mystery of her appearance.
The conversations around them continued, noisy and vibrant, but for Chen Yu, this world seemed to have fallen silent. He felt his own heart beat faster. Emotions overwhelmed him, and he couldn't take his eyes off the stranger.
— Oh, it's already dangerous.
Li Wei drawled, hi had voice full of irony and slight excitement.
— Relax, I've always been good at flirting, and this time I'll do it!
Chen Yu replied, getting up from his seat.
His tone was confident, even though conflicting feelings were raging inside him:—I'm just getting to know each other.
—That's what you said last time. And the day before last.
— History likes to repeat itself.
It was his decision, and he knew that this moment could change everything. The girl didn't seem to notice the alertness of others. She was lost in thought, but there was something in her eyes that said she was open to new things.
Chen Yu took a step towards her, feeling the urgency and determination building inside. This evening, everything could have changed.
He picked up his jacket, straightening it carefully, and ran a hand through his dark hair to get himself in order. Then he walked confidently to the bar, feeling every step reverberate in his mind.
At that moment, it seemed to him that life was simple and straightforward. * You just need to take what you like without thinking about the consequences.* He thought to himself
At the bar, he noticed this girl who had recently entered the bar, she ordered water. It seemed strange to him, especially in a place where they served a lot of delicious cocktails and drinks.
Chen Yu stopped next to her, studying her profile. There was no sparkle in her eyes, typical of those who come here for entertainment.
— Not the best place for water.
He said softly, trying not to distract her. His voice sounded calm, but there was a hint of irony in it. He didn't expect his words to elicit a reaction from her.
The girl turned around, looked at him in surprise: —Not the best place to talk.
Chen Yu smiled: —Then we're lucky. I like bad places.
The bartender had just placed a glass of water next to the girl, she took it, but did not take a sip.
—Do you have a name? –Chen Yu asked.
— Of course, I have a name.
—And?
She looked at him a little longer than necessary.
—You don't need it today.