Chapter 19
This was the American style.
Here, there was no need for any obligations or complicated relationships.
All that mattered was eating, drinking, and having fun.
‘Finally, I can breathe a little.’
Daeho drank a few more rounds.
It felt good to feel the alcohol flowing through him after such a long time.
“Time to really have some fun.”
Slurp.
Muttering to himself, Daeho stood up from the bar for the first time and headed toward the stage.
Thump-thump, thump-thump.
Countless people were moving to the beat, each enjoying the rhythm in their own way.
Daeho naturally blended into the crowd.
When he reached the stage, he let himself sink into the slightly dizzy, tipsy feeling.
Boom, thump-boom.
The mix of alcohol and the beat created a dreamy feeling that Daeho loved.
‘This is what fun is.’
He didn’t care about anything. No worries, no stress.
For this moment, he let himself go.
As he became more absorbed in dancing, the stress he had built up gradually melted away.
Daeho was lost in the rhythm when he realized he was dancing with someone.
An Asian young man around Daeho’s age. Sharp features and thick eyebrows gave him a slightly Middle Eastern vibe.
‘Looks like Seongho hyung.’
Even though he was a stranger, Daeho felt a sense of familiarity.
At that moment, they noticed each other and both smiled.
There was no competition here.
It was all about enjoying together.
And if the feel matched, they became friends instantly.
Boom, thump.
‘Let’s enjoy this together.’
As Daeho’s moves became livelier, the other’s rhythm followed suit.
After enjoying a round of dancing, Daeho, slightly sweaty, stepped off the stage—and so did the Middle Eastern young man.
Tap.
The moment they left the stage, Daeho spoke first.
“Not bad. I’m Richard.”
“You weren’t bad either. I’m Malcolm.”
“Since we’re sweaty, want a drink together?”
“I’m with my group, though… what should I do?”
Malcolm hesitated, but it wasn’t a problem for Daeho.
“How many people?”
“Four.”
“Then let’s go to you. My treat.”
“Came alone?”
Daeho answered casually.
“Life’s a solo ride.”
Pffft. Interesting guy. This way.
Malcolm laughed and led Daeho to a small booth.
Inside were two men and two women.
All different ages and races.
Most of the drinks on the table were empty.
It looked like the night was about to end.
Malcolm’s friends greeted him first.
“Malcolm, dancing well?”
“Who’s this with you?”
They looked at Daeho with curiosity.
Malcolm quickly introduced him.
“This is Richard.”
“Hello, everyone.”
They introduced themselves briefly, right to left.
“Hi, I’m Jamil.”
“Hello, I’m Emma.”
“I’m Christopher, nice to meet you.”
“I’m Amanda.”
After everyone spoke, Malcolm added,
“We just met here today too.”
“But Richard looks Korean?”
Jamil showed interest in Daeho’s appearance.
Daeho sat casually in the empty seat.
“That’s right. I’m from Korea.”
“Oh, really? Nice to meet you.”
“Same here. But there’s no drink left?”
“Almost finished. We were about to leave soon.”
Before Amanda could finish, Malcolm interrupted.
“Richard said he’d buy drinks.”
“Really?”
Everyone looked excited.
Daeho didn’t overthink it.
It didn’t matter that they just met.
Tonight’s night off was a rare break for him. He wanted to make it a happy memory.
Being with people was more fun than being alone.
Want to enjoy without regrets?
Then spend boldly. That was the thrill.
This was what he earned money for.
Daeho immediately put his philosophy into action.
He raised his hand and called the bartender.
Clack!
“McClain, vodka bottle, please!”
“Got it! Sounds good, Richard!”
Malcolm and his friends at the booth cheered.
“Yay, drinks!”
“Richard, you’re the best!”
“Let’s gooo!”
They waved hands in the air, whistled, and enjoyed the moment.
No one hated alcohol.
Soon, new bottles were set on the table.
Daeho twisted open a bottle and shouted,
Click.
“Let’s drink!”
“Woohoo!”
Everyone cheered loudly.
Daeho filled their glasses.
Gush, gush.
“One shot!”
“Bottoms up!”
“Pour it all!”
