When she arrived to her little empty apartment, she threw her bag to the side of the room and began to get ready for the night with Rena. She easily decided to go with red lipstick and an all black look: slim boots in skinnies and a thin knit sweater under a long coat. She hadn't been able to wear a look like this in school, since she had to be conscious of presenting herself as a boy. Another phone call with Rena earned Yuubi the address to the place where Rena wanted to meet. She took the metro and hurriedly made her way to the location.

A karaoke bar, she thought as she faced the location of the address that Rena had given her. Of course, Rena would choose a place like this, she smiled to herself and walked inside. The sound of music along with the mediocre singing voices of drunken people and colorful lights projected by cheap plastic disco balls surrounded her as she entered. It was her Thursday, a part of her felt somewhat revived.

"Where is Rena's room," she asked the young man at the front desk.

"Room 4," he replied, pointing down the hallway.

"Oh thank you!"

She opened the door to Room 4 and was greeted immediately by a group of about 7 people. Few of them screaming her name and running to embrace her, and the others she had yet to meet.

"YUUBI! MY LOVE. YOU LOOK GREAT. COOL AS ALWAYS" Rena jumped on her and hugged her around her neck. Her eyes were bright and her hair was long and golden brown as always, perfectly framing her small face; every guy fell for her, which was why there were 6 other guys with her. She was just wearing a dressy tank top tucked under a short pencil skirt.

"Rena-chaaann. Where are your clothes," she teased, laughing. "Jeez. You never change."

"Ah hey! I have a jacket right here! It's just hot in here," she defended herself, sticking her tongue out.

Yuubi laughed and took a seat on one of the sofas in the room, leaning back on it and reading through the menu. "So, I'm guessing they don't card here," she asked laughing.

"EHEH OF COURSE NOT SILLY!" Rena laughed, playfully pushing Yuubi. "OVER THERE, my friend Jun-san knows the owner and all the workers here. He already ordered like SOO many drinks. We'll die tonight."

He gently waved at Yuubi. "Nice to meet you, Yuubi-san"

"Ah YEAH! Nice to meet you too," she smiled.

Before she could shake his hand, Rena pounced on her. "Yuubi! Smoke break?"

"Ah yeah! I guess I'll talk to you late Jun-san." She followed Yuubi outside.

"Hehe, I just wanted to get out of there for a little, since it's so loud," Rena winked, handing Yuubi a cigarette and lighting her own. "We haven't seen each other in forever… How are you? I know life must be hard for you right now…"

"Huh?" Yuubi took a puff from her cigarette. "I'm doing okay. Thanks Rena! You always worry about me so much! I mean it's been a long while since it's happened. I should be used to it by now," she laughed, while Rena frowned.

"Well… if you ever need me, please ask. I know you're strong, but I want to be there for you."

"Haha! I'm barely as strong as paper. I'm fine, I promise," she smiled at her long time friend. "Let's just have a good time tonight, okay? No worrying over me!"

Rena's eyes widened, but her expression soon changed to a smile. "Yeah sure! You done yet? Let's go back inside," she said, throwing her cig on the ground and stomping it.

They went back in Room 4. "The beer has arrived," Rena sang, taking a cup on the table and then seating herself on the sofa next to Yuubi, who also took a cup for herself. "Cheers to Yuubi's art career!"

"Ah Rena! That's not fair! Cheers to Rena's successful future," Yuubi playfully raised her glass. The two sang – no more like, screamed – songs all night.

"Hey. Your name is Yuubi, right?" One of the guys leaned close to her while the other guys were singing. The young man looking at her had pale porcelain skin, somewhat narrow but colorful bluish green eyes, and neat brunette hair. Rena had told her about him before, how attractive he was.

"Um… yeah. And you?"

"Brian Koller. I'm from Europe."

"Oh that's cool!"

"Yeah," he nodded and moved even closer to her. "Anyways I think you're really really cute… I heard you're living alone, so I was wondering if you wanted some company tonight." He reached his arm over her shoulders.

"HAHA! Um thanks but no thanks Brian," she replied uncomfortably, slowly pushing him away.

"Whoa. Why the rejection," he frowned.

"Not rejection," she laughed nervously and pointed at the television screen. "It's your turn to sing."