(13 years later)

Nestled amidst the bustling city streets, concealed within an assuming facade, lies a clandestine haven of opulence and intrigue. This fancy bar emanates an air of secrecy that permeates through its dimly lit corridors, drawing in those privy to its existence. The general hum of conversation is hushed, adding to the mystique and allure of this hidden gem. Once you step inside, the atmosphere envelopes you, transporting you to a bygone era of glamour and sophistication. The bar's meticulous crafted cocktails are a testament to the artistry and skill of the mixolgosits behind the counter. Each drink is a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavors, blending, unique, and unexpected ingredients with precision. From classic concoctions to innovative creations, the menu tantalizes the taste buds, promising a sensory journey like no other. The bartenders, glad in impeccably tailored suits, exude an air of suave confidence as they effortlessly shake, stir, and garnish their creations. Their passion for their craft is evident in every pour, as they craft situations that not only please the palate but also ignite the imagination.

Surrounded by plush, velvet seating and low - lit chandeliers, patrons engage in conversations that range from the frivolous to the profound. The air is thick with laughter, whispers, and the occasional clink of glasses, creating an ambulance that is both intimate and vibrant. In this hidden oasis of indulgence, time seems to stand still. It's a place where one can escape from the chaos of the outside world and immerse themselves in a world of elegance and enchantment. Whether you come from celebratory night or seek solace in the company of friends. This clandestine bar ensures an experience that is as unforgettable as it is exclusive. However even without all of the excitement, Sienna Kido, with her disinterested gaze, couldn't help herself but feel a sense of detachment from the allure of this clandestine haven. The opulence and intrigue that drew others in seemed to fall flat in her eyes. Sure, just because she had a job there, as a bartender, and was tasked to make the fancy drinks, didn't mean she had to enjoy herself through her entire shift.

She had stumbled upon this job by chance, a means to make ends meet in a city that demanded every ounce of her resilience. The allure of secrecy and mystery had initially intrigued her, but as time passed, she found herself growing weary of the whole charade. The patrons who filled the corridors with their hushed and gossip seemed to be playing a never - ending game of pretense. The more she watched them from behind that bar, she started to notice just how their smiles didn't quite reach their eyes, how their laughter sounded forced and rehearsed. It was as if everyone in that nightclub was hiding something, desperately clinging to an illusion of opulence, one Sienna would admit sometimes she was intrigued in. She'd be lying to herself if she said out of all the patron's she saw, there wasn't at least one that interested her. There was someone. Someone she often found herself overseeing the last few nights, when her eyes found the sight of him. Once she saw him stroll his way into the nightclub, she couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull towards him. His enigmatic aura and captivating presence had ignited a curiosity within her that she couldn't quite seem to ignore.

She found herself drawn to his every move, his every gesture, it was as if he held the key to a world she had yet to discover. There was an air of danger surroundings him, one that allured both intrigue and frightened her. Sienna yearned to unravel the secrets he held, to delve into the depths of his soul and uncover the truth behind his enigma. As the nights passed, as did her fascination, and she knew deep down that she had to find a way to approach him, to break through those barriers he held carefully constructed. Little did she know that this encounter would come sooner than she'd expected.

The dimly lit ambiance of the nightclub seemed to only amplify the allure that surrounded the mysterious stranger, seemingly casting an air of mystery over him. Come on, Sienna, you can do this. You can talk to him. You can do this. she thought to herself as she carefully constructed a drink for him. One that smelled sweet but she knew tasted bitter if not drunk right away. As she continued putting the final touches on his drink, her mind wandered to the possibilities that lay ahead. What if this encounter led to something more? What if they shared a connection that went beyond mere conversation? Was she ready for that? The thought both excited and scared her. She had always been drawn to the unknown, to those who were different from the rest. For she was different from the rest. She'd always been a ''little different.'' At least that's what she often heard from her father. Alman Kido. And here was an opportunity to explore the curiosity she felt inside her. However deep down, she knew there was more at play than just curiosity. There was a longing within her, a desire for something meaningful and trans-formative. With each ingredient carefully measured and mixed, she couldn't help but wonder if this drink held the power to unlock hidden truths or reveal untold stories. Maybe it had the ability to transport her to another world, one where she could unravel the mysterious of the universe. Okay now she was getting dramatic. Maybe if she took a sip, a surge of anticipation would course through her veins, tingling her with enticement. How the flavors on her tongue, would awaken a symphony of sweet and tangy notes that would awaken her senses. With each sip, she felt a connection to something greater, as if the elixir held the key to unlocking her own potentiate. It was as if the drink itself whispered secrets in her ear, urging her to explore the depths of her imagination. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be carried away on a wave of curiosity and wonder, ready to embark on a journey of self - discovery. Until she was pulled back into reality, with a loud hick - up. She wasn't traveling to a new universe after all, she had made herself drunk after a single drink.

How pathetic, she thought.

She couldn't help but feel a surge of disappointment as she observed the situation unfolding before her. The lack of effort and determination displayed by those around her was disheartening. It made her question the state of ambition and drive in today's society. But that was a whole conversation for another day. As carefully as she could, as not to lose her balance, she lifted the drink into her hand, (a fresh one, not the one she took a sip from) and found herself walking over to the table where she'd seen him. As she did this, his enigmatic charm and magnetic presence enveloped her, making her feel alive and vibrant in his presence. However that could have just been an effect from the alcohol. As she reached the table, she noticed his eyes twinkling with curiosity, mirroring her own excitement. It was in that moment that she realized their encounter might be more than just a chance meeting fueled by alcohol Perhaps, in his presence, she would find the inspiration she had been searching for all along. As she set the glossy glass carrying the dark red liquid on the table, she found his eyes, they were dark brown.

''I don't remember ordering anything,'' he said, his eyes slowly twisted with a sense of confusion, as he continued to stare at her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at his response. She had hoped that this mysterious stranger would feel the same about her, that their connection would be instant and undeniable. But instead, he seemed perplexed by her presence, as if she were an unwelcome interruption in his life. Summoning her courage, she mustered a small smile and replied. ''I aplogize if I've mistaken you for someone else. It's just that...well, there's something about you that just feels...I don't know right.'' His confusion only deepened at that, as leaned back in his chair, studying her intently. ''I'm sorry, miss.'' he said with a hint of skepticism in his voice. ''But I assure you, we're never met before.''

''Well I know that,'' she replied. ''There's just something about you...I've seen you come in here a few times, the last few nights. And found myself intrigued with you..'' She felt a twinge of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks as she realized how foolish she must be appearing right now. Perhaps it was all just wishful thinking on her part - a desperate attempt to find that missing piece in her life, where there clearly was none.

''So you've been stalking me?'' he asked quickly, which caused her to began to stammer.

''What! No, I'm just a bartender here, and it's my job to watch the people that come in here. And lately I've found my eyes landing on you.'' she replied, voice quite.

''I see, well you might have recognized me from your dumpsters.''

''I-I? What?''

''I don't know if you've noticed, but I don't exact have the same fashion as most of the people in this nightclub. I tend to stand out because of it. I'm surprised you missed a detail like that, since you claim to have seen me, multiple times and I haven't changed my clothes each time I've come here.'' he said a mix of anger and shame colliding as the words escaped his lips.

''I didn't mean to make you upset. You're right, I completely missed that detail. To be honest, I'm not sure what I hoped to accomplish by coming over here. I'll just leave this here, and be on my way.'' Sienna said, referring to the drink as she turned to leave. Feeling the boy's eyes on her the whole time as she strolled away, her heart in her hands, as her mind smacked her repeatedly for being such an idiot.