Chapter 23: Alone

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Translator: Soafp

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I knew it from the brief glance I took when I registered as a member.

This club is three stories tall, with each floor dedicated to a different genre of music. But honestly, even if you tell me the genres are different, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart.

Right now, though, the music leaking from the floor ahead is probably EDM—(Electronic Dance Music). It’s got that signature heavy bass.

I had already forgotten that it was still daylight outside.

It felt like the middle of the night, like the first time I ever stayed up late—floating, almost dreamy.

As I walked through the hallway, the music grew louder and louder. Until finally, I emerged into—

“—!”

Bright, stabbing beams of light from above and the deafening roar of sound made me flinch.

A massive hall with probably a hundred people. To the side, a bar lined with what looked like endless amounts of alcohol.

Clearly, a place that had nothing to do with the life I've led so far.

“Hey! Long time no see! You’re early today.”

“Yes…?”

While I was still standing there, dumbfounded, someone suddenly slapped me on the shoulder. A stranger who said this and then disappeared into the crowd as quickly as he appeared.

“Who…”

[――♪]

Not that it mattered. My muttered words were drowned out by the booming music.

In front of me, people were dancing like there was no tomorrow.

And here I was, frozen at the back of the floor, just watching.

“—So you see~”

“Really? Oh! Hayato-kun! I’ve been waiting for you!”

“Tch… So he’s got company, huh.”

Two people at the counter were talking when suddenly the woman turned around to greet another guy behind her. The man left behind clicked his tongue in frustration.

I hugged the wall, trying not to draw attention as I scanned the surroundings. And then—

Oh no, eye contact with some shady-looking guy…

“—I didn't even do anything!!”

“That's the second warning. You’re banned, buddy.”

Next to me, a big guy was wrestling with a rowdy teen, dragging him out.

Is it really okay for a high schooler to be here? (Worry intensifies.)

“C’mon, it’ll be fine. It’s still early, and I'm not going anywhere weird.”

“Eh, should I really go though?”

“You here alone?”

“Waiting for someone.”

Everywhere I looked, I saw people trying to hit on each other.

My head was spinning. This place really was like another dimension.

“…Let’s do this.”

It’s not like I'm here to pick up girls or anything. But seriously, I look like a complete noob—definitely standing out in a bad way.

I need to make up my mind. If I just stand here, I might as well move forward. Worst case, if I make a fool of myself, I can always share it in the thread later.

The regulars would probably laugh it off. It'll be fine.

Alright, let’s dance—!

With that thought, I threw myself into the crowd of dancers, diving into the heart of this world—

[♪♪♪]

The music blasted, shaking my eardrums violently.

Rainbow-colored bangs flashed under the crossing lights from above. The beat shook my brain, flickering something into life within me.

It felt like—

Like something was about to spark.

The dance steps I practiced this morning.

I remember, the first page of that guidebook said:

[Rhythm is the core of dance.]

[Once you catch the rhythm, dance becomes infinitely more enjoyable.]

[First, make the effort to enjoy it.]

The EDM, like it or not, was filling my ears.

My head, my arms, my legs, my whole body—it was as if the music was commanding me to move.

And so, as if being led, I danced.

Just a simple step, moving my feet to the basic beat.

“—”

Throughout my life, I've had plenty of chances to dance.

As a kid, in middle school, and even after starting high school.

Sports festivals, PE classes where dance has now become a mandatory part of the curriculum.

And one thing I've learned about dancing is that it's not something you do alone.

In a group, if one person dances badly, they stick out like a sore thumb.

I hated that, so every time I had a chance to dance, I practiced at home.

“!”

But the dance I was doing right now—it was completely different from anything before.

I was alone.

No need to match anyone else, no set choreography to follow.

Just—

[Let yourself merge with the music.]

At this moment, I’m sure that dopamine—pure pleasure—was flooding my brain.

[This is fun.]

The music enveloped my body, and I danced with it.

This was nothing like the practice I did this morning, where I was just learning the moves.

Nothing like the mechanical movements of trying to blend into a group throughout my life, worrying about sticking out.

I'd never even considered the idea of enjoying dance before.

“—”

I let the music flow through me, moving until the current track came to a close.

---

I probably danced for about 20 minutes. What even was that track?

The DJ's transitions were so smooth that I couldn't tell when one song ended and another began.

As a result, my throat was bone dry.

Between my nervousness and all the movement, my mouth felt like a desert.

I could dive into Niagara Falls right about now!

“W-water, please.”

“Hmm? 500 yen.”

“Yes, here you go.”

So expensive.

By the way, no outside drinks are allowed in the club.

Even if it's just water, you have to buy it here.

“You're young. High school?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Hmm, well, you’re not a girl, so it should be fine.”

“Uh… right.”

“If anything happens, tell someone wearing the same uniform as me. Here, your water.”

“Th-thank you.”

“And if a crazy girl corners you, just say ‘I'm going to the bathroom' and get out of there. Got it?”

“Y-yeah, I got it.”

“Good!”

He handed me the cup with a bit of a shove. Rough, but probably a decent guy.

“Haa…!”

I walked a little further and gulped down the water.

Yep, soft water. Pretty sure this is I○oris (Certified Water Connoisseur, Level 10).

“…”

Now I have to pee.

My body always seems to start demanding things as soon as I calm down…

Alright, let's go to the bathroom.