That night, I found myself entering a nightclub.
The price I paid at the door had drained my pockets more than I'd hoped, but it didn't matter.
Curiosity was stronger than the sting of an empty wallet.
I'd never been to a nightclub in my life.
I only understood what I'd seen in movies or heard from others.
The door slammed shut behind me, and I was immediately enveloped by the glow of dim neon lights, flashing signs, and pulsating music.
The air has the scent of perfume, alcohol, and another odor I couldn't name.
People in revealing, seductive clothing surrounded me, their energy wild and unbridled.
Red, black, purple, brown, and other seductive dark colors all blended together.
And then, standing in the middle of it all, I was wearing my soft pink dress.
I looked around and felt completely out of place.
My innocent feminine dress, compared to the daring, seductive outfits around me, made me feel exposed in a different way-more vulnerable.
It was almost childlike, too sweet for the place I had entered.
The stark contrast made my skin tingle with discomfort.
I felt like a deer in headlights, standing there unsure of what to do next.
But at least the soft fabric of my dress felt comfortable against my skin.
I wanted to leave, turn around, and pretend i saw nothing.
But something deep inside held me in place.
Well... what's a woman supposed to do when she enters a place like this and doesn't want to look like a complete fool?
I looked around, trying to imitate what I'd seen in movies: confident women heading straight to the bar, ordering something.
Easy, right?
In one corner was the bar, bathed in dim red lighting, with an elegant counter and bottles lined up like glittering soldiers.
I walked over, embarrassed but determined.
Maybe if I ordered something, anything, I'd at least look like I knew what I was doing.
I went up and picked up a menu lying on the counter.
The waiter, a man with pierced ears and a friendly smile, approached and asked, "What would you like?"
I blinked at the menu.
A drink of lust.
A kiss of the devil.
A sinful night.
And many more drinks with strange names.
What the hell is this?
My hands tightened on the laminated menu.
These drinks didn't look ordinary, but rather like invitations to something out of hell.
Why didn't they offer a normal menu with something like orange juice or cola?
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to sound thoughtful rather than panicky.
I raised my head, ready to say any of these drinks, and if it turned out to be something out of the ordinary, I wouldn't drink it.
It was important to have something with me, something to hold onto so I wouldn't look completely lost.
But before I could open my mouth, a voice behind me said quietly,
"I'll order her a Velvet Scene."
A Velvet Scene?
Even the name made me feel uncomfortable.
I turned around, and there was a man leaning casually against the bar, dressed in black with silver chains gleaming across his chest.
His hair was deliberately tousled, and his smile... his smile was all charm.
As the bartender began to prepare the drink, the man slid into the seat next to me with lazy, confident movements, as if he belonged in the atmosphere of the place.
"I'm Felix," he said in a low, almost amused voice, as if he already knew how uncomfortable I was. "And you?"
I swallowed and felt my palms sweat, but somehow managed to whisper:
"Aurora..."
Felix leaned his elbow on the bar, his fingers slowly touching the rim of his glass as he watched me.
"You must be new here," he said, his voice carrying the same relaxed cheerfulness.
I nodded, feeling a little embarrassed.
"Yes... I am."
"Don't worry," he smiled. "You'll get used to it. I've been a regular here for about six months."
I blinked at him in surprise. Six months?!
Maybe he knew more about this place than he let on...
Maybe he even knew about the other services...
I bit my lip, hesitant, but how could I even ask him?
The thought of saying something like that made my cheeks burn.
It would be so embarrassing...
Before I could panic, the waiter moved a glass toward me.
The drink inside was a soft pink, almost like a strawberry milkshake, but it shone faintly under the dim lights.
Felix laughed when he saw it.
"Don't worry," he said, winking at me. "It's alcohol-free. It seems you're safe now, princess."
I smiled slightly, then relaxed a little.
Honestly, I was grateful. If Felix hadn't ordered something alcohol-free, I would have humiliated myself even more tonight.
"So..." he began, idly stirring the ice in his glass. "How did you find this place?"
I hesitated, then shrugged.
"I, um... asked for advice online, and someone left the address."
He chuckled softly.
"Classic, that's how half the people here end up... curiosity kills the cat, right?"
I smiled awkwardly, taking a small sip of the pink drink.
It was sweet and light, not too heavy.
"What about you?"
I asked, trying to be polite.
Felix leaned against the bar with a childish smile.
"A friend dragged me here once, and I thought it would be funny. I guess the joke's on me. I never left."
I laughed along with him, feeling my chest tightening slightly.
He tilted his head, then studied me curiously.
"So how old are you?"
"Twenty-seven."
I said without thinking, and his eyes widened dramatically.
"No way! Seriously?"
I blinked hesitantly and replied.
"Yes?"
Felix laughed, shaking his head in astonishment.
"You're joking! I thought you were twenty-two at the most."
I smiled nervously.
"Thanks... I guess?"
He smiled back.
"I'm twenty-three, by the way... I guess that makes you my big sister, right?"
The way he said it, playfully and teasingly, made my cheeks flush again.
Four years younger... Why do I suddenly feel so old?
Felix chuckled, resting his chin on his hand as he leaned closer.
He said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I don't mind older women. In fact, I kind of like them. They know what they want, you know?"
I burst out laughing in spite of myself and shook my head.
I said between laughs, "Please, find someone your own age before you get yourself into trouble."
He laughed too, clearly enjoying the joke. Then, with a conspiratorial wink, he lowered his voice and said,
"Okay, okay, big sis, I'll do my best, but since you're new here... let me give you some advice."
I tilted my head curiously, sipping back at my pink drink.
Felix continued,
"Advice number one: never say yes to the first person who approaches you. Some people around here, well... take that as an invitation to things you're definitely not ready for."
He grinned wickedly.
"Advice two: If someone offers you a 'private session', make sure you're absolutely clear about what you want, because there? Anything goes."
He winked at me again, as if he were letting me in on a big secret.
I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening slightly on the glass.
"And third?" I asked, my voice a little weaker. There's always a third rule, right?
"Third..."
He leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Don't pretend to be scared, they can smell it."
I laughed nervously, trying to pretend his words didn't send me shivers down my spine.
"Thanks..."
I mumbled, unsure whether I should feel reassured or more terrified.
Felix smiled warmly.
"Don't worry, big sis, you look great, and you'll be fine."
Would I?
I wasn't entirely sure.
Felix was about to wave goodbye and head to the drunk woman calling his name when I summoned every last shred of courage and suddenly shouted,
"Wait! How... how do I get, how do I meet... a sex teacher?"
He froze, blinking at me as if he hadn't heard me.
Then, slowly, he turned and looked at me, his playful smile morphing into something more serious.
After a moment, he pulled up a chair, sat down, and rested his arms on the bar.
"You're not just here to look around?" he asked cautiously. "Do you want to... join?"
I nodded in confusion, my cheeks burning.
"I... paid a lot of money to get in tonight, but... is there a way I can become a member? Or... whatever?"
Felix remained silent for a moment, tapping his fingers on his glass.
It felt like an eternity before he finally spoke.
"You paid the entrance fee," he said slowly, "but membership is something else entirely. It's...."
I leaned forward, my heart pounding.
"And how could I-?"
He sighed, looking back at the drunk woman who was still waving lazily at him.
Then, to my surprise, he kissed the air in her direction and called out:
"Wait for me, sweetheart! Two minutes!"
He turned to me, smirked, and said:
"Well... lucky or unlucky tonight, you've found the one. I'm a full member."
He bowed slightly.
"And I can help you... if you really want to join."
My throat went dry.
I wasn't sure if this was good news or the beginning of something I couldn't undo.
But Felix's smile... half mischievous, half something else, told me that whatever happened next...
I was crossing intosmothing I couldn't easily escape from.