Heavy footsteps echoed through the rain-soaked streets, raindrops falling heavier with each passing moment. People chattered, their voices blending with the city's buzz. Tiger ran through the crowd, finally stopping in an alley to catch his breath. He sat down in the corner, the rain intensifying around him.
The door beside him swung open, and someone tossed out trash. Then, they turned back, spotting Tiger and jumping in fear. "Tiger, is that you?" a familiar voice asked, Benjamin's hand outstretched.
Tiger's eyes narrowed. "Who are you, and what do you want from me?" His voice was laced with venom.
Benjamin chuckled and patted Tiger's back. "Oh, come on. Who are you trying to scare?" He smiled. "At least come in and have a drink. I'll pay for it."
Tiger's anger dissipated slightly, but his sadness lingered. As they entered the building, Tiger's face lit up in wonder. The place was lively and colorful, with people laughing and drinking.
"What is this place?" Tiger asked, his sorrows slowly fading.
"This is my workplace, Happy Paradise," Benjamin replied. "I see you're a little happier now."
Tiger smiled slightly. "It's a bit peaceful, even with the noise."
Benjamin grinned. "That's not all. You haven't seen the best part of this place yet." He grabbed bottles of wine, spinning and opening them with ease. "Haha, you're quite good at this. You look almost like a ballerina."
"And you look like a washed-up dog," Tiger retorted, and they laughed.
As Benjamin attended to another customer, he asked, "So, what turned the ferocious Tiger into a depressed otaku? Want to talk about it?"
Tiger stared into his cup, his reflection staring back. "I'd rather not. It's complicated."
Suddenly, a long black silky hair passed behind him, catching his attention. He turned, but the figure vanished into the crowd.
"Testing," a voice announced over the speaker. "The best time of tonight has started."
Benjamin left to change clothes, and Tiger turned to face the stage. The curtains raised, and the stage lights illuminated a girl with long black hair, black charming eyes, and a pendant with star embroidery. She wore a purple top and a short skirt, her beauty captivating the audience.
Benjamin stepped out in his changed clothes, and their eyes met Tiger's, frozen on his seat, gazing at the girl. For a brief moment, Tiger and the girl's eyes locked, and the air around them seemed to change.