"Come on, Ren. You need to leave the house for something besides caffeine and men in hoodies."
Ren rolled his eyes as his best friend, Mina, tugged him by the wrist through a narrow alleyway lit by flashing signs and colored lanterns. Shinjuku's night was alive—buzzing, warm, and a little dizzying. The kind of place Ren usually avoided.
"I don't even know what this place is," Ren muttered.
Mina flashed a grin. "It's called Abyss. You'll love it. Drag, live vocals, low lighting, and guys prettier than you."
Ren scoffed. "Gee, thanks."
They rounded a corner, and the club entrance came into view—dark metal door, violet neon signage, and a slow pulse of bass vibrating through the pavement. A bouncer nodded them inside.
Within seconds, Ren was swallowed by sound.
Inside Abyss, the world shimmered. Velvet curtains framed a small stage at the center of the room, soaked in violet and electric blue lights. The crowd, dressed in all styles—lace, leather, glitter—stood shoulder to shoulder in eager silence. Something was about to happen.
Mina nudged him. "You're in for a show tonight. Kane's performing."
"Kane?" Ren asked.
She nodded. "Their headliner. Total mystery. No one even knows what he looks like outside the stage."
The lights cut.
The music slowed to a sensual beat.
Then, a voice—low, rich, confident—rose through the speakers.
"Tell me who you want me to be…"
A figure stepped into the spotlight.
Ren forgot how to breathe.
He knew those eyes. Even behind gold glitter makeup and false lashes. Even under that cascade of blond-streaked hair, that shimmering coat, those platform heels.
It was Kaito.
But it wasn't.
He moved like a flame—sharp, elegant, electric. His voice commanded the room, every note dripping with emotion. People reached for him like he was divine. He twirled the mic stand, threw a wink toward the audience, and danced with the boldness of someone who had nothing to hide.
And yet Ren knew—he did.
His stomach flipped.
He watched the rest of the performance in stunned silence. Each song revealed another piece of Kane's soul—longing, joy, heartbreak. Nothing like the quiet, reserved man in the café.
And yet… it was still him. Somehow.
By the time Kane bowed and vanished backstage, the crowd erupted in cheers. Mina was clapping beside him, but Ren stayed still, heart hammering.
He didn't even remember how he got home that night.
All he could see was Kane on stage, glitter in his hair.
And Kaito, sitting alone by the café window, sipping black coffee.