The bass thudded softly beneath Olivia's heels as she stepped into the dimly lit club, the beat vibrating in her chest like a second heartbeat. Neon blues and soft purples streaked across the walls, and the scent of citrus and expensive cologne hung in the air.
A familiar voice called out over the music, bright and energetic.
"Liv, Here."
Olivia smiled, instantly spotting the tall, sharp-eyed woman waving at her from a booth near the back.
"Hey," Olivia said, sliding in beside her.
The woman grinned, dark curls pulled into a high ponytail, her tailored blazer swapped for a sleeveless black top and subtle gold jewelry.
"I'm surprised you even replied to my message. I was thinking that you might call in the last moment to tell me that you couldn't come because Mr. Iceberg gave you some work."
Olivia laughed, resting her head back for a second. " Even I am surprised that he didn't."
" Well, let's not talk about that anymore. I ordered your favorite red wine."
They clinked their glasses.
The woman sitting next to her was her only friend, Emily Quinn.
Emily had been Olivia's best friend since they were in diapers.
Their parents were college friends. Olivia's mom and Emily's mom both got pregnant at the same time.
So both of them were of same age, with just 10 days apart. 10 days didn't make any difference about them being the same age, but Olivia likes to be the older sister, so she always tries to pull the " I am older than you" card, which Emily never takes seriously.
Their houses were side by side, their bedroom windows just close enough to exchange snacks, notes, and any interesting things that happened during the day.
They even sneakily have sleepovers that were technically not allowed on school nights.
They even share the same hobbies and interests: binge-watching anime until 3 a.m., drooling over fictional pretty boys, and firmly identifying as facecons without shame.
They even host "serious discussions" about which 2D character was more handsome.
They were always on the same chaotic wavelength.
As adults, they chose wildly different careers. Emily chased after a stethoscope and a white coat, while Olivia ran straight into the world of suits, deadlines, and endless meetings. But despite the difference in their career, they were inseparable—partners in crime, sisters by heart.
Life got busier, yes—but their bond never cracked.
Emily was the only person who truly knew that behind the professional heels and sharp blazer was still the same lazy otaku who once cried over an anime character's death like it was a national tragedy.
The last time they saw each other was one month ago.
"So," Emily said, tipping her glass. "How are things going in the company? Did Mr. Iceberg still trouble you?"
"Don't get me started on that jerk," Olivia muttered. "The only thing good about him is that handsome face of his."
Hana winced in sympathy. "He gives you a hard time again?"
Olivia rolled her eyes and sipped her drink. "Every single day. Let's not talk about that iceberg, I don't wanna spoil my mood."
Iceberg was the name they both came up with for Adien. Because of his always serious expressions.
Emily smiles at her, and both of them talk about many things.
"Wow," Emily suddenly exclaimed.
Olivia raised her eyebrow at her.
" Look behind you, there are three super hot dudes."
Olive looked behind her and saw three guys sitting at the bar drinking. She also raised her eyebrow.
" They are handsome, but….. They look like total jerks."
Emilly huffed," I think all handsome guys have bad personalities."
" You know what I sometimes think? Maybe we have quite high standards. That's why we are still single."
Even at the age of 27, they are still single. Sometimes they didn't like the face, while other times it was the personality.
Well….. They would be single if they thought that someone like their favorite anime character existed.
After spending some more time in the club, both leave the club.
They both knew their drinking capacity, so they didn't drink much because they still had to go to work tomorrow.
Since Olivia came in a taxi, they both got in Emily's car.
"Liv, I think you should take a break. Not much, at least a week. You are pushing your body to its limit. If you keep going on like this, you might collapse."
"I know," Olivia said quietly. Her heart felt soft because of her concern. "I am thinking about taking a leave, it's been so long since I took one."
Emily's expression softened. "That's good. You decide what you're going to do that week. It will be a waste to spend it in that apartment of yours."
"I'm thinking about going home," Olivia said without hesitation. "I haven't seen Mom and Dad in over a year. Just work, work, and more work. I miss Mom's cooking. And I even miss those two dorks at home."
Emily laughed at the last part.