Year 1991 – Tokyo Shinjuku
Paradise club, the most famous night club in the city of Shinjuku, neon lights reflected off the metallic surfaces, casting an otherworldly glow over the scene. In that busy night, Alex, a handsome half-filipino blooded young man deftly served drinks to the customers seated at the tables, his movements precise and fluid as he navigated through the bustling crowd. The low hum of chatter mingled with the pulsating rhythm of the music, creating a sensory overload that was both intoxicating and exhilarating. As a group of dancers took the stage, their exotic movements mesmerizing the audience, Leo, his friend and fellow waiter, sidled up to him, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Our manager is in a foul mood again, despite the busy night," he remarked, balancing a tray of drinks expertly.
Alex sighed, accustomed to their manager's unpredictable temperaments. "What else does he want now?" he mused, already anticipating some new demand or complaint. Just then, a commotion erupted near the entrance of the club, drawing everyone's attention. The atmosphere was charged with tension as a man with his entourage entered through the heavy metal doors. The manager that called Tencho in Japanese, usually jovial and welcoming, suddenly morphed into a figure of fear, his expression turning icy as he spotted the newcomer. He gestured to the waiters, his command laced with a silent threat, instructing them to attend to the man with the utmost respect and deference. As the man made his way towards the bar, a hush fell over the club. Even the talents, usually exuding confidence and allure, felt a shiver of dread run down their spines. This man was not just anyone; he was the so-called Octopus Tiger, the feared and revered head of the Yakuza, his presence commanding respect and instilling fear in equal measure. The club's manager, Tencho made his way through the pulsing crowd towards the VIP section.
His stern expression softened as he approached a table occupied by a lone customer – a man draped in an expensive suit; his eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Sumimasen okyakusama, Excuse me, sir!" Tencho began in the Japanese language, his voice tinged with apprehension. "I apologize, but I must ask you to move to another table. Tsutretaishimasu," The customer's brows furrowed in anger. "Doshite? Watashi wa saki ni kokoni ita yo! What? I was here first!" he retorted sharply. Tencho's gaze flickered towards a shadow that loomed behind the customer, Octopus Tiger stood with his men, exuding an aura of power that sent a shiver down the customer's spine. Seeing him, the customer's defiance melted into fear, and he swiftly rose from his seat, relocating to a different table without a word. Curious, Alex approached Leo, who watched the unfolding scene with a knowing expression. "Who's that? Why is everyone so scared?" Alex inquired. Leo's tone turned serious. "Don't you know? That's Octopus Tiger, the head of the Yakuza in Tokyo. He hasn't graced this club with his presence in a long time." Leo replied. Tencho summoned Leo and Alex for an urgent task. Leo quivered with apprehension, his heart drumming in his chest as he anticipated the impending encounter. In contrast, Alex exuded an air of serenity, his demeanor unperturbed by the gravity of the situation. "What will you have to drink, sir?" Leo's voice trembled as he addressed Octopus Tiger, and his imposing entourage. Without a word, Octopus Tiger's companion spoke, "Finest Brandy in the house, and make it quick!" Leo scurried away to fulfill the order, while Alex remained composed, awaiting further instructions. Surveying the surroundings with a scrutinizing gaze, Octopus Tiger's eyes lingered on the establishment's talents, searching for a particular allure that seemed elusive. Frustration laced his words, "Why are there no beauties in this renowned club? Where are the alluring sirens?" Tencho replied with a tight smile, trying to mask his unease, "Sir, we have the finest ladies in the city. Please, take your time." Despite Octopus Tiger's scrutiny of every corner, his quest for the ideal companion remained unfulfilled until a sudden hush descended as the lights dimmed. "Minasang kombanwa! Welcome to Paradise Club! Presenting our Star of the club, Serenity sang desu, O yorushiku onegaishimasu!" The DJ announced. Out of the shadows emerged Serenity on the stage, a captivating singer/dancer known for her enchanting performances. With mesmerizing grace, she swayed as she sang a jazz song. Her hair is styled to perfection, a few loose strands framing her face with a natural, effortless beauty. As she sings, her expressive eyes are closed, lost in the passion of the music. Her voice is both powerful and tender, filling the room with emotion and drawing everyone into her performance. Her hands move delicately as she gestures, enhancing the mood of the song, and her smile, when it comes, lights up the stage like a sunrise. In that moment, she's not just a singer but an enchantress, weaving magic with her voice and presence, leaving the audience spellbound. Transfixed by Serenity's allure, Octopus Tiger's voice held a commanding tone, "Ano onna hoshi! I want that lady!"
Alex suddenly stood in the corner of the club, his heart racing as he watched Serenity's mesmerizing performance on the stage. As he stole glances at her, the other waiter, Mel, noticed his fixation and teased him softly. "Hey Alex, your eyes stuck again on her," he whispered, earning a sheepish grin from Alex. But as much as Alex was drawn to Serenity, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gripped him. He was scared for her safety, knowing that Octopus Tiger wants her, and she will sit on his table later. Deciding to distract himself, Alex excused himself to the kitchen to get to some orders. However, his momentary escape was short-lived as Olga, one of the talents in the club, followed him with a proposition. "Alex, I will go back to Russia tomorrow. Please have a one night with me," Olga said, her voice laced with intensity and desire. Alex was used to it, it happened all the time, because of his unique charm, most of the female talents in that club wanted him. "I'm so sorry Olga, I have a lot of things to do," Alex said as he left the kitchen. Olga felt desperate as she snapped her finger in frustration. Alex stood by the bar, a sense of unease gnawing at his insides. His gaze fixated on Serenity. Despite the electrifying energy in the room, a foreboding shadow lingered in Alex's mind, a feeling he couldn't quite shake off. As Serenity's final song reached its climax, Alex made his way through the pulsating crowd, his concern for her growing by the second. Ignoring the curious glances of onlookers, he followed Serenity to the dressing room. "Hey, Alex. What are you doing here? Please get out, I'm going to change my costume," Serenity's voice sliced through the air, tinged with irritation at his uninvited presence.
"I'm sorry, Serenity, but you have to go home," Alex's tone was firm, his eyes pleading for her to understand the gravity of the situation. "What? My work is just starting, and who are you to order me around like this?" Serenity scoffed, her gaze flitting to the mirror as she wiped off her lipstick with deliberate motions.
"Do you know Octopus Tiger? The head boss of the Yakuza?" Alex's voice was urgent, desperation creeping into his words. "I've heard of him, but I don't know him personally," Serenity replied, her nonchalance unsettling. "He's here, Serenity. I think that man is dangerous, and he has requested you to sit with him," Alex's frustration seeped into his words as he tried to get through to her. Unmoved by Alex's warning, Serenity continued to touch up her makeup, her reflection shimmering in the holographic mirrors that lined the dressing room. Despite the sense of impending danger looming in the air, Serenity dismissed Alex's concerns with a wave of her hand. Alex watched helplessly. Suddenly, the club's manager, Tencho, barged in, his demeanor stern as he scolded Alex for intruding. The tension in the room was palpable, Alex retreated, leaving Serenity alone as she readied herself for what lay ahead.