BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 1: WILD ONES

**DREW'S POV.**

The clock strikes 12:45 AM on a Friday, casting a soft glow over the luxurious TransCorp Hilton, a towering presence in the bustling heart of Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital territory.

As the city drifts deeper into slumber, most of its residents—petty traders collecting their wares, taxi drivers winding down after long shifts, corporate workers savouring the last moments of the week, and nursing mothers nestled with their children—are safely cocooned in their beds, shielded from the outside world. The streets, usually vibrant during the day, are now eerily quiet, the echoes of laughter and conversation replaced by the stillness of night. Yet, amid this tranquillity, a lively group of young adults emerges, filling the void with their youthful energy and anticipation.

This eclectic crew is not just any gathering of residents; they are the night owls of Abuja whose evening is just beginning to unfold. Their spirits are high, and their collective purpose is to revel in the city’s nightlife until dawn breaks—because for them, that's the epitome of what it means to be young and carefree.

While most people regard weekends as sacred times for rest and rejuvenation, Andrew and his friends have a different mantra. For them, the allure of the night beckons with promises of unforgettable memories, sounds of music pulsating in the air, and the thrill of laughter shared under starlit skies. Tonight, they abandon the conventional notions of rest and dive into the vibrant pulse of the city as they embark on their quest for an unforgettable night out.

For them, the end of another week of schoolwork is more than just a milestone; it's a triumphant reminder of survival, and what better way to celebrate survival than with an exuberant night out? They revel in the pulsating rhythm of the music, drinks in hand, bodies swaying and colliding on the dance floor as laughter and shouts blend into a euphoric symphony. As the night wears on, the effects of the alcohol blur their vision, creating a double vision that they are only going to live once.

Amidst the pulsating bass of the club and the kaleidoscope of flashing lights, Andrew found himself enveloped by a throng of alluring bodies, each figure moving with an eagerness that ignited the air around them. The dance floor was a wild sea of youthful exuberance, where laughter mingled with shouts of excitement, all fueled by the intoxicating haze of the night. As he swayed, surrounded by attractive strangers who seemed to crave more than just a dance

Andrew noticed one of his best friends at the far corner of the club, completely absorbed in his phone. He felt a twinge of exasperation but reminded himself that maybe his friend was just busy with something important but he knows his friend better than anyone.

"What in God's name are you doing with that phone in a club, mate?" Andrew snapped, his voice cutting through the pulsating bass of the music as he abruptly yanked the iPhone from Hossein's grasp.

The younger man, caught off guard, felt a rush of adrenaline surge through him. He instinctively stood up, his body tensing as he prepared to confront whoever dared to invade his personal space, assuming it was yet another one of those rowdy patrons who found amusement in messing with others after a few drinks. But as he turned to face the source of the confrontation, he was met with the familiar glare of his best friend, eyes narrowed with concern. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he deflated, the fight leaving him.

"Isn't there a verse in the Bible that advises against taking the Lord's name in vain?" Hossein quipped, a smirk spreading across his face as he leaned back into his seat, the atmosphere around them lively yet suddenly more serious.

Drew arched his perfectly sculpted eyebrows in a mix of amusement and annoyance as he playfully shoved his best friend, Hossein, to emphasize his disbelief. The dim lighting of the club bounced off the colourful lights, illuminating their playful banter.