SHADOWS OF DECEIT

Chapter 5

Lights. Flashing, vibrant lights.
Music pulsed through the air, a rhythmic beat that seemed to sync with the energy of the crowd. Everywhere Joshua looked, he saw fashion—bold, daring, and effortlessly chic. Young people moved with an air of unruly elegance, each dressed in a way that seemed both perfectly curated and utterly carefree.

This was what Samuel had meant. Elegance in unruliness.

Joshua's eyes swept the room, and it was impossible not to be struck by the sheer number of beautiful faces. They hadn't lied when they said it—everyone here was striking in their own unique way, radiating a kind of effortless perfection. Each person stood out, yet somehow blended seamlessly into the intoxicating atmosphere.

It was beauty on display, but it was also something more—an attitude, a confidence that seemed to pulse just as powerfully as the music.

Joshua couldn't help but think Samuel had been right. There were too many faces here to forget. Too much allure to shake off easily.

It was chaos wrapped in glamour. A world that seemed to flirt with the line between elegance and decadence.

Joshua sat at the bar, his mind wandering as he idly twirled an empty glass between his fingers. It was the same counter where he and Samuel had sat earlier in the day, when they'd visited for Joshua's job inquiry. Now, the place had transformed from a busy afternoon spot into a full-blown spectacle. The lights, the music, the sheer energy of the crowd—it was almost overwhelming.

Samuel had excused himself moments ago, promising he'd be back in a few minutes, but those minutes were starting to stretch longer than Joshua had expected. Dressed decently, though nowhere near as creatively as the people around him, Joshua couldn't help but feel a little out of place. The crowd, with its electric mix of fashion and flair, made him feel almost invisible.

A flicker of annoyance crossed his mind. He was surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and the few people he did know were busy elsewhere. But then again, he couldn't really blame them. If Black Swan had seemed lively earlier in the day, tonight it felt like a festival, a carnival of sorts. The place was packed, buzzing with life. He could see why Namjoon had said they needed extra hands, even with seven staff members already working.

Namjoon had been the one bright spot of familiarity in the chaos. The older man had greeted Joshua warmly the moment they arrived, even offering him free drinks for the night—something Joshua appreciated more than he let on. It was his first time at Black Swan, after all, and the gesture had taken the edge off his nerves.

But now, as he glanced around the bar, Namjoon was nowhere to be seen. His hands were undoubtedly full, and Jin, the other staff member Joshua had briefly met, had vanished entirely.

Joshua sighed, tapping his fingers on the counter. The night was just beginning, but he already felt adrift in the whirlwind around him.

As Joshua sat aimlessly twirling his glass, lost in thought, he was jolted back to the present by a deep, alluring voice. "The drink's already mixed, you know. You can stop stirring it now. I promise we did a good job."

Startled, Joshua looked up, his hand freezing mid-motion. In front of him stood an almost ethereal-looking man—beautiful, elegant, and exuding a quiet, yet undeniable masculinity. His gaze was intense, framed by naturally hooded eyes that gave him an air of mystery. The man's presence was magnetic, his aura practically oozing seduction. Joshua could easily imagine both men and women going weak at the knees under that piercing stare. If this man wasn't already taken, he could've earned himself a spot in the hall of fame based on looks alone.

"Uh, yeah," Joshua stammered, clearly caught off guard, unsure how to respond.

"New here?" the man asked, his tone casual but curious.