SHADOWS OF DECEIT

Chapter 16

The din of the Black Swan was as familiar as it was deafening, but Joshua didn't mind it tonight. It was his last shift, and while the bar wasn't exactly a place of fond memories, it had its own peculiar charm. The staff, with all their quirks and mannerisms, had managed to welcome him in a way he hadn't expected. 

Jin and his relentless sass, the rowdy clientele who were almost as much a part of the atmosphere as the music itself—it was all embedded in the place. Though it had been short-lived, the experience felt oddly complete.

As he made his way through the dim room with a final tray of drinks, he glanced around, catching sight of familiar faces—some regulars, some new. The bar lights glinted off glasses, highlighting the occasional grin or wild laugh. Joshua set down the drinks with a nod, exchanging quick, casual goodbyes with patrons who probably wouldn't even notice he was gone. It wasn't their job to care, and he preferred it that way.

Just as he was heading back to drop off the tray, Jimin appeared, hands on his hips, exaggerating a pout as he surveyed Joshua. "Can't believe you're really leaving us, hyung," he said, a touch of mock disappointment lacing his voice. "What are we supposed to do without you? Who's gonna bring that calm, tragic-romance vibe around here?"

Joshua chuckled, setting the tray aside. "Tragic romance? Jimin, if you want, I'll stop by just to remind you that you're not that sad to see me go. Besides," he said with a smirk, "I have a feeling you'll be fine without me. Bet I'll see you around anyway."

"Oh, please," Jimin rolled his eyes. "Like you won't come back crawling just to see my stunning self. I mean, look at me," he said with a sweep of his arm, "absolute perfection."

Joshua shook his head, suppressing a laugh. "Keep telling yourself that. I'll be back to remind you not to let it go to your head, alright?"

Jimin huffed. "If you keep talking, you'll miss the race tonight. It's going to be one hell of a show."

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "The race? You're serious about that?" He knew Jimin had a reputation for stirring up a scene, but he hadn't realized there was something specific on the agenda tonight.

"Oh yeah. It's tonight, and it's gonna be wild," Jimin grinned, looking more animated than Joshua had seen him all evening. "Everyone's going to be there—pretty much the entire gang, plus a few faces we don't always get to see." He leaned in with a mischievous smirk.

"Including, Samuel."

Joshua gave a small shake of his head, knowing well enough that Samuel couldn't stay away from any high-stakes event, especially one with as much chaos as Jimin described. "Sounds about right. But honestly, with all that's on his plate, I hope he doesn't pull anything too reckless tonight. He's got enough weight on his shoulders as it is."

Jimin rolled his eyes. "You worry too much, hyung. He's practically the first one there every time—might as well be his party. But I guess it's good that you care enough to worry."

Joshua took a breath, glancing at the clock. It was almost time to go, and he could feel the weight of the moment settling over him. He didn't often linger on goodbyes, but this felt like an end to a chapter, however brief it might've been. As he headed toward the exit, Jimin slapped him on the shoulder, a surprising softness in his usual smirk.

"Try not to be a stranger," Jimin said, the usual playful tone softened just slightly. "And don't worry, I'll keep Samuel in line tonight."

Joshua looked back, a quiet gratitude in his eyes. "You better. He'll need someone keeping an eye out for him."

With a final glance at the bar, Joshua slipped out into the night, letting the noise and the lights of the Black Swan fade behind him.

Tonight, he wanted to celebrate his work at Black Swan.On his way home, Joshua stopped by the convenience store and grabbed Samuel's favorite snacks—just a small peace offering.