Only one? [male Chaeyoung x TWICE]

(13) standing out

[at the bar]

Chaeyoung wiped down the counter, his usual routine at the bar, while Dahyun chatted idly next to him.

The bar was buzzing with life as usual, but lately, something had felt... different.

More chaotic...

Dahyun sighed, leaning her elbow on the counter.

"Have you noticed how weird this place has gotten since they added the stripping corner?"

Chaeyoung nodded, pouring a drink with practiced ease. "Yeah, it's definitely not the same crowd anymore. The vibe is off."

"Right? It's like half the people here aren't even interested in the bar anymore—they're just here for the show," Dahyun said, shaking her head. "I get wanting to attract more customers, but this is so overkill."

Before Chaeyoung could respond, their manager approached, clipboard in hand and an air of authority.

"Chaeyoung, Dahyun," he called out, his voice firm.

Both of them turned, sensing something was up.

"We're making a few changes," the manager continued.

"Effective immediately, I'm transferring both of you to the bar in the stripping area."

Chaeyoung and Dahyun blinked at him, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Wait, what?" Chaeyoung asked, setting down the glass he was polishing.

"You heard me," the manager said, crossing his arms. "That area's been booming, but the bar there isn't keeping up. We need our best bartenders to manage it."

Dahyun's mouth fell open. "But—" she stammered, "we're fine right here! This is our spot."

"Yeah," Chaeyoung chimed in, trying to keep his tone neutral. "We've been here for a while, and we know how to handle this crowd. Are you sure that's the right move?"

The manager gave them a stern look. "It's not a suggestion. The decision's made. Pack up your station and head over. We need you there tonight."

Chaeyoung and Dahyun exchanged glances, both silently processing what this meant. Neither of them was thrilled about the idea. The stripping corner wasn't just new—it had a reputation for being rowdy, unpredictable, and filled with people who weren't exactly there for cocktails.

"Great," Dahyun muttered under her breath as the manager walked away. "Just what I needed—an upgrade to bullshit."

Chaeyoung chuckled, though his laugh was dry. "Guess we don't have a choice. Let's just get through it."

They gathered their tools and supplies, moving to the new bar. The atmosphere shifted immediately as they stepped into the stripping area. Neon lights flashed, loud music pulsed, and the crowd was noticeably... different.

Dahyun sighed dramatically, tying her apron tighter. "This is going to be a disaster, isn't it?"

Chaeyoung smirked, pulling a cocktail shaker from his bag. "Probably. But hey, maybe it'll make for a good story."

"Only if we survive," Dahyun quipped, rolling her eyes. "Let's just hope these people actually drink."

With a nod, Chaeyoung positioned himself behind the counter, ready to face whatever the night threw their way.