Work and personal life—today had been a complete disaster from start to finish. One annoying thing after another piled up all day, and by the time she was heading home, she just didn't care about any of it anymore. She didn't feel like going straight home either, so she was wandering aimlessly through the entertainment district when—

"Hey there, miss. You've got a face that says you don't wanna go home just yet."

A man called out to her in a light tone, pointing at a black-and-gold sign. CLUB NOIR. First visit is cheap. Have a drink, chat a bit, clear her head, and go home. That was all she had in mind.

She stepped inside half out of spite, and the place was quieter than she'd expected, and prettier too. Dazzling lights. Low, flowing music. The sweet scent of perfume and alcohol. After she sat down at the seat she was led to, several hosts came by one after another to greet her.