Alistair

After that we went to the bar they were talking about. It is an expensive bar exclusive for youngers. Only wealthy people are welcome here.

I didn't get to have a rest. As soon as I entered the bar, tons and tons of alcohol welcomed me. Kein went to his friends. Their endless games also started even before I arrived.

"Because you are the Magna, Kana, it will be a dare." Rona chirped like a host.

"Calm down people."

"We are kind!" Jeya laughingly said.

"Pick a random man first." Said Jaira with an evil smirk on her lips.

I am confused with Jaira's words so I asked, "Why?"

"Just pick one and I'll tell you what's your dare." She said with naughtiness evident on her eyes.

"Alright, uh…"

Not minding her first task, I roam my eyes around and I saw a man with a well-built body, tall, and seems fun.

"Him," I pointed at the man as I stare at their challenging eyes.

"Ooooh, our Kana knows what and which to pick." Rona teased me wiggling her brows to everyone in our circle.

"Kiss him!"

"I told you, nothing extreme!" I claimed with widened eyes. I mean, I do kiss and make out with men but I know them.

"Just kiss him wherever you want. Not necessary on lips! And we are all adult, Kanalaa." Jeya,

"Please no," I plead, praying that they will change their mind.

I appealed many times but I really can't revoke their decision.

"Oh God, my dad's gonna kill me." I mumbled and they all just laugh.

Who wouldn't laugh? Everyone knows my rendevouz with Kein. Although they do not know my other activities, they still know. You know what I mean, friends being friends.

Everyone is encouraging and cheering on me, pushing me to do the dare. Do I look like a girl smooching whoever she sees? I know I can't get away from it that I decided to take two shots of tequila before deciding to stand and started to walk to where the man is.

My steps are so slow, thinking carefully if I should continue or what else can I do to avoid this. I decided to pull the "confident Kanalaa" I walked as if I'm on the runaway, owning the floor. I prepared a daring smile before tapping the man's shoulder. He looked at me with all seriousness on his face

"Hi, do you have a girlfriend or wife or fiancé?" I asked because I want no trouble.

With confused eyes he replied, "Hi, do I know you?"

"No, so, do you?" I raised my one brow as I asked the question playfully.

I kept the confidence high even though I am uncomfortable with this.

"No, I don't ha—"

Not letting him finish his words, I kissed him on the lips, a smack only. I planned to walkaway after the smack but to my surprise, he pulled me back, held my neck and started to kiss my lips.

I pulled away and gave him a smile acting like I wasn't surprise but I am.

"Thanks, bye!" I gave him a sexy salute and a smile to cover my astonishment.

I quickly went back to our table still with my heart beating fast. I didn't expect that move from him. I still can't believe that I did that. As soon as I got back, roaring laugh welcomed me. I just want to be swallowed by the floor.

"That was sultry, Kana!"

"The crown is your, Kana the Queen."

"Our Kana is really beauty and brains!"

And different comments were made and we all laughed to it. Though it was not just me who did this kind of dare but it didn't involve stranger before, it was just between our circle. The night continued wildly just like how they meant to spend it.

I didn't dare to give a single glance to the man. I am too embarrassed to do that. However, Kein's stare lingered the whole night. There's nothing between us, so I didn't mind at all. If he's got a problem with what happened, it's his business.

"Hey," calling out Jeya's attention since she's the closest to me.

When she looked at me, I pointed the way to the powder room and she only gave me a nod.

When I passed through Kein's table and saw me, he made a gesture of calling me which I answered with a nod.

Instead of going to the powder room, I walked out of the bar to get some fresh air. The night is far from being over that's why I walked out to avoid getting drunk early. I do not wish to pass out tonight because I don't know what might happen specially that my friends don't have any inhibitions right now.

I am sitting on Kein's car hood when someone called my attention, the man earlier. I'm just watching him gliding towards me. I can't help but to bit my lower lip due to nervousness. I'm still deeply embarrassed on what happened earlier. How am I supposed to face him?

"Hey, you left earlier." He said as if I didn't know it.

I gave him a slight nod.

"I'd like to get to know you."

I bit the inside of my cheeks, thinking of what to respond.

"You see, we were playing. I'm sorry for doing it without your consent." I uttered trying to know what he's up to by coating it.

He nodded, understanding what happened earlier. His eyes are boring into mine like he's seeing me through which kind of making me uncomfortable.

"I'm cool with it. I like you though."

I shrugged. "Thanks,"

"Why not let's start by getting to know your name?" He gave me a cheeky smile which I think is off from his look.

"Ali, my name is Ali."

Rule number when talking to stranger, don't tell your real name.

"Apparently, we've got the same name."

I gave him a doubting look.

"For real?"

"Yeah, Ali, Alistair."

Instead of getting back on the party, I notified Chail that I'll be going and not joining them anymore. Alistair and I decided to spend the night together.

In a short span of conversing with him, I knew that he's the sweet type kind of guy but his looks is just giving him away. When I saw him the first time tonight, I thought he'd be the typical snobbish gorgeous man but I was completely wrong.

We're currently sitting on a spot deck, watching how beautiful the city lights are. I thought we'd end up on bed tonight but I guess I'm sometimes wrong with my speculations. Or maybe he's just getting me in a slow and sweet way?

"What were you doing in the bar anyway?" As he asked, curiosity painted across his face, he leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with interest.

I raised an eyebrow playfully, my lips curling into a mischievous smirk as I replied, "Having some fun?" Lacing my words with a hint of sarcasm.

His laughter filled the air, a warm sound that matched the twinkle in his eyes, and he nodded in amusement.

"Right," he answered cocking his head with still a smirk on his lips realizing how dumb his questions was.

I turned my back to lean on the railings and rest my elbows on it before properly answering his question, "It's our graduation after-party." I looked at him at I utter my words.

His eyes widened slightly, "Oh, you just graduated?" a mix of surprise and interest evident in his voice.

"Yeah like, today." I said proudly.

"Congratulations, it's really worth celebrating for. My bad this is the only thing we have right now. There's no establishment open right now also." He congratulated with an ear-to-ear smile and enthusiastically as if it is OUR victory.

I can't believe that I'd share something like this to a stranger. There is really this one person whom we have met like a few minutes ago but the connection between you two is undeniably strong.

The way Alistair treat me is like we know each other for some time now. He's a bright person.

"This is okay, this is more than enough. I've had enough happiness today. But thank you still." I replied sincerely. Admiration starting to form in my system.

I learnt that Alistair is now working and is a co-owner of a firm. Coincidentally, we're in the same industry.

The night stretched on endlessly, seeming to linger in the air like a heavy fog, as if time itself had slowed down just for us. We sat across from each other, the dim light of the night casting soft shadows on our faces, enveloping us in an intimate atmosphere. With each passing moment, we delved deeper into conversation, sharing stories as if we were old friends reconnecting after years apart.

Despite the electric tension crackling between us, there was a sense of innocence to our interaction. But as the night wore on, I realized that Alistair was unlike anyone I had ever met before. His demeanor was calm and reserved, his actions measured and deliberate. He listened intently to every word I spoke, his eyes never straying from mine.

It was a surprise, to say the least. In a world where boldness and bravado often overshadowed genuine connection. It's just a night and I am feeling all these. I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope stirring within me – hope that maybe, just maybe, there were still good men out there worth waiting for.