Dinorah
*𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐒 𝐀𝐓 the Yakuza was more than just a side hustle for Kai (despite owning the damn place); it was a delightful escape from reality. Growing up, Chisaki had always been reserved and hesitant when it came to engaging with others. However, his father, lovingly referred to as Pops, instilled in him the importance of conversation and gathering information. According to Pops, knowledge could be even more valuable than money itself. So there he stood behind the bar table, leaning forward slightly with a mischievous wink directed towards an elegant lady dressed in black. As he asked her how her day had been, Chisaki knew that this seemingly simple interaction held great significance. The Yakuza nightclub may not have boasted an exclusive clientele solely consisting of celebrities; instead, it attracted influential individuals who were involved in various forms of corruption.*

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*Kai loved owning the Yakuza nightclub because it was a haven for those involved in the underworld. It wasn't just about serving drinks; it was about being part of a world where power and secrets intertwined. The club's popularity attracted influential individuals who thrived on the thrill of living dangerously. Kai reveled in the knowledge that within these walls, deals were made, alliances formed, and information exchanged like currency. It was a place where loyalty was valued above all else, and trust could be earned or shattered with a single word. Owning the nightclub gave Kai a sense of control, allowing him to navigate the treacherous waters of this clandestine society. Here, he could witness firsthand the intricate dance between power and corruption, playing his own role in this dangerous game. As he leaned against the bar table, observing the patrons with his keen eyes, Kai knew that this was where he truly belonged - in the heart of darkness, where shadows whispered secrets and danger lurked at every corner. This view made Chisaki Mr. Hot-and-Dangerous in every sense of the statement. Toya is most definitely right.*

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*It was impossible to resist the allure of Chisaki's captivating molten gold eyes. They had a mesmerizing effect on anyone who made eye contact while engaged in conversation, almost like a spell that compelled them to return to the bar table time and time again. There was an undeniable magic in the way Chisaki showed genuine interest in people's lives, making them feel valued and heard. His alluring charm only added to his magnetic pull, drawing individuals closer with each interaction. Little did those who were enchanted by Chisaki's presence know that every word exchanged between them held immense value for him. While he appeared genuinely interested in their stories and experiences, he also possessed a keen ability to extract valuable information from these conversations. Each sentence spoken became another piece of the puzzle for Chisaki – knowledge that could potentially be used for his own advantage or understanding.*

*If it weren't for Toya's missing clothes, Chisaki would have assumed that he was sitting in front of him for that exact reason - to catch a glimpse of those mesmerizing deep gold eyes once again. As he prepared a margarita for a group of intoxicated blonde college girls and their friends, Chisaki wondered if the allure of his gaze played a part in his decision to be there. For Chisaki, it was the memory of those captivating cerulean eyes that lingered in his mind as he skillfully mixed the cocktail, adding just the right amount of tequila and lime juice. The thought crossed his mind while shaking up the drink, causing him to momentarily lose focus on his task at hand. Nevertheless, Chisaki quickly regained composure and continued serving drinks with an air of nonchalance.*

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*As he carefully poured the drink, his gaze would occasionally drift towards Toya, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, though concealed beneath his mask. The college girls eagerly accepted their drinks and erupted into drunken giggles as Chisaki bid them farewell for the night. With excitement bubbling in their veins, they rose from their seats and made their way to the dance floor where slow pop music reverberated throughout the lively club. Their bodies swayed effortlessly to the rhythm, lost in a world of carefree joy and vibrant energy.*

*Chisaki couldn't help but feel a sense of disgust as he observed the scene before him. The crowded room was filled with perspiring bodies, clumsily moving and grinding against one another on the dance floor like intoxicated rodents. His eyebrows furrowed in disapproval as he quickly turned away, deciding it was time to clean up and put away the margarita shaker. With meticulous care, he reached for a pristine white cloth to dry off the shaker, his attention momentarily diverted. In that brief moment, Chisaki's gaze shifted sideways ever so slightly, catching a glimpse of the Todoroki from the corner of his eye.*

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"So," *Chisaki spoke, his voice resonating above the pulsating music that filled the air. He carefully placed the shaker down on the counter and turned around to face Toya. The sight of him was like a breath of fresh air, a welcome respite for Chisaki's weary eyes. Bathed in the ethereal glow of the navy light, Toya seemed to possess an otherworldly aura that captivated Chisaki's valuable attention. As he found himself inexplicably drawn to Toya's allure, Chisaki questioned his own thoughts. It was unusual for him to find someone so attractive, considering how little he knew about him. Yet, despite these perplexing emotions swirling within him and his lack of familiarity with Toya, there was an undeniable connection forming between them.*

*Chisaki leaned into the bar table, their elbows inadvertently touching. The dimly lit room was filled with the low hum of conversations and clinking glasses, creating an ambiance that seemed to envelop them both. With a genuine curiosity shining in his eyes, Chisaki asked inquisitively,* "What can I get you?" *His voice was smooth and teasing as he knew Toya was at the club for his earring and jacket. The way he leaned closer suggested not only a desire to hear Toya's order but also an unspoken invitation for deeper connection.*
Anita
The bustling nightclub was something Toya enjoyed, something that he always claimed was his scene. He much preferred people who were chugging liquor to forget their sorrows and life surrounding them, dancing and grinding against one another to just *Forget* For even the briefest of moment, over the environment he grew up. Lucious interiors and picture-perfect *Everything* Was never quite the eldest Todoroki child's style, far too tense and overly-calculated for the "Likes of him" As he puts it. While he definitely wouldn't complain and had some comprehension of how good he had it, of how *Lucky* He was to never worry about having a roof over his head, there were many other things that replaced it.

A person trying to escape their own realities was something that Toya was quite familiar with, even if he could play the part of the perfect son well when he deemed it worth his time. That was always something rare, however, only occurring when he felt that he could get something out of it, no matter how selfish it may be. Selfish was a word that he'd grown accustomed to being called throughout his years, even as a young child who couldn't comprehend what was truly being implied. It wasn't until he was trapped in his childhood home as it had been mistakenly set ablaze, the hot flames eventually causing his skin to melt off in fourth degree burns that he realized his father was the epitome of selfish. Being in a coma for a little over a year and permanently having gnarled flesh on parts of his body can really change a person, changing them even more when they realize the only reason they didn't get saved sooner was because their father would rather save himself and his precious "Miracle child". The nickname always left a poor taste in his mouth, much worse than any liquor ever could.

The consistent abuse the white-haired man sustained in his earlier years was evident in the ways he did things, whether it be small and occasional fidgeting or who he happened to grow more attached to. Although he was much better at refraining from growing attached to people now, far more reluctant to offer even a sliver of genuine emotion to those he's even known for years, something was different about the— unbeknownst to him— head of the yakuza that brought their criminal activities to New York. At first, when reasoning with himself, he had his mind thoroughly convinced that it was just because he was receiving attention from somebody who appeared to not have any ill-will. Then again, Chisaki Kai *Was* Part of a gang, so perhaps he was going to kidnap him one day and hold him for ransom; he didn't think he'd mind if it was a man as attrative as him, though.

Toya wasn't even really sure why he was here in the first place, especially when he came to the realization that his identity had already been found out. It was out of character for him to return, but something drew him back in that he would be a fool to deny. There was something *More* About Kai and he'd be damned if he wouldn't try to satiate his curiosity; curiosity did kill the cat, though. With his knee bouncing beneath the cold, hard surface of the bar in front of him, he watched the other as he did his job with an ease that had him filled with a sense of admiration. Clearing his throat a little, he sat there surprisingly patient, reminding himself that he was just there to get his things and then leave. The second somebody finds out his identity before he confesses it to someone, he's supposed to *Leave.* Or so he told himself.

"Mm?" So lost in thought that it took Toya a moment to register that he was being approached and spoken to, he almost jolted backwards at the sudden contact if it weren't for his ~~little~~ self control. Bright blue eyes met pools of honey captured in Kai's and he swore he was going to malfunction for a second, his breath catching in his throat. If he was shot in the head right now, he'd die a *Very* Happy man with no regrets. For a fleeting second, it was like all of the almost-decade-old-anger pent up inside of him had vanished, his partially burnt shoulders dropping as he relaxed a little bit. Clearing his throat, a faint smile tugged up at his lips and he weighed his options on what to say before being quick to pick one.

"I'm assuming that you're off the menu, so how about a Shirley Temple. I'd rather stay sober for a while tonight that way I'll remember your face much better." The casual flirts slipped past Toya's lips with an ease that even caught himself off-guard, making him wonder is maybe he drank earlier without remembering. (He didn't.) Propping one elbow up onto the bar, he rested the side of his face in the palm of his calloused hand, eyes seeming to study the other for a brief second as he allowed their bare skin to make contact. How long had it been since he'd felt the touch of another person in any capacity that wasn't aggressive or misleading? He wasn't quite sure anymore.
Dinorah
*𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐈 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐄𝐃 in response to Toya's witty remark.* "Ah, you've got jokes, Toya," *He replied with a playful tone. As he stood behind the counter, Chisaki pondered making a clever comment about how Toya had technically never seen his entire face in person before. However, after a moment of consideration, he decided against it. Toya's choice of clothes caught Chisaki's attention. The tank top hugged Toya's slightly muscular frame, accentuating his well-defined arms shadowed by the light. A silver chain dangled from his neck, catching the navy blue light and adding a touch of edginess to his look.*

*Chisaki couldn't help but wonder if Toya had intentionally chosen that outfit to impress him or simply to look good. The slim tank top accentuated his toned physique, perhaps serving as the perfect canvas for the jacket he had left behind. Ah, yes, the jacket. Suddenly, Chisaki stood up straight and raised his right pointer finger in a gesture of pause and concentration.*

"One moment," *He said, his voice filled with a hint of anticipation as he gracefully walked off, disappearing into the small room hidden behind the bustling bar table. This exclusive space was reserved only for employees, an enclave of secrets and treasures. As he stepped inside, his eyes immediately landed on a plastic bag that contained the Todoroki's belongings - an earring and a jacket.*

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*With careful hands, he gingerly picked up the bag, feeling its weight, the jacket seemed pretty heavy isself. The earring only added little weight. Chisaki went back to where he was, behind the bar. Leaning over the counter, Kai made a conscious effort to meet Toya's gaze directly. Their eyes locked. In that split second, something stirred within Kai. It wasn't nervousness or anticipation; it was a gentle warmth spreading through his chest. The feeling was unfamiliar yet strangely comforting, like a delicate flame flickering to life on a chilly evening. He gently placed the plastic bag on the floor beside Toya's feet.*

"Here you are," *Chisaki stated, his voice ever so slightly cracking. That was unlike him, the young capo, to have a voice crack. That small, and seemingly insignificant detail sent Chisaki into the depths of his mind. __Was__ he shy? The gentle warmth spreading through his chest reminded him that even someone like him, who had built walls around himself for so long, could still experience the flutter of connection. And perhaps, just maybe, this newfound sensation would lead to something more meaningful than power or control.*

*Pushing those foreign feelings aside, Chisaki focused on his task at hand and moved around the bar area to prepare Toya's order of a Shirley Temple. With almost too much experience under his belt, he effortlessly measured out the perfect amount of grenadine and soda water. Carefully adding ice cubes and garnishing the drink with a maraschino cherry on top, Chisaki took pride in every detail.*

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*While expertly preparing the drink, he couldn't help but steal a quick glance at Toya, who exuded an undeniable charm. Feeling a surge of confidence, he decided to strike up a conversation with her. Playfully teasing, he asked,* "So, do you flirt with every '*Mildly attractive'* Bartender? Or, is this just you being you?"

*Chisaki carefully placed the exquisitely crafted Shirley Temple on the table, right in front of Toya. The drink was a true work of art, with its vibrant colors swirling and dancing enticingly within the crystal-clear glass. It was as if each ingredient had been carefully selected to create a visual masterpiece that would captivate anyone who laid eyes upon it.*
Anita
The acknowledgment of Toya's flirting had his faint smile turning into a lazy smirk, head tilting further into the palm of his hand. His eyes wandered every inch of Kai's body, both in an obvious attempt at checking him out, but also in a sort of admiration. From the stunning tattoos that littered the expanse of his skin so carefully to his neatly rolled up sleeves, he could tell that the man in front of him was well put together. It was a short train of thought, but an envy crept its way into his mind at the fact that somebody could truly be so gathered mentally, something he'd never experienced. It was almost sickening to somebody as he who had known nothing of peace, opting to carve more chaos into the world because he knew of nothing else.

"Who's to say I was joking." His gravelly voice broke the moment of silence between the two in a heartbeat, eyes half-lidded as Toya admired the Yakuza boss in front of him. Free arm finding itself resting against the bar, his hand grasped onto his bicep subconsciously, blunt nails digging into the soft flesh out of habit. When Chisaki had put his pointer finger up momentarily, he understood and gave an understanding nod before watching him retreat to the employees-only room. In that time, he allowed his eyes to wander the bar once again, watching the other people in the vicinity carelessly party as if it would be their last night. Perhaps it would be for some.

The moment Toya saw his ~~future husband~~ newest *Interest* Return from the depths of the staff room, he tilted his head back towards him. What he wasn't expecting to see, however, was the other's eyes purposefully locking with his own. Nails digging farther into the skin of his arm, he took a sharp breath, making a poor attempt at trying to steady his racing heart. Swallowing thickly, he just sat there and quietly stared, the close contact between the two having heat rush to his cheeks. He was grateful for the poor lighting.

"Thanks." Toya muttered, eyes flickering down to the plastic bag for a second before reaching for it. Despite feeling rather warm already— he always ran warmer, though—, he released his arm from his grasp that had created crescent-shaped indents in favor of grabbing the bag. Shoving one hand into the bag, it rustled a little as his fingers searched for the earring until he found what he had desired. Grasping onto the cold metal, he used his freehand to basically yank the random metal of bar he'd found earlier that day that was the 16 gage size he needed to stop it from healing. Skillfully maneuvering the metal piercing into place, he didn't need to look so he just let his eyes un-focus, quickly glossing over in the maybe minute in took him to do the whole ordeal. After another moment, he snapped back to reality, his eyes finding Kai's form again as he was preparing his drink.

"Oh, did I say mildly attractive? Sorry, I meant extremely attractive." Smirk growing just a little bit, the fire performer reached into the bag and was quick to slip on the leather clothing that fit the rest of his outfit well. In an instant he was a bit more relaxed, body a little more lucid as he had his mangled flesh out of view, uncaring if it was difficult to see under the colorful lighting. Arms returning to their original position, his tongue played with the metal of his dimple piercing, the metal ball screwed into the muscle clashing against the metal in his cheek. His eyes followed Kai's movements, admiring the way his muscles seemed to move beneath his button-up that practically had him drooling. Grateful that he could see such a thing, he hummed a little, fingers drumming against the side of the black leather sleeve.

In an instant, Toya had released his hold on his bicep in favor of grabbing onto the cold glass drink that he'd ordered only a couple minutes ago. Dipping his head as a sort of silent "Thank you", he set it directly in front of his mouth, fingers lazily leading the plastic straw in it to his lips. Taking a sip, he gave another hum, this one out of sheer gratefulness that the ratios were perfect as far as he was concerned.

"How's your shift goin' so far? Seems real busy." It was a feeble attempt at making conversation, but Toya wanted to talk to him more.