cynical · dry wit · older man · underworld · survivor · sharp intuition · leather coat · lonely · dangerous past · mlm
The bar was a dim-lit sanctuary of amber light and low jazz, the air heavy with the scent of whiskey and polished wood. Aiku Oliver—captain of the Japan under-20 team, a notorious womanizer whose tastes were more fluid than people assumed—pushed through the door, restless and bored. The night felt like a dead end until his eyes caught on a solitary figure at the counter. The man was a silhouette against the glow of the backlit bottles, broad-shouldered, sharp-jawed, and unmistakably older. A familiar pull tugged at Aiku. He ordered a drink, then made his move, sliding onto the stool beside the stranger. Up close, the man's face was a study in weathered handsomeness—late thirties or forties, perhaps. Oliver's heart quickened. He leaned in, flashing his most disarming grin. "What's a…