Souvenir - Chapter 3.2
This case, however, was different.
This was the most unusual, inexplicable situation I had ever encountered.
I sighed.
Truthfully, my presence here was unnecessary.
This wasn’t my area of expertise.
But something had happened—something that made it impossible for me to stay away.
—
Three months ago, Alex, some of our office colleagues, and I decided to let loose at a high-end club for the first time in a while.
That was when I saw her.
Amid the flashing lights and luxury, a woman in a short, crimson dress leaned against the wall near the back counter.
She stood out from the crowd—not because of how she was dressed, but because she seemed entirely uninterested in being there.
There were plenty of women like that in the club.
But for some reason, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
As I passed her on my way to our table, I caught a glimpse of her eyes—an intense, striking green.
That color left an unforgettable impression.
While my friends were busy flirting, drinking, and dancing, I found myself standing there, debating whether to join them or approach her instead.
Then, on a whim, I decided to talk to her.
—
She was incredibly guarded—only responding with short answers and refusing to engage in conversation.
But when I left briefly and returned with a cocktail, her demeanor suddenly changed.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the drink.
“Around the World! This is my absolute favorite! How did you know?”
“Your eye color caught my attention. It reminded me of this drink.”
“You’re quite observant. Where are you from? Europe?”
“No, my mother was Japanese. I look Asian, but I was born and raised here—in the Hudson River suburbs, just outside New York.”
“Hudson River… That’s a beautiful area. It’s a wealthy neighborhood, isn’t it? I’ve driven past it before.”
“It’s a peaceful place.”
I glanced at her again.
She was intriguing—more than I expected.
“I’m Thomas, but everyone calls me Tommy. And you?”
“Vera.”
“You don’t seem too happy to be here. Something wrong?”
She hesitated, her expression darkening slightly.
Even the way she lowered her gaze and shifted her hands carried a quiet allure.
“I was dragged here by a friend. I didn’t really want to come… My daughter has a cold, and I left her alone at home. I’m worried about her.”
“Then you should go home. Where’s your friend? I could talk to them for you.”
“It’s fine. You don’t have to do that. But… I do have a favor to ask.”
I chuckled.
“Then I have one too—dance with me.”
She blinked, then let out a soft laugh.
“You’re surprisingly forward for an Asian man.”
“Blame my friends,” I said, nodding toward Alex, who was busy entertaining a group of women.
“He certainly looks popular.”
With a small smile, she took my outstretched hand.
“Alright. Let’s dance.”
—
Thanks to my upbringing, dancing came naturally.
Growing up, my father hosted frequent parties, and I had been well-trained in social etiquette.
I might not have looked the part, but I was completely at ease in these situations.
She kept up with my steps perfectly.
This was the most natural, effortless dance I had ever shared with someone.
Was she from a wealthy family? A model?
I couldn’t tell.
After several dances, we moved to a table for two.
“Thank you for the dance. It had been a while, but my body still remembered every step.”
“I was just trying to keep up! But it was fun.”
“You knew what you were doing.”
“I had some lessons when I was younger.”
She seemed much more at ease now, sipping the rest of her drink.
Then she lowered her gaze again.
“So… about that favor I mentioned.”
Her voice wavered slightly.
She seemed hesitant.
“Tonight… would you stay with me?
“Being with you makes it easier to breathe.”
She smiled, but her eyes were filled with loneliness.
“Of course. Even if it’s just as someone to talk to.”
Something about her words felt off, but I chose not to dwell on it.
Then, as she spoke, her subtle touches and sultry gestures fell into place—
It all made sense.