Work Text:
Ren felt the coldness of the outdoors fade away as he walked into the roadhouse. Loud music was playing, and people were dancing without a care in the world. Ren ignored most of it and went to get a drink. The drink was out quickly, and he thanked the barkeep before finding a place to sit. If he was being honest he didn’t know why he was here. Maybe it was just a way to get out of the monotonous routine of his life. He brought the glass to his lips, feeling the smooth liquid pour into his mouth. He knew he should be doing more than this. Young people were forgetting their boring lives, even people his age were dancing around. But all he did was order another drink.
That was until Ren saw her. He couldn’t help the blood that rushed to his face. She was beautiful. An older woman with short brown hair in a bob and a stunning red dress who looked to be in a similar situation. It felt like time stopped once he saw her. He took a deep breath, summoning all his courage, and went towards her even if it would end in rejection.
Mei wasn’t expecting much of this. She just wanted to get away from her office job, even if for one night. She swirled the drink in her hand. The night was young and even younger people were enjoying it. Her thoughts told her that she should leave, that there wasn’t a point in staying. And honestly, they were right, there was nothing for her here. She looked around the roadhouse, getting ready to leave before seeing someone approaching her.
The man was around her age, with short dark hair, and the most piercing blue eyes she’d ever seen. They made eye contact and she felt a feverish mix of emotions. It felt like the stars had called out to her, and she could see that he felt the same. He came and sat down by her introducing himself.
Ren, that was his name. She introduced herself and saw him smile. That smile could melt her heart in an instant. As the two talked, Mei found herself noticing small things about him. The slight smile lines on his face, the exact shade of blue his eyes were, even the way he fidgeted with the ends of his scarf when nervous. Mei was content with this, talking to this stranger, this beautiful stranger. Time disappeared when she talked to him and she didn’t care about the drink besides her.
Time passed and Ren extended a hand to her, asking for a dance, and who was she to say no. Mei took hold of his hand as he led her to the dance floor. It felt like Ren was the only other person in the room as they danced together. Perhaps this night wasn’t so bad after all.