Chapter 115: Chapter 115

A high-end nightclub located in the heart of the city became livelier than ever. Energetic music pulsed through the air while strobe lights flashed incessantly. Every member of the basketball club was present, save for three familiar faces: Adele, Tony, and Serenity. Occasionally, Vince would glance toward the entrance, a wave of indescribable emotion rising within him.

The atmosphere at the VIP table gradually grew warm as the alcohol began to take effect. Stories that seemed long forgotten were brought up again, turning the farewell party into an unforgettable night.

The crisp sound of clinking glasses rang out.

Kelvin, the group’s strongest drinker, was already starting to feel a bit hazy. He slapped a heavy hand on his best friend’s shoulder. "Hey, Vince. Tonight I’m drinking with you until we drop. Because in my life, you were the first person I ever made friends with, the first person I ever... liked."

Kelvin hesitated, his face flushing deep red with embarrassment. Vince let out a loud laugh, a rare sound of genuine mirth he hadn't shown in days. He suddenly grabbed Kelvin by the collar and pulled him close to his ear, teasing, "Then let's just share a kiss."

Startled, Kelvin pushed Vince away in a panic, his face pale with shock. "I don't think so. My heart might belong to you, but my body belongs to Joan." He gripped Joan’s hand tightly as if to prove his devotion.

Joan burst out laughing, lightly swatting Kelvin’s hand away. "Kelvin, you really are an idiot. How could I like someone so stupid?"

She turned to Vince, her expression turning pensive. "Vince, you’re number one here, right. But in Japan, you’ll probably be surpassed by many. They say the men in Japan are very handsome. You’d better watch out."

Vince shrugged, the smile on his lips fading slightly. "Then I don't want to keep that title anyway. There are thrones that one voluntarily gives up when it’s time to go."

Kai, ever the prankster, didn't miss his chance. "Oh, please. Your number one spot will be taken over by me—the great Kai—in no time."

Leo nudged Kai’s arm, signaling him to be quiet. "Hey, Vince is about to disappear from here. Why are you being so stingy with your words? Say something decent for once."

The space suddenly became a stage for Kai’s verbal sparring. He was the type who saw into every corner of his friends’ lives, and today he held nothing back.

Kai turned to Joan. "Joan, you should save some face for Kelvin in front of other people."

Joan leaned over and slapped Kai’s shoulder. "What did you say. Say that again."

The whole group erupted in laughter. Kai didn't stop there; he turned to Leo and announced, "And Leo, do you know why you can't get a girlfriend. It’s because your face isn't as handsome as others. For example, compared to Vince and Tony, you’re just not in their league. Plus, you’re rude."

The group doubled over laughing. Kai then turned to Henry. "And what about Henry. I think you should take some vocal lessons."

Henry looked confused. "Why?"

"Because then your voice will have the charm to pick up girls. Your voice needs to be softer, sweeter, so girls will follow you. Got it."

This time, the group’s laughter nearly drowned out the club’s music. Vince held his glass, looking at his close friends. His soul was trying to memorize every second of this, because he knew this might be the last time they were all together.

"Kai," Vince called out. "You really are a busybody. You should fix that if you don't want to get dumped for no reason."

"Exactly, you talk way too much," Leo chimed in. "Save your breath. Save it for saying something sweet."

Kai just laughed it off, not offended but happily accepting the jab.

Vince looked at the glass in his hand, thinking to himself. These jokes, these faces... I will remember them forever. But I’ve chosen this path; I can't do otherwise. Leaving isn't the end of friendship, but it’s certainly the end of these carefree days.

In stark contrast to the glitz of the nightclub where Vince and his crew were partying, a small street-side stall hidden in a narrow alley was the setting for Serenity’s silent pain. No strobe lights, only the dim yellow glow of a filament bulb. Serenity, Adele, and Tony sat around a small plastic table. Serenity had already downed three beers and was pouring her fourth. Her eyes were glazed over, but a smile remained fixed on her lips.

"Cheers." She raised her glass high and shouted.

"Alright, cheers," Tony and Adele responded, exchanging worried glances.

"What should we toast to?" Serenity laughed, a sound that felt foreign even to her. "How about Tony always being a good guy, promising never to change."

"Agreed." Tony nodded, a flicker of sadness in his eyes.

"Now it’s your turn. You guys wish something for me."

Adele hesitated for a moment, her throat tight with bitterness. "Serenity, I wish for you... I wish you a safe journey and the best of luck."

Serenity took a sip and nodded. "That works. A very nice wish."

"Are you serious. I feel like I’m terrible at this," Adele said, tears welling up.

Serenity set her glass down, her voice flat, as if she were reciting lines in a play. "Imagine my life is divided into three parts: family, friends, and love. I have two parts that are very good and happy. So why should I let my life get even sadder because of the person I love? For the sake of 'the best of luck,' let's have another drink. Cheers. Adele, drink up."

Adele couldn't take it anymore. She slammed her hand on the table and yelled right in Serenity’s face. "Why do you have to lie to yourself and everyone else. Why are you acting like this?"

Serenity remained calm. "I’m not."

"Human feelings can't be cut up into separate pieces." Adele sobbed, her whimpers blending with the sound of traffic in the street. "Do you think pretending to be fine in front of us to hide your pain will make us feel better. Instead of looking at your forced smile, I’d rather sit here and cry with you."

Adele grabbed her beer and downed it in one go, her face turning red. "Fine, let’s drink. At least we can drown our sorrows. No one can control their feelings when they’re drunk. You aren't a saint, Serenity."

"Adele, why would you say that?" Tony pulled at her sleeve.

Adele turned to Tony and then back to her friend. "Even outsiders like Tony and me can hardly stand this, so how can someone in the middle of it like you act as if nothing happened? Serenity, you don't have to hold it back in front of me."