The club was located on the ship's lower deck, accessed through a discreet entrance near the dining area. As they approached, muffled bass rhythms grew louder, and colored lights flickered beneath the door.
"I still think this is a bad idea," Warren muttered to Vin Jin.
"Same," Vin Jin replied, his eyes narrowing as he watched Moon Seong's back.
Warren glanced at Sally, who was chatting animatedly with Sujin about what the club might look like.
Inside, the space was surprisingly sophisticated—low lighting, a polished bar along one wall, booth seating arranged around a small dance floor, and a DJ setup in the corner. The crowd wasn't dense, maybe twenty or thirty other passengers scattered throughout, but the atmosphere was lively.
A crew member checked their IDs at a small podium near the entrance. "Welcome! Just a reminder—no alcoholic beverages for anyone under twenty." He stamped the hands of Sally, Sujin, Max, Derrick, Vin Jin, and Warren with a bright red mark. "This lets the bartender know. Soft drinks and mocktails only for you."
"That's fine," Sally said cheerfully.
Jenny's group—all of legal drinking age—received no such stamps. Moon Seong grinned. "First round's on me."
They claimed two large booths near the dance floor. The music wasn't too loud to talk over, which Sally appreciated. She settled between Sujin and Warren while the others distributed themselves across the seats.
"I'll get drinks," Moon Seong announced, heading to the bar with Joseph.
The bartender was a young man with long, shaggy black hair that fell past his ears, his bangs partially obscuring his eyes. He wore the standard uniform but had rolled up his sleeves, revealing lean, muscular forearms. His name tag read "Minyul Cheon."
"What can I get you?" Minyul asked, his voice smooth and professional.
Moon Seong rattled off orders—beer, soju cocktails, wine for Jenny. For Sally's group, he ordered virgin mojitos, fruit smoothies, and sparkling juice.
Minyul worked efficiently, his hands moving with practiced ease as he mixed drinks. "Big group tonight?"
"Yeah, we're doing a cruise around Jeju," Joseph said. "Celebrating... existing, I guess."
Minyul's lips quirked slightly. "Best reason there is."
They carried the drinks back in batches. Sally accepted her virgin mojito—mint and lime, fizzy and sweet. It was actually quite good.
"Not bad," Max said, sipping his smoothie. "Though I bet the real thing tastes better."
"You've never had a real mojito," Derrick pointed out.
"I'm making an educated guess."
As the night progressed, the energy in the club picked up. More passengers filtered in. The DJ transitioned to more upbeat tracks, and people began moving to the dance floor.
Jenny was on her third drink, her cheeks flushed pink. "Sally! We should dance!"
"I'm not really a dancer," Sally laughed.
"Come on, just a little!" Jenny tugged at her arm.
Jaeryeong Kim stood. "I'll go with you. Why not?"
Nearby, Hyesun Oh dragged Sujin to the dance floor as well.
Sally let herself be pulled onto the floor along with Sujin, Jenny, Hyesun, and Jaeryeong. The music pulsed around them, and despite her initial hesitation, Sally found herself enjoying the movement and energy. Warren watched from the booth.
Jinho Chae leaned toward him. "You're staring. You like her, don't you?"
"I'm keeping an eye out for my friend," Warren replied evenly.
"Uh-huh."
Joseph Kim and Moon Seong returned to the bar for another round, this time bringing back stronger drinks for those who could have them. Jenny downed a shot of soju, then another. Jaeryeong followed suit, giggling between drinks. Heesu Pi kept to himself, silent the whole time.
An hour passed. The atmosphere grew more relaxed—and more chaotic. Jenny was definitely drunk now, swaying slightly even while seated. Jaeryeong had her head on the table, smiling dreamily. Hyesun Oh, who had been quietly nursing a glass of wine, also looked flushed and unsteady.
"I need... bathroom," Jenny announced suddenly, standing up too quickly and nearly toppling over.
Jaeryeong waved her off weakly. "Go... I'm... comfy here..."
Hyesun just shook her head, her eyes half-closed.
Jenny looked around desperately. "Sally? Can you...?"
Sally immediately stood. "Yeah, of course. Let's go."
Warren's eyes followed as Sally helped support Jenny, guiding her toward the club exit. Something about it gave him a bad feeling.
"I'll be right back," Sally called over her shoulder.
Warren waited maybe thirty seconds before standing.
"Where are you going?" Vin Jin asked.
"Bathroom," Warren said simply, already moving.
Vin Jin watched him go, frowning.
Vin Jin checked his phone. It had been at least fifteen minutes. Maybe twenty. He stood, catching Max's attention.
"Where you going?"
"Check on them," Vin Jin said. "It's been a while."
"Want company?"
"No. I'll be fine."
Vin Jin exited the club, following the same route toward the bathrooms. The hallway was dimly lit, and he walked with his hands in his pockets.