The following day's sun cast a warm golden hue over the city as Darek made his way back home. With a backpack slung over his shoulder, he walked briskly, the weight of the responsibilities he'd picked up from school heavy on his mind. His steps were purposeful, each footfall echoing against the bustling backdrop of the street.

Amidst the urban symphony of car engines and distant chatter, Darek's pocket began to vibrate. Retrieving his phone, he glanced at the screen to see Mikael's name flashing. He swiped to accept the call, holding the device to his ear.

"Hey," Darek greeted with an air of casual camaraderie, his voice a mix of nonchalance and familiarity. As he continued navigating through the crowded pavement, he made a mental note to keep his attention on both his conversation and the road. With practised ease, he pulled his car over to the side, ensuring his safety as he indulged in the conversation.

"Hi Teme," Mikael's voice resonated through the line, its tone an equal mixture of curiosity and excitement. "How did your discussion about you joining the family business go at the family dinner?"

Darek's brows furrowed slightly, his mind momentarily travelling back to the previous night's gathering. The memory brought a slight crease to his forehead, one that showcased his thoughtful contemplation. He leaned against his parked car, absorbing the ambience of the city around him. 

"Not bad," he began, his tone carrying a hint of acceptance. "Dad said I need to complete my higher education and college before I can join our company's business."

"That doesn't mean that you need to stop your singing and modelling career, right?" Mikael inquired, his voice tinted with genuine concern.  Darek's lips curved into a small smile. His friend's worry was palpable, even from a distance.

Darek's response came swift and sure, his determination evident in his words. "No, as long as I make sure that it doesn't have any negative effect on my studies and academic results," he assured Mikael. The thoughtfulness in his tone conveyed the careful balance he intended to strike between his aspirations and responsibilities.

"That's good news, so when are you starting school again?" he asked, his curiosity apparent.

Darek's voice held a touch of anticipation as he disclosed the impending date. "From Monday," he informed Mikael. The city seemed to buzz with the knowledge of Darek's imminent return to academia as if it were preparing itself for the rhythm of routine to resume.

"Then how about we celebrate your new start tonight?" Mikael proposed his words carrying a note of excitement.

Darek's eyes brightened, his interest piqued by the notion. The sun's glow cast a warm hue upon his surroundings as he considered the invitation. "That's a good idea," he mused, his curiosity piqued. "So what do you have planned?" Darek's question held a touch of intrigue, his eagerness to embrace the night's possibilities evident in his tone.

"How about we go to the club that opened just now?" Mikael's voice carried the excitement of a fresh possibility, his words dancing between them.

Darek's reaction was visceral, a groan of annoyance escaping his lips almost involuntarily. The mere thought of the nightclub scene, with its throngs of inebriated individuals and attention-seeking behaviour, stirred his irritation. The prospect of being pursued and fawned over by intoxicated women and girls was something that grated on his nerves.

"Can't we go somewhere else or do something else?" Darek's voice held a touch of exasperation as he countered Mikael's suggestion. The weight of his aversion was evident in his words, the annoyance he felt at the idea lingering beneath the surface.

Mikael's confusion was palpable, his voice a mix of curiosity and puzzlement. "Why?" he inquired, genuinely wanting to understand Darek's objection.

"You know very well why," Darek responded with a groan, his frustration underscored by his words. His reluctance to subject himself to the nightclub environment was rooted in experiences he'd grown weary of.

"Ahh, I see," Mikael's tone shifted as understanding dawned upon him. He remembered the attention Darek invariably attracted, a magnet for eyes and interest wherever he went. It was a blessing that often felt like a curse, and Mikael's memory was a testament to the familiarity of the situation.

"Don't worry, dude," Mikael's reassurance was tinged with enthusiasm, "it's a newly opened club, so not many people know about it. Besides, we can book a VVIP floor just for us or the whole club if you want."

Darek's reply held a touch of modesty, a hint of appreciation in his voice. "No, there's no need to go that far," he responded, his practicality shining through.

"Just book the VVIP floor for us," Darek continued, his tone taking on a teasing edge, "and please don't get drunk on me. I hate it when you get drunk and pass out on me because if you do that, I will just go home, leaving your drunk ass in the club."

The memory of a previous night out echoed in Darek's words, a mix of exasperation and amusement in his tone. Mikael's antics under the influence had led to an unexpected series of events, one that Darek wasn't eager to repeat.

"Chill, bro, I'm not planning to do that," Mikael's chuckle danced through the line, his response laced with the camaraderie that had always defined their friendship. "If that is so, then let's go with your plan," Darek said as a smile lingered on his face.

"Cool, then I'll let our friends and others know about it," Mikael confirmed, his voice carrying the weight of the plan's finalization. With a sense of purpose, he ended the call, leaving Darek to his thoughts.

As the city's lights continued to twinkle and the evening progressed, Darek's hand found the ignition and the engine roared to life. The hum of the car melded with the urban symphony, accompanying Darek on his journey home.

Once he returned home, Darek unburdened his bag in his room, allowing a sense of relaxation to wash over him. His journey continued as he embarked on a shopping excursion to the stationary store, collecting the necessary tools and supplies for his upcoming school semester. With his errands done, he settled for lunch and then turned his attention to the academic road ahead.

Seated at his desk, he meticulously pored over his schedule and the syllabus for the semester. The weight of responsibility mingled with anticipation, a subtle undercurrent of excitement for the new journey he was about to undertake. As the daylight shifted, Darek made his preparations and readied himself for the evening's festivities.

Hours later, the club stood before him, a realm of vibrant energy and pulsating lights. As he stepped inside, the thumping beat of music enveloped him, reverberating through the air. The club was a fusion of colours and sound, an intoxicating atmosphere that drew him in.

Dimmed lights cast a seductive glow over the dance floor, where bodies moved in rhythm to the music. Multicoloured lights danced across the walls, creating a kaleidoscope of hues that painted the space with ethereal beauty. The scent of perfumes and drinks wafted through the air, mingling with laughter and chatter.

The bar, adorned with polished surfaces and an array of bottles, stood as a centrepiece of the club's activity. Patrons gathered around it, their conversations a harmonious backdrop to the music's pulsating beat. The club's layout was a combination of open spaces for dancing and cosy corners for intimate conversations, each space contributing to the club's eclectic charm.

Amid this tapestry of energy and excitement, Darek's friends gathered near the bar, their laughter and camaraderie echoing against the backdrop of the club's vivacious ambience. As the night embraced them, Mikael's voice rose above the din, raising a glass in a symbolic gesture.

"Darek is soon going to complete his studies and join his family business," Mikael announced, his words carrying a note of pride and celebration. "Let's raise a toast for him."

Glasses clinked, and a chorus of "For Darek" resonated through the air.

"Anyway, Mikael, I didn't see any cheek here in the club. Where are they?" Shane quipped, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Yeah, I didn't since Darek didn't like them hovering around him," he explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

The playful exchange continued as Neil chimed in, his comment a playful jab. "What's the use of having them here? If they were here, they'd be attracted to Darek and go to him anyway," he joked, his words drawing laughter from the group.

Shane's pout did not go unnoticed, and Mikael's attempt to uplift his friend's spirits was swift. "Don't worry, I've invited some dancers to entertain us. They should be here anytime," Mikael reassured, his words directed at Shane, who immediately perked up at the prospect.

Right on cue, the dancers made their entrance, their presence drawing the attention of the group. Dressed in mini tops and skirts, they exuded a vibrant energy that resonated with the club's ambience. As they approached the friends, the atmosphere seemed to shift, taking on an even livelier tone.

"Sorry for being late, we got stuck in traffic," one of the dancers explained as she walked toward Mikael, her arm draping casually over his shoulders.

"It's better late than never, girls," Shane chimed in, his playful demeanour evident as he pulled one of the dancers closer to him by the hand, engaging in the spirit of the moment.

As the night carried on, the energy of the club reached its zenith. With infectious enthusiasm, the girls seized the hands of their male friends, ushering them onto the dance floor. Laughter and joy filled the air as they let loose, the music guiding their movements as they danced, swayed, and twirled. The club's lights played over their forms, painting the scene in vibrant hues.

Drinks flowed, the warmth of camaraderie mingling with the effervescence of the night. Laughter bubbled up as stories were shared, a patchwork of conversations that painted the evening with a tapestry of experiences. The rhythm of the music seemed to synchronize with their heartbeats, binding them together in a shared celebration.

In the midst of the club's dynamic energy, Darek leaned in close to Mikael, his voice raised to be heard above the pulsating music. "Dude, I have to leave for home early. I have an early morning shoot for my new magazine," he shared, his tone urgent yet laced with understanding.

Mikael nodded in response, a reassuring smile crossing his lips. "It's okay, dude. You can head out. I'll handle the rest," he affirmed, his words carrying a sense of camaraderie and assurance.

Darek's gratitude was palpable as he expressed his appreciation. "Thanks, man," he said with a nod, the sentiment exchanged between friends transcending the noise of the club.

He bid goodbye to Mikael and his friends, then head back home.