Dominic's POV
Rising from my seat, I wandered through nearby rooms in search of him and arrived at a door; the neon light above read "Arcade."

Pushing the door open, the clicking sounds filled the atmosphere, the monitors reflecting in their orbs as they completely immersed themselves in the world of games.

I strolled around the place with no sense of direction, my stare diverted to a claw machine. Moving closer to the glass, some cute plushies caught my eye, and I thought Mark would like one, particularly the pink teddy bear.

I tossed in some coins I exchanged at the entrance, moving the joystick carefully and lowering the claw to grab it, but it slipped from my grip. I sighed in disappointment, trying again and getting hold of its fluffy ear. I gently controlled it to the top, almost successfully winning when it fell off.

My eyes dilated in disbelief at this rigid game, and I let out a long sigh, giving up and moving on. My gaze searched for the next attraction—a mini basketball net. My orbs brightened with excitement, recalling my high school days when I was a basketball champion, the king of slam dunk.

Damian played on the same team and was known for his perfect long shots. No matter how much I deny it, I missed training with him after school; we were closer then. It's funny how he won't pick up my calls now because of that cook. I'm not to blame for Bentley's reactions to the dating rumors. It's my job to look out for my dearest brother.

Taking a ball and stepping back, I measured the projection with my eyes, lifting my arms, and tossing it into the net. The bell dinged, flashing a green light.
"Yes!" I celebrated, wearing a smug look and running my hand through my hair.
"Hmm, still got it."

A loud scream of joy caught my attention. I darted toward the gathering in front of a dance arcade game. Curious about the fuss, I walked closer, squeezing through the crowd to get to the front.

"Player 1 wins!" the machine announced. He lifted his hands repeatedly in celebration like he’d won a boxing match, as the crowd cheered for him.
The second player lowered his head, the neon lights shielding his face from shame as he walked off the platform.

"Anyone else wants to duel?" the winner yelled, his voice almost threatening. A smirk formed on his face as he looked down on the audience.

The crowd took a step back, some shaking their heads in fear of humiliation. I overheard the gossip from those behind me:
"No player has defeated him since he entered the game."
"It's a shame no single player can beat his high score."
"Yeah... he's untouchable. No one can."

Loving a good challenge, I stepped forward, and the crowd gasped in unison. The winner took a mocking glance at me, his eyes judging my black chinos and white sleeves. He must have thought I was too formal for this event.

I climbed onto the glowing platform, taking a stance as the countdown began. I stomped on the buttons, following the rhythm as symbols scrolled up the screen.

The crowd gasped, causing my eyes to flick to the scoreboard—I had surpassed Player 1, but the game wasn’t over yet. He shot me a scowl, increasing his speed.

I ignored him and blurred out everything around me, fixing my focus solely on the screen, dancing like I was the only person there. I lost track of time until there were no symbols left.
The cheers of the crowd thundered in the room, jolting my gaze to the scoreboard. My eyes dilated in surprise.

"Player 2 wins!" The announcement turned up the volume of their screams. A cheeky grin tugged at my lips; my opponent's pathetic expression was beyond hilarious.

I stepped off the platform, my ego swelling like that of a video game's final boss. The crowd created a path as I bounced out in style.

But then I thought, If Mark was here, it'd be worth winning.

***

The music faded as I ascended the stairs, their banisters glowing with attached glow sticks. Raising my gaze, I read the red neon light: "Red Room."

Opening the first door, I found a heterosexual couple tangled in sheets of passion, defying lust; their identities and half-naked bodies protected by the dull lighting. I closed the door and peeked into the second. My eyes widened at the hourglass silhouette of a woman being slammed intensely—front and back—by two built men.

I skipped some doors and opened the last one. The lewd noises from this door were doubled—it was occupied by two couples: a man being pegged by a woman and another woman nestled between her partner's thighs. I quickly jammed the door shut, feeling as though I was interrupting something.

"No more opening doors. I'll just go to Mark's room," I muttered, adjusting my collar and gulping down my thirst.

Taking the elevator, I reached the room quickly and pushed the door open with a grin. The promiscuous scene that greeted me caused me to flinch. A petite guy with pink hair, on all fours on the bed was being fucked by Mark.

Behind him, a ripped man thrust into Mark, his large hands gripping Mark's jaw as he muffled their groans with a deep kiss. Two other men on either side of the bed hungrily feasted on Mark's nipples while touching themselves.

Frozen in place, their noises faded into the background, replaced by the sound of my heartbeat pounding louder and louder. My chest tightened as if tiny needles were pricking it repeatedly.

He acts like I'm special, but the next second, I find out I'm not the only one in the equation. What must I do for you to look at me—and only me?

A grimace tugged at my lips. One by one, the men paused as my footsteps approached them. Mark was the last to stop. He glanced at the others with a puzzled expression before turning to face me.

"Hey! Are you here for my private party? There's room for one more," he said, beaming with excitement, his dumb, oblivious brain unaware of my feelings. I forced a smirk, masking the anger, frustration, disappointment, and sadness swirling within me.

Naked men had their hands all over him, inside him, like he was public property, yet he had the audacity to ask me that.

"You know me, I'm more of a party crusher," I said, my gaze locking onto him. I noticed his subtle jerking as my fake smile distorted my face, tension gripping its muscles. I grabbed him by his curvy waistline, pulling him away from them and into my firm grasp.

"Well, that's new," he chuckled, snaking his arms around my neck. Over Mark's shoulder, I shot a dark glare at the men, my eyes flickering faintly with contempt and warning.

Author's note:
Last update of the year, 31st of December, 2024.
I want to thank my readers for sticking with me throughout the year and up to this point.

Happy New Year in advance! May all your wishes come through. ❤️❤️