11-20-2023, 06:54 PM
Jensen stepped into the Radiance Hotel with a mix of trepidation and determination. The grandeur of the lobby immediately made him feel out of his element. His gaze swept over the expansive space, taking in the eclectic blend of styles – a stark contrast to his own choice of attire. He had opted for a stylish, slightly formal look, a well-fitted suit with an open collar shirt that now seemed a tad too conventional for the vibrant, creative atmosphere of the event.
As he moved through the lobby, Jensen's Wallet buzzed in his pocket, reminders of the CCD obligations he was intentionally ignoring tonight. Each vibration was a tug of responsibility, a reminder of the life he was momentarily stepping away from, and the lives of people out there who were suffering while he was choosing to ignore them. The decision to come tonight hadn't been an easy one. Most of him felt it was a bad idea, an enormous deviation from the nights wandering the city is Iáson. He had come to depend on those acts of selflessness to counter the guilty conscious that otherwise plagued him. Yet, something about Ezvin, about the possibility of exploring feelings he had long suppressed nearly his entire life, compelled him to take this step. Even if every step of the way hurt. He told himself he would attend to his responsibilities later. Even if it was delayed, he would only stay for an hour or two.
Just inside the main entrance, Jensen's eyes searched the lobby, looking for Ezvin.
Then, he saw him. Ezvin’s demeanor was a blend of elegance and an effortless cool that seemed to be a natural extension of his personality. Seeing Ezvin there, waiting for him, brought a rush of conflicting emotions. There was a sudden surge of excitement and a flicker that made all his doubts and apprehensions seem trivial.
As their eyes met, Jensen felt a grounding sense of reassurance. He nodded in that way of offering a distant greeting. Ezvin's presence, his easy confidence, and the warm smile he offered as Jensen approached, made him feel welcome despite the unsettling feeling brewing inside. In that moment, the noise of the lobby, the buzz of the guests, and the weight of his own hesitations seemed to fade into the background.
Jensen took a deep breath, steadying himself as he approached.
“Hello, again.”
As he moved through the lobby, Jensen's Wallet buzzed in his pocket, reminders of the CCD obligations he was intentionally ignoring tonight. Each vibration was a tug of responsibility, a reminder of the life he was momentarily stepping away from, and the lives of people out there who were suffering while he was choosing to ignore them. The decision to come tonight hadn't been an easy one. Most of him felt it was a bad idea, an enormous deviation from the nights wandering the city is Iáson. He had come to depend on those acts of selflessness to counter the guilty conscious that otherwise plagued him. Yet, something about Ezvin, about the possibility of exploring feelings he had long suppressed nearly his entire life, compelled him to take this step. Even if every step of the way hurt. He told himself he would attend to his responsibilities later. Even if it was delayed, he would only stay for an hour or two.
Just inside the main entrance, Jensen's eyes searched the lobby, looking for Ezvin.
Then, he saw him. Ezvin’s demeanor was a blend of elegance and an effortless cool that seemed to be a natural extension of his personality. Seeing Ezvin there, waiting for him, brought a rush of conflicting emotions. There was a sudden surge of excitement and a flicker that made all his doubts and apprehensions seem trivial.
As their eyes met, Jensen felt a grounding sense of reassurance. He nodded in that way of offering a distant greeting. Ezvin's presence, his easy confidence, and the warm smile he offered as Jensen approached, made him feel welcome despite the unsettling feeling brewing inside. In that moment, the noise of the lobby, the buzz of the guests, and the weight of his own hesitations seemed to fade into the background.
Jensen took a deep breath, steadying himself as he approached.
“Hello, again.”