it's all caffeine-free

[patration]

The party had started to come down from its high, a few individuals breaking away from the crowd and filtering off into the jungle, often grouped in pairs and threes. From my space towards the side of the room, I had watched with curious eyes, the ever constant outsider to the group of close-knit island citizens, before I eventually headed outdoors to enjoy the night air, not accustomed to staying in a room so densely packed. The moon shone overhead, casting its pale light on the surroundings, and I settled in front of the tree just across from the Compound's entrance with warmed rice wine in a large clay pot that I kept to the side, cheeks already warm from having had a shot or two too many.

In the back of my mind, I distantly wondered if it was about time to head home, but the sight of a familiar face had me perking up instead, fanning lightly with my feathered fan as I called out.

"Remy. How are you enjoying the party?"