Neo found out that the Freshman welcome party Tyrese had been going on about was an actual party and not a proper gathering for like-minded youths.
This was only revealed when Neo met up with Tyrese and Bryce later that night and was singled out by his dressing. He had worn a black fitted T-shirt and a simple pair of black trousers.
Meanwhile Tyrese had gone all out and even put on makeup. Bryce was almost the same as he switched out his usual all-white attire for a dark blue and beige combo, combing out his hair into a low bun.
"Uncle, I didn't forget to tell you that we're going for a party, did I? Why are you dressed so…" The word 'bland' didn't make it out of Tyrese's mouth as he noticed Neo's actual confusion.
"Senior looks very neat and nice. I like it." Bryce went over to Neo with a compliment, slinging an arm around his shoulder.
Tyrese didn't know what to tell Bryce so he only gave him a stink eye, then he turned back to Neo and sighed.
"It's too late to have you change into something else. Let's just get going." Tyrese said.
"Mn." Neo didn't have a problem.
Bryce offered to drive both uncle and nephew to CUSTOME in his car. Neo, already used to Bryce's car, didn't show any particular reaction to it.
Tyrese, on the other hand, spewed out a whole bunch of stuff about getting a taste of real wealth for the first time in his life. He even took a couple of videos inside and outside the car to post on some social platform.
It was already past ten p.m. when they arrived at CUSTOME. Neo was getting second thoughts about the party.
'What kind of reasonable gathering required people to be out of their beds by this time of the night?' he thought.
Neo stepped out of the vehicle and observed the area. It was a very busy street with malls, gas stations, convenience stores, and pharmacies.
The CUSTOME establishment didn't particularly stand out. It was a two-storey building with an inconspicuous architecture.
CUSTOME was spelled out in cursive yellow neon light at the top of the entrance. Two bouncers stood there, maintaining the order of people entering and leaving.
"I like that we're fashionably late." Tyrese was speaking to the camera on his terminal as he stepped out of the car.
Neo somehow took the lead, heading straight towards the entrance.
There was a small line at the entrance but when the people on it noticed Neo, they parted, their eyes filled with fear, awe, and something else.
He found himself at the front of the line in seconds. Both bouncers stiffened when they saw Neo approaching.
"Sir, we're honored to have you here." One of them said, stepping aside from the entrance for Neo.
The other didn't even utter a single word.
Neo nodded and walked in. Tyrese and Bryce received the same royalty treatment as they followed.
Inside CUSTOME was a completely different scenery from the outside which was mildly organized. It was like the pit of hell in here.
Bodies were mashed together, dancing to music that was loud enough to burst eardrums. There was also this pungent smell in the air that stimulated Neo's gag reflexes. Neo really couldn't stand this place.
"This place is awesome! The party is already in full swing!!" Tyrese exclaimed with bright eyes, his voice piercing through the loud music.
While Neo had other thoughts, Tyrese grabbed his arm and pulled him into the dense pool of bodies. Neo held his breath, refusing to breathe in the heavy deodorants, pheromones, and sweat all mixed up together.
He exhaled sharply when they reached the less crowded bar area. Neo's eyes stung with tears from the burning air. He blinked a couple of times, inhaling and exhaling deeply before he was able to regain slight composure.
Next to him: "Wooooo! That's what I'm talking about! Hey, hotshot. Two Sex on the Beach, please."
Tyrese was living his best life, flirting with the bartender even.
"Coming right up." The lean bartender winked at Tyrese and turned his back to him.
A frown appeared on Neo's face as his brows furrowed. He grabbed Tyrese's wrist and said, "Are you even old enough to drink alcohol?"
Tyrese should be sixteen or seventeen, one or two years below the legal age of drinking. Yet he carried himself like he was a regular in this type of thing.
"What does age matter? It's not like I can get drunk anyways. Our systems are different, are you forgetting?" Tyrese ripped his wrist away from Neo's grip and turned back to the bartender who returned with two glasses of Sex on the Beach.
Neo gave Tyrese's words a brief thought. Even though the metabolism of Hunters and Restorers were different from ordinary people, it didn't make drinking any legal for an underaged Restorer.
Neo was about to scold his nephew again when Bryce picked up the other glass and handed it to him.
"Senior should have a drink. This is my first party with Senior by my side. I want to clink glasses with you." There was a faint blush on Bryce's cheeks as he spoke.
Before Neo could refuse, Bryce had already tapped their glasses together.
"Cheers!" he said, then took a gulp of the drink.
Neo could only sigh in resignation and follow suit, taking a sip of his drink. He was starting to feel like he had no free will these days with all the things he had been going along with just to avoid drama and stress.
The drink went easily into his throat with a sweet taste. Neo had always liked sweet things, so he took another sip and allowed the flavor to spread in his tongue.
"You like it, don't you?" Tyrese waggled his eyebrows at Neo.
Neo didn't agree or disagree, he only took another sip of the drink. And another. Then another. Just like that, he emptied three glasses without realizing it.
By that time, Tyrese had already gone to dance off with the sweaty bodies on the floor and it was just Neo and Bryce.
Anyone who tried to approach Neo at this time was shunned by Bryce who only communicated with his threatening and hostile gaze. Yet he smiled at Neo, encouraging him to enjoy himself and try out more sweet drinks.
Neo was starting to feel warmth in his chest, so he took a pause. He let out a quiet burp and blinked a couple of times.
"Can you tell me where the restroom is?" Neo asked the busy bartender.
The guy pointed in the left direction, too occupied to give out other details. Neo slipped down from the high stool and started out in that direction. But he stopped when he noticed Bryce tailing after him.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I want to escort Senior." Bryce replied earnestly.
"No. I don't need a guard dog. Go back."
A sad puppy look appeared on Bryce's face but Neo wasn't having any of it now. He stood his ground and told Bryce off before continuing on his path.
The restroom was by a corner in the club and there was even a line there. The members of the line didn't part for Neo like usual.
And Neo was not in the mood to wait in line. He remembered that he had seen a convenience store across CUSTOME. He could go and use the restroom there.
That was how Neo left the club and went across the street. He eased himself in the store's restroom and used the rear exit.
He had barely taken three steps towards the street when a desperate cry for help echoed through the alley.