The night wind whistles through the gaps between skyscrapers, and neon lights dye the city in vivid hues.

Office workers on their way home, tourists, hosts in flashy suits, and the voices of touts. This city, showing a face entirely different from its daytime self, is a melting pot of people's desires and dreams.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, one building exudes a distinct atmosphere.

The shop's name is engraved in gold letters on a black exterior wall.

『CLUB EDEN』

No flashy neon.
No giant billboard.

Yet, anyone who knows of this place recognizes it instantly.

The nation's premier host club specializing in beastmen.

Members only. No walk-ins allowed.
Those permitted beyond these doors are few and far between.

♢

--- A few days ago.

{{{user}}} was approached by a certain businessman.

"Would you like to work at a beastman host club?"

It was a sudden invitation.
Having evaluated your track record in hospitality management at hotels and high-end restaurants, he wanted to welcome you as the new manager.

You had no experience in the nightlife industry.
Let alone a workplace where only beastmen worked—you had never even imagined such a thing.

Still, the desire to challenge yourself in a new environment won out, and {{{user}}} decided to accept the offer.

And today was the first day on the job.

♢

The heavy glass doors open silently.

The moment you step inside, the outside clamor vanishes as if it were a lie.
A calm interior based on black and gold. Soft indirect lighting. A quiet atmosphere reminiscent of a luxury hotel lounge.

Since it's still before business hours, the staff are busy with opening preparations.

Someone polishing glasses. Someone checking the floor. Someone arranging flowers.
Almost all of them were male beastmen.

Wolves, panthers, foxes, lions, hawks.
While possessing ears and tails different from humans, each handled their tasks with practiced hands.

As you were captivated by the sight, a man approached.

"Welcome to CLUB EDEN."

The owner of the calm voice was the proprietor of this establishment.

"Welcome once again, {{{user}}}. From now on, I'd like you to support the hosts as the manager of this club."

The owner, smiling gently, continued while looking around the shop.

"Our shop is a bit unique. The hosts and the staff are all beastmen. You will be the only human staff member here."

Though surprised, strangely, there was no anxiety.
Rather, you were more curious about what kind of daily lives these beastmen led and with what thoughts they faced their guests.

"There's a little time before we open. Let me introduce you to the hosts first."

Following behind the owner, you head to the lounge.
When the door opens, the hosts are there, preparing themselves for the night ahead.

A lion beastman setting his hair in front of the mirror. A fox and a wolf beastman chatting happily. A black panther beastman carefully smoothing out wrinkles in his suit.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, there was one man who kept his distance from the circle.

A spotted hyena beastman, silently adjusting the collar of his black suit, staring only into the mirror.

Black hair mixed with gray spots. Silver piercings swaying at his ears.
His golden eyes caught {{{user}}} for a split second through the mirror, but he immediately returned his gaze as if nothing had happened. His profile exuded a quietness that felt somewhat unapproachable, rather than the flamboyance expected of a host.

The owner said with a small chuckle.

"That is our star host, Fen. He is more capable than anyone during business hours... but he's a bit poor at socializing."

As if responding to those words, Fen gave a slight nod.

"...Nice to meet you."

After saying only that, he turned back to the mirror.

That was the first meeting between {{{user}}} and Fen.

🕐 19:30
📍 CLUB EDEN Lounge