"You're coming," Tobi declared as if the decision had already been made. "No debates. No last-minute cancellations. I'm dragging you out tonight."
Xavier's eyes stayed fixed on his tablet. "I'm not in the mood for clubs."
"You're never in the mood. That's why I've decided to personally rescue you from yourself."
"I have fittings tomorrow. A family brunch the day after. I can't afford a hangover."
"Perfect. That means we'll only be out for a few hours." Tobi perched on the edge of the couch, tossing a keychain into the air. "You've been glued to the wedding plans like your life depends on it. Trust me, the flower arrangements will still be waiting when you get back."
Xavier let out a small breath through his nose. "I'm not stressed, if that's what you're thinking."
"Didn't say you were. But you're a little… stuck. Going through the motions. Maybe you just need to hit pause for a night."
Tobi's grin widened. "And honestly, I want to see if you still know how to have fun. It's been so long I was starting to worry you'd turned into a statue."
"I'm perfectly capable of having fun."
"Yeah? Prove it. Come out tonight. Just drinks. Just music. No matchmaking, no girls, just your best friend dragging you out like old times."
Xavier hesitated, but the way Tobi watched him—half playful, half challenging—made it hard to say no. "One night. That's it."
Tobi's fist shot into the air like he'd won a battle. "Victory! I'll pick you up at nine."
"Don't be late."
"Please, I practically live in my car. See you soon, old man."
When Xavier finally closed his tablet and got ready, there was a quiet relief tucked inside the annoyance. It had been a long time since he'd done anything for himself without it being connected to work, family, or Lilian.
The drive to the club was filled with Tobi's ridiculous stories and sharp jokes. Xavier didn't say much, but the tension in his shoulders loosened with every turn of the wheel.
"Look at you," Tobi said as they pulled up to the entrance. "I knew there was still some life left in you."
"Let's just get this over with."
"No, no, no. You don't 'get over with' a night out. You live it. You taste it. You let it surprise you."
"You've been watching too many motivational videos."
Tobi just laughed as they stepped out of the car, walking into the pulse of music and warm light pouring from the club's doors.
Inside, the place buzzed with easy energy. People laughed over drinks, the DJ spun soft rhythms, and a few early dancers were already moving on the floor.
Xavier scanned the room, feeling oddly… free. Like he'd stepped outside of his carefully built life for a moment.
Tobi clapped his shoulder. "Let's get a table."
As they settled in, Xavier realized maybe this was what he needed—a quiet night away from expectations, no decisions to make, no one asking for his approval. Just space to breathe.
And that was enough.
For now.