3. The Bet

A week passed. The night streets in Moscow City are still the same. Lively, bustling, and bathed in light. It's not just the people; buildings, bars, and cafes are still not sleepy. Only the moon, which seemed tired, was replaced by the gleam of the many colorful and bright city lights.

Natasha Ivanov wakes up nervously. Natasha felt she owed an explanation to Dimitri, the man she had known a week ago. She was sure the man was shocked, maybe even passed out, when he saw the empty bathroom and turned into a red wolf. Everyone must be confused to find a wolf, let alone a red one, which is even more confusing. The red wolf appears in the middle of a big city like Moscow. That's what Natasha thought. And sadly, she didn't quite understand the strange feeling when he was with Dimitri that night either.

***

"Yoo, wanna have some fun?" Dimitri was shocked when Edmond and Nikolaev suddenly opened the door to his room. His two best friends forced him to take a shower in the bathroom, "we'll wait in front for another 10 minutes," they said.

"Mom, Dad, I'm going first, " Dimitri tells his parent.

"Uncle, Auntie, good night," says Nikolaev and Edmond.

Polina and Damien, Dimitri's parents, smiled at the behavior of the young people.

"To the usual place?" asked Dimitri.

"Sure," Nikolaev replied.

Their car overtook and sped off like there were no more days left tomorrow to party.

Natasha took the bag, brushed some lipstick on her luscious lips, and left. There was nothing else Natasha could think of that evening other than going to the bar and drinking again. Even if there was, it was just a desire to meet Dimitri, which she always tried to push away.

The bar is the same as last week. Also a bit nostalgic for people who have fallen in love there. After choosing a table and drinking together, Dimitri saw Natasha at the same table as last week. Still with the vodka, the same drinking way, and mystery.

"I have an idea. Hey, accompany me to challenge that girl to drink a beer. The loser must comply with the winner's request. I'll get it."

"Isn't that the girl from yesterday?" asked Edmond.

"Right. Uh, where are you going, Nikolaev?"

"Like usual visit."

Nikolaev, with a handsome face, it was not difficult for him to find a one-night stand partner. He and Dimitri usually compete for the most beautiful and sexy women, although he often loses. That night was different. His friend was busy approaching the girl named Natasha whom he told about yesterday afternoon. His gaze fell on the blonde woman at the following table. They looked at each other mischievously, smiled, and Nikolaev winked. He walked towards the stairs and waited for the blonde woman there. A kiss, more passionate than any other in the bar, occurred at the front of the stairs. Nikolaev then carried the woman up. The bar provides rooms for those who want to spend the evening with their partners after drinking.

Natasha was surprised to see Dimitri and Edmond suddenly sitting at her desk.

"Dimi?"

"Hi, Nasha. Do you want to bet?"

"What bet?"

"Who survives and drinks the most beer has the right to ask for something from the loser and who drinks the least beer."

"You think I'm scared? Let's get started," replied Natasha firmly.

Edmond was the judge of the match. First, Edmond provided four beer bottles and poured them into their glasses. Natasha and Dimitri downed glass after glass that Edmond had filled. Edmond was surprised that a girl who looked as innocent as Natasha could keep up with Dimitri. Already the sixth bottle, they are still equally strong.

Dimitri also didn't expect Natasha to be such a good drinker and last that long. His head was starting to get a little heavy. He eyed Edmond, who slowly took out the hangover pill they had prepared before approaching Nastasha's table. Dimitri drank it silently. Then smile.

"Are you not strong enough, Little Dimi?"

Dimitri became very confident after hearing such ridicule and taking hangover pills.

"You'll regret saying that, beautiful lady."

Edmond poured another beer; they downed it in an instant. Edmond fills up and fills up again.

"Hey, dude?"

Nikolaev came and tapped Edmond on the shoulder. Edmond looked at him in surprise.

"What a surprise?"

"You know what? She can't last long. I can't go on to the next round. She's already lying limp on the bed. And you want to know something?"

"What?" asked Edmond curiously.

"She's delighted with me," Nikolaev whispered in Edmond's ear. They laugh. "Hahaha."

"You see? Natasha, who looks innocent and spoiled, has survived this far."

"Edmond, quickly fill up." Dimitri slammed his glass on the table.

"Mr. police officers, I want more." Natasha also slammed her glass hard.

Edmond filled their glasses. Is this already the last bottle? Edmond saw that they were both not strong enough but still forced it. Now and then, they cheated, spilling beer on their shirts. But Edmond was a kind judge. He believed it.

Natasha praised Dimitri's toughness and vice versa. When their clan celebrated holidays in the Siberian Mountains, Natasha was always the champion and always preferred drinking the most beer or vodka. Dimitri was also the last one standing after drinking a lot of vodkas when there was a birthday celebration for his company. In his heart, Dimitri thought. You will lose and follow my will. I will win. Meanwhile, Natasha tried to hold on as best because she believed a temptress like Dimitri would ask her to make love if she won the match.

When Edmond opened a new glass, they rested their heads on the table. Natasha thought, one more drink, and she would win it. Edmond refilled their glasses, and

Natasha vomited her guts. The limp Dimitri lifted his head, smiling. Neither of them could drink anymore.

Edmond blew his hand like a whistle.

"This game is a draw," he shouted.

"Every match must have at least one winner," said Dimitri.

"This man is stubborn too,' Natasha thought. She then allowed herself to go to the toilet. Upon her return, the three friends were whispering as if discussing something.

"How? Are you got a solution, guys? " Natasha stood firmly and smiled at them. The three friends ignored her.

"Racing car?"

"I definitely can't drive a car."

"Swimming?"

"I can be hypothermic swimming at this time of night." Natasha rolled her eyes.

"Run?"

"Only a madman would run a race on the streets of Moscow in the middle of the night."

Then Dimitri glared at Natasha triumphantly. He smiled. Natasha was nervous.

"How about shoot?"