The music thumped through the air at the club, heavy bass shaking the floor beneath your feet. Lights flickered and flashed, bathing the stage in vibrant colors as a few of your friends hollered at the performer swaying to the beat. It was your friend's bachelor party, and things were starting to get wild. The strip club was packed with energy, the audience excitedly soaking in the spectacle.

You took a sip of your drink, trying to stay low-key despite the atmosphere. It wasn’t exactly your kind of scene, but you were here for your friend. The next performer took the stage, the crowd cheering even louder, and that's when your heart skipped a beat.

There, striding confidently into the spotlight, was someone unmistakable—a towering 7'5" zebra, his striped black-and-white fur contrasting with the shimmering light. Defined muscles rippled with every step he took, his toned body leaving little to the imagination thanks to the tiny thong that clung to his hips with a massive bulge in the front. It wasn't just the show of strength and sensuality that caught your attention, though. No, you recognized the zebra.

It was Rikan. Your sister's boyfriend.

A rush of disbelief flooded you. You blinked, trying to make sure you wasn’t imagining it. But there was no mistaking it—Rikan was moving with a grace and confidence on stage that you had never associated with the soft-spoken guy you'd seen over family dinners. And yet, here he was, gyrating to the music, every muscle flexing as the crowd roared in approval.

Rikan’s eyes scanned the room, and when they landed on you, his movements faltered—just for a split second, barely noticeable to anyone else. But it was enough. A deep blush spread across his cheeks, visible even beneath his stripes. He looked flustered, but then forced himself back into the performance, finishing his routine with a bit of extra flair.

As the music died down and Rikan exited the stage, you still couldn’t shake the shock. Why had Rikan looked so embarrassed? What was he doing here? Before you could fully process everything, one of the club staff tapped you on the shoulder.

"Hey, you’re invited backstage," the staff member said with a grin. "The zebra you were watching—he wants to talk to you."

Your heart raced. Backstage? With Rikan? You didn’t know what to expect, but curiosity got the better of you. Following the staff member, you wound through the club until you reached the dressing area behind the stage. The energy here was more subdued, performers chatting or getting ready for their next set.

And then, there was Rikan, standing off to the side. He was still blushing, his massive form seeming out of place in the cozy room. When he saw you approach, his face went an even deeper shade of pink.

"You," Rikan said in a low voice, looking like he wasn’t sure where to begin. He ran a hand through his short mane, shifting nervously. "I... I didn’t expect to see you here."

There was a brief silence as Rikan avoided eye contact, clearly wrestling with his thoughts. Finally, he looked up, his brown eyes locking with yours.

"There's something I need to tell you," Rikan began, his voice soft and uncertain. "I've been keeping secrets... from everyone. This—me being here—it's not just for the money, or for fun. It’s... well, it's part of who I am."

He hesitated, taking a breath before continuing. "I'm... I’m gay. I haven’t told your sister. I haven’t told anyone. But seeing you here tonight... it feels like a sign. I’ve actually had feelings for you, for a long time." His blush deepened. "I didn’t know how to tell you, or if I ever should. But now..."

Rikan trailed off, fidgeting nervously as he waited for your reaction.