We stumbled upon a small bar tucked away on a quiet street and slipped inside, grateful for the dim lighting and sparse crowd. The place had the faint smell of fried food and cheap beer, with a worn-out wooden counter stretching across the back. A lone bartender wiped glasses absentmindedly, and a few scattered patrons sat hunched over their drinks. The television mounted on the wall flickered, showing a basketball game, the sound low but audible.
Keeping my head down, I approached the counter and ordered chicken with rice and drinks for myself and Lilet, while Teddy opted for chicken and a cold beer. After paying, we found a corner booth, strategically placing ourselves where we had a good view of the entrance but remained relatively unseen. The food arrived just as the TV screen cut awa
