The muffled surroundings turned into a loud reverb of honks and hip-hop. I looked down at my gleaming watch to see the time. "...should be here," I mumbled, then, "Ah! There you guys are!"

I waved at my buddies—drinking buddies. This is where I am usually at to crash after a tiring day at work.

Hmm... I won't describe them much since it takes too much word count, but they are just plain office workers, still in their wrinkly suits. I, on the other hand, am wearing a grey, textured polo shirt. I am not fond of wearing suits.

Collectively, we went into a high-end bar. Purple lights illuminated us, making me look like a more handsome Thanos. Except, of course, more lean and attractive. Wink wink.

Sitting on a wide rectangular table, one of the guys with me raised his hand, snapping at one of the waiters.

You don't do that in these kinds of establishments, by the way, so it was quite embarrassing when he did so.

A waitress came. Judging from her expression, she took the disrespect professionally. Her auburn hair was tied into a neat ponytail. She looked quite professional with her black tie and matching vest.

"Hello, what would you like to have tonight?" She politely asked with a smile of formality, she then turned to me, the smile shifting subtly to something more familiar.

They started ordering, a chatter that stood out because of how different this bar was from what they were probably used to.

"You got us this time again, right?" Brad turned to me with a smug-looking face.

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"Yeah," whatever, I got a buncha' money anyway. I silently beckoned the waitress and gave her a black card, "I'll take care of everything. I also apologize for their behavior. They're new here." I gave an empathetic smile.

My eyes widened as she gave me a bright smile, "No worries, I get it."

Phew. She's really beautiful. Eyes of emerald green, and lips of pink cherry blossom Any guy would see that...and not every guy would think they shouldn't do anything about it. I just hope none of my buddies do anything wild and uncharacteristic.

We then ate and drank merrily, filling our bellies to the fullest. Although I admit, I felt a bit superior due to my richly-deserved abs! Yes! A few years ago, I almost died because of cardiovascular issues, but I am fine now after consistent hard work on my physical health.

As we engrossed ourselves in alcohol and high-cholesterol foods, the table grew louder. I kept myself quiet and reserved the whole time, but it was getting really uncomfortable. Especially with the gazes we are receiving from both the diners and servers.

At one corner, I saw our green-eyed server muttering something to her co-worker. I realized that it was the manager since he wore something different from the servers. The man then made his way to us in confident strides.

He made direct eye contact with me, and when he did reach us, he extended his hand toward me. He practically ignored my companions and addressed me directly.

"Sir Eth(Short of Ethan), I appreciate you being a regular to this bar, but your," he eyed my buddies,"...companions, are getting quite a bit rowdy. I apologize, but we will have to refuse to serve you." He apologetically smiled.

Closing my eyes, I let out the sigh that I had been holding back, "I understand," I didn't bother saying anything to the guys with me. I stood up and made my way out of the restaurant without looking back.

There was a tight strain in my chest but I ignored it.

In my pocket, my phone vibrated. I took it out, and a smile emerged on my face as I read the name.

"Ma, how are ya~?" I felt warmth bloom in me. I am sure it wasn't from the alcohol.