[Rose Dugan]

I think Daegwang is into me. He may not have realized yet, but I clearly see the signs. Every time I take initiative and move forward with the plan, he looks smitten. It's like he envisions a brighter future for himself, which includes me.

Too bad I can't reciprocate his feelings. My heart takes me to Shane. We're destined to be together, for the good and for the bad. So, why am I still torn? Why do I feel like I still have to pay Daegwang back for the help he offered me? He deserves far better.

I want to hide from plain sight for at least six months, but it's impossible. I have to face reality, starting from backlash from Aubrey Hinds' family for destroying a potential marriage. Hopefully, they'll understand that happiness isn't something that can be bargained.

At the same time, I need to find closure. I have to make sure I have answers to all my questions.

***

The last thing I expected is to find myself at The Stranger, the exact day before it closes for renovations. The reason why Daegwang, Shane and Aubrey think it's a good idea for me to join them there, where I don't really have the best reputation with the owners, is still unknown to me.

I grown uneasier and less confident by the time we each take a seat. Mine is exactly between the two men, with Aubrey opposite me, as if she were my judge. I want to run away. I feel like suffocating. Someone put an end to this nightmare.

Too bad it's reality. I have to deal with it. I have to make choices. Whether they sit well with the other party is crucial. I can potentially make or break everything.

Shane takes the initiative. "How about we start with a round of drinks? A soft one, I promise." I should trust him, but can't bring myself to doing so. This situation is more than complicated, it's a mess. It's like I'm trapped in a maze with no chance of escaping.

Daegwang and Aubrey nod in agreement with Shane. I, on the other hand, hesitate before giving an unconvinced answer. "Yeah, one soft round is fine for me. Just to... you know... break the ice."

Shane studies my last three words. "Break the ice. I like that. It has a nice ring to it. There's nothing better than booze to do so. Right?" This time, I can't find the courage or the words to give a satisfying answer. Daegwang, like me, stays quiet. Aubrey shakes her head and looks around, bored at the dull atmosphere of the pub.

I try to reassure Aubrey, who looks like she wants to get out of this place as soon as possible. "I know, it's terrible. But, hey, since we're here, we should make the most of it. What do you think?"

Aubrey doesn't answer. Daegwang does, which makes butterflies go frenzy in my stomach. "I think I could invite one more person here. He comes here from time to time when he's bored or needs to unwind."

"Who is it? Is he a regular?" I ask. Curiosity gets the best of me when it comes to new people. I like meeting strangers. When an encounter is casual, it's even more intriguing. I think he's going to bring a lot to the plate.

"Well, not really. He's only been here no more than ten times."

I point out. "That's still a lot. The City is big. There's plenty of bars in this area alone."

"You're right." He scratches his head. "I'm not the kind of person who goes to bars often, though."

"So, why here?"

Daegwang points the finger at Shane. "It's his idea, not mine."

I laugh, followed by Aubrey. The latter's bored expression disappears as soon as the first round of drinks is on the table. Shane starts distributing shots. "Ladies first." He winks at me, which makes me blush.

"You're into him, aren't you?" asks Aubrey. She doesn't seem annoyed, even though she is the one who's supposed to marry Shane.

I feel like I'm losing my breath. I'm not ready to be this open yet, but I can't afford to keep my foot in two shoes. I have to be honest: with Shane, with Aubrey, and, most importantly, with myself.

Fortunately for me, Shane manages to change topic. "Honestly, I can't wait to see what the renovation project brings here. I mean, after sixty-five years, it's still up and running, but-"

I take advantage of his hesitation to continue for him. "It needs restructuring." I lower my voice to say the rest. "And, possibly, Tania away from here."

"Yeah, she's done," adds Daegwang, before he turns his gaze at his phone.

"Who's that?"

"Oh, it's my brother. He's here in a few minutes." It looks like Daegwang has spoken too late. A man looking like him—same hair length, similar height, same mole under his bottom lip—perhaps a bit older, enters the pub and waves a hand at our direction.

Daegwang immediately rushes to him. "Here you are! I thought you were joking when you accepted my invitation!" He turns serious as soon he realizes he has to introduce his "guest" to the rest of us.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to be rude. Ladies, Shane, this is Himchan, my older brother." I smile at him, to which he replies with an uneasy glance. Maybe he doesn't trust me yet.

It's not like it matters that much, anyway. I can get to know him better tonight. In the mean time, I leave room for him between me and Aubrey, who's in shock at how much the two brothers look like each other.

I take the lead of the conversation once again. "So, Daegwang has just told us about you. Now, how do you know this place?"

Everyone turns to Himchan with an expectant look. He answers, "Well, it was a to-go place for my father when he was younger. Early to mid thirties, to be precise."

Daegwang corrects him. "What about the time you two went together to settle that one issue?" Now I'm curious. What could it be? I know, I shouldn't poke my nose in family business unrelated to myself, but it's just too intriguing for me not to delve into details.

"I'd rather not talk about it, not in front of these lovely people." It's endearing that Himchan already thinks so highly of us, even though he barely met us a few minutes ago. I wonder what else he has in his mind. He seems to have such a complex, intricate personality.

I intervene, "Well, we were discussing the future of The Stranger. Who do you think will take over?"

"Definitely someone with taste. And knowledge. Sixty-five years of history can't be erased that easily," is Shane's answer. Himchan agrees with him.

"Or someone with a lot of money! I mean, the renovation process isn't cheap." Aubrey also makes a good point here. How much money Tania has lost over the last ten years is still a mystery; what isn't up for discussion, though, is that she lost someting even more valuable: passion.

"What's sure is that The Stranger deserves better," I conclude. The others nod in agreement. Then, the second round of shots comes to our table.

This is only the beginning.