[Jake Dunigan]

The bar is emptier than usual. Business at The Stranger hasn't gone well lately, but it looks even more grim now. Unless someone steps up and helps it turn to a new leaf, it might shut down.

It takes me ten minutes to realize I'm the only customer. The only other person here is Julie, the bartender. She notices I'm alone at a secluded table and invites me at the bar. I do as she pleases. I mean, it's not like anyone else will come to this trash dump.

She says, "Sixty-five fucking years and still standing."

I retort. "Not for long. It's time Tania faces the truth. She has to sell it, or else it will close and be completely worthless."

"I don't think she will. I mean, The Stranger has been around for three generations." Julie has a point. This pub could pass off as a historical sight. That is, if it's run properly. Right now, it's far from being somewhat decent.

"Okay. Even if it avoids shutting down, it still needs a major overhaul, starting from decor. Look. It's so old and... tacky. Come on, it's fucking 2066!" Julie gasps as I mention that. When The Stranger opened in 2001, it was considered one of the most "in" pubs in the entire State.

Twenty years later, it reached its highest peak of popularity. Deservedly, I dare say. That is, until Tania's father and brother passed away and she had to take over with little to no idea of how to lead such a milestone to further success. New, trendier, bars and clubs surfaced, eventually filling the void left by The Stranger.

It's sad, but I can only accept reality as it is. Pretending the good old times will be back is of no use. Still, I need to come again tomorrow, maybe with someone. Drinking on my own seems even more depressing than it already is in this complicated period.

It's settled. I'll convince Himchan to come. It's not like he'll say no to a good drink. Plus, he's the only person I'd keep myself from hurling them into the space at that fucking school.

***

As I expected, Himchan has accepted the invitation. It's not like he has anything better to do, and neither do I. So, here we are, at the center table of The Stranger. Unlike usual, there are a lot more people. Either a new owner is coming to take over, bringing enthusiasm, or it's this pub's last day.

Himchan takes the first word. "By the way, Jake, I'll always be thankful I got lucky. Otherwise, the exhibition would've been a bust." He laughs loudly as he recalls saving his father's butt with barely two paintings. "I managed to buy investors some time—and they bought our art."

"Good Lord!" I exclaim. "I guess your persuasion skills came in handy, huh? By the way, why the emergency? Was any of the other artists sick or what?"

"Nothing. Just Melinda Royce's pathetic shenanigans. She was simply greedy. She claimed she was invited at a mega art auction event in Dubai on June 23, and had no other choice than rescheduling this one." This time, it's my time to laugh as Himchan continues telling me about the exhibition. For some reason, I don't believe that woman has that many connections around the world.

He insists. "Trust me, this is what she told me. Of course, I couldn't laugh at her on the spot. Dad would have, if it weren't for the other patrons." The Sims are nuts, especially Daejung. That man is the embodiment of trouble. How his criminal record stayed clean, for example, is a mystery to me.

"So, Jake, why The Stranger tonight? Is Tania finally selling it?" As Himchan asks this question filled with hope, I groan. I have no idea of what she's planning. She doesn't want to relent. She wants to keep control until she can pass the pub to her children. Too bad she has no idea her daughters are anything but interested in running it.

I reveal the information to Himchan, who warns me. "Shh! Tone it down! I think she's coming! I recognize those heels." He's right. I hear a frantic noise made by very high, thin heels. A woman in her fifties appears from the rear of the bar, wearing a long beige coat. Her hair is perfectly tied in a bun.

Tania Collette is back. And so is trouble.

Unfortunately for us, she approaches our table. She starts off with a mellow tone. "Oh, look at you two. You are too sober for my liking." As she eyes a bartender, her voice turns into a hiss. "Quick! Four signature drinks for these lads over here! You have three minutes before I fire you."

Shit. Another reason this business is flunking is the excessive workforce turnover; yet, neither Tania nor her father and brother ever realized that.

I stay quiet, not wanting trouble. However, Himchan, who doesn't seem to know when he should zip it for his own good, states, "That's not good for your business, madam. What if they start spilling the tea?"

Tania, as expected, brushes his concern off. "Nonsense! They aren't stupid enough to do so." He has a point, though. At least he speaks his mind, unlike my coward self.

She suddenly starts purring at him. "Look at you, Chan, you can use some brandy. If you want, I can bring it to you myself." What the fuck! Is she flirting with him? And what about the nickname? I guess not even his parents or siblings call him like that.

I facepalm at Tania's pathetic attempt to woo Himchan. He turns away from her, disgusted at her smell, which reeks of cheap alcohol. She's intoxicated as fuck. She can't even think straight. She is trouble right now.

Someone has to take over The Stranger before she runs it to the ground with her addiction.

When Tania looks away, I take advantage of her distraction to pull Himchan close and whisper to him, "Listen. I know someone who could bring this place back in good shape. It's a relative of mine."

"Do I know them?" is Himchan's question. Judging by his hard stare, he doesn't seem too convinced by my plan.

"It doesn't matter. I myself haven't talked to her in ages." He raises his eyebrow at my confession. Maybe it's too much for him. However, this place needs to be revived. We can't just let it die like this.

I ignore Himchan's frown and continue. "Well, since I doubt she'll pay me any attention, you have to talk to her. Remember what we've gone through together." Oh, shit. It isn't working. He's tempted to refuse the offer. I have to resort to another method—one I'm sure it won't fail.

"Okay, Himchan. Let's put it in these terms. Do you want Kari still on your ass? Your life will still be a dumpster on fire, even more than before." As he hears the viper's name, he rolls his eyes and groans.

"You know what? I'm starting to regret coming with you... Why should I trust a stranger?" Under other circumstances, his complaint would make sense. This time is different. I need him to trust my plan. It might sound crazy, but it's for the sake of The Stranger.

"Okay, I'll talk to your relative. Give me her number. But, remember, Jake, you own me, big time."