The drive wasn't long, but the silence in the car felt stretched, comfortable between Thaddeus and Kayden, a bit tight around Rassel. She kept stealing glances through the side mirror, watching how close they sat. Thaddeus leaned slightly towards Kayden, phone in his hand, scrolling through something they were both looking at. Kayden would nod occasionally, lips tugging into a subtle grin.
The car finally slowed, headlights sweeping across a brick wall covered in vines, then a black iron gate that creaked open as they pulled in. It wasn't a flashy place. No neon lights. Just a warm glow from lanterns outside and a quiet hum of music spilling through the open windows.
Rassel stepped out first, straightening her top, her eyes scanning the front of the restaurant. Kayden followed, his boots making soft sounds on the gravel, while Thaddeus came last, locking eyes with Kayden for a second before looking away.
"You sure this is the place?" Rassel asked, brows raised.
