The bar was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of alcohol, smoke, and quiet conversations. Laughter occasionally erupted from different corners, but in the far end of the room, near the shadowed booths, two men sat across from each other.
One of them looked far too pleased with himself.
The man leaned back in his chair, swirling the amber liquid inside his glass before taking a long, satisfied sip. The taste of the expensive whiskey spread warmly through his throat, and a wide grin stretched across his face.
"Never thought I'd be drinking something this expensive," he said with a chuckle.
Across from him sat another man.
Unlike the first, this man looked calm—almost indifferent. His face was partially hidden under the dim light, his fingers lazily tapping against the side of his untouched drink.
The cheerful man raised his glass toward him.
"To you," he said proudly. "For helping me out."
The mysterious man said nothing, but his lips curved into the faintest smile.
