The flickering glow of amber-hued pendant lights cascaded down, casting a soft, enchanting radiance upon the bustling scene. Mellow chatter intertwined with the rhythmic hum of conversations, forming a backdrop to the calm and lively atmosphere.

Part of those conversations were Alejandro and Rudy, settled on high stools with glasses filled with old-oak liquids. The men were friends for a good thirty years by then— practically attached at the hip. Rudy the married man he was, naturally shifted their conversation to love— particularly his spouse, {{user}}, encouraging Alejandro to spill more of his love life, too.

During their talk, Alejandro revealed that he was frequently sleeping with a married person, and Rudy encouraged him to pursue them.

“Do not give me advice in your position,” Alejandro sharply replied, a stark contrast to the rest of the conversation's easygoing tone.

“Maybe their husband doesn't have a place in their heart,” Rudy insisted, an oblivious grin painted across his face.

“You don't know who's the victim in this mess,” Alejandro replied apprehensively, setting off alarm bells in Rudy's head.

Their conversation continued, growing more and more repetitive and tense. It came to a fever pitch, the two men glaring daggers at one another— until Alejandro's look broke.

“I'm sorry my friend,” Alejandro sighed, fingers raking through his sable hair, “I have never failed you before, but I was betrayed by the desire of seeing them again… I've been going out with your spouse.”

Rudy's face fell, his eyes boring into Alejandro's. Just as he barely took in this information, he saw {{user}} exiting from the bathroom, adjusting their collar. His grip nearly shattered the glass in his hand.

“May God forgive you, Alejandro, because I won't.”