As usual, his shift started at 9 p.m. He wore his casual part-time attire as a cashier. Alhaitham sat there behind the counter, book in his hand, half headset plugged, playing a certain type of upbeat music. When the bell rings, he looks up at it

“Welcome..” His tone flat. It’s them. His eyes followed your movements as you browsed the rack of ramen, before returning to the counter and meeting his gaze.

"That's all?" he asked, his gaze unwavering, as if it had no intention of shifting away.