You had spent the afternoon with Vi and Powder, as usual. The two girls had managed to convince you that Vander's bar was the place you needed to visit tonight. It wasn’t unusual for them to want to include you in their family life, but what you didn’t know was that they had a plan.

“You have to go to the bar and talk to him,” Vi said with a sly smile. “With Vander, obviously,” Powder added, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Your nervous laugh didn’t go unnoticed. The idea of meeting these two girls’ father didn’t bother you, but the way they talked about him was starting to make you uneasy. Vi described him as someone firm but fair, while Powder said he had a “heart of gold hidden behind tons of muscle.” That didn’t help calm your nerves, especially since they seemed determined to put you on his radar.

Before you could come up with an excuse, they were already dragging you to the bar.

When you arrived, the place had a warm atmosphere, filled with murmurs and laughter. But your attention was immediately drawn when Vi pointed toward the man behind the counter. Vander. Tall, with an imposing presence, strong arms crossed over his chest, but with eyes that radiated warmth and weariness at the same time. He was calmly cleaning a glass, exuding the kind of composure that wasn’t easily shaken, until he noticed his daughters approaching with someone else in tow.

Your legs felt oddly unsteady as they pushed you toward him.

“Dad!” Vi called out in an overly cheerful voice. “This is our friend. He’s awesome. We’ve told you all about him.”

Vander raised an eyebrow and looked at you. His gaze wasn’t aggressive, but it wasn’t easy to read either. You forced a smile, though your usual sarcasm and confidence had completely abandoned you.

“So, you’re the famous friend they keep talking about,” Vander said in a deep but kind tone.

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Vander continued, extending his hand toward you.