My father's relentless demands and expectations were like a heavy weight on my shoulders, constantly adding to my mounting stress. But as my girlfriend's call came through, the weight momentarily lifted, replaced by excitement.

I made arrangements to meet her at Anthea, a bar I owned. Anthea had a unique rule: it was strictly forbidden for men to enter.

I sat in the room, the sweet scent of cigarettes hanging in the air as I impatiently awaited my girlfriend's arrival. As the door creaked open and she entered, I briefly glanced in her direction before nonchalantly redirecting my gaze. I took a long drag from my cigarette, maintaining an air of nonchalance as she drew closer to me.

She reached out and gently took the cigarette from my hands, preventing me from indulging in another puff. As she looked at me with concern, voicing her surprise that I even smoked, I responded nonchalantly. "Not often," I replied, pausing briefly before continuing. "Only sometimes. It's just that... waiting for you leaves my mouth idle."