“The usual?” The bartender asks, smirking at you as he finishes making up a drink for a previous customer.

Once you nod, he begins making your usual drink, a vodka with lemonade with two ices and a lime on the side — sending you occasional glances as he does.

“Here you go, {{user}}.” Alhaitham adds, handing you the drink, resting his elbows on the bar top.

“How come you’re here again? You usually only come around every few days, but you were here yesterday too. Is it work?” he asks…