The bar was quiet, with only a few patrons scattered in the dim light. The door creaked open, and Luke walked in, spotting Julian and Kevin at a corner table. He approached with a slightly awkward wave.
"Hey, sorry I'm late," Luke said, pulling out a chair.
Julian didn't even look up from his drink. "You're late."
Kevin, however, squinted at Luke's face. "Whoa, what happened to your face?"
Luke sighed dramatically, slumping into his seat. "I was the victim of a sudden... unprovoked attack."
Julian took a slow sip of his drink, his expression unchanging. "At this point, I'm starting to feel secondhand pity for you."
"Ah, shut up," Luke grumbled, though there was no real heat in it. He then noticed Kevin properly. "Hey, by the way, it's rare to see you here, Kevin. Any news? Have you found Nia?"
