Teh Tarik & Chills - Episode 1 : "City Nights and Spooky Sights"

Chapter 2: Ghost Story Debate

The buzz of the café was a soothing backdrop as the group settled into their seats, their laughter trailing off into a comfortable silence. The atmosphere of Teh Tarik & Chill had shifted slightly, taking on a more conspiratorial tone as Hakim leaned closer, his camera ready in his hands.

Hakim's grin was wide as he whispered, "So, here's what I found out. The haunted mansion in Bukit Tunku isn't just any old house. It was abandoned decades ago after the owner mysteriously disappeared. People say his wife, who died under tragic circumstances, is the one haunting the place."

Azim visibly shuddered, pulling his drink closer as if the warm glass of teh tarik could protect him from the chill that ran down his spine. "Why do these stories always involve a crying woman in a white dress? It's like every ghost has the same wardrobe."

Dina laughed, nudging him playfully. "Maybe it's a dress code in the afterlife. 'If you're going to haunt someone, make sure you look dramatic.'"

Faris smirked, but there was a skeptical edge to his expression. "You don't actually believe this nonsense, do you? It's just a story people tell to make the place seem spooky. Probably started by teenagers looking for a thrill."

Rizal interjected, adjusting his glasses as he spoke. "Actually, there's some historical context that might explain the rumors. Bukit Tunku used to be the residential area for British colonial officers. Many of the mansions were abandoned during the transition period after independence. It's no wonder people think these empty, decaying houses are haunted."

Nurul, ever the voice of reason, placed a small charm on the table, her expression calm. "Whether it's true or not, the place holds a lot of energy. I've heard stories from my patients at the hospital—strange things seen on late-night drives through the area."

Hakim's eyes sparkled with excitement. He flipped the camera around, pointing it at each of them. "Alright, everyone, give me your take. Azim, are you scared yet?"

Azim gulped, his wide eyes darting nervously between his friends. "Scared? Who, me? Pfft, I'm just... concerned. For all of you. I'm being protective."

Dina laughed, her eyes bright with amusement. "Protective, huh? So you'll be the one leading us into the haunted mansion, right?"

Azim nearly choked on his drink. "Me? Lead? Oh no, no, no. That's Hakim's job. He's the one with the camera."

Faris leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I still say it's all nonsense. But hey, I'm game. If we go and don't find anything, I get to say 'I told you so' for the rest of the year."

"Deal," Hakim agreed, his grin widening. He turned the camera back on himself. "Alright, folks, it's official. We're heading to Bukit Tunku tonight for a midnight ghost hunt. This is going to be the best episode of my vlog yet."

Nurul took a deep breath, gathering her charm bracelet and the small sachets of herbs she had prepared. "Just in case, everyone should keep one of these. It's good for protection and calming the mind."

Azim took his sachet with shaky hands, giving her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Nurul. You're a lifesaver."

Dina grabbed hers eagerly, tucking it into the pocket of her leggings. "Let's do this! It's been a while since we had a good scare. Besides, running from a ghost sounds like great cardio."

Rizal, still the voice of logic in the group, folded his arms thoughtfully. "I'll admit, I'm curious. Even if we don't see anything supernatural, it'll be interesting to explore one of KL's most famous haunted spots."

Hakim stood up, his camera in hand, the excitement practically radiating off him. "Then it's settled. Finish your drinks, everyone. We've got a haunted mansion waiting for us."

The group clinked their glasses together one more time, a mix of excitement and nervous energy rippling through them. It wasn't the first time they'd embarked on a spontaneous adventure, but there was something about this one that felt different. The night was darkening, the city's lights twinkling like stars against the encroaching shadows.

"Alright, let's head out," Dina declared, bouncing on her toes. "Bukit Tunku, here we come!"

Azim took a deep breath, pocketing his charm and standing up slowly. "If I end up on one of those ghost hunting shows as the guy who screamed the loudest, I'm blaming all of you."

"Don't worry, Azim," Faris teased as they made their way to the door. "We'll make sure to capture every scream on camera."

The group filed out of Teh Tarik & Chill, their laughter fading into the night as they headed toward their cars. The buzz of the café gave way to the quieter, more mysterious hum of the city's nighttime streets. The adventure had officially begun, and none of them knew just what the darkness of Bukit Tunku had in store for them.