Unbreakable Duty

Dodging Bullet

As their dinner came to a close, the group leaned back in their chairs, feeling satisfied and relaxed. The lively atmosphere of Lau Pa Sat continued to buzz with energy, and the aroma of grilled satay hung in the air.

Bow stretched her arms, looking over at Tan and Dao with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What do you say? Let's check out a few bars, and unwind a little."

Dao perked up instantly. "Oh, now that sounds like a plan. I could use a drink—or three." He turned to Tan, who was already grinning.

"I know a good place," Dao said. "It's not far from here."

Fahlada, ever the responsible one, gave them a knowing look. "Just don't get too carried away. Bars here stop serving alcohol at 11:30 PM."

Tan rolled his eyes but smirked. "Yes, Captain."

Fahlada ignored his teasing and turned to Rossami. "Are you coming with them?"

Rossami stifled a yawn, shaking her head. "Nah, I'm exhausted. I'll head back and get some rest."

Fahlada nodded, then looked at Earn. "What about you? Do you want to go with them?"

Earn glanced at her, her fingers lightly tapping against the table. "I'll head back, too." Then, as if an afterthought, she added, "You and I have some things to talk about anyway."

The statement was casual, but the meaning behind it was clear. Bow, who had just taken a sip of her drink, nearly choked in excitement but quickly covered it with a cough.

Fahlada, on the other hand, merely nodded, her expression unreadable. "Alright. So let's go then."

As the group readied themselves to leave while Fahlada settled their bill and Earn excused herself to go to the restroom, Bow suddenly gasped dramatically as if reminded of something very important.

Bow leaned forward, resting her elbows on the hawker center table. She glanced at Rossami, then at Tan and Dao, her expression far too mischievous for comfort.

"You know," Bow began, stirring her drink lazily, "we should be deeply concerned right now."

Tan raised an eyebrow. "About what? The fact that you just ate an entire plate of chicken rice and half of mine?"

"No." Bow waved a hand dismissively. "We just left Rossami alone with them." She waggled her eyebrows.

Dao, catching on, smirked. "Oh, that's right. Earn and Fahlada. Together. Alone in the villa. And knowing Earn, she's probably getting straight to the point."

"Exactly," Bow nodded sagely. "And knowing Fahlada, she'll probably try to dodge the conversation or give some half-truth."

Tan rubbed his chin. "You know what would be very useful right now?"

"A live audio feed?" Dao offered.

"A spy?" Bow grinned, turning to Rossami.

Rossami, who had been sipping her drink nonchalantly, narrowed her eyes. "Oh hell no! And? What's your point?"

Tan smirked. "The point is... don't you think it's the perfect opportunity?"

"For what? A nap?" Rossami deadpanned.

Bow gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. "No, Ross! The opportunity to gather intel."

"I am not eavesdropping on them," Rossami deadpanned.

Tan threw an arm around her shoulder. "Come on, Ross. You're already there. Just... happen to pass by their room."

"No. I will not do it!" Rossami says firmly.