The twenty-five year old bartender was busily wiping dry the wine glasses. Her eyes would dart towards the door once in a while. She was waiting for him, the guy who looks mysterious. She had been observing him ever since he first came to the bar, always alone, finishing two bottles of beer before heading out. 

Strange, he should have arrived ten minutes ago. This she thought as she checked the time. As to what's keeping him so long, her mind started to come up with possible reasons. 

She had no feelings for him whatsoever if that's what you think. Observe him— that's all she wanted to do.

As a struggling and slightly frustrated writer, one of her hobbies is people watching. She was always able to come up with interesting stories and characters from the people she had observed (and eavesdropped from— she knew that's bad but she couldn't help it). And he had caught her attention. The first time she saw him, she had asked herself these: What if he was a broken-hearted soul, thus the visits to the bar thrice a week? What if he's having trouble gathering courage to be able to confess to the girl he loves? Or what if he's waiting for a girl who will never show up?

Romance, she loved it; she wanted to write it.

Her musings were interrupted when Jongdae tapped her shoulder. "You're spacing out again," he reminded her with a knowing smile.

"Nope," she denied despite the fact that she knew how he knows her too well. 

He's always been a supportive boyfriend. One time, he asked why she never tried writing about them. Her response was: "Our love story's too common, unexciting" punctuated with a very deep sigh, as deep as the creases that started to form on his adorable forehead. Of course, she was only teasing him; she loves to see him get flustered. Her reply obviously alarmed him. "Ya! You were the one who first confessed to me," he'd reason, as if it was her fault their relationship wasn't that interesting. She pouted before answering. "Yeah, that's why I can't write about it." Then she had tapped his cheek gently and quickly kissed the spot she touched. It was a strange habit of hers and she knew he loves it.

"Just be careful. Our boss got his eyes on you. I think he's beginning to suspect that you're up to something since you're too eager to tend the bar," he warned.

"Okay, I got it. Now off you go. He's arriving soon," she playfully shooed him away. 

Jongdae walked away while shaking his head at her silliness. He could never get what she saw in that guy, who looked like he'd been lacking sleep. He hoped it's not the height though because he would lose in that aspect.

A few minutes later, Mr. Mysterious/Model walked in. There was something about guys in crisp shirts, with sleeves folded up to the elbow and slacks that always gets every girl's attention. But for Bom, Jongdae will always be the best. Now she missed her adorable boyfriend. 

Oh well, duty called. She left the wine glasses and smiled at the new arrival warmly when he sat on the stool and called for her attention.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

The bar was half-filled even though it's Friday night. Tao sat alone as if he had a world of his own; a frown adorned his stoic face. His jet-black hair disheveled as though he just got out of bed. He's just too lazy to comb it.

He could be considered a regular because often he would stop by to have a few drinks most of the time alone. He preferred it that way. Ever since he discovered having a few drinks seemed to be effective— it enabled him to sleep quickly when he got back to his apartment— he had started to frequent the place weeks ago. He knew it wasn't such a good solution, but for now, it'll do.

The seat to his left was vacant thus, when someone suddenly occupied it, he could not help but turn sideways. He could not see her face because of her hair. He stared at his beer bottle. What intrigued him most was the scent he picked up; he was sure it's hers. He was hoping for the scent of perfume, instead it was the faint scent of chemicals used in developing film— the all too familiar smell that reminded him of someone. That captured his senses. He was certain it was that chemical even though the disgusting cigarette smoke was wafting in the air. Despite the fact it was a no smoking area, whenever the door opened, smoke came rushing in from smokers outside.

He turned to her again, hoping to get just a glimpse of her face. His hope was answered seconds later when she slightly turned her face in his direction to look at the bartender.

His eyes slightly widened when he saw her face. He quickly turned away before she could see him.

This did not pass unnoticed by the bartender who was standing nearby, on the ready to serve the petite lady who just signaled to her. She found his reaction very interesting.

Dara was too distracted to notice how the guy beside her was discreetly throwing glances at her since she arrived. She could care less about her surroundings. All she wanted was to drink and maybe get drunk. She was greatly anticipating the burning sensation created by vodka as it slide down . 

"One bottle of plain vodka please and a glass of lemonade," the lady said once the bartender was in front of her. 

Did she say one bottle!? What the hell—she's alone, does that mean she's planning on drinking that one bottle to the last drop? Tao warily glanced at her to check if she was indeed Dara. The Dara; the other best friend of Kris.

It's her.

With nothing else to do while waiting for her order, she looked sideways at the guy only to be surprised at the discovery. She didn't know what to say. Her mind was completely blank as she simply stared at him. He must have felt her boring holes on his face so he turned sideways to her. Their eyes met but neither of them spoke. Instead of a verbal greeting, they opted to just nod at each other and then looked away.

Silence passed, the kind that will stretch on if he wouldn't try to start a conversation. Tao thought of asking where Kris was just so he could fill the awkward silence. But how could he when normally, they don't talk that much. They may have the same best friend but that didn't mean they're close friends. 

Before he could start a conversation, the bartender was back with Dara's orders. 

As soon as it was set down on the marble counter, Dara quickly opened the bottle and poured a half-full glass of vodka without ice. He could only watch in awe as she drank the glass empty. Then she poured another, this time she added a couple of ice cubes.

Forget the chitchat, he told himself. She seemed to be immersed in drinking that she forgot he was even there. Fine, he'll let her be even though he's beginning to be concerned about her drinking in a fast manner.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

There she was, pouring herself another drink as if she was in a hurry to get drunk.

There he was, pretending not to notice the lady, who did not seem very lady-like; not so when it comes to drinking.

Bom was at it again, watching people—not just anyone but those whom she find intriguing enough at first sight. She wanted to know how the two's unidentified relationship will progress from tonight. She couldn't help but wonder if there's more to the silence that enveloped the both of them after the brief greeting ten minutes ago—wherein no words were spoken, just a simple nod when their eyes met for a split second.

She supposed they're neither lovers nor friends. Mere acquaintances perhaps. Could be possible— Ahh, but they look good together, she thought with a tinge of regret.

Just when she was about to settle on such assumption, it was made invalid by a statement she heard despite the instrumental music in the background. The petite lady, who had more or less three glasses of vodka finally spoke, causing the gentleman's sharp eyes, with dark circles underneath, to narrow in confusion that he stopped midway from finishing his second bottle of beer. He didn't spare her a glance even though he surely heard the two words she uttered.

Bom's night of watching people was starting to get more interesting. She hoped there wouldn't be many customers tonight because she absolutely wants to figure them out. She was beginning to get excited at the possibility that they can be more than mere acquaintances.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

After emptying the fourth glass, she spoke bitterly. "I'm done." 

Tao heard despite the fact that it was nearly a whisper. Her soft voice somehow penetrated the world he was in, pulling his wandering mind back to the present, causing him to frown in confusion and wonder if she accidentally said her thoughts out loud.

To be honest, he wasn't expecting that she'd speak to him at all. Not when she's too busy drinking. Those were the first words she uttered and he wasn't even sure if she was talking to him. What she meant, he could only guess. They only nodded to each other in greeting; even that gesture in his opinion was not normal. She usually smiled at him at least whenever they ran into each other at get-togethers.

In the short time of their exchange, he concluded that perhaps she came from a date and went straight to the bar. Maybe it didn't end well; her date was what he meant. But that, he knew, would be very unlikely. Not unless her date happened to be Kris, who's on a date right now with Jia. Without a doubt, that's the reason behind her 'drinking like there's no tomorrow' stunt.

She wore a navy blue dress paired with black ankle boots. It brought out the fairness of her skin or was she simply pale? He believed that being all dolled up was not her favorite since it's obvious how uncomfortable she seemed. To get rid of that discomfort, she wore the black jersey jacket over the dress.

Usually, she was the shirt-jeans-sneakers type and her hair was always either tied neatly in a ponytail or a messy bun. Tonight, her hair was freed, its ends wavy. She was even wearing make-up but nothing on her eyes. No matter how light, it's still noticeable. 

Straying away from the usual always meant something. She did make an effort to look prettier. Did she do it for Kris?

His wild guess on what she meant: she was done for the night and was going home. He waited for her to stand, bid him goodbye and walk away. But it did not happen. His eyebrow creased in wonder as he glanced at her again in time to see in contact with the glass of vodka, which was clearly unfinished— it could only mean her statement earlier had nothing to do with leaving. It's definitely about something else. Besides, the bottle of vodka was more than half-full.

It would be best to say nothing. It didn't look like she wanted any reaction from him so he sat tight, anticipating an elaboration. He went back to stare at his half empty bottle of beer, contemplating whether he should ask what she meant when her silence stretched on for several seconds. 

Something was bothering her. That he could deduce. The slumped posture was unmistakable; it screamed trouble. He didn't like that word. Not one bit. He should stay out of it. Maybe he could pretend he didn't hear. But then again, he didn't want her to think of him as apathetic. 

She was about to pour another drink when Tao's hand grasped her tiny wrist, halting her.

She looked at him questioningly. Or was that a blank stare?

"Slow down," he advised. He didn't like the way she's acting. Whatever her problem, it's not right to drown herself in drinking.

After letting go, he finally asked her. "What do you mean by you're done?" Giving in to curiosity and concern, he made sure the tone was still distant despite the nagging voice inside his head that told him to mind his own business. Putting some distance would show he was not trying to pry. He had no intention whatsoever of knowing anything she was not comfortable to share. To be concerned and distant at the same time was a hard feat.

His emotionless gaze did not leave her face. He squinted at her profile, waiting patiently for an answer. She then slowly poured another glass, her fifth, but didn't drink it at once. Good to know she heeded his advise.

"I'm done..." She heaved a heavy sigh as though the next words were difficult to say. "Done with him." Her voice cracked, as if she will cry.

She said it with finality. But her voice was not strong enough; it lacked conviction. Her gaze was fixed straight ahead—on the rows of empty glasses— looking but not seeing. He wondered if she was already drunk. But that would be impossible. Sure, she had been drinking since she arrived, but that was not enough to make her throw caution to the wind. Did she have a momentary memory gap to act like they normally talk about such things, about her feelings towards Kris particularly? Tao knew about it but she didn't have to know that.

On one occasion (their common friend's birthday), he had accidentally picked up that she'd get drunk beyond the tenth glass of vodka. For a petite lady, ten was impressive. Tonight, she was only on her fifth maybe.

"Why are you telling me this?" he asked tonelessly. If she would throw him a glance, she'd probably see the boredom etched on his face. He was not always bored but then if he wanted nothing to do with it, he better show without having to tell.

Did he somehow resemble one of her girl friends that she dare try to engage him in a weird conversation? She was talking about guy problems—which were not his concern to begin with. She should talk with a girl friend. Not him. He was not the best option. He glanced around discretely, trying to diffuse the little panic forming in the pit of his stomach. Though it was unlikely, he was hoping to find at least one of her girl friends, so he could escape and carry on with the solitude he craved.

Unfortunately, there was no one who could rescue him from being dragged into this drag. Why'd he ever pick today to get a drink?

"Because I know you would not ask me to elaborate. It'll be too much of a burden for you to even bother to pretend to be interested." Her chin rested on her clasped hands making her words sound like a lazy mumble. "And I'm actually not in the mood to explain why," she leaned further on the counter and sighed. Her sigh almost lost in the instrumental music coming from the speakers.

Her bluntness was surprising that his mouth hung slightly open. He did not bother to deny it. Maybe she heard it from Kris, how disinterested Tao was most of the time.

She was now busily staring at her untouched glass—stared at it as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. She looked as though she was carrying a huge weight on her shoulders; how low she was slumped on the counter was a hint. There was probably more she wanted to say but she held back cautiously. He thought she'd already thrown away all caution when she spoke of her feelings towards the guy she'd been in love with since he couldn't remember when—was it two years or more already? He couldn’t recall. All he knew was, she's in love with Kris. And the guy didn't even have a clue. It was either he's insensitive or she's just too good at hiding her feelings.

Feeling caged all of a sudden, he pondered if he could make up an excuse and leave before it's too late. But he was not like that. Indeed, he did not like trouble and drama but he is not heartless. If she wanted to talk, he could at least listen. His main concern was, what would he do if she started crying her heart out? 

Consoling Fei, he could handle fully well. He was used to it due to the countless times she made him or better yet, forced him to listen to her weeping about one guy in particular, the same guy who caused the woman beside him now to be this way. His best friend was indeed a heartbreaker.

Compared to Fei, Dara was a different story. He didn't know what to expect. He blankly stared at his unfinished beer, his mind already in turmoil of what's about to happen next.

The answer to his wondering finally came when she spoke.

"But if you ask, I might tell." She straightened and brought her forearms to rest comfortably on the marble counter, hands wrapped around the glass. She looked at him hoping he'll get that her statement meant something. It's up to him to find out. She didn't want to scare him away, thus she gave him a choice. Maybe it'll help lessen the weight off her chest. He was the most unlikely candidate, but she had no choice now, had she? The burden in her heart was too much to bear. Too much that she couldn't even cry. She didn't have that many guy friends. In fact, she only has one close guy friend—who happened to be the same guy who caused her to be this heartbroken.

He stared back at her with a frown. She stared back at him, challenging.

With narrowed eyes, Tao looked for any signs that she's about to cry. He could detect that her eyes had somehow become glassy and then she blinked several times. If that was due to alcohol or what she possibly felt at the moment—which was having no choice but to move on—he could not tell.

"Is that a challenge?" He quickly glanced at his watch; it was only nine in the evening. Maybe this was going to be a long night.

"Perhaps," she answered while intently looking at him. She held his gaze steadily. Her glassy eyes were now stony, as if she was trying to look unfeeling, but failed miserably.

It seemed he'd get dragged into this no matter what. Resigned, he called for the bartender to give him one glass and lemonade.

In a few seconds, it was set in front of him. Vodka's too hard; he did not want a hangover the next day even though it's a weekend but he had no choice. The least he could do to make sure she won't finish the one bottle was to share it with her.

"Okay, I accept." Why he did was beyond his comprehension. Maybe he was bored and maybe she could provide something to ebb the boredom. Besides, he had nothing else better to do.

She smiled—the smile was somewhat empty. "Thanks." 

He poured his first glass after finishing his second bottle of beer, realizing it was up to him to get her to start talking. To have a friend who was in the same situation as Dara turned out to be useful at a time like this. 

Just when he was about to delve into the probing process, a loud cheer erupted from the table a few feet away behind them. He turned towards the commotion and saw a group of guys, some were his friends (though not on the same level as Kris) and some he knew by face. They too were from the same University he, Kris and Dara graduated from. It seemed they were having more fun compared to him. Feeling envious, he focused his attention back to the problem at hand, wishing the consultation would end quickly.

"Are you sure about what you said earlier?" Getting her confirmation was the start of this session. Maybe he should take on another job; besides being a marketing associate, he could be a shrink or something. It seemed listening to other's problems was what he did these past few days.

"Yes. I'm sure," the firmness in her voice was apparent and her eyes show determination.

"Giving up already?" He tried to lighten the mood by asking in a detached tone.

Her eyes widened as she stared at him as though he had grown a second nose. "It's not giving up." As if realizing for the first time the words she had uttered earlier and now, her eyes softened and a sad smile appeared on her lips. It did not last long enough for him to dwell on it. "It was more like giving in—giving in to freedom. And besides, it's not like I have a choice. I do know when to give up," she said meaningfully.

"I see. That's a good move," he said with approval while looking at her expectantly.

She continued, feeling the alcohol give her the courage to speak her mind. "It was foolish of me to hope for something more from someone who only considered me as one of his best friends." She drank her fifth glass empty and signaled for the bartender to fill her another glass of lemonade.

Tao noticed how the bartender would linger more than necessary but he's too uninterested to call her down for eavesdropping on the conversation.

"You probably knew already that I— I love him more than just a friend and that he's in love with someone else," she tried to speak with nonchalance. She was talking to Kris' best friend; without a doubt, Tao knew about Jia. Surprisingly, she managed to tell him her secret as though it was public knowledge. She was going to request that he better keep his mouth shut about it but changed her mind. Fei mentioned before how he's the type who could keep one's secrets safe.

"Yes." He sipped from his glass without urgency as he was not too keen on having another glass. He knew his limitations and he better not have more than what he can tolerate.

"I'm— just done." Then she smiled bitterly.

"It's about time you were. Welcome to freedom," he said, another way to lighten the mood as he lifted his glass to hers for a toast. She turned to him, partially twisting in her seat and their glasses collided in midair.

"I did feel free," she added, and brought the sixth glass to her lips for a sip. This time, she did not finish it in at once; she took her time. While she didn't even cringe at the taste, Tao's drink passed the wrong way, causing him to cough violently that his eyes started to water.

She immediately placed her empty glass on the counter and rubbed his back to relieve him from it. "Are you okay?" She motioned for the bartender (who's too accommodating in Tao's opinion) and asked for two glasses of water, which were quickly provided. "Drink," she instructed while withdrawing her hand from his back.

Tao drank the water and felt relieved a few seconds later. He chuckled, a bit embarrassed for being careless. "Thanks. I wonder how you do it so easily. I mean the way you drink is effortless. And there's a saying that those who drink fast gets drunk first you know." 

She took the bottle and poured his second glass and her seventh.

"I guess I’m used to the burning and dry taste," was all she said. She easily finished the drink. 

He shook his head before finishing his. Drinking it empty in one gulp. 

What he did was not lost on her. "What?" Was that a sign of disapproval? His opinion somehow mattered to her. 

"Nothing," he said. 

She sighed in relief; maybe it really was nothing. She took the bottle to fill their glasses.

"Whoa. Slow down. What are you up to, trying to get drunk?" He glanced at his third glass with disdain. Too early to drink it, he thought.

"Well there's a contest on who can drink the most vodka without getting drunk. I'm preparing myself to get the first prize, it's huge..." she trailed off when she saw his clueless expression. She tried not to laugh at his comical reaction but it was difficult not to.

Uncontrolled laughter spilled out. "I'm just kidding."

He was glad that she laughed even though it's just for little while. He chuckled at her silliness before drinking slowly and carefully until his glass is empty. Her slender hand reached for the bottle again and settled on clutching it while she asked for his consent. "You don't mind if I take charge of the bottle, do you?"

"No," and just like that, before he knew it, the bottle is almost empty. 

"So, what're you doing here? I heard from Fei that you occasionally come here to have a few drinks." She ordered another glass of lemonade. The bartender, who's as pretty as a doll e