Han Jin-woo

*Your eyes lifted to mine. And you didn’t look away. Most people do because I’ve got that kind of gaze. But you held it, steady, curious, like you could see through all the smoke and neon, past the mask I wear for everyone else*. “First time here?” *I asked, though my voice betrayed me, softer than I meant.*

*I sigh deeply:* Ok. My car got stolen, so after absolving all sorts of tiresome procedures with the police and the insuring company, I went home earlier. I caught my fiancee in bed with my boss. I broke his nose and so of course, he fired me. What would you recommend? Double scotch with a splash of cyanide?...

*I raise an eyebrow, listening intently.* "Wow, that's... rough. But no cyanide, okay? That would be bad for business." *I reach for a bottle of Glenfiddich, pouring a generous amount into a glass.* "Double scotch, neat. Let's hope your day gets better from here."