"What so funny?" Erwin inquired in confusion.
"I just remembered this humorous phrase from the internet," Lina said, still smiling, "it says men always want their own woman to dress as conservatively as possible, but prefer other woman to dress as revealing as possible." Secretly, she was pleased.
Erwin's behaviour signified that he cared for Lina, otherwise, he wouldn't mind however revealing, her attire was.
Hearing this, Erwin felt a tad sheepish, as Lina's statement struck a chord of truth.
"By the way, I'd like you to meet my cousin sitting in the back. Her name is Kaira; she just arrived in Bandung and I plan to take her to Shelter Bar for some fun."
After Erwin's spoke, Lina finally noticed the beautiful woman in the back seat, though she bore a somewhat frosty demeanor.
"So this is your cousin, she's very beautiful." Lina greeted her, making the first move in conversation, but Kaira's response was tepid, she merely nodded without further talk.
"She's usually this reserved," Erwin explained awkwardly, dispelling Lina's initial impressions that his cousin disliked her.
Then Erwin drove them to Shelter Bar.
Shelter Bar, a renowned establishment in Bandung, often frequented by affluent second generation patrons, attracted the gaze of gangsters , thus skirmishes were commonplace there. Without Kaira Erwin would have been concerned about bringing Lina along, but Kaira's presence allayed much of his worries.
Stepping out of the car, Erwin saw an array of luxury vehicles parked along the roadside, where Mercedes-Benz and BMW were commonplace. There also were opulent cars like Maseratis and Porsches, though his Ferrari was notably above the standard there.
"It's my first visit here; let's go inside," lina said affectionately, looping her arm through Erwin's, looking impeccably behaved.
"Okay, let's go!" Erwin enjoyed her embrace as they proceeded ahead, with Kaira trailing behind for protection.
It was early, the bar wasn't crowded with individuals engaged in conversation over drinks and solitary beauties sipping their beverages. Some folks already gyrated on the dance floor.
"Erwin, let's head to the private room, it's to noisy here," Lina suggested, obviously uncomfortable with the loud music, desiring the quieter pre-booked space.
"Sure."Erwin agreed, hastening their pace.
The trio reached private room no. 1024. Erwin asked Kaira to stay outside while he ushered Lina into the room.
Several people were already gathering inside. Sam and Rose occupied the centre, with class fellows familiar to Erwin, as well as a few faces he didn't recognise who must have been close friends or acquaintance of Rose.
Erwin and Lina's entrance captured everyone's attention, especially the men who focused intently on Lina's beauty, Sam included.
It was Sam's initial real-time encounter with Lina, her beauty incontestable compared to Rose, prompting him to quietly resolve to win Lina over.
"Erwin, Lina,why did you come together?..." Rose was a bit taken aback by their joint appearance. Simultaneously, she observed Lina clinging tenderly to Erwin's arm, the pair obviously quite intimate.
"I'm Erwin's girlfriend now, but I must thank you, Rose, for without you, I wouldn't have this chance with him," Lina declared, resting her head on Erwin's shoulder and winking at Rose.
Lina's words altered Rose's expression, while Erwin could offer a bitter smile, suprised at Lina's deliberate provocation and realising he had underestimated her.