Evening shadows lengthened over the city as the HQ slowly quieted down. Dev, clearly exhausted from a long day of back-to-back missions and briefings, approached Kiaan with a tired but hopeful smile. "Hey, Kiaan. Let's get out of here for a bit. How about a break at that tea stall nearby? I'm dying for some chai."
Kiaan looked up from his desk, rubbing the tension from his temples. "Yeah, I could use a break."
Soon, Rehaan and Tara joined them, their faces weary but relieved at the prospect of some fresh air and a moment's respite. As they gathered their things, Zid appeared from the hallway, stepping quietly beside the group.
"Mind if I come along?" Zid asked smoothly, his tone calm but deliberate.
The four exchanged glances—Dev, Rehaan, and Tara shooting subtle looks at Kiaan, silently asking him to veto the request. Kiaan caught their unspoken question but understood their hesitation. Still, he had a plan.
With a small, knowing smile, Kiaan nodded. "Sure, Zid. Come along."
So the five of them left the HQ together, the city's bustle swallowing their footsteps. At the tea stall, the smell of spices and boiling chai filled the air. Dev, Rehaan, Tara, and Zid ordered steaming cups of tea, while Kiaan requested a black coffee, knowing he never liked tea.
They sat around a small, chipped table under a flickering streetlight. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension, and the silence between them felt heavier than the humid evening air.
Kiaan broke the quiet first, watching Zid carefully. "So, Zid," he began casually, "what's your story? What brought you here, really?"
Zid met Kiaan's gaze without flinching, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "You could say I'm here to be useful. To contribute. To keep things… interesting."
Dev shifted uneasily, and Tara exchanged a glance with Rehaan. They noticed Zid's subtle efforts to embed himself closer—leaning in a bit too much, his eyes flicking from one team member to another, trying to catch reactions.
Trying to keep the conversation light, Kiaan pressed on, "Interesting how? What kind of 'contributions' are we talking about?"
Zid chuckled softly. "Let's just say I like knowing everything that's going on around me. Makes me… efficient."
Tara's voice cut through the murmur. "Efficient? Sounds more like a spy's motto."
Zid's smile deepened, unfazed. "Perhaps. Or maybe just someone who likes to be prepared."
The others exchanged glances again. Something about Zid didn't add up. He was smooth, confident, and maybe even too eager to fit in.
Kiaan leaned back, eyes narrowing just a touch. "Alright, Zid. We'll see how you fit into this team. For now, enjoy the tea."
Zid raised his cup with a slight nod, but Kiaan noticed the cold edge behind the gesture. The game had just begun.