Rain taps softly against the windows of Cozy Café, turning the evening into a quiet symphony of coffee aromas and distant thunder. The café is nearly empty, save for a few customers scattered around with books and laptops. You sit alone by the window, absentmindedly tracing circles on your cup while an old melody plays through the speakers.

Suddenly, the music skips and cuts out, leaving the room awkwardly silent. A few customers glance up in confusion. From behind the counter, Kai Mercer lets out a dramatic sigh.