A week after that day, Chester was finally back to work—which also meant, he was finally back to lunch at Blue Rose!

As expected, Sebastian was ecstatic when he saw the office worker entering the café, wearing beige sweatshirt over white shirt and tight fit black jeans. Looking fluffy and uncomfortable, he had his ID card slinging over his neck.

“Chester!” Sebastian greeted, a little too enthusiastic, like a dog that hadn’t seen his owner for a day. Finding the overenthusiastic guy, Chester clicked his tongue and turned around as though he wanted to leave. “Chesteeer! Don’t leave meeee!” the part-timer cried, waving his hands comically.

Expecting the reaction, Chester laughed heartily. He didn’t want to leave, after all—he was just teasing the part-timer. Chester spun around, striding towards the counter. Behind the counter was a man gleaming in joy that he didn’t bother to hide. Chester giggled, watching the expression of the man. He could even see a tint of red on the part-timer’s cheeks.

Well, having someone looking forward to you every day wasn’t so bad of a feeling, it seemed.

Chester ordered and the part-timer rang his orders. Sebastian read the total—which Chester had memorized, really, what with coming to this place every day—out loud and the office worker gave his card.

As the cashier input the nominal on EDC machine, he glanced at the customer. “How are you feeling?” he asked. “It’s been a while.”

Indeed, it had been a while. Sebastian never visited Chester again ever since that day—both for his sake and for Chester’s sake. He told Chester to call him any time he needed him—and he did it. A few times, actually. Though, Sebastian initially wanted Chester to call him any time he needed someone to care for him. Yet, he called him for the sake of talking.

Which, to be honest, was really nice, too.

“Yeah,” Chester agreed. “I’m feeling great, thanks—oh, Ray!” His eyes gleamed at the sight of another waiter behind Sebastian.

The waiter in question spun around, greeting the office worker with a smile. “Hey, Chet, been a while.”

“A while, yes,” Chester agreed. “How’s Quentin?”

Ray wiped his hands with a towel before approaching the customer. “A little emotional, I think,” he grimaced. “Otherwise, perfectly fine.”

“Oh, I see,” the smile on Chester’s face fell. “I hope he’s alright.”

“Yeah, his assignments are getting too much,” Ray snickered. “Really, really. He’s alright, except for the occasional loathing. His assignments are too much.”

“Oh,” Chester sighed in relief. He thought something was wrong with Ray’s roommate, but it seemed that he was alright. “Well, that’s good then,” he waved, turning to his usual seat.

As the office worker left, Sebastian turned to his colleague. “Not to be rude, but I’ve been meaning to ask,” he said, though his voice sounded unsure. “Who’s... Quentin?”

Expecting a really deep question, Ray laughed when the real question was asked. He patted Sebastian’s back. “Were you wondering about him these days?” he asked between in laughter. “Don’t be a stranger, man, it’s alright.”

“Well, just wondering,” Sebastian laughed awkwardly. “I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t know.”

“People aren’t as kind as we want,” Ray said firmly. “Well, he’s my roomie. Spoiled one, so I take care of him a lot. I think you’re the same age as him.”

“Is that why you were taking day-offs?”

“Yeah, I take care of him—a lot.” Ray answered; his smile was still stuck on his face.

Sebastian nodded, not sure what to say anymore. Well, at least one thing had been lifted off from his mind. All he needed to do now was make the best coffee for Chester who was finally back!

Eager to have a talk, Sebastian brought the coffee to Chester himself. He grinned like a happy puppy; didn’t even bother to hide his excitement.

Well, whatever. Chester didn’t mind. “Hey,” he decided to greet the young man, knowing that he wouldn’t have the courage to bother his lunchtime by making small talk.

As expected, even a little greeting was enough to make Sebastian ecstatic. He grinned like crazy; pink hues on his cheeks. “Yeah, hey,” he greeted back, too eager that it became unnatural.

Chester scoffed, hiding his laughter behind his hand. “You’re being weird!” he burst out in laughter.

Sebastian frowned, hiding his face in embarrassment. “Well, sorry for being excited,” he whined. “I mean, it’s been a while.”

Calming down his laughter, Chester smiled at the waiter. His pale cheeks were blushing, either from his laughter or anything else. “True,” he agreed. “And I’ve been bothering you a lot.”

“You aren’t a bother, man.”

Supporting his head with his hands, Chester pursed his lips. “Simp.”

“Dude, no,” the part-timer laughed. “I’m serious, man, I’m glad that you rely on me.”

The office worker shrugged, as he couldn’t keep himself from grinning. “Well, I want to thank you,” he said, finally. “And I don’t accept answer like ‘you don’t need to’, okay? Tell me what you want.”

Bingo. Sebastian almost answered that he didn’t need anything—because, well, he didn’t need anything. He wanted to help Chester because he wanted to, and Chester relying to him was already such a reward. Though, if he had to—well, there was something he wanted.

“Then, let’s go on a date.”