“Fine. Just hurry up and finish your work. See you in a bit.”

He ended the call as soon as he said it. I didn’t even get to say goodbye.

I admit that it’s a wrong move to push him on dinner together at least not this soon. I was asking nicely though, trying to be friendly in hope that he’ll agree to it without a hassle but when he rejected, I went crazy.

The growl and the demanding orders were from the demons that slipped the cage of emotion for a mere minute. I unconsciously uttered the words without consent that it might sounds harsh to him. For whatever reason, I got so mad the moment he rejected my offer that I ended up calling him on the spot.

I mean, come on. I’m just trying to be nice here, why do you have to turn me down? There’s not many people rejected me other than my close family members but it’s been awhile since we met and this is the first time in decades that I got rejected. I’m not used to people telling me no. Maybe that’s one of the reason I got annoyed.

Geez, Derek. Calm down, it’s his preference. Besides, he did told you he’s tired. Maybe tonight’s not a great time to start bonding with him. This is not a great beginner for our relationship.

Bet, he’s afraid of me already. Yes, he agreed to me just now, but first, because I made him, I pushed him into agreeing and second, he even suggested to walk there. He’s definitely scared of me.

Great job, Mr Collen.

I looked at the paperwork which I still got tons of it stacking in front of me that need to be check and sign but I think it’ll have to wait. Judging by Puff’s attitude just now, I can’t guarantee he’s going to wait for me until all of this finished.

If you asked me whether I can do it like this, well, that’s the perks of being your own boss. No, I’m kidding. Of course I can spare myself today but the me tomorrow will definitely mad at the me now for all this piles. For now, I just have to enjoy myself.

Looked at my branded Rolex on my left wrist, it’s already 5.17pm. I better hurry. So, I pack my briefcase then walk to the exit. As I was heading to the private elevator, I took out my phone from the breast pocket.

A deep male voice answered after only two rings, “Yes, sir?”

“Harry, get the car ready. I’m heading down now. I’ll be having a guest so if you see a boy in a blue suit standing like a lost child there, tell him to get inside the limo. I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Right away, sir.”

Then, I ended the call and press the button to the bottom floor of this building. As I waited for it to go all the way down, I’m battling with myself whether to call Jigglypuff or not. Regarding his behavior, I again can’t assure that he’ll go inside the limo merely from Harry’s order.

But then decided not to since I’m almost there. He’ll take time to answer the call, perhaps he answered it when I’m already beside him.

[B2 Floor]

I exited the elevator and found myself in amusement as I saw the scene in front of me.

There stood Harry and Cody face to face, clearly in the middle of an argument which results them not noticing me standing just a few feet away from them so I decided to watch the entertainment they serve.

“Sir, you need to get in the car. My boss said-” Harry politely said but with a hint of frustration. God knows how long he’d tried to convince the boy to get inside and something about the boy afraid of being kidnap by Harry.

Come on, puff. This is not a cliche wattpad story.

“I’m sorry, sir but I cannot. I’m not even eligible to step in there in my cheap suit.” the latter reply. Okay, this is where I step in.

“Who says you have to be eligible to be in the limo?” I said, sternly as I walk closer to them.

Harry nodded and step back, signaling me to take over the matter. On the other hand, Cody was startled as his shoulder bounce quite aggressively while looking behind him.

“Fuck, you scared me.” he said as he rubbed his chest, trying to calm his sudden increase of heartbeat due to his surprise. I keep my face expressionless as I stare at him.

“Why don’t you get inside?”

“Look, I know we’re going dinner- no, I’m a say we’re going to grab dinner together but can we go there on our separate ways because I don’t want anyone see me riding that expensive vehicle you got there.”

“Puff, there’s a reason why the word ‘dinner’ and ‘together’ in the same sentence.”

“Hm, so… no?”

“Of course not. Get inside.”

He pouted before finally heading to the opened car door by Harry who’s been waiting in the same position since I took over the conversation. As he got inside, Harry closed the door and ready to open the door on the other side for me but I stopped him.

“It’s okay. I’ll take care of it myself.” I said before flashing a genuine smile at him which he responded with a slight nod then went to the driver side.

I walked to the other side with the same smile until I got inside, throwing my attention straight to the boy beside me. He didn’t look at me though, he’s looking outside the window like it’s the most fascinating thing with the pout still hovering on his face. I can’t help the smirk that’s curving my lips as I witness it.

He’s cute.

“Our destination, sir?”

Harry’s question brought me back to reality. “To the Aurum, please.” I simply said then back staring at the boy.

I decided to choose Aurum among many restaurant. Not only it’s the closest, but it also one of the restaurant that offer large sized private room. It’s usually used for private meeting with clients and I think it’s perfect for our dinner occasion this evening.

“Right away.” he replied as he put the divider back up, leaving the privacy to the two pf us to start converse in peace and in a more friendly manner.

The car started to move and I saw he’s still looking outside, choosing to sit the furthest as the limo seat could suggest which I found it quite disappointing. He showed no interest in communicating at all, it’s not a healthy friendship if it stays like this.

“Puff, do you hate me?” Finally broke the silence.

He still didn’t look at me but reply half heartedly, “No.”

“Then, why don’t you look at me?” He faced me as soon as I said it. Those pout was gone but replace with a plain expression.

“No reason. To be honest, I’m kinda nervous to where you’re going to bring me. Is it somewhere fancy?” He asked, out of curiosity.

“Do you wanna go somewhere fancy?”

“No, no, no. That’s not what I meant.” He said with both of his hands expressing his denial. “I’m not used to enter a five star restaurant. I don’t belong there.” pause before continuing with full enthusiasm, “Maybe we can grab a burger down town. I know a good place.”

I chuckle at his exclaimed. He’s very passionate when it comes to something he likes or simply acknowledge about. He only stare at me with confusion written all over his face.

“We can do that other time. For now, I’m going to serve you the best food you’ll ever tasted in your 24 years of living.”

“Really?” He tried to hide the excitement but failed miserably. I nodded with a smile curving my lips.

He wipe all the emotions off his face after maybe noticing my smile. Leaving a natural, expressionless face displayed while clearing his throat and straightening his posture. “I mean, sure if you insist.”

He’s trying to play cool when I can almost see him salivating over an imaginary cuisine in his head. Relax, puff. Once we get there, I’m going to treat you like you never been treated before.

The rest of our journey spent in a comfortable silence. Both of us knew we’re in a good term now unlike before so there’s nothing both of us need to worry or anxious about.

Not long after that, we arrived at the entrance of Aurum. Harry dropped us right at the porch and greeted by a worker opening the door on my side. I caught a glimpse of his surprised look as he bow down low to me after opening the door.

I got out and Cody followed right behind me. I waited for him to completely got out of the car before looking ahead of us and saw the manager of Aurum along with a few of the staffs were lining up the door wearing those professional smile on.

The manager walked up to me with her hand clamps together positioned in the middle of her stomach, displaying politeness. “Good evening, Mr Collen. I didn’t know you will pay us a visit. You should have inform us in advance, sir so we can provide you our service to the fullest.”

I smile. Through the stable tone of hers, I can sense her nervousness lacing the whole dialog but I choose to ignore since she did try her best to ensure she’s not breaking apart while uttering those words. Professionalism there is gold.

“It’s okay, Mrs Demara. It’s a last minute occasion after all. I might need to use one of the private diner room here. Is there any available at the moment?” I asked with the same politeness as hers.

“Of course, Mr Collen. Come with me.” she said excitedly and gesture us to follow her with the other staffs.

I turned to down on Cody who was standing beside me, closer than usual that our arms are touching. “Are you okay, puff? You looked edgy.” I said.

We walked side by side slowly, no rush following Mrs Demara to an elevator as Cody looked up at me with gritted teeth. He got closer to me as if want to whisper something so I ducked enough to meet him half way, “I’m not sure about this anymore, Derek. This is a really, like REALLY fancy restaurant. I don’t feel good about eating here.”

Before I can reply, the elevator blare a soft ding before opening the metallic door elegantly. “This way, sir.” Mrs Demara said and continue leading the way.

I didn’t get a chance to reply back to Cody as we walk through the public dine table and it’s a little hard to speak in those crowds. It’s not that many people though, but still there’s people chatting and a soft jazz music accompanying everybody in a pleasant volume.

“Here it is, Mr Collen.”

Mrs Demara open a beautifully carved wooden door, revealing a round glass table with two leather chairs facing each other. Cutlery was organized neatly on the table with different sizes of plates and wine glass on the right side.

The other staffs helped us with our seat, pulling it back slightly for us to step in but being a complicated man as Cody is, he refuses the treatment towards him and immediately sat down without waiting for the staff. I found myself smile at this peculiar action.

Mrs Demara gave each of us a golden menu book and stand beside me, waiting for our order. I saw that Cody was confused with the menu its own, quirking his eyebrows and can’t help myself but to chuckle at his response. Menu can get confusing at times.

So I did the honor to order everything since I don’t know what Cody likes and he too seem clueless either. Might as well order everything and see which one he enjoys the most.

“We’ll have everything.”

“EVERYTHING?!”

He yelled but immediately slapped his mouth shut with his hands. That’s a nice way to break the silence.

“For drink, sir?”

“Red wine for two.” I said and handed over the menu.

Cody passed the menu with the other staff that gladly received it while still shutting his mouth with the other hand. In an instant, all of them exit the room and leave us alone all to ourselves.

Then he let go of his mouth, “Mr Collen, are you crazy?! I don’t have that much money to pay for the bills. Even if we split it half, I don’t think my money enough for that. Did you see those prices? It’s my whole apartment rent for a medium steak.”

“Loosen up, puff. You don’t have to pay for it.”

“What do you mean? You expect me to let you bought me all of that? You’ll be fucking poor in one evening.”

I let out a scoff, “It need more than the whole menu to make me go bankrupt. Relax, it’s on me.”

“How can I relax when I know it’s on you? It’s the whole reason why I can’t be comfortable around you.”

“And why is that?”

“Because it makes me feel like a mistress. I told you before.”

“I don’t see a re-”

“You don’t see? Well, let me see. You brought me here in your super expensive car and ordered everything on the menu when it’s only two of us dining. Doesn’t it ring a bell to you?”

“It’s because I don’t know what you like.”

“You can just ask me before you made the decision.”

“Even if I ask, you wouldn’t know what to order, am I right?” He looked flustered by the statement and opened his lips before closing it again. Speechless because it hit the right spot that he can’t deny.

“Apart from the reason I chose this place to have dinner, I’m actually scheduled to visit here with my acquaintance for a yearly check up, for the service, food and the circumstances here in general. So either way, I still need to go here. Hope that will make you feel a lot better.”

“Are you serious? You’re not making this up just to make me feel good?”

I shake my head. “Nope. I’m totally serious. Now that we’re here, I don’t have to go for the second time on that scheduled date. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.” He let out a sigh of relief as I said that.

“Besides, this is not how I plan to make you feel good.” Flashing my infamous smirk at him.

He lifted one of his eyebrow in confusion at first but after a few moment digesting the information, he blushed that the tip of his ear’s getting red.

“Fucking stop that. You’ll make me look like a real sugar baby if you keep saying those things.”

I only laugh as a respond, clearly having so much fun teasing him. I do looking forward to our dinner and I’m 100% sure I’ll be very much entertain with this one creature in front of me. 

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