Kaeso was left speechless. Considering his behavior and two pieces of cake waiting for him, Kaeso could not be mad at the old man.

"Is it some special occasion?" He asked, smiling.

"Today is the anniversary of the beginning of our friendship."

"I already told you, we…" Kaeso made a break to take a bite of the pie. "...are not friends. Why do you even remember about it?" He continued talking with his mouth full.

"I have added the notification to the calendar. See?"

"You are a real creep. Why am I even meeting with you?"

"Because, besides me, you scare everybody."

"Shut up." He got back at Adam, taking another bite.

Kaeso had already finished the first dessert. It was so delicious that he thought of buying the third piece. 

"Is that what you thought about me when we first met?"

"What do you mean?"

"That, I am a creep, as you called me?" Adam seemed a little bit wounded by his words.

"Yeah, I thought you were some kind of pervert, liking young boys. And today, I am getting convinced that it might be true thou."

"So why did you agree to meet with me?" 

"The answer is simple." Kaeso grinned, raising the last bite of the cake on the fork as if he was making a toast. "Cake." 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------

Because Kaeso and Adam's conversations were full of sarcasm and little taunts, it would seem to an outsider that they do not keen on each other. However, their relationship was full of respect and trust. After the banter, there was always time for serious discussion concerning their interests, newly discovered bands, films, books, and of course, Kaeso's paintings. 

"Come on, let me see it." Adam took the phone held by Kaeso to see today's "fixed" graffiti.

"Wooow… looks much better. Your work is the real art."

"Others' paintings made around the mall are also interesting. They need more practice."

"Or more talent? Don't sell yourself short. You cannot let it waste."

Kaeso preferred to avoid bringing up topics concerning the future. It was making him feel insecure and uncomfortable, reminding him of how little impact he had on the surrounding reality. Even though Adam knew it, he did not want to resign from raising the subject. The old man cared too much.

"I just want everything to stay as it is." Kaeso answered shortly to avoid the topic.

"There always will be a place for you here, but you need to think about the future."

"I am already tired of it..."

"Future or thinking?"

"Both."

It was inevitable. No matter how much he wanted to run from it, Kaeso must have considered what was upcoming. Not knowing how he wanted the future to look like or who he would like to be, made it difficult. Teachers at school were repeating that everyone should do what they love. "This is the key to happiness." The current job was something Kaeso enjoyed but was not entirely satisfying. It provided him with earnings. That is why he decided to hire in the same position after completing community service, but it was not giving him the freedom he sought. Moreover, there was also one additional problem.

"You know, we won't be needed soon. They brought her with supplies today."

"When will it start to work?"

"I heard that maybe in two months."

"Is there no other place it can be tested?"

"Get used to treating them like people. Her name is Beatrice."

"Since when are we giving names to dishwashers or vacuum cleaners?"

"Give them a chance. Androids are much more intelligent than most people you have ever known. You may learn a lot from them. Not to take advantage of such an opportunity is a waste."

"You were talking with it?"

"Her." He corrected Kaeso.