DID YOU JUST ASK HIM OUT??? WHAT ARE YOU DOING, ASTER LUX??? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND??? ARE YOU INSANE???

Aster's mind had gone to war with itself. His chaotic emotions were at odds with each other, tearing his brain apart with their conflict. The cacophony of different feelings and opinions flooded his entire being, causing his heart to thump with anxiety.

I'm sure that when he rejects me, there's a good reason.

Calix shrugged. The disappointment that was on his face remained, but his answer surprised Aster.

"Sure, why not, I guess?"

Hold on, he actually said yes?!

However, Calix never wore his happiness on his face. The only time Aster had seen him do so was when he was singing with Lila, further contributing to his mounting feelings of jealousy towards her.

Wait a minute, did he only say yes because there's nothing better to do? Or worse, just because he feels too awkward to decline?

Aster detected that Calix was not particularly interested in the outing. He realised how similar Calix's demeanour was to his own whenever Ash wanted to go out with him. 

It doesn't matter. I'm still spending time alone with Calix!

"Great! Where do ya wanna go?"

"There's a cafe around fifteen minutes away that I wanna try. You cool with that?"

Thank goodness he made a suggestion. I've still never eaten anywhere besides the canteens at CUA, and those would be too lame for a date.

This isn't even a date. What am I thinking?

***

The cafe was a short bus ride from the school. During the entire ride, Calix did not say a word the whole way at all. He was truly an enigma. He did not sound interested in going out, yet he had a cafe suggestion in mind, but then he stayed completely silent until they reached their stop.

I really can't get a gauge of what's on his mind.

"Let's get off here."

The cafe was right behind the bus stop. A large signboard outside read "Eggies and Brekkies, all day eggs, all day breakfast." A picture of the cafe's cute egg mascot was also present, but otherwise, the facade of the cafe was composed of several surface-to-ceiling glass windows. Aster peered through one of them, looking at the bustling interior of the eatery. 

Seems pretty full. I hope there's space.

Calix turned to Aster.

"One of my friends recommended this all-day breakfast cafe, but I've never had the chance to try it until now. I'm sure you'd like the food, considering you love eggs."

He remembers?!

The door chime rang, and a staff member walked out. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore a light brown apron with a drawing of a sunny side-up on it. She greeted Calix and Aster with a smile.

"Welcome to Eggies & Brekkies! Table for two?"


Calix nodded, and the staff member turned around and looked behind her. She spotted a single empty table at the far corner of the crowded cafe.

"Lucky you! We only have one last table available. Enjoy!"

She handed Calix and Aster a menu each and sent them on their way. The restaurant was clearly egg-themed- Framed pictures of eggs cooked in different ways lined the yellow and white walls, and the counter in front had several egg plush toys sitting on it. Even the lights hanging down from the ceiling were egg-shaped. Calix and Aster took to their seats and started browsing through the menu. Every dish had eggs in it- in one form or another.

Both Aster and Calix looked up from the menu at the same time, and their eyes met. Aster felt a sudden jolt. His heart rate started increasing, and he felt a warm sensation around his face. He was blushing.

Oh no. I gotta play it cool. Cool and composed, Aster.

His instincts betrayed him. His blush only grew more intense, and he hid his head behind the menu once more. 

I'll just hide behind this until we're ready to order.

"Have you decided what you wanna order?"

Aster lowered the menu, revealing his fully red face.

"I'm probably getting an Eggs Benedict."

"I'll order a carbonara. By the way, are you okay? Your face is turning quite red. Are you feeling feverish?"

Aster had yet to prepare an excuse. 

"It is? Umm"

He scurried through his mind to quickly fabricate some form of justification while trying to fight the feeling of being flustered.

"It must be the walk. I'll go place our orders at the counter, then wash my face at the toilet."

Aster stood up and briskly walked to the counter, his embarrassment refusing to subside.

"Be back soon!" he shouted, far louder than he meant to.

He approached the counter, feeling judgment emanating from all the egg plush toys and the cashier.

"One Eggs Benedict and one carbonara for table 25. Thanks!" 

Before the cashier could confirm his order, he turned around and headed straight to the toilet. The next ten minutes were nerve-wracking. Aster washed his face and tried to calm himself down, but to no avail. He looked in the mirror to check on his appearance.

The reddish undertones of his usual peachy skin were now prominently visible, especially on his cheeks. He adjusted his semi-curly, orange hair, scrambling to make himself as visually pleasing as he could. One particular curl kept falling in a way he did not like, and he eventually conceded the battle against it. He needed to give himself a pep talk before he was prepared to go out.

"Come on Aster, you've been in here for almost ten minutes! Stay calm. You're just friends. This isn't even a date."

Am I ready now? Nope, but whatever. What's the worst that could happen?

Aster pushed the door open calmly. He took a step outside and turned the corner, and immediately became flustered once again. Calix was standing there, his fine figure leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, waiting. Once again, Aster had been put under Calix's trance. 

Dammit, was he outside the whole time?