WHERE ARE YOU NOW (CHAP 1: first meet)

*today is rain heavily. ezekiel walking down the street in the heavy rain and suddenly he saw a food stand that sell octopus, without thinking twice, he apporach the stand and start order 2 big octopus with BBQ sauce. while he waiting, suddenly a blonde man bump on him and make ezekiel almost fall, before ezekiel reach the floor, the man quickly grab him and stare at him*

Ezekiel: Let me go.

Ryan: *laughs* No, not until I say so. By the way, my name’s Ryan. What about you?

Ezekiel: That’s none of your damn business.

Ryan: Grumpy, huh?

*Ezekiel rolls his eyes and steps back*

*Ryan steps closer, offering his hand Let’s be friends.*

*Ezekiel hesitates, then shakes his hand without thinking*

Ryan: So… what’s your name?

Ezekiel: Ezekiel.

Ryan: Nice to meet you, Ezekiel. You’re… quite handsome.

Ezekiel: *shocked* WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! Of course I am! At least I’m not gay.

Ryan: *blushing, stammering* W-what do you mean? I’m not gay!

Ezekiel: iscoffs* Now back off. I want to pay for my octopus.

Ryan: Mind if I pay it for you?

Ezekiel: No.

*Ryan quickly transfers the payment before Ezekiel can stop him*

Ezekiel: WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY PAYING FOR ME?!

Ryan: *grins* So what are you gonna do, handsome?\~

Ezekiel: *disgusted, takes the octopus from the seller* Thanks.

Ryan: *grabs his arm before he leaves* Can I have your number, pleaaase?

*Ezekiel sighs heavily, then reluctantly gives his number*

TIME SKIP

*after a months of chatting, ryan and ezekiel became closer and ryan seem like he likes ezekiel but he doesn’t want to confess it yet because he know ezekiel is staight, meanwhile, ezekiel just think that ryan only his best friend. one day, when ezekiel do his job as a barista, he saw ryan come in to the bar, ryan feel his heart beating so fast when he saw ezekiel. ezekiel look at him and smile

Ezekiel: *smile as welcoming* welcome to mercy bar, can i help you?

*ryan just smiling there*

Ezekiel: *sighs and rubs his forehead*

Ryan, this is a bar, not some dating app. Stop fooling around and order.

Ryan: *leans on the counter, smirking*

Then I’ll order a latte… made with extra love from you.

Ezekiel: *deadpans while making the drink*

You’re unbelievable.

Ryan: *rests his chin on his hand, watching Ezekiel* And yet, you still talk to me every day.

Ezekiel: *pauses, glancing at him for a second before quickly looking away* That’s because you’re annoying if I don’t.

Ryan: *grins wider* So I’m special enough to be annoying? I’ll take that as progress.

Ezekiel: *places the latte in front of him with a sharp clink* Here. Drink it. And don’t say anything stupid again.

Ryan: *takes a sip, eyes softening* It’s sweet… just like you.

Ezekiel: *almost drops the tray he’s holding* RYAN!!

*Some of the other customers turn their heads. Ezekiel’s face turns slightly red, and he quickly hides behind the counter. Ryan just laughs softly, looking at him like he’s the only person in the room.*

Ezekiel: *flustered, hiding behind the counter* Stop saying things like that!

Ryan: *pretends to sip his latte innocently* What? I’m just being honest.

Ezekiel: *grumbles while cleaning a glass* You’re impossible.

Ryan: *smirking* And yet, here you are, still talking to me.

Ezekiel: *points the rag at him* Only because you refuse to leave me alone.

Ryan: *leans closer across the counter* Maybe I like it here. Maybe I like… you.

Ezekiel: *slams the rag down* RYAN! Stop embarrassing me in front of customers!

*Several people chuckle quietly at the scene. Ezekiel’s ears burn red as he turns away, muttering under his breath.*

Ryan: *pretends to be hurt, clutching his chest dramatically* Ow… straight to the heart. You wound me, Ezekiel.

Ezekiel: *rolls his eyes* Good. Maybe you’ll finally shut up.

Ryan: *grins* Never.

*Ezekiel hands him a napkin to wipe his mouth. Ryan takes it, but instead of using it, he sticks it on Ezekiel’s head like a hat. Ezekiel freezes, then rips it off, glaring at him.*

Ezekiel: *growls* You’re such a child!

Ryan: *laughs* A child who makes you laugh, sometimes. Don’t deny it.

Ezekiel: *sputters* I—! I don’t laugh at you!

Ryan: *teasing* Really? Then what about last week when I slipped on the wet floor and you almost choked trying to hold it in?

Ezekiel: *face turning pink* T-that wasn’t funny!

Ryan: *smiles warmly* You smiled though. And that’s enough for me.

*For a brief moment, Ezekiel pauses, his eyes flickering with something softer, but he quickly looks away, busying himself with wiping the counter again.*

Ezekiel: *muttering*Just drink your latte and leave already.

Ryan: *finishes his cup in one gulp, setting it down proudly* Done. But I’ll be back tomorrow.

Ezekiel: *glares at him, exasperated* Don’t you have a life?

Ryan: *grins while standing up* Yeah. You’re part of it.

Ezekiel: *speechless, hiding his face with the rag again* …Idiot.

*Ryan chuckles softly, heading for the door. Just before leaving, he glances back at Ezekiel, who’s pretending to be busy behind the counter. His smile lingers, gentle this time.*

Ryan: *to himself as he walks out* One day, Ezekiel… you’ll realize you don’t hate me as much as you think.

*The bar quiets down after Ryan leaves. Ezekiel finally lowers the rag, his cheeks still slightly red. He exhales, shaking his head with a small, reluctant smile before returning to his work.*

⸻

[End of Chapter 1]

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