It had been two weeks since Ryan last came to the bar.
For the first few days, Ezekiel didn’t think much of it. He told himself Ryan was probably busy or finally realized how annoying he was being.
But as the days turned into a week, and then two, Ezekiel started noticing something odd. The bar felt… quieter.
Too quiet.
He caught himself glancing at the door more often than he wanted to admit, half-expecting that familiar grin and ridiculous flirting. But it never came.
One evening, while cleaning the counter, Ezekiel sighed heavily.
Ezekiel: muttering “Finally some peace… so why does it feel so weird?”
Co-worker (Mira): teasing, leaning over the counter “You’re missing your boyfriend, huh?”
Ezekiel: choking on air “HE’S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!”
Mira: laughing “Uh-huh. Sure. You just miss the guy who flirts with you every day and calls you handsome.”
Ezekiel: grumbling “I don’t miss him! He’s just… annoying. And now the bar feels too quiet, that’s all.”
Mira: smirks “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
Ezekiel rolls his eyes and focuses back on his work, though her words stick in his mind.
⸻
Later that night, after closing, Ezekiel walks home through the chilly evening air. Rain starts to drizzle again just like the first day they met.
He pulls his jacket tighter, mumbling to himself.
Ezekiel: “Why am I even thinking about that idiot…”
Then, suddenly
Voice from behind: “Miss me?”
Ezekiel freezes.
He slowly turns around… and there he is — Ryan, standing under an umbrella, looking smug as ever.
Ezekiel: blinking in disbelief “RYAN?! Where the hell have you been?!”
Ryan: grins sheepishly “You noticed I was gone?”
Ezekiel: crosses his arms “No! I just—… the bar was quiet, that’s all!”
Ryan: steps closer, smiling softly “I had to go back home for a bit. Family stuff. Didn’t mean to disappear on you.”
Ezekiel: frowns, trying to hide his relief “You could’ve texted, idiot. I thought—” pauses, realizing what he’s saying “I thought you finally left me alone.”
Ryan: teasing “Aww, were you worried?”
Ezekiel: blushing “N-no! I don’t care what happens to you!”
Ryan: laughing “Sure you don’t.”
Ryan holds the umbrella over both of them, his shoulder brushing against Ezekiel’s. The warmth between them feels… different this time.
Ezekiel: quietly “…You’re still annoying.”
Ryan: smiles gently “And you’re still cute when you’re mad.”
Ezekiel huffs, but doesn’t move away.
⸻
The next day, Ryan shows up at the bar again, this time with a small paper bag.
Ezekiel: suspiciously “What’s that?”
Ryan: “Peace offering. Your favorite — octopus with BBQ sauce.”
Ezekiel blinks, surprised he remembered.
Ezekiel: “You… remembered that?”
Ryan: grins “Of course. It’s the first thing you ever yelled at me about.”
Ezekiel takes the bag reluctantly, trying to hide the small smile creeping on his lips.
Ezekiel: muttering “Thanks… I guess.”
Ryan: leans on the counter “So, do I get a smile as a thank you?”
Ezekiel: glares “You already got one. Don’t push it.”
Ryan laughs, and Ezekiel shakes his head, fighting the warmth in his chest.
⸻
As the evening goes on, they fall back into their usual banter Ryan teasing, Ezekiel pretending to be annoyed.
But as Ryan gets up to leave, he pauses, looking more serious than usual.
Ryan: “Hey, Ezekiel…”
Ezekiel: “What?”
Ryan: hesitates “I… missed you.”
Ezekiel’s breath catches for a second. Ryan smiles softly before turning to leave.
Ezekiel: quietly, to himself “…Idiot.”
But this time, he can’t stop the small, genuine smile that forms on his lips.
⸻
[End of Chapter 2]
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