Zeal was lying on his bed, thinking about the wild adventure he had yesterday. It was all so, fast, surreal, like a fever dream. The silver earring glistened under the sunlight, reminding him that it was, in fact, real. He picked up his phone, ten a.m., and there was a new message.
Kaelix, 2hrs ago.
Zeal opened the text, also amazed at how early Kaelix wakes up.
K : hey Zeal, it’s Kaelix :)
K : i just remembered that you’ve graduated this year
K : are you going to uni?15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKgaXpf0Xr
Z : Yes, majoring in business
To Zeal’s surprise, Kaelix responded immediately, to the extent that he wondered if the prep had been waiting for his message all morning, but then brushed the thought off. It was so outrageous it was laughable. What he doesn’t know was that Kaelix was, in fact, waiting for his reply all morning. Phone in his hand at all times, paranoid that he may miss the message. Kaelix was even starting to come up with 100 reasons why Zeal wasn’t answering.
K : when are you leaving?
Z : In two weeks
Z : Including today
Z : oh, so in 14
K : no it’s 10 in the morning
K : so in 13 days and 14 hours
Z : I would still say that’s 14 days
K : we should do something together for the rest of the two weeks! :D
K : to make up for the time we’ve lost ;D
Kaelix replied as he circled the date on his calendar, marking it “Zeal leave for uni”.
Zeal thought about saying something regarding Kaelix’s choice of diction, but decided against it. Instead he replied “Sure.”
K : how about coffee?
Z : Coffee sounds nice
K : this place?
Kaelix sent his message along with an address of a coffee shop near the studio he worked at. He thought that it would be in Zeal’s range considering the delinquent passed the area on the day they’ve met.
Z : Okay
K : lets meet tomorrow at noon then?
Z : Tomorrow’s good
K : i’ll see you there!!!
Even through text, Kaelix’s happiness was showing. It was also contagious, as a smile showed across Zeal’s lips without him realizing. He typed in his response.
Z : See you there
Zeal looked at the box of makeup, containing strong colors that he usually used, wondering if he should put it on as per usual. Just as he picks it up, he heard Kaelix’s voice ringing in his ear.
“Your eyes are beautiful, like sunsets and the northern lights.”
At the last moment, he sets it down back on the table, pinned on the gifted earring and left. Today, he wanted to try something new.
Despite being ten minutes early, Kaelix was already there. He noticed Zeal, froze for a second, then waved.
“Hey, I see you used a new look today.”
Zeal wasn’t wearing the strong eyeshadow and lipstick that he usually does, instead, he used the look that Kaelix made for him the other day. He could also see that the delinquent was wearing the gifted earring. The sight warmed Kaelix’s heart slightly, he was happy that Zeal actually liked it.
“Yeah, fell in love with the look. Thanks to you.”
“I’m glad that you liked it. Shall we go in?”
Zeal nodded, and the two of them walked in.
They were given a table next to the window. The both of them ordered black coffee, in addition to that, Kaelix ordered a plate of chocolates. Within minutes, the waiter comes back with their drinks. The fragrant aroma of coffee filled the air.
“I like the coffee here, it has a great aroma without being too bitter. The desserts are great too, I personally love the chocolates. They pair well with the coffee.”
Zeal watched as Kaelix adds milk into his coffee and stirs. A simple movement, nothing special, yet with such elegance. Sunlight shone on his snow-white hair, making it shine brighter. A sight of art, with the occasional chime of utensils in the background, matching the rhythm of Zeal’s heartbeat. It was only when Kaelix looked up once more did Zeal realize how rude he must’ve been.
“You have a sweet tooth as well, I assume?” Zeal asks as he sips his coffee, in attempt to regain his posture.
The coffee was smooth and he could taste the fruity notes in this blend. Unlike cheap coffee, where the aftertaste lingers and weighs, this one was light, disappearing without trace. It was nice, just as the prep said.
“Yeah, especially chocolates, they have a special place in my heart. But I have to limit it, along with many other things considering my occupation. Modeling is pretty sensitive to weight and body changes.” Although voiced in a casual tone, Zeal could pick up hints of disappointment in Kaelix’s words.
“Hmm, I see.”
“Oh! I hope that this place wasn’t too inconvenient for you.”
“No, in fact it was pretty close. I live nearby, we could hang out there sometime.”
“How about tomorrow? If you’re okay with it, that is.”
“Tomorrow sounds fine.”
“Same time, in front of this coffee shop?”
“I can send you my address if you’d like.”
“That would be absolutely perfect.”
It was then the waiter brings them their plate of chocolates. Bite sized truffles on a platter, covered in fine chocolate powder. The faint scent of chocolate blending in with the aroma of coffee.
“This is what I usually do whenever I come here. I have a bite of something sweet, then a sip of coffee. Here, try it out. These are 60% chocolates, not as sweet as commercial milk chocolates, but also not too bitter.” Kaelix says as he shifts the plate slightly closer in Zeal’s direction, silently encouraging him to try.
“First the chocolate.” Zeal picks one up as told and puts it in his mouth. A strong chocolate taste fills his mouth, the texture smooth and velvety. There was a slightly bitter aftertaste, but he tasted more of a nutty flavor. As the prep said, neither too sweet, nor too bitter.
“Then the coffee.” Zeal follows. The fruity notes of the coffee blends in with the nutty notes of the chocolate, bringing out a new flavor, elevating as a whole. As the coffee slid down his throat, it took all traces of the chocolate with it, leaving nothing behind.
“How was it?”
“Looks like this prep not only has a great sense of fashion, but also great sense in taste.”
“Bittersweet, just like the taste of love. I like it a lot.”
“You’ve been in love?” Zeal instantly regrets it was the words left his mouth. Asking something this personal this early felt rude. But he was also curious, as he hasn't heard any rumors of the prep's love life in school before. He holds his breath, waiting for a verdict.
“No, but that’s what everyone’s been saying how it feels like. Bittersweet, also warm and weak as if experiencing a light fever.”
The answer made the delinquent relax, letting out the breath he had been holding in relief. He doesn't even know what he was holding his breath for in the first place. The prep does things to his heart, somehow.
“Describing love as being sick sounds unpleasant.” Zeal furrows his brow.
“Really? I kinda like the warm feeling of a light fever.” Zeal’s brow tightens even more, with hints of worry and confusion.
Not sure if it was just Kaelix’s imagination, but Zeal seems to be more talkative, compared to the impression of Zeal he had from both a few days ago and in school. Perhaps it was because they were getting to know each other better, the iceberg melting with every exchange, uncovering things hidden beneath. Kaelix was excited, and grateful, for these small exchanges with Zeal. But he wanted more.
He wanted a deeper dive beneath that iceberg.
“Then, what do you think love should be?” Kaelix continues the conversation.
He wanted to know the real Zeal.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfCf3otdzc
-12 days until Zeal leaves for uni
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