Chapter 24 — Back at it Again
Across the two men who were chattering like old ladies, I couldn’t help but frown the entire time after being held here against my will. Going home after classes has always been my everyday routine unless it was my shift. There’s nothing more relaxing but to go home and sleep. However, upon meeting these two coincidentally, that plan has been toppled. Horribly.
The smell of delicious Chinese food specifically steamed rice and shumai, entered my nostrils and it made me see heaven for a few seconds. The only good thing that came out of this sudden meeting was food. It is always food.
“Sorry to rain on your parade, Clarke.” Aiden sighed while shaking his head. “But I can’t agree with that sentiment.”
“Huh? Why?” As if betrayed by his own brother, Aurelius sported a hurt expression. “Why can’t you see that it’s such a brilliant idea?!”
A scowl directed to his friend, Aiden grumbled. “There is no way I would agree to skinny dippy or whatever you just said in a freezing lake. If you want to die so badly, don’t bring other people with you. I have a life to live, and a wife to take care of.”
Eyeing his plate, I spotted an untouched shumai neatly sitting near his noodles. Still hungry but not enough to make me order another batch, I inwardly chuckled.
Sorry, Aiden. But it’s time to say goodbye to that shumai of yours.
I snorted. “Elise? Let me tell you this in case you’re not aware. She lived without a man for almost her whole life.” Giving a dismissive wave with a smirk, I watched as both men stare at me in curiosity. “She’ll survive, so don’t worry. I’ve been with her for almost the entire time, so I know.”
“So, uh…” Scratching his head, Aiden mumbled. Obviously thrown off with what I stated. “You mean to tell me that she doesn’t need me?” When I nodded, he frowned a bit. “I mean, I can see how she is independent but…”
Shrugging, I didn’t give him time to react and took the shumai. I instantly placed it inside my mouth and smiled. Aiden, who didn’t have time to react, gawked at me with wide eyes. Just staring at me as I chewed.
“Are you serious?”
“That’s what you get for being distracted, Mr. Salvador,” I replied, not regretting how I stole his food. It would be a great story to tell to Elise. “Oh, and what I said earlier? A total lie. That woman would definitely die if you don’t take care of her—”
Aurelius then choked on his tea, surprising us both. Hurriedly, I gave him tissues and a glass of water. The waiter that passed by immediately approached us and asked if he was all right, to which Aurelius assured him. Putting a hand over my mouth, I giggled at how comedic it all was.
He just got back here in Devont City, now he’s acting goofy again. I swear, I’m kind of confused whether he is just unlucky or he could pass as a comedian.
“Are you okay?” Aiden patted the blonde's shoulder, looking very concerned for the man who almost choked on his tea. “This is why you should be more careful.”
“Are you still ten or something?” I asked with an eyebrow raised at Aurelius as he wiped his chin free of the green liquid. The British man merely grinned and went back to eating his meal. Quietly shaking my head at how humorous—or just plain stupid—the guy is, my attention diverted to the bigger picture as both men converse. Then it dawned upon me, and I couldn’t stop squealing.
“E-eh? What’s the matter, Alex?” Aurelius was slightly shocked at how giddy I am, yet I could see a hint of a smile. Aiden didn’t bother to ask, waiting patiently for my reply. Before I did, I could tell they would be speechless and in denial.
“To me, you two act like a married couple than a real couple could ever be.”
“What—”
“Really?”
Both of their facial expressions were such a huge contrast to each other. Aiden still had his regular stoic face, yet his eyes were a total giveaway. He was shocked as hell. Meanwhile, Aurelius was… Aurelius. He didn’t have any hint of disgust or anything negative at all. In fact, he seemed pretty happy about it.
What really made me laugh so hard that the other customers in the restaurant had to ask a waiter to intervene was when Elise arrived after her lessons and Aiden had a similar expression to a husband caught cheating.
“What did you do?” Elise questioned with a small accusatory tone. To answer her inquiry, I smiled innocently and patted the seat next to me for her to take.
“Nothing. I just told them how they act more like a married couple than you two will ever be.”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s it? Sheesh, so what? I knew that Aiden is attached to Aurelius despite him not saying it. And…”
“And?”
“Aiden doesn’t have any other friends.” Elise returned the smile, ignoring her husband’s protests at how what she said was downright mean.
“Yeah, I can totally see that.”
“Hey!” Aurelius pouted, pointing to himself. “What am I then?”
“His other wife,” Elise and I said simultaneously. “That’s what you are.”
» — ✣ — «
“Could you please stop staring and start talking?” Aurelius tensed and looked away after pointing out what he’s been doing for the last couple of minutes. Right after that delicious treat to dinner, we all parted ways. Aiden and Elise went back home. I was about to do the same, until halfway out of the restaurant, Aurelius proposed to walk me back to my apartment which was close by.
Mhm, it’s weird of him to do so. I mean, couldn’t we get there quicker by car?
“Um…” he mumbled, fidgeting a bit which I now noticed that it wasn’t due to the cold weather but nervousness. “I wanted to ask you… something.”
“Something?”
He nodded. “Y-yeah, I wanted to ask if you’re available tomorrow night.” Aurelius then paused before mumbling, “Are you?”
Oh, okay. I see where this is going…
Beaming inside, I pretended to sigh tiredly. “Huh? Tomorrow evening?” Closing my eyes and humming, wanting to seem like I was thinking deeply about it. “I don’t know… I have finals next week, and I really wanna study hard.”
“I-is that so…” he sounded dejected until I laughed. He was surprised then pouted hard. “Hey, were you totally messing with me?”
“No, I do have finals next week.” I deadpanned, stopping suddenly. “My mother would probably kill me if she found out that, instead of studying, I'm out on a date.”
“Huh?”
I giggled before resuming my walk, Aurelius catching behind me. It was silent between us, the sound of our shoes hitting the pavement filled my ears aside from our breathing. Once we arrived in front of my apartment, I faced him with a serious expression.
“I’m going.”
Aurelius gasped. “Really?! Are you sure?” Sensing how loud he is, he cleared his throat. Face all red. “But I thought your mum would get all angry? Do you want me to ask your mother for permission?”
Shaking my head quickly, I sent him a reassuring smile and placed a finger over my lips.
“Let’s just keep it a secret.”