chapter 3

EDEN's lounge area was nearly quiet─except for the sound of the occasional tapping of fingers─and Monroe and Ken's breathing─as both of them sat busy with their iPhones respectively. 

The orange-yellowish mini bulbs hung low above the mahogany counter─Roy was currently standing behind. The light grazed the wood with tenderness, the smallest of the lines on the it became visible.

A tick resounded in the lounge indicating the passing time. A white clock stood among the bottles of various spirits on the shelves right behind Roy. It's position was hardly noticeable to anyone unless it's the employees.

Roy's eyes wandered around the lounge, lingering on the French windows. The view outside wasn't good to look at but that's the view Roy had gotten accustomed to. He let his hands rest on the counter and breathed in, his shoulders slumping and tentatively looked at the ingredients for the cocktail he was about to practice-prepare aligned nicely to one side.

Sun will be going down soon and this barren place will be filled with uncountable people, that Roy would be serving with his mentor, Sergio.

Roy unscrewed the bottle of whiskey, the cool metal cap contrasting his warm fingers. The bottle opened with a swish, the warm liquid seemed enchanting from the mouth of the bottle. He licked his lips slowly, it's the deep bourbon whiskey.

He poured the whiskey with the other ingredients inside the cocktail shaker. Hiking his sleeves, Roy closed the lid and took the shaker with both his hands. Clenching his fingers around the cold steel shaker, Roy closed his eyes and started shaking it until it's well mixed and done.

Roy's sleeves made swift shifting noises with each movement and his stray raven locks bounced against his forehead.

Amongst the process, Roy's conciousness drifted to a memory pertaining from yesterday and he instantly lost all the concentration. That memory dominating his senses so much that he completly forgot to put the ice.

A familiar pair of blue-green eyes kept flashing continously in Roy's mind, jumbling up his senses and the duo sitting silently in front of him all this time took a piercing notice.

Ken and Monroe stole glances at each other, sitting side by side on the stools, confused about Roy.

A few seconds later, spaced out, Roy strained the cocktail on a rocks glass but unfortunately messed up last minute by moving his hand away while pouring. The 'Whiskey Sour' cocktail flowed onto the counter, straining it and then trickled down the edges.

"You messed up. Again!" Ken accused out, Monroe nodding in agreement.

Roy shook his head and pursed his lips. Wiping his fingers on the black apron latched around his hips, Roy gazed up at them, who seemed to be waiting for him to say something back.

Shrugging, Roy stepped aside, checking his crisp white shirt─the employee uniform for any splatter.

Then he saw Jun─a coworker, sauntering in his direction with a wipe in hand. Seems like others could see his frustration today too.

"Take a break Roy." The half Japanese boy spoke, quickly wiping the mess and sauntering back inside the workers only corridor.

Roy sighed half heartedly and decided to take up Jun's suggestion.

"Something's up and you are not telling us." Monroe exclaimed sliding her bare arms on the now dry counter─pouting.

If only wording the feelings in Roy's heart and it's weird palpitations were that easy.

Yesterday happened like a dream. One moment Roy was just meters away from the guy that left his emotions haywire─the very next─that person disappeared between the swarming students. It felt like an illusion. Like Roy just imagined catching a glimpse of that person in his college campus.

Deep inside Roy wanted to skip class and search the whole campus for that particular guy but then again it's stupid. Searching the massive campus? No. That's a foolish solution for somebody like Roy.

But the wish to meet that person grew with every passing second and Roy was mentally exhausted.

People had started coming and Sergio will be here any moment to join Roy with the serving.

"Man are you really alright?" Ken asked worriedly. Knowing Roy, there was never a time like this before. Roy was always calm and collected. Even in dire situations. So this frustration in Roy was unexpected to Ken.

"I want to ask something." Roy hesitated, his grey eyes wavering. "I just don't know how."

Ken pursed his lips and comfortingly patted Roy on his shoulders.

Monroe who was calmly accessing the situation, leaned forward "Roy..?"

Roy didn't say anything.

"Tell us." She coaxed the troubled-looking Roy.

Roy looked at them─his best friends, who had been with him for three long years till now.

Ken had a tense face and Monroe was repeatedly tapping the counter, her brown irises flickering over Roy's face, expectantly.

Exhaling audibly, Roy began "So there is this someone...", his heartbeat increased as soon as those words escaped his lips.

Monroe perked up at the revelation. Ken raised his eyebrows interested.

"I met that person on the day of the accident at EDEN. At the bus stop.." Roy continued absentmindedly tugging his folded sleeves.

"And this specific someone is..?" Monroe drawled teasingly. Roy had never said something like this. So the sudden news was extremely delightful.

Roy's face shot up at the tone of Monroe's voice and immediately his toned cheeks tinted red.

Seeing the probable blush on Roy's cheeks, Monroe squealed inwardly.

Ken unable to contain the excitement of his bestfriend-roommate confessing about being lost in the thoughts of someone asked "Do you know the name?"

Roy baffled by the eagerness of Ken slowly replied "I.. don't know. I have no idea."

"Okayeee." Ken's and Monroe's voice synchronized and both shared another look that explained how tonight Roy may not get any sleep because his best friends will surely pry him for more details.