chapter 3

Tonight─the sky looked clear. Pairs of stars were scattered across the bluish-black sky─creating a widespread halo of twinkling lights. 

The neon headers of EDEN reflected on the pavement. The street light lamp overlaying it's shadow.

Roy stepped out of the entrance of EDEN, nodding at

Ricky─the bouncer, who in return flashed a shiny smile.

Roy had narrowly escaped from the clutches of his bestfriends and sneaked out after a little pleading with Sergio─while Monroe and Ken were busy downing shots of tequila and talking with some other classmates they met there.

A strong gush of night breeze enveloped Roy's hoodie clad upper body and he stopped, liking the rush of wind.

The amount of pedestrians from the sidewalk hadn't lessened either. Guess it's because he left very early today.

Stuffing his hands in the pockets of his black pants, Roy trudged past the people to the head of the sidewalk─to the crossing.

Roy didn't have to wait long as the lights changed in seconds and along with others, he walked ahead, thinking of buying some convenience store dumplings on the way— because two burgers from the club aren't enough dinner for him to last the night.

With the apprenticeship exhaustion and overloading academic pressure of being a final year student, Roy was sort of stressed. But also felt partly relieved. Maybe because he was finally able to share the occurrence of a certain not-so-very-problematic incident with his friends.

Drowned in deep thoughts, Roy failed to notice someone standing opposite to him till he has crossed to the other side.

As soon as Roy's eyes met the petite figure─in comparison to his tall one, his heartbeat accelerated.

Never in his wildest imaginations Roy thought of meeting his changeable eyed stranger now, with a high possibility of getting to know each other.

Roy's feet quickened on it's own accord, in desperate need to catch up with the stranger. He hurriedly shoved pass the people, apologizing repeatedly, eyes locked onto the form of the stranger in honey colored sweater shirt.

Before he knew it, Roy was directly behind the walking figure, hands trembling, feet wobbling and nervousness gripping his voice tightly.

What to do now? Pat on the shoulder? Call out? Won't that be creepy?

Unfortunately something more scarier happened. Roy bumped onto the stranger. Literally.

To add to his horror, the stranger stopped and turned around facing him. Roy found himself utterly lost in the same eyes, the pools of unnatural beauty.

The stranger on the other hand carefully scrutinized him and as if in slow motion those ethereal pools widened. Roy's lungs just lost it's ability to function.

Roy so badly wanted to say something-anything but it felt like he was dumb, incapable of even moving his lips.

"I know you! We met somewhere right?" The soft voice penetrated through Roy's being like a gigantic crashing wave and he felt more paralyzed than ever.

"Yes I remember! You were hurt. Are you doing okay?" The only thing Roy could see were the pinkish lips of the stranger, moving.

"Uh?" The stranger urged, quirking his dark brow up.

For the first time Roy caught on to that the stranger had Ash dyed hair. The ash locks were lustrous and Roy's fingers itched to run through them─nonstop.

"Excuse me?" Roy realized if he doesn't start talking soon, he is definitely loosing this opportunity.

With a calm inhale, Roy parted his lips, embarrassment flooding his body at the stutter. "Y-Yes. That day. At the b-bus stop."

The stranger's face morphed to a relaxed expression but again turned worried. "So how is your injury? Where was the cut actually?"

For some reason Roy felt a humongous amount of butterflies flapping in his stomach at the question asked.

"Nothing big. Fine. I-I am fine." Roy replied. But he knew this might be the end of the conversation and the stranger will bid goodbye if Roy doesn't try to keep the conversation going.

What should he ask? They are mere strangers. What is even there to ask about?

Sensing the situation turning awkward, the stranger spoke first "So.."

Roy knew this was it. But this opportunity cannot go down the drain because he feels like a wuss in front of this stranger.

"Y-Your handkerchief. I have it. You must want it back." Roy did a mental cheer at finally being able to say something.

"Oh. It's just a handkerchief. I don't want it necessarily. You can keep it."

No. Not so easily. Roy has to keep this going. Somehow. Not until.. wait. Not until what? Is there a thing he is pursuing this conversation for?

"It's yours. I-I can't keep it. I have to return it."

The stranger suddenly smiled, shooting electricity right into Roy's erratically pulsing heart. "Okay. If you insist."

The wind has slowed to a gentle breeze and Roy found the stranger's ash locks ruffling in the wind. The street light lamp behind the stranger, brightened the path under their legs, in an irregular circle.

"I-I.." Roy was at loss of words. His mind was absolutely blank. Why can't he keep up the conversation? Yes his socialization history isn't very good but he can keep a convo going, so what's wrong?

The stranger sighed, catching Roy off guard. "Well if you really wish to return it back I won't object. I also assume you don't have it with you now. I mean of course you won't go parading around with a random stranger's handkerchief daily."

Roy flushed and involuntarily scratched the back of his neck.

"Are you willing to exchange numbers?" The question surprisingly didn't shock Roy and a strange feeling of excitement bubbled within him.

"Numbers?" Roy asked. He knew where this was going but just to make sure if he is getting it right.

"Yes. So that you can contact me and then return the handkerchief you so badly want to." The stranger replied, stifling a chuckle.

A Nokia 7.2 was thrusted Roy's way with a dial pad in view. Roy stared at it unblinkinly for a few seconds and then slowly lifted his hand, grabbing it.

Roy stole a glance at the stranger and began typing his number in.

Finishing, Roy handed back the phone, which the stranger took and started swiping. Soon Roy's own iPhone vibrated in his pants and he took it out, his eyes gazing at the unknown incoming call.

"That's my number." The stranger said. "Save it as Jeremy. Contact me when you will return it. By the way what's your name?"

"Roy.." Roy muttered.

"I see." The stranger's smiling face began distancing away, body turning around fully and blending in with others, one hand grasping the same blue satchel on the right shoulder, hair swaying freely with each step.

Jeremy.

So that's the name.