Just as Ann finished using the restroom and was walking out, he saw Felix standing right outside waiting for him. Surprised, Ann screamed:
"Ah!!! What are you doing here, Felix? You scared me to death..."
Seeing Ann, Felix crossed his arms over his chest and motioned for him to come closer.
"Can you be more careful with your friend next to you?" Felix spoke quietly, without beating around the bush, getting straight to the point.
"I don't think he's someone simple. I feel like he might be a bad guy. Being friends with him will just get you into danger... He has an interesting on you!!"
Ann was a bit taken aback but quickly nodded, forcing a smile,
"Yeah, I got it. It's fine."
Felix looked at him for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Good. Remember what I said. I'm serious."
With that, Felix left. As he walked away, he called out,
"Whenever you're free, I'll call you to hang out, Ann. I'll bring you a gift~."
Ann nodded again without saying anything more. Once Felix had walked off, Ann sighed, watching his little brother walk away. He felt a bit embarrassed for lying. But what could he do... In just a few minutes, he was about to go on a date with Robert. And who knows, maybe after today, they would really become a couple.
Ann walked down the road toward the main street, letting his mind drift up into the sky until he saw a figure in the distance.
A sleek black motorcycle was parked in front of the school gate. Robert stood next to it, wearing a black leather jacket, with his helmet hanging from his right hand. When he saw Ann approaching, he smiled warmly at him.
"Hop on," Robert called, his voice calm and steady as always.
Ann walked over, took the helmet, and got on behind him. As soon as he settled, the motorcycle slowly began to roll, turning onto the main road leading out of the city.
Ann didn't ask where Robert was taking him. It didn't seem necessary. He lightly gripped the back of the seat, keeping enough distance to avoid touching Robert's back, though his heart kept beating rapidly.
The afternoon sun was fading, its golden rays gradually turning into an orange hue. The motorcycle raced down the road, and Ann took in the scenery around him, his heartbeat calming. So naturally, and so peacefully, Ann wrapped his arms around Robert's waist, resting his cheek on his back, inhaling the scent of the man in front of him, making Robert glance back for a moment.
Suddenly, Robert swerved the bike, turning into a curve. The motorcycle then began to ride up a large bridge crossing the river. This area was less traveled, and as evening approached, it grew quieter.
About fifteen minutes later, the motorcycle came to a stop.
Robert stepped down first, turning around and opening his arms.
"Let's get off."
Just as Ann was about to jump off by himself, Robert reached out and scooped him off the bike, lifting him effortlessly to the ground.
"Ahh—" Ann panicked, instinctively swinging his arms but not really pushing back.
"You're too short, I'm afraid you'll twist your ankle," Robert said calmly, setting Ann down before stepping back a bit.
Ann felt a bit shy, removing his helmet while looking away to catch his breath. Then he turned around and saw Robert standing by the railing, blending in with the sunset view.
The wind from the river was cool but not cold, carrying the scent of damp water and a hint of algae typical of late afternoon. The river below them shimmered with a golden-orange light, stretching out like silk, occasionally broken into sparkling patches by rippling waves. In the distance, a few old fishing boats drifted by quietly.
A small flock of birds flew overhead, calling out in short bursts, their voices fading into the air.
The whole world felt like it was under a layer of colored glass. Quiet. Light. It felt like no words were necessary; just standing there was enough.
The two of them stood by the bridge railing, with the sun now low enough that only half of it was visible above the horizon. The golden rays streamed through Robert's hair, casting a soft light on Ann's face, which slowly shifted from gold to red, then faded into a soft glow.
"I haven't had a chance to watch a sunset like this in a long time," Ann spoke softly, his eyes downcast, watching the water.
"Been busy with school?" Robert asked.
Ann shook his head, smiling as he replied,
"Not really. Mostly, I'm just lazy about going outside. I still go to places like school, work, or the supermarket, but I don't really like going out just to hang."
"Why's that? Because you don't have anyone to go with, or is it just that you're introverted?"
"Probably both... But even back then, I used to love going out to see the sights. I used to walk along the lake with my two younger boys, enjoying the view, watching flowers bloom. We'd often stay out too late playing, and then all of us would get scolded by mom..."
Ann laughed, but suddenly stopped, becoming silent.
Robert looked over at him. He said nothing, didn't ask further.
Ann stood still, remembering his parents. The atmosphere suddenly grew heavier. He swallowed, feeling a lump in his throat.
Suddenly, a finger poked his cheek.
"!!" Ann turned quickly, "What are you doing?"
Robert smirked, "You looked like you were about to cry. I like seeing you smile more."
Ann stared at him for a moment before looking away. His face still felt a bit hot.
Robert turned his head back to the scenery, but his mind drifted back to the past.
"The first time I met you was at that café. I wonder if you remember."
Ann shook his head, embarrassed. "Sorry, I don't clearly remember."
"Back then, I was passing by and wasn't planning to stop, but the café seemed pretty empty, so I decided to try it. I needed a quiet place to work, and your café seemed perfect."
"When you brought the drink, you smiled at me. Just one smile. And I remembered it, ever since."
Ann looked at him in surprise.
"Then I started coming back. It wasn't for the coffee." Robert smiled, his eyes still on the river. "It was because I wanted to see you again."
He continued,
"At first, I just liked your smile, but over time, my gaze would turn to you on its own. Gradually, I realized I had started liking you without even realizing it."
Ann froze. His ears began to feel warm.
"I even secretly looked into your preferences," Robert turned to look at him, "What you listen to, what you read, what you eat. Then I tried to mimic them, just so you'd think I... was compatible."
"So, you're a professional actor," Ann snickered, half-joking, half-scolding.
"Nope. I just prepared thoroughly." Robert laughed, "I guess since I've changed a lot since the first time I came to your café, it makes sense that you didn't remember when we first met."
Suddenly, Robert remembered something interesting and smiled,
"Oh, and the first time we met, I thought you were a female Omega."
Ann's eyes widened. "What?!"
"Really. You were so gentle. Your voice was soft, and you were small. I had to be mistaken."
"And I thought you mistook me for a Beta," Ann replied.
Ann could only shake his head, laughing and speechless.
Robert continued to drift into his memories, saying,
"When I was 18, I passed by an antique shop. At first, I just walked past, but something inside caught my eye, glowing from behind the display case, making me stop and look again. Do you know what it was?"
"... A ring?"
"Nope, haha... It was a small pair of silver earrings. They were very simple, with two tiny red gemstones, so dark that in the dark, they just looked black. For some reason, I really wanted to buy them."
"Did you buy them?"
"Of course..."
Robert paused for a moment. Then he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small cream-colored box.
"I promised myself that if I ever liked someone truly... I'd give these to them."
He opened the box. Inside were the tiny silver earrings, set with two dark red gemstones, simple yet elegant.
Ann stared at them, unable to say anything.
"I want to give them to you."
Ann froze. His hand trembled slightly.
"But... I don't have pierced ears. I guess I can't accept this gift," Ann said softly, looking down.
"Eh..." Robert was stunned. "Really? I'm sorry..."
"Just kidding. If I can't wear them, I'll just put them in a display case," Ann smiled, pulling out a small brown paper bag from his jacket pocket, "I've got a gift too. Let's exchange."
Robert took it, opened it. Inside was a tiny hand-crocheted Teddy bear with a keychain loop.
"I made this. For you. Consider it... my way of saying yes."
Robert looked at him. Then he smiled softly, his gaze softening. No more words were needed.
The wind picked up. The last rays of sunlight scattered on the surface of the river.
Ann looked up at Robert. Before he could say anything, Robert leaned down.
A kiss. Light. Very light. Just enough to make his heart skip a beat.
Under the deep red sunset, everything seemed to stand still.
End part 1.