Again, Mr. Black? (M×M) (l***q+)

3.

I was late, again. But this time I was late for my work. I quickly tied the apron around my waist before attending the customers. I've been here for almost a week now and handling the customers had always been a task. 'Oh my God, there's no whipped cream!' , 'You're slow, my baby is waiting for me in the car' or 'Hey spunky, wanna hang out with me?' I almost gagged at the later one. Sammy, my colleague, looked at me and shook her head with an amused grin when another girl flaunted her body parts at me. I smiled forcefully, handing her the drink.

"You're just in luck, Lazarus. Boss took half day today." Sammy said, wiping the counter. I sighed in relief, working on my next product.

"Oh thank Lord! Or he would've chewed my head off." Sammy laughed, bumping her shoulders against mine.

"So, met any girl in the school?" I snorted, pouring the 'Espresso' in a disposable cup.

"I met many girls, Sammy. But I hardly liked any of them."

I took the bill from the customer and smiled a polite 'thank you' before handing him the change. Customers and more annoying customers were lining up. There was nothing special about this Cafe and yet there are no free hours here. Customers seemed to be obsessed with this boring cafe.

"Boys maybe?" I looked at her incredulously. Yeah, I met a man at my house. And he's damn handsome. Oh, but did I tell you, he's a criminal as well? Oh, might have slipped out of my mind.

"Seriously, Sammy? I'm straight." She giggled, slapping her palm against my back.

"They all say the same thing at first, Lazarus boy. 'We're as straight as a ruler.' Poor things get bend pretty quickly." I glared as she laughed heartily.

"Nonsense! I'm not interested in boys." She narrowed her eyes, writing the name of the customer on the cup. I never understood why people wanted to get their name written on the cup, if they're going to end up in the dumpster.

"You don't like girls either. I'm not...... judging. After all, I also have a girlfriend and I'm a girl." She pointed out, patting her chest, proudly. I rolled my eyes, though a smile slipped on my face.

"Doesn't mean I'm drooling over any guy. I just didn't bump into the right girl." She laughed, slamming the cloth against the counter.

"You're so easy to tease, Lazarus boy."

"Am I, now?" Before any one of us could've answered, somebody tapped on my desk. I sighed, reciting the speech, we bore every customer with, along with the most fake and duping smile.

"Welcome to Chunkie Wunkie Cafe. I hope you're having a good day. I'm Lazarus Russell and what can I get—" I stopped abruptly when I looked up at the customer, who was none other than the lone wolf— Hades Black.

He was standing in the very coffee color shirt with dark jeans, his palms stuffed in his pockets. The blue wristwatch still cuffed in his left wrist. His hair were lying messily over his forehead, a little more disheveled than the morning. His alluring and dangerous eyes narrowed as he took my appearance in. I almost got a glimpse of his lips twitching at my speech, but other than that, he stood impassive. I didn't even notice that I was gaping at him, until Sammy kicked me, bringing me out of his trance. I shuddered before smiling again.

"What can I get for you today, Sir?" I said, trying to act like I don't know him, like we are literally not room-mates.

His brow rose up as he removed his left hand and grabbed the template before going through the menu. He hummed before placing the template down again. His eyes then shifted to me. He was hardly four steps away from me and I suddenly felt shy, timid, even. Though I was taller than him, he easily overpowered me with his around height. That's how strong his aura was. I was thankful to my skin that my blush wasn't so observant. I never really realized how intimidating his gaze was and how icy his eyes were.

"I'll have a Mazagran and those two will have Americano." He said pointing to a girl and boy behind him. I looked at them shocked. He had a company. He didn't come here alone. I must've again zoned out on them because Hades Black snapped at me again.

Why was his company affecting me?

"Make it quick." I rolled my eyes, brewing the coffee.

I could feel his gaze as I was working on their coffee. Sammy was being her annoying self by coughing and clearing her throat purposely, making my cheeks grow hotter. God, what was wrong with me? Why the hell am I even blushing and feeling shy under Hades Black's gaze? I'm straight, for God's sake. I quickly poured their drinks in the disposable cups and grabbed the marker to write their names, but Hades Black was quick to action.

"No need." He grunted out. I wonder why was he acting so grumpy and angry when is usually sweet at home? Or maybe this is also an act. Which one, I am not sure. I placed their orders over the counter before taking a print out of their bills and putting a stamp of 'Chunkie Wunkie Cafe'.

"That shall be eight dollars and forty cents." His hands rummaged through his back pocket before slamming a ten dollar bill on the counter. I took the bill and before I could've handed him his change, he yelled over his shoulder.

"Keep the change." With that he exited the cafe.

"Bastard." I muttered under my breath, greeting another customer with the same shitty speech.

"Ahem! I'm straight. I don't drool over boys. Bullshit!" Sammy exclaimed, grinning at me. I let out an exaggerated sigh. Kill me, Lord. Or better kill me, Hades, the very one after whom that man was named!

"Shut up, Sammy!"

-

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-

I opened the door of my apartment and propped myself on the couch, letting out a tired sigh. Tough day at work. I pulled my t-shirt over my head and went to sleep on my cold bed. I woke up the next morning with alarm clock blaring and destroying the very last brain cells left in my brain. I yawned, as walked towards the bathroom. After taking a shower, I got dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans. I brushed my fingers against my wet locks and grabbed a bread and started to butter it, when my phone suddenly beeped.

Hades Black was not home. And I really hope, my night stays that way. With me alone in my house. That man simply gives me anxiety.

Message from Dad : 6.53 a.m.

Lazarous, son, I hope you're not angry anymore. I got stuck at my work and hence couldn't call you last night. Are you settled well? Do you need money? I can always transfer some thousand dollars into your bank account. I'll call you in the night. Hopefully, you'll forgive me.

Love, Dad.

I sighed, tossing my phone back on the couch as I nibbled on my barely called toast. It's been a week since I saw him. And even the last time, we fought, badly. Biting my lips, I picked up my phone, still debating whether to call him or not. What if he's busy? Shaking my head, I dialed his number. The phone started to ring, once, twice, thrice—

"The number you're trying to contact—" I cut the call with a burning sensation in my eyes. Busy, he's busy. I tried to explain myself. I sighed as I closed my eyes and swallowed the hard lump in my throat. I tried to smile— laughing forcibly. They say laughter is the best medicine. Laugh, Lazarus. Laugh till the pain departs. Laugh, Lazarus.

Message to Dad : 7.04 a.m.

Hey Dad,

I'm doing fine. It's okay, you're busy. After all, work always comes first. Don't worry about me. I'm settled well. I'm....... happy. I'm very happy. As for money, I work. I'm trying to be independent. I hope you'll be proud of me. I look forward to your call. Be safe, Dad. We'll meet soon.

I love you, Dad. I'm going to school.

I kept staring at my phone for fifteen straight but no message. Sighing, I slung my bag over my shoulder and started to walk towards the school. This was often the routine. Even while living with Dad, I hardly saw him. He would leave early for work and would come home late at night. Though it happens almost every day, it doesn't mean it hurts any less.

Hades also didn't come home that night. When his absence made me smile, it worried me at the same time.

"Lazarus, my brother. How are you?" Johnathan greeted me, patting my back with his usual grin when I reached my locker. I smiled lightly bumping my fist against his.

"Sleepy. Who the hell starts the school this early?" I grumbled, grabbing books before placing the rest of my stuff in the locker.

"Tell me about it. Did you hear Lana's organizing a party this Saturday? She throws the best party in our locality. God, the stock of alcohol is—"

"Who's Lana?" David looked at me horrified. He then looked at Johnathan and then back to me. He banged his head on my locker, dramatically. I rolled my eyes, pushing him off my locker.

"Stop being a Drama Queen, David." Johnathan laughed, tossing candy in his mouth.

"But you don't know who Lana is! Johnathan, did you listen, he doesn't know who Lana is! She's the one who throws the best party in our high school. Her house is as big as a f*****g mansion. She is so damn gorgeous. Her body flaunts as much—"

"He got it, David. Cease that rambling of yours. We've a lecture to attend."

The lecture was boring but not as much with Johnathan by my side. We kept eating candies the whole lecture. His obsession with candies are wild. He had four damned packet of candies in his bag. I rolled my eyes when he opened the second packet and shoved a handful of candies in his mouth. The day went on with many boring lectures and lunch. But the real fun arrived with last lecture.

None of my friends were in this lecture, so I walked in alone and my eyes immediately zeroed on the man sitting on the back with earplugs impelled in his ears. He wore a dark blue button-up shirt with dark jeans. His sandy hair was falling softly over his forehead. Even with minimal efforts, he managed to look beautiful. His signature blue watch cuffed his wrist deliciously. His eyes were closed, as he leaned against the wall. My cheeks burned in embarrassment when the reality hit me. I was checking him out. He is a guy and I am a guy. This isn't correct.

But then a harsher reality hit me. He was at my college, inside my classroom. God, help me.

You're straight, Lazarus. My mind reprimanded me.

I sat beside him since rest of the chairs were taken. My heart was beating abnormally. A part of me imagined him throwing a punch at me for invading his personal space, while the other part knew he wouldn't hurt me. Weird as it sounds, he felt strangely warm. His vibes warmed me even though we had no physical touch. As soon as the door opened and closed with a thud, Lazarus opened his eyes. The presence of the teacher who had just arrived started to fade when my eyes locked with his deep orbs. They never widened when I took a seat beside him again. But they narrowed when I shifted a little in my seat. He didn't react. It's a positive sign, maybe.

"Good afternoon, class. Today we'll study the reasons for the recession. Can anyone in the class tell me what they think might be the reasons for the recession —" Her words were falling on my deaf ears. I couldn't concentrate to what she was speaking. My mind was held hostage by the many thoughts.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a text from my father. Excitement surged in my veins as I opened the message hastily.

Message from Dad: 3.14 p.m.

Why are you working, son? You don't have to. I'll send you some money immediately. I earn enough to support you very well. I'm sorry I was in an urgent meeting when you called. I'll be flying to San Antonio tomorrow. I'm having an interview with the press today in the evening. So I won't be able to contact you in the evening too. Take care, son.

Another message popped on my screen from the bank. Five thousand dollars have been transferred in my bank account. The excitement, happiness and joy of everything flushed down. Anger bubbled inside me. I don't want his money. I want to be independent. That was the only reason I shifted away from him. The only reason why I started to work. I don't want to be called the spoiled son of a rich father.

Because I was not.

I sighed, shoving my phone back in my pocket before writing down the notes the teacher was writing on the board. Hades Black, however, sat unfazed. He still had earplugs in his ears and his gaze was fixed outside. He didn't care once whether the teacher was teaching or a very handsome man was sitting beside him. He sat with his usual impassive and bored face.

The lecture soon ended and students started to dash out of the classroom. Hades Black carelessly stood up, pushing the chair away before he walked out of the classroom. I sighed, slinging the bag on my shoulder and clutched the phone in my hand tightly. He was behaving as if I didn't existed. As if I wasn't his landlord and also his room-mate. Why did it affect me? And more importantly why was I trying to get his attention?

I shook my head and decided to reply back to my father.

Message to Dad: 3.42 p.m.

Congratulations, Dad. I expected nothing less. You've always been one of the best businessmen. I want to work, Father. I want to earn money without the help of you or your company. I'm sending you the money back.I don't need it now. I'll inform you if I'll need money in the future.

As for not attending the call, please don't be sorry for it. Fly safely and message me once you reach San Antonio safely and soundly. I love you, Dad.

P.S. I look forward to reading your interview in the newspaper.

As soon as I left school, I took the bus to the Cafe. I had a long day of work ahead. Hopefully, my day would be good.