14. Opening night (part 1)

Lucas POV

Despite his early hesitation, Lucas admitted that Kyle kept his promise and exceeded his expectations. They went for a rustic, hand-painted wooden sign named "Empanadas Haven" for the signage at the entrance and got some neon lights illuminating the letters during the night as if they were the entrance to a vibrant world of colors and flavors. Kyle also planted coriander, rosemary, and basil plants in mismatched pots for greenery and practical cooking.

Inside, Kyle commissioned photographs of traditional markets, streets, and cultural festivals worldwide and painted mustard yellow walls to create a cozy atmosphere. Some elements were red to evoke a South American aesthetic. He also found woven South American textiles for table runners and cushion covers.

Lucas chuckled for some time yet felt grateful for Kyle's effort.

Kyle devised ideas beyond a simple store, wanting to put spices on display and have an interactive spice bar to allow customers to smell and learn about the different spices used in the recipes. He created a design with a visible preparation area so that customers could see how the food was made to build trust and interest, as well as a cute chalkboard menu to show the daily specials and fun facts about empanadas and ingredients. As finishing touches, they agreed on getting hanging lanterns for a warm, inviting glow. They had a sampling platter with mini empanadas for the customers to try and decide which ones they wanted to order.

Lucas also worked hard to prepare a few new creations for their venture. He spent some time trying different combinations. In the end, he settled for a combination of lamb, chickpeas, raisins, and a touch of harissa; chicken marinated in harissa paste, combined with roasted vegetables and feta cheese; and another made with ground beef seasoned with ras el hanout, mixed with chopped dried apricots and almonds.

Exhausted but happy, the duo opened their store on a Thursday after inviting every soul they knew from their faculties. The first to arrive was Lilian and her boy Joao; she brought a big bag of roasted coffee and handed it to Lucas with a smile.

"A gift," Lilian said, admiring the rustic sign and the neon lights that had just started to glow as the evening set in.

Lucas nodded and got the pot inside, dexterously preparing the earthy drink and handing it to Kyle and Lilian.

Lilian beamed as she sipped her coffee. "You can make some good coffee," she said, her eyes drifting to the potted plants by the entrance. "And the herbs are a lovely touch. It makes the place feel so homely."

As the sun set on the horizon, people started to arrive at the shop. Manuel stepped up first; after greeting Lucas, he selected four beef and olive empanadas and two cheese empanadas for takeaway. Manuel sat at a table adorned with a colorful textile runner and waved to the new guests, Victor and Tatiana. They had empanadas filled with chicken, and Lucas came forward with some coffee, chatting with his friends.

Tatiana glanced around at the mustard yellow walls and the photographs. "So, he is the famous Kyle?" she asked, her fingers brushing over the woven table runner.

Lucas nodded.

"And he is paying for all of this?" Victor asked, eyeing the spice bar with interest.

Victor and Tatiana looked at each other and smiled, leaving Lucas puzzled.

Lucas looked around to see where Kyle was and couldn't find him. Before Lucas could locate him, Professor Ortiz entered the store with his wife, an old lady with olive skin and dark almond eyes. Lucas smiled and came forward. He had spent some time thinking about preparing some specialties and fortunately got some yellow and pasca chili in the Moroccan shop.

Lucas shook their hands and guided them to the glass shelf. "Professor, I am glad you came. I tried my best to emulate empanadas made in the Peruvian style. I hope you like them."

The couple sat at a table under the warm glow of hanging lanterns, sipping coffee that Lilian handed them.

The old professor said, "I am glad you and Kyle are working together so well."

Lucas smiled, "What can I say, professor? Besides, thank you, he is probably the best roommate I could have."

A voice from behind said, "What about a friend?"

It was Kyle, who was smiling at the frame door. Behind him, a handsome guy with silver eyes was munching a spicy beef empanada, looking attentively at the guests. Lucas wasn't sure about the stranger's identity until he came close; despite the difference in eye color, the cheekbones, nose, and lips were the same, and they both had this kind of magnetic regal aura.

"Of course, you are one of my dearest friends," Lucas smiled back.

The stranger chuckled and looked at Kyle. "I guess you are in good hands, brother. I better leave now. Nice to meet you, Lucas."

"Nice to meet you, too," Lucas replied.

The brothers hugged, and Kyle said, "Thanks for coming by, Uriel, and for the warning."

Uriel nodded. After opening the door to Mrs. Hutchinson, Uriel gave a final look at his brother and left. The old lady, wearing a flowery dress, chose the empanadas with German sausages and sauerkraut and sat outside, enjoying the flavors of her youth.

More customers arrived and got empanadas, coffee, and some sweets they had prepared for the occasion. Prof. Ortiz, his wife, and Manuel left, but Tatiana and Victor stayed longer. After catching some practice, Lucas and Kyle rested outside since Lilian and Victor offered to look in the store for a few minutes. As Kyle smoked, Lucas asked, "So, is there any problem with your dad?"

Kyle shook his head, "Nah, some previous associates are in the city, and it seems they want me back in the office."

Lucas felt confused, "And why is it so bad? I mean, you created that thing, didn't you?"

Kyle kept looking at the flame burning the cigarette butt and almost whispered, "More like I saw a niche market and an opportunity and seized it, but I liked it the way it is now."

He paused for a moment, looking at the mismatched pots with herbs. "I took some trade business secrets with me and would never divulge that information to anybody. They need that to become global. The important thing is that new managers are too ambitious and are making empty promises to the investors. They want to become THE ONLY MONOPOLY, and it will not work. My dad will crush them, and also, they don't have the resources or people to make it function; it will self-destruct."

"You know things need to be balanced," Kyle concluded, crushing the butt in the wall; the ashes were a silent reminder of his frustration.

Kyle and Lucas stood up, but Lucas froze in place when he recognized the new guests: the pale man from the counter in "Empanadas Mariana," along with other staff members, the German guy. Accompanying them there was a girl with olive asking and jet-black hair he hadn't seen before.

Kyle was also tensed, but his eyes were fixated on the German man, and he smiled wickedly.

Before they could say anything, the "Empanadas Mariana" staff had already ordered cheese and jalapeño empanadas. At the same time, the German guy got a cheese empanada, and the girl chose two lamb and apricot empanadas. The German man looked around the room and grimaced, furrowing their brows at the duo in the door.

Kyle growled, "Good Night, Mr. Teufel. It's so nice to see you." But he stopped himself from doing more.

Lucas could feel the air becoming tenser and thicker as electric sparkles were about to float. The hairs on his neck tingled, and his skin crawled.

"Good night, Mr. Morningstar. I am so lucky to have found you. Maybe we can have a conversation outside?" Teufel hissed.

"Perhaps later. We are busy now", said Fatima, accompanied by her son Ahmed, opening the door. Her presence commanded respect and attention. "It's the boy's big day; whatever business you have can wait a day or two."

Teufel growled and nodded. He left with the staff of Empanadas Mariana, but the olive-skin girl lingered a bit longer. She bowed slightly to Fatima and Ahmed and followed the others.

From his position, Lucas could hear Ahmed whispering the name "Jazmin," but he didn't attempt to follow the girl. Fatima bought the spiced lamb empanada, and Ahmed chose the one with lamb and apricot.

Fatima and her son sat next to Lilian. Fatima bit her empanada and closed her eyes for a second. She smiled, "Cumin and cinnamon combine well with the richness of the lamb and the sweetness of dried fruit. It tastes like home. Delicious."

Lucas blushed, and Kyle chuckled; they both returned to their duties as the tension in the room dissipated.

Lucas questioned Kyle in secrecy, and he whispered, "The German guy, it is the old associate I told you about, Mr. Teufel; he is an ass but loyal to the company; I will have a chat with him later."

The night continued without further incident, leaving Kyle and Lucas exhausted but content. While Kyle cleaned the dishes and plates, Lucas broomed the floor. Kyle handed him a glass of water as they were finishing the cleaning. Lucas gave him a big smile in return. They had an unspoken understanding, whether through a shared glance, a lingering touch, or a silent moment. They had a deep emotional connection that went beyond words. Then, with a grin, they both closed the enroller door.

As they walked home, the city felt more vibrant than usual, though Lucas suspected it might just be his enthusiasm for the project they were about to embark on together. He glanced at Kyle, who walked beside him and couldn't help but smile. Kyle's willingness to collaborate on opening the store made Lucas feel like they were building something meaningful.

As they strolled through the streets of Argüelles, memories of their past two months together came flooding back—leisurely walks, spontaneous outings, dinners, and late-night chats. The ease with which they shared these moments made Lucas associate Kyle with happiness, a joy he hadn't felt in a long time.

When they finally returned to the apartment, the only sound was the faint hum of the refrigerator, blending with the distant noise of traffic outside. Kyle was already at the fridge, retrieving two Guinness beers he had bought "for special occasions." As he handed one to Lucas, his gaze lingered longer than usual, his eyes softening affectionately.

Lucas nearly coughed at the first sip. "This is strong."

Kyle laughed, the sound warm and familiar. "Not used to liquor, huh?"

Lucas shook his head. "I don't like how people act when they're drunk. I usually avoid social gatherings unless I know everyone well."

"But you've gone drinking with me several times already," Kyle pointed out, his smile teasing.

Lucas settled onto the worn-out couch, feeling the familiar comfort of the space. Kyle sat beside him, a bit closer than usual, creating an intimate bubble around them. The cozy apartment, with its mismatched furniture and haphazardly stacked books, felt alive—a space that had grown to feel like home. It was a sensation Lucas hadn't experienced in years.

Kyle's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "So, you trust me even though we've only known each other for two months?"

Lucas hesitated, considering the question. Trust was complicated. He knew little about Kyle's past, but he knew how Kyle acted—thoughtful, dependable, and ethical. That had to count for something. His gaze drifted to a chair where one of his hoodies hung next to Kyle's jacket. In such a short time, they had seamlessly integrated into each other's lives, even planning to open a store together.

Lucas's thoughts drifted to Jacob. People were like oceans, vast and mysterious, full of unknowns. Jacob had taught him that. Perhaps Jacob had hinted at his desire for an open marriage, but Lucas hadn't caught on. Maybe things would have been different if he had been more perceptive and communicative. But now, with Kyle, that old pain was gradually healing.

"I trust you," Lucas finally said, his voice low. "Your actions speak louder than words."

As Lucas said this, an unexpected warmth spread through his chest, burning him from within. The realization was gentle but undeniable—Kyle was more dear to him than he had allowed himself to acknowledge. The thought made his heart ache with both fear and anticipation.

Kyle gulped and then asked, with his voice trembling slightly. "If someone came tomorrow and told you I'm the literal devil, would you still trust me?"

Lucas pondered for a moment. It was an odd question, but they were a bit drunk, so he took it as Kyle having a flair for the dramatic. He nodded, "Yes, I would."

Kyle's smile was soft and genuine. His eyes crinkled with joy and a touch of sadness, something Lucas couldn't quite decipher: "Those words mean a lot to me. Thank you. I trust you, too. You're such a sweet soul."

They clinked their bottles together, but Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that something more profound was simmering beneath the surface. The warmth in his chest spread, both comforting and unnerving. He felt as if Kyle could see right through him.

Kyle leaned closer, their faces inches apart, and clinked his bottle against Lucas's once more. "To our partnership."

Lucas grinned, feeling the subtle but undeniable chemistry between them. His heart raced. "Is this the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship?"

Kyle chuckled, his gaze tender. "Perhaps."

Lucas reflected on the past couple of months. The apartment in Argüelles had become more than just a place to sleep—it had become a home filled with laughter, warmth, and the promise of new beginnings. He hadn't expected to find this—a deep, meaningful connection.

"You know," Lucas said softly, breaking the silence. "I never expected to find this—a friend who understands, a place that feels like home."

Kyle's smile was warm. "Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. And sometimes, those surprises are exactly what we need."

Lucas glanced at Kyle occasionally, noticing how moved he seemed by the conversation. They sipped their beers silently, a comfortable, quiet settling between them. But beneath that quiet, Lucas's heart was in turmoil. He couldn't deny it any longer—he was falling for Kyle.

Then, Kyle suddenly stood up and said, "I have something for you."

Lucas felt his heart skip a beat. Kyle returned quickly, holding a necklace with a silver pendant, a circle engraved with unfamiliar marks. Lucas didn't recognize the language but felt he could almost read the word "Eternity" on it.

"I've been meaning to give you this," Kyle said softly. "It reminded me of you."

Lucas felt nervous as he accepted the gift. The pendant felt like more than just a token—a symbol of something more profound. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

But when Lucas tried to put it on, his fingers fumbled, clumsy from the alcohol and something more—nervousness? Anticipation? He couldn't insert the ring at the other end of the necklace, so Kyle came closer to help. Their fingers brushed, and Lucas felt a shock run through him, a burning physical and emotional sensation.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but for the first time, Lucas noticed how warm Kyle's skin was, how the touch lingered even after they parted. Lucas could feel Kyle's breath warm against his skin in their closeness. He shivered involuntarily, the hairs on his neck standing on end.

A throbbing in his chest grew stronger. An undeniable pull towards Kyle left him stunned and unsteady. His heart was trembling, something awakening inside him that he couldn't push away any longer. His fingertips burned from the brief contact, and he gulped, trying to steady himself. He couldn't look at Kyle any longer, cursing himself inwardly.

Lucas liked Kyle—not just as a friend. It was undeniable now. The realization settled into him, warm and firm, like a truth he had always known but hadn't dared to acknowledge until now. His heart burned, not with pain but with something closer to joy. Butterflies fluttered inside him, their wings brushing against every fiber of his being.

Lucas was screwed.

Kyle's voice, low and intimate, whispered, "It looks lovely on you."

Lucas nodded, but his voice was shaky. "I like it... Thanks."

Lucas's heart was racing, and his cheeks turned red. His gaze focused on Kyle, whose eyes were also full of promises and an undescriptive sadness. Lucas breathed deeply, raising his hand to cup Kyle's face, and stopped midway.

Lucas's mind raced through a million scenarios, and his heart skipped a beat."What is going to happen now? Without business and with our life together? Is everything going to change now? If we fail, am I going to lose his friendship?"

The fear of losing Kyle was overwhelming. Instead of following his heart, he murmured, "I'm tired. It was a good night," and hurried to his room, almost tripping over a chair.

Kyle's raspy voice followed him as he retreated, "Good night, Lucas."

Lucas dreamed about fiery battles between winged beings and Kyle, but as every other night before, Lucas couldn't remember anything the following day.

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