Chapter 3

Kanan noticed his furrowed brows, the downturn lips, and the distant look in his eyes. He hesitated, searching for the right words to break through the invisible barrier. It was clear that this meeting would be different from what he had expected.

"I'm sorry for being late. I got caught in traffic on the way here." Kanan's first train of thought was his tardiness ruined Nathaniel's mood. He knew some people were sensitive about being on time and apologized.

"It's okay. I know how the traffic gets around here." Nathaniel said, trying to hide his distress that hadn't gone unnoticed. "Feel free to order whatever you like." He slid the menu next to his coffee across the table to Kanan.

Still uneasy by the situation, he decided not to ponder too much. His goal was to repay Nathaniel and head home. The menu was a carefully crafted work of art lettered with the cafe's logo. The design was clean and elegant, with green and gold borders in fancy designs. Royal Brew Café was visually pleasing, which made Kanan have high expectations for the taste. Failing to meet their established standards would be a tremendous letdown. As he looked at the menu, the items were overpriced. There were some that he'd never heard of, even though he wasn't a regular patron of cafes. Lavender-infused Earl Grey latte and Rasberry Truffle Cappuccino, Cardamon Rose Chai Latte, to list a few that he had never heard of and piqued his interest. Another thing that caught Kanan's interest was Nathaniel's voice. His low, smooth tone held an undeniable charm and captivated him even in his drunken state.

Kanan took the simple route and ordered a latte despite his keen interest in the menu items. If he had the chance to visit Royal Brew Café again, he'd indulge in the world it offered. Kanan looked over at Nathaniel, who patiently waited for him. He was in a light grey vest and a crisp white dress shirt paired with a neatly knotted black tie, and his sleeves rolled up. An air of elegance surrounded him, a perfect balance of confidence, professionalism, and charm. With striking features, a chiseled jawline, and dark brown eyes that captured attention effortlessly, it was impossible not to appreciate his undeniable physical appeal. There was an herbal scent that didn't go unnoticed; hints of citrus and mint emitted from him.

"About the repayment," Kanan spoke, breaking the silence. "What is it that you'd like?"

"Would you care to accompany me somewhere?"

Kanan wanted to ask if he was okay. Enduring his upset mood was quite uncomfortable despite his efforts to ignore it. "Are you doing okay? The last thing you want is for a stranger to pry into your business, but honestly, it's hard to ignore how upset you are." He went for it regardless of the outcome.

Nathaniel sighed. "I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. I can't promise that my mood will improve by the end of this discussion; so much for a first impression. I just had a bad thing happen before you arrived that pissed me off." His anger was present. "I'll try my best to hide it."

"I'm not the best person to talk about first impressions," Kanan chuckled, recalling his behavior. "Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't ruin the rest of your day. Now, where would you like me to accompany you?"

"A birthday party," He replied.

"Kanan tried to hide his shock by drinking his latte. "A birthday party?"

"Yes, a birthday party."

"I mean, I don't mind, but I didn't think repaying a tub of ice cream would mean attending a birthday party."

"I understand if you don't want to."

"I'll go." Kanan had celebrated numerous birthdays, but never before for someone he barely knew. He decided to take Nathaniel up on his offer for multiple reasons. Partially, he felt indebted to Nathaniel for his help, but importantly, to honor the oath to himself, promising to embrace a more adventurous and open approach to life. "Every day is a new opportunity to go on adventures, explore the unknown, and create memories. That's how I've decided to live my life."

"Did you come up with that quote yourself?" Nathaniel questioned.

"I may or may not have read it somewhere, but for now, birthday parties turn me into a quote genius. I'm quite the philosopher."

It was the first smile that graced Nathaniel's lips that afternoon. "I didn't know birthday parties had that kind of effect."

Kanan found himself smiling upon seeing a warm smile spread across his lips. It was the first time Kanan had seen him truly relax and show a hint of joy that day. "Not only do you have a nice voice but a smile too." The compliment escaped without a second thought. The short moment gave rise to a comfort that made Kanan speak freely.

Nathaniel cleared his throat, unconsciously, reaching for his cold cup of coffee in response. The unsavory liquid made him grimace. He couldn't help but wrinkle his nose and hastily set the cup down. "Is this the birthday effect too?"

"The Nathaniel Effect." During their conversation, Kanan couldn't help but make playful jokes. It was a delightful exchange, where their easy comfort allowed smiles to linger in the air.

"Did they put alcohol in you're Latte?" He jokingly questioned, remembering Kanan's drunken behavior.

"I'd be all over you right now if there were. I get clingy and say weird things. " Kanan told him. "I just wanted to lighten the air. I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."

Nathaniel shook his head. "I haven't had an interaction like this in a while. The last thing I expected was for us to hit it off. If anything, I'm thankful that my day is ending on a positive note."

To Kanan, the joy of turning someone's gloomy day into a radiant one was unmatched. The feeling when their smile replaced their earlier frown left a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. Just as Nathaniel basked in the joy surrounding them as if deliberately seeking to disrupt the pleasant atmosphere, his phone chose that moment to ring. The caller's identity soured his mood instantly. Kanan assumed the caller was the cause of his earlier mood. In the blink of an eye, the smile that he made graced Nathaniel's lips was nowhere in sight.

In his efforts to ignore the call, he turned the phone face down, returning his attention to Kanan, but the persistent caller wasn't giving up. Kanan could sense the anger welling inside Nathaniel. His aggressive grab of the phone, his fingers forcefully working to turn off his phone. It wasn't until the last ring that he stopped, and his expression softened.

"I have to go," He said, leaving his seat. "I'll message you the details regarding the party. Don't worry about the drink; I'll pay on the way out."

"You don't have-" Before Kanan could finish, Nathaniel rushed off. Left alone in Royal Brew Café, Kanan thought about having his debt increase. This time, he'd at least finish his Latte.

~~

In the confines of his living room, Kanan channeled his inner strength and determination to conquer his last sets of push-ups. Sweat dripped from his forehead, his workout attire wet with the accomplishment of his physical exercise. In the background, soft rhythmic music from his workout playlist played. With the sound of his breathing and the occasional grunt of effort, the burn in his muscles was a sign of progress. As the last push-up concluded, Kanan released a contented sigh. With a sense of accomplishment, he lowered himself gently to the floor, feeling the supportive surface beneath him. With his workout complete, Kanan laid flat on his back, his gaze toward the ceiling. Sweat trickled down his temples. Beside him, within arm's reach, rested a folded towel atop the coffee table. He reached and retrieved it, using its soft fabric to wipe at his forehead.

In his drifting thoughts, as he looked at the white canvas, Nathaniel presented himself. It had been three days since they met. The message that he was keenly waiting on never appeared. Upon leaving the cafe, he sent a text after much deliberation.

Hey, I could say this a million times, but don't let anything dampen your spirit. Your smile is too great to be hidden by a frown. I don't know what it is or if my words will have any impact; it was short, but I had a great time. I can't wait for our next adventure!

Next time, I'll pay. ☕️

Nathaniel had been radio silence since. With each passing day, Kanan felt a growing uncertainty about whether he'd ever have the chance to repay him. Although it was a small act of kindness, the idea that Kanan might be unable to repay Nathaniel after all that had happened was deeply frustrating for him. Kanan contemplated if he should call or continue waiting for a sign of their next move. As if a signal from the universe, his phone rang instantly. A burst of energy from his excitement lifted him from his spot as he picked up his phone, hoping it was the call he eagerly waited for. Kanan's excitement that he knew not why vanished upon seeing the caller.

"Hey, Kaelan," It was his brother.

"Are you disappointed that I called?" He questioned, not missing Kanan's low enthusiasm over the phone. "Cause it sure does sound like it."

"Why would I?" Kanan replied. "I'm expecting to hear from someone. I thought this was it. I got a bit too excited."

"Hi Kanan!" An excited voice made its way on the phone before Kaelan could speak. He recognized that cheerful tone, each word brimming with kindness. "It's been forever; how have you been?"

"Ayana! It's been so long I thought you forgot about me," Laughter followed. "I'm doing okay. Kaelan's not causing you any trouble, is he?"

"You know I'd be filing them complaints if he wasn't. I'm relieved to know you're doing okay. Classes got us pulling our hair out; aside from that, we've been doing great, making the most of things." Ayana was Kaelan's girlfriend. They began their relationship in high school and continued their love story in college. Kanan was happy about his younger brother's enduring romance.

"You know I'm a phone call away," Kanan replied. "Just a few more years, and it'll be over."

"I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm about to head out. I'll see you when we visit."

Kanan had assumed that only Kaelan would be visiting. "Looking forward to it."

Kaelan made his way back onto the phone. "Anyways, whose call were you waiting on to get you excited enough to rush to the phone." He eagerly waited for what Kanan had to say.

"Just someone I met recently," He reached for his bottle of water, the cool liquid a welcome relief.

"Are you guys dating?" Kanan couldn't believe his ears. He nearly choked on his water, taken aback by what he just heard. Sometimes, he forgot how straightforward his brother could be.

"Why would you even think that!?"

"You're the one who was excited for whoever this person is phone call."

"That doesn't mean we're dating." Kanan said, putting his water down.

"Do you like them?" Kaelan asked.

"It's nothing like that. We're just friends; acquaintances are more like it. I owe him for helping me out recently."

"If you say so," Kaelan was unconvinced.

"Why are we even talking about this?" Kanan wanted to change the topic at hand. "I'm sure you didn't call to check my relationship status."

"I can't help but be curious, but it's nice to see you like this after what happened, whether you're excited about talking to your crush or making acquaintances. I'm relieved."

Kanan sighed, knowing his brother wasn't going to let it go. Just then, the number he saved as Nathaniel made the long-awaited call. "I'm going to have to call you back."

"I still have questions, but I'll save them for later," Kaelan said before ending the call.

Kanan answered the call he had been waiting on.