Someone In The Crowd

CHAPTER - 8 - SILENT BREAKFAST

After waking up and remembering the last night's incidents Wangji felt ashamed of himself. Usually he was always alone when these nightmares came and was used to spend the rest of the night reading some book or watching a series. But last night was different. For the first time there was someone who woke him up from those cursed dreams and feeling secured he asked the person to stay some more time with him. In his sleep-meddled mind he did not realise but now he felt embarrassed for asking a complete stranger to keep him company during his most vulnerable time.

Shaking himself out of this stupor, Wangji went into the bath and after having a cold but relaxing bath proceeded towards the dining area. It was 8 am and though the weather was not as bad as last night nonetheless it was still risky go to outside and even more risky to drive in such state. Looking out of the windows a sigh followed Wangji's trail of thoughts,

' How am I going to go back in such state? But staying here also cannot be a solution, can it?
What the hell am I doing here anyway?
Why am I even living? '

' Wangji, what the hell are you thinking anyway?
You have to live for your brother and maybe one day this curse will be lifted.'

Shaking his head at his own contradicting way of thinking, he entered the dining area to be greeted with a fresh smell of just baked pancakes. Trudging his way to the kitchen his eyes fell on the chef. Wearing a royal blue coloured apron, totally concentrated on the batter the beautiful chef was totally ignorant of the guest's presence. Clearing his throat to let the other know about his presence Wangji greeted Wuxian in a awkward manner,

"Good... ahh... Good morning Profe I mean Wei..."

Wangji stopped feeling more awkward now. Morning greeting was never his cup of tea. But hearing his voice the chef had now turned off the gas and faced him.

Fresh out of the shower, to Wuxian, Wangji was looking like most handsome man on the earth. Realizing that he was probably falling for this probable straight man, Wuxian quickly reigned his emotions and greeted him with a dazzling smile,

"Good morning. And since you seem to be stuck with calling me with my surname dear, I will also call you Lan from now on."

Wuxian said with a nearly invisible pout which did not go unnoticed by Wangji.

Not getting the idea as to why the elder was pouting and being too much pre-occupied with his own problems, Wangji simply nods.

"Breakfast is ready. Go and sit on the table. Coming in just five. "

Wuxian chased Wangji away from the kitchen to cover his slight blush.

Coming with two plats of delicious looking pancakes with chocolate syrup Wuxian noticed the deep frowning on Wangji's face. Setting the plates down he took the seat opposite Wangji and started his inquiry.

" What are thinking so early?"

" Uhhh No nothing important."

" Really?"

" Just thinking about how to go back in this weather? "

" Why bother? Rest here for another day. We can just go back on Monday together"

Only after uttering the words did Wuxian realise what he actually just said and nervously looked at Wangji only to discover the latter's intense gaze on him,

" You sure?"

Wangji said with a slight smirk challenging the elder.

Now Wuxian was not able to back down from the offer, not that he wanted to.

" Sure. I'm definitely sure."

" Mn"

Wangji went quiet hearing the conviction in the other's tone. His plan to make the other tensed totally backfiring.

Not wanting to answer Wangji starts to dig into his share of pancake. Putting a piece in his mouth Wangji was astonished. The taste was very soothing to one's taste buds. Used to the taste of instant noodles and simple takeaway for years now, he was very much enjoying every bit of homemade food. He felt a praise was necessary;

"You cook very well."

Came a reply.

Wuxian looked at the man in front of him, a slight genuine smile adoring the handsome face of the other was enough to make anyone fall for him. Suddenly last night's scenario comes in front of Wuxian's eyes and his features become a bit serious.

" About last night... Do you want to share now?"

Wuxian carefully trudged on the point.

"No."

'Monosyllabic answer' Wuxian thought getting annoyed.

But monosyllabic or not the answer was clear. So, for the time being, Wuxian gave up on the idea to know about the contents of the nightmare and diverted his concentration towards the breakfast in front of him.

After another failed attempt to start a conversation which ended with,

" No talking while eating."

Wuxian slumped on the chair to eat another silent breakfast despite of having another person present with him. But for some reason the silent breakfast also felt very comfortable to both person present on the table.