Interwined Strands | MxM

Chapter 16: Small World

I went to this small restaurant near the beach in Kenjeran as my mother would say, wearing white shirt and black jeans. Just a fifteen-minute ride from Kartawisnu, as the first order of business in the morning. The place was bustling, strategically positioned along the shoreline with the northern winds sweeping through and seagulls squawking overhead like an unruly chorus. Perched on the edge of the beach, the restaurant exuded a chilly yet inviting atmosphere. I couldn't help but wonder about the person behind such an establishment.

As I inquired around, hoping to find someone named Theo, a worker directed me to wait while she summoned him. After nearly ten minutes, Theo finally appeared. He greeted me with a warm smile, his apron still tied around his waist as he gestured for me to step outside. It seemed like he wanted to have a conversation, perhaps this was indeed an informal interview.

Theo and I found ourselves standing behind a concrete wall beside the kitchen's back door, surrounded by mesmerizing street art that emitted various vibes. The occasional noisy roar of a modified bike from the main road was the only disruption to the tranquility of our spot. It was a scene unlike any other. Pedestrians strolled by, seemingly enjoying a brief respite by the beach. Among them were couples, hand in hand, prompting a fleeting thought: why shouldn't it be as acceptable for two men to hold hands in public?

"It feels quiet over here, huh?" He started.

"Yeah," I agreed.

He handed me his cigar, as he lit off his. A mischievous smirk playing on his lips as I took one, and he lit off mine as well. Our eyes met, and in the sunlight, he seemed even more striking. With his messy yet endearing hair and those big hazel eyes, he was undeniably handsome. His pointed nose and fairer skin, in contrast to Hesti's Chinese heritage, hinted at a mixed-race background.

"Well, so your mom talked to my dad that you needed a job right?"

I turned to him, "Yeah she did."

"Well, you're lucky that I still have a job offer for you."

"Okay."

"Though, if you really want, you can work for me. We need one more waiter since the other two are only working part-time."

His offer caught me off guard. While part of me hesitated, fearing the potential pitfalls of the job, another part recognized the practical need for steady income. Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the necessity.

"I could pay you minimum wage plus a percentage, how does that sound?" Theo continued.

The offer, though modest, seemed fair for a waiter's compensation.

"Sure, that sounds great," I affirmed.

"Then you've got yourself a deal," Theo said firmly, shaking my hand with a surprisingly strong grip. His serious expression caught me off guard as he continued, "Do you have any passion for being a waiter? Because, you know, this is more than just a job. We work as a team here. It's not just about cooking; it's about creating art and serving it to our customers."

His intensity was unexpected, and I nodded fervently in response.

"If you feel like you can't handle it, it's better to quit now and save yourself some trouble," he warned.

"Got it, Theo," I replied, taking his advice seriously.

He chuckled, breaking the tension. "Don't call me that. I was just messing with you," he said with a smile. "Seriously, Raf? You don't remember me at all?"

His question left me stunned. Had I hooked up with him? Was I really that lucky? Who was this person?

"I... uh... I'm sorry, I really don't remember you at all. Have we met before?" I asked, feeling a sense of unease creeping over me.