Rey and James took one of the empty tables outside the convenience store.
Three others were already occupied.
Steam soon rose from the premium noodle cups as they opened them, the rich aroma spreading into the air. One by one, they began tasting the snacks they had bought, switching between flavours without restraint.
It was casual.
Too casual.
Across from them, a girl's eyes slowly widened.
"Hey, Mira," Nina whispered, nudging her friend. "Look at those guys. Don't they look like some rich heirs trying to experience normal life?"
Mira scoffed without looking up from her phone.
"You read way too many novels. Do you really think rich brats would eat at a place like this? Even if they—"
She glanced up.
And froze.
Two boys were eating deluxe premium snacks that people usually saved for special occasions. No hesitation. No excitement, like it was just cheap food.
"…Okay," Mira muttered. "I believe you."
Nina smirked.
"But forget the food," Mira added, eyes drifting. "Look at them. That blond one looks like a prince. And the other guy… he's pretty cute too."
Her imagination clearly ran wild.
"Heh~ heh~."
Nina snapped her fingers in front of her face. "Wake up. So? Should we try getting close?"
Mira grinned. "Obviously. You take the blondie. I'll take the cutie."
They stood up and walked over just as Rey and James were about to start eating properly.
"Umm~ hello," Mira said softly, tucking her hair behind her ear and leaning forward just enough to look charming. "Are you guys new here?"
James smiled easily. "Yeah. I guess you could say that."
"Oh, really? Same here," Nina said brightly. "Would you like to eat together?"
"I'm Nina. This is Mira."
"James," he replied, pointing beside him. "And this is Rey."
Rey nodded once, then looked straight back at his noodles.
Eating came first.
Girls came… somewhere far below that.
James naturally took over the conversation, his extroverted tone drawing the girls in. Laughter followed easily.
Rey, meanwhile, observed quietly.
They were pretty. Charming too.
But Mira kept glancing his way more than necessary.
They probably think we're rich, he thought.
He dismissed it quickly.
His clothes were average. He wasn't even half as eye-catching as James.
Maybe they're just here for him.
Either way, it didn't matter.
His food was getting cold.
"James," Rey said calmly, already lifting his chopsticks. "I'm eating."
And he did.
Noodles.Cake.Buns of different flavours.Sweet James shared with the girls.
Everything tasted absurdly good.
Too good.
By the time he finished, he was already thinking of buying another set for Emmy and Jasmine.
James was still talking effortlessly, the girls laughing like old friends.
"So, Mr. Rey," Mira said, approaching him as he stood. "James said today is your birthday. And this treat is from you."
"Yes," Rey replied politely. "Just a small celebration."
"Happy birthday," she said warmly. Nina echoed the wish from the table.
"And sorry for interrupting."
"It's fine," Rey replied. "You didn't ruin anything."
Mira smiled. "Then how about karaoke? Or a club? It's on us."
Nina nodded quickly. "We really want to make it up to you."
James glanced at Rey.
That look was enough.
"Sorry," James said smoothly. "We're heading to his place to celebrate with family."
"Oh… that's too bad," Mira said, then quickly brightened. "Here. My number. Call anytime."
James accepted it politely.
Soon after, the girls left.
Rey and James exhaled almost in sync.
"You didn't take it seriously, right?" Rey asked.
"Of course not," James replied. "They noticed us after the snacks. I can tell when someone wants friends and when they want money."
Rey chuckled. "You really are built differently."
After cleaning up, Rey asked James to wait outside and went back into the store.
He bought the same sweet again.
This one was for home.
When he stepped back out, James was on a call.
His expression was stiff.
Rey stopped beside him, listening.
"…Mom."
The voice on the other end was sharp.
James tried to explain. Failed.
Eventually, he gave in.
After the call ended, he let out a slow breath.
"Trouble?" Rey asked.
"Same as always," James said quietly. "I wish she were more like your mom. Calm. Gentle."
Rey shook his head. "Every parent worries. They just show it differently."
James smiled bitterly. "Maybe. But I need to go."
They walked together for a bit, then split paths.
Rey headed home.
His phone buzzed.
He looked down.
Read the message.
And froze.
"…What the hell is this thing…?"