A waitress greeted them with a friendly face and then led them to separate rooms. The light is dim yellow. The faintest light came from a candle stuck in a bronze three-pronged vessel.
There weren't many tables in the room, no other diners, just the two of them. Not exactly two of them, to be exact, because the guard was standing near their table.
After removing the mask and sunglasses, the restaurant owner realized that his special guest was Reva. It seems that he is also a fan of Reva. Not long after that, instrumental jazz came out. Charlos recognized the song that Reva was playing. The sound of the saxophone is very distinctive.
Reva did not seem impressed with this French restaurant. Since earlier, Reva stays calm without expression. Charlos still felt terrible for Reva, but he tried to be casual. He muttered softly to the tone of the song.
"Do you know this song by heart?" asked Reva.
"Of course!" Charlos felt a little relieved. He almost gave up on finding a way to fight the tension between them. "I'm one of your biggest fans, Rev. How could I not memorize this song. Answer of My Heart, one of my favorites." Charlos smiled broadly. He began to hum the song again in a more unmistakable voice.
The waiter brought a special bottle of wine. The bottle is dark. When the servant poured it into the glass, the wine was red as blood color.
They are toast. Then Reva twirled the glass, took a sip of the aroma then took a slow sip. Charlos did the same.
Not long after, the waiter prepared an appetizer menu. They eat Escargot, a dish that comes from snails. Charlos tastes it for the first time. At first, he didn't want to touch it, but when he saw Reva enjoying it, he finally tried it too. The broth is very rich in spices.
He was worried about the mucus from the snails, but it was not there at all. The meat was tender and tasty. He ever read that the manufacturing process is very complicated. This snail menu is used as a benchmark, whether the restaurant is good or not. So far, Charlos is immensely enjoying it.
The main menu arrived. Coq Au Vin. It was a rooster cooked in wine. The look and aroma are very delicious. The chicken is on a white ceramic plate that is too big for it. The portion is tiny for Charlos, but this chicken menu is indeed perfect. Savory, sweet, and warm flavors combine on his tongue. The aroma of the wine is getting sharper after heating with high temperatures.
Charlos almost threw away his prestige to order another Coq Au Vin. But his instincts told him this was not the right time to fill up his stomach. It's time for a romantic dinner. Maybe this is a romantic—candlelight dinner accompanied by soft jazz music. What's more, thought Charlos. There is one missing.
Charlos stared at Reva, not seemingly enjoying his meal at all.
"Don't you like chicken?" Charlos asked anxiously.
"Like." Reva ate Coq Au Vin with a sour face.
"Doesn't it taste good?"
"Oh, this is delicious," said Reva, not wanting to look at Charlos.
Charlos thought hard about how to break the tension between them. He downed his drink then took a slow breath. "Rev, are you mad at me?"
"What? Oh, I'm not mad, Charl." Reva straightened up. "I'm just annoyed, you didn't pay attention when I spoke. I thought you objected to accompanying me."
"I don't really mind accompanying you today," argued Charlos.
"Really?" Reva raised one eyebrow.
"Of course, Rev." Charlos sighed. He hopes his face looks sincere. "I'm sorry if you feel uncomfortable. I'm afraid if you will appear as reporters. They can write any news. I don't want to get involved."
Reva folded his arms across his chest. "So that's the problem."
"Mmm ..."
"That's why I need a guard. Now you understand why I'm always with my guard."
Charlos nodded. "Yes, it looks like you do need guards. I'm sorry."
"Thank goodness if you understand. I hope that I'll always have your attention, Charl."
Charlos looked at Reva. Reva should have known that Charlos would always place his primary attention on Reva even though there will be tons of obstacles ahead of him. Charlos couldn't help it.
Reva took a fork and then went back to eating.
"I was curious how you thought about me when you first saw me in person," said Reva breaking the tension.
Charlos smiled. "I don't know what to say. You look ... amazing ... cooler than what I saw on Manetube."
"Manetube?" Reva smiled while chewing. Charlos continued to look at him as a fool.
"Charl, you know what, you're the only one who calls me Reva."
Charlos gasped. "Oh, I'm sorry. Am I presumptuous?"
Reva chuckled. "How many times have you got to say sorry, Charl? Come on, it doesn't matter at all."
Yes, Reva is exceptional in his heart. If only Reva could read his mind. But isn't everything clear, all his attitude towards Reva. It doesn't even take many words to express it.
Reva smiled back at Charlos. "Charl, you ... are cute. So cute. I like it when you smile."
They have an eye lock. Charlos wanted to hold Reva's hand. But then the guard cleared his throat. It seems like a bad idea.
"Oh yes, Charl ..." blurted Reva. "Where are we going tomorrow?"
Charlos sighed. "Actually, tomorrow I can't accompany you. I have an appointment."
"Oh okay. No problem. I can meet with Jack tomorrow because on Sunday I have to make preparations for the Jazz Festival show in Jakarta."
"Okay," Charlos replied.
Jack is Reva's manager. Charlos has never met Jack in person. What Charlos knows is that Jack is a pretty fierce manager. He is very disciplined and punctual.