Yesterday's incident made Devan lose face in front of Mike. The morning that was usually busy with cooking together accompanied by Mike's teasing jokes was instantly forgotten by the presence of an awkward feeling between them. Devan and Mike realized that yesterday was a mistake. The touch of skin from the moment they met seemed to be increasing every day.
It started with a handshake from two strangers. For some time they can even hug without hesitation. But Devan didn't think that his wild thoughts that took over would have a bad impact on their continuation.
This morning Devan was trying hard to act normal despite the cold that suddenly surrounded them. Mike still wakes up early and helps him peel the kitchen spices or helps him pick up anything he needs.
The man in the black sleeveless shirt was still speechless and Devan wasn't the type to open a conversation. Mike didn't seem to want to start a conversation when he sat and was busy playing with his cell phone while Devan was stirring the spices in the frying pan.
"Home, Mike! You have to take responsibility for waking me up so early. The smell of the food makes me lose interest in sleeping."
The chairs at the dining table which are usually always filled with only Devan and Mike have now increased in personnel. Devan cooks a lot today. The three men who were friends of Mike immediately attacked his simple breakfast dish. Devan smiled slightly when there were many compliments praising his cooking skills.
The three men that Devan is still trying to remember. Yes, Devan is still very curious when his memory says if he has ever met those faces in front of him, but where?
"My name is Handis, this one is Ibnu, and the one who is still busy yawning is Toni."
"Devan."
The man who broke the silence between Devan and Mike introduced himself and the others. Devan shook hands one by one their outstretched arms towards him. The three men are the same as Mike, they tattooed his body. Devan thought that they were friends who were very close to Mike when they could easily enter Mike's apartment. And strangely, Devan suddenly felt disappointed because of it. The special presumption that he had received was not only for him. Yeah, Devan is too naive to forget the many people who knew the guy first.
"It's rare for Mike to hang out with teenagers like you. An innocent look with unquestionable cooking skills. If you are a woman, you are the complete package and I will try to make you my wife. Isn't that right, Mike?"
'"If you've enjoyed this meal, you can leave right away, okay?"
Mike threw his spoon and fork away. His face which seemed to be holding back annoyance looked at his friends one by one sharply. Devan doesn't understand Mike like this. Mike is currently getting up and walking toward his room.
"What's wrong with him?"
"I don't know, maybe because he's still annoyed with the events at the club last week."
The awkward conversation at the table finally ended with Mike's three friends deciding to leave. Meanwhile, Mike and Devan were again in one place in silence. The sound of horns and vehicles that became typical street music seemed to not affect them.
Devan occasionally glanced at the driver's seat, Mike seemed to be in a bad mood. His forehead was furrowed deep with lips tightened, his grip on the steering wheel had also been noticed by Devan since earlier.
Devan didn't dare to ask, maybe it was Mike's problem with his friends at the club as one of Mike's friends said. Or it's also possible, maybe the problem is with one of the women's collections. Devan knows enough that Mike is the type of free man with many women lining up for him.
"Thank you for dropping me off, Mike."
The car that had stopped right in front of the gate made Devan a little relieved. Let go of the awkwardness that she felt with Mike for the first time.
"Dev!" calls Mike. Devan, who was about to open the car door, was suddenly surprised by Mike's attack on his body. The man hugged him so tightly that Devan didn't move.
"Sorry for yesterday. Suddenly they came and made a ruckus in front of a kid like you."
"Wait a minute Mike! Get off your hands first! What did you say?"
Devan tried to untie the arm that was holding him. His heart, which was still surprised by Mike's change in attitude, got even worse when Mike turned to gently caress his cheeks. The look on their face forced him to continue fighting.
"I'm sorry that they came and got drunk at home. I couldn't get rid of them right away then. I know you can't sleep, right? Especially with the condition of your sore foot, it worries me so much that I have to be busy looking for references to treat your big toe."
It's like hearing an annoying joke. After Devan was made unable to sleep because of anxiety and worry because of his actions. After Devan was made to think badly because of the tall man's silence. Devan felt he couldn't read facial expressions at all and interpret them. How could I not, it was clear that the man was displaying an angry face, even until a moment ago!
And now Devan was made gaping with Mike's words earlier. The guy was worried about him, but why the angry expression Mike made instead?
"You scared me with your attitude earlier. You seem to make a face like you're angry. I'm thinking that's not the case," Devan replied without mentioning the embarrassing incident he did yesterday.
"I'm really angry because my friends are rioting at home, also angry with useless steps that make your feet hurt."
Devan was made to laugh at Mike's answer. Inanimate objects are not to blame, but Devan is made to laugh for Mike's silly reasons. His tiny arms were hitting Mike's stocky shoulders.
"Haha... Don't make it up, you said you're worried about me too?"
"True, but I still don't know what that worried expression is. Give an example!"
Mike's orders with his arms didn't stop playing with Devan's thin face. He pinched her cheeks and pinched them gently. Devan was already blushing with embarrassment, his face must be so clearly showing happiness.
"I don't think a flat face like yours will be able to do it. When you pull or contract some of your facial muscles you will have an expression, angry."
"Is that true? But as long as my face is covered by many women it won't be a problem, right?"
Mike smiled at him and immediately started the car again. Without waiting for Devan to come down, the man stepped on the gas.
"Mike! I have to go to school, let's go back!"
"No, you're sick."
"Now I have a daily test!"
"You can ask for a substitute assignment."
"I haven't asked permission from the school yet!"
"I'll allow it later."
And Monday, the man who had been planning his mischief since yesterday was canceled.