Eric Fong’s relationship with his family hasn’t been great ever since he came out of the closet, but he owns a dim sum restaurant that’s quite successful, and he’s happy at least one aspect of his life is proceeding smoothly. Granted, his life would have been much better if he had a boyfriend because then he wouldn’t feel quite as lonely. However, overall, he’s satisfied with his life.<br><br>Benjamin Wen is the owner of The Crossroads Diner. Eric thinks Benjamin is cute, and something about the owner of the diner is intriguing. Most importantly, Benjamin prepares food that tastes identical to the ones Eric’s late maternal grandmother used to make for him. There are other aspects of the diner, such as the strange customers who gawk at Eric and only stare at their food and drinks instead of enjoying them, that he considers to be fascinating. He visits the diner night after night, hoping to solve the mysteries behind its existence. Along the way, he finds himself falling for Benjamin. But Benjamin is hiding quite a few secrets from him. Things Benjamin seems unwilling to reveal.<br><br>Can Eric and Benjamin’s relationship survive in spite of the secrets? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

The Crossroads Diner

“Do you have a problem with Irwin?”


Benjamin looked furious. This time around, Eric was one hundred percent positive about it because Benjamin didn’t bother to conceal it from him. He also noticed Benjamin’s fists on top of the table were clenched tight.


“Many years ago, Irwin, or rather, one of his previous incarnations was one of the people who had tortured and left me to die inside a barn. They had somehow found out that I was gay, and they hated me. I was only fifteen years old then, and I bled to death all alone inside that barn.”


Eric stared at Benjamin in shock. “Fuck!”


Eric didn’t know quite how to respond to that, but he was curious why Benjamin looked as if he was in his thirties now. “Can I ask you something weird?”


Benjamin raised both of his eyebrows. “I think we’ve passed that several miles back.”


Benjamin finished the remainder of his salad before sipping on his coffee. Then he put the cup back onto the table.


Chapter 18