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

“Good. Is there anything else that I should know?”


Benjamin hesitated, but he decided he should come clean all the way. “I want to ask you about Robby and Irwin.”


Catrina raised her eyebrows, seemingly confused. “Who?”


“Two of the souls that recently—”


“Oh, yeah! I’m not the one fully in charge of them, but I believe I’ve read their names on the reports submitted to me by my grim reapers. I haven’t read through all the details, though. What about them?”


Catrina gaped. “From when you were still alive?”


“Yes. The two of them were present when I was…you know.”


Benjamin couldn’t stop the sadness and bitterness inside him from seeping through, and Catrina must have caught on because she looked really sad now. Benjamin did his best to blink his tears away, but one rolled down his cheek anyway.


Benjamin sniffled a little as Catrina embraced him tightly, and he forced himself to calm down fast. “I’m fine.”


Chapter 21