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

Eric beamed at Benjamin. “I also like you a lot.”


“I think I may even be in love with you.”


That was simultaneously the sweetest and cruelest declaration. On one hand, Eric was ecstatic about it. On the other hand, he was sad because he knew they weren’t meant to last. He hesitated for a second or two before he forced himself to smile at Benjamin.


“I’m definitely in love with you.”


Then the two of them were quiet again. Eric didn’t know how to continue with the conversation. He was also afraid of the direction that it might take because he knew that the two of them only had one kind of ending, and it wasn’t the one he desired.


“You know that I’ve been wanting to be reborn for a really long time now.”


Eric could detect the phantom pain that shot through his entire body when he heard that. “Yeah.”


“And Persephone told me that I shouldn’t waste this second chance that I’ve been blessed with.”


Chapter 78