WE MEET AGAIN

Leo slept through the whole afternoon and was awoken by the uncomfortable feeling coming from his stomach. It was growling non-stop telling him to get up already. He rolled over to each side of the bed still feeling drowsy and remembered that he didn't eat anything for lunch.

He was famished.

The rain had already stopped and the dark grey sky was replaced by a reddish and orange shade of feathery clouds. The silhouette of the windows in his room was visible against the dimming light as the sun started to set.

He got up lazily from his bed, caressing his stomach, and went downstairs to get something to eat. He switched on the light and grabbed the food offering they brought for Damon and reheated it. Don't waste the food, he remembers his brother telling him. But, really he was just reminding him not to skip his meal which of course he disobeyed, again.

"Whatever." He mumbled.

He sat down, pour a cold juice into his glass, prepared his chopsticks, and said a little prayer for Damon before eating.

"These are your favorites, let's eat together." He murmured and sighed.

He ate there in silence lost in his thoughts. Eating alone wasn't a big deal for him. He was used to it even before Damon came along and his brother joins him sometimes whenever he comes for a visit, but it was different when Damon was still around. The silly things he used to say to him made him choke on his food and how the man would guffaw at the sight. Their slight arguments, serious convos, and all that. He just really misses him today overall.

Two years without someone to eat with or to talk to was kind of heart-rending for him at times. But, it is what it is. It's not like he has friends to call and invite over for brunch, and even if he does have one, he still wouldn't bother to do so. Furthermore, neither of them likes that idea. They were contented with each other's company and Leo still prefers it that way even after Damon passed away. He acts as if the love of his life was still there all the time.

He finished his food and went for the chocolates Lyle gave him, unwrapping them one by one and popping them into his mouth. He has a crazy appetite for sweets cause he was never really a conscious eater for he sweats it easily by doing sessions every day. His lean and toned body says so.

After finishing half of it, he puts it in the beadboard cabinet and then proceeded to wash the dishes he left earlier.

It was nearing 7 pm and he didn't have much to do so he went back to his room after switching off the lights downstairs.

He checked his schedule again for tomorrow and decided to watch his favorite show, The Untamed. He and Damon used to binge-watch it together. He watched it for how many times already but he still does when he's bored or not busy. It was relatable for him in a way. The only difference was that his lover won't come back to him.

Leo gulped as a tiny tear escaped his eye. He was so focused on the scene when his phone suddenly rang which startled him a bit. He paused what he was watching and checked the screen, it was his manager.

"Jax, what is it?" He asked in a serious tone.

"Just checking boss. Are you going to the café tomorrow?" He knew Leo was annoyed by the way his voice sounded.

"Yes. I will go there in the afternoon. Why?" His brows furrowed.

"It's about the signage of the café. You said you want to change it. I already found someone who can do the job. My friend knows someone. He gave me his number and I already called him." He explained.

"Okay. And?" He asked.

"He said he's available tomorrow at 2:30 pm and will stop by the café." His manager said.

"My schedule is packed for tomorrow. I don't know what time I will finish. Just meet him and show him around." Leo commanded.

"But boss, he said he wants to meet the owner. He said it's better to meet with you to discuss more important details regarding the designs that you like." The manager said a bit hesitant.

Leo rolled his eyes and sighed enough for Jax to hear on the other line.

"Fine. If I'm not there by 2:30 tomorrow, just tell him to wait." Leo said, messaging his temple.

"Okay boss. I will confirm immediately. See you tomorrow." With that, the manager ended the call.

Leo threw his phone on the bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up. He finished 5 episodes and sets his alarm. A typical night for him.

He then said goodnight to Damon and forced himself to sleep. Then after an hour of fidgeting, he finally fell into a slumber.

The next morning.

..goodbye Brielle..only whispers can tell..all the sweet dreams that we knew so well..I'll see you around, my sweet ocean town..

Leo's eyes unwrapped slowly as the alarm continues to play. He reached for his phone on the nightstand and turned it off. He usually wakes up at 7 am depending on his schedule at the studio but today he decided to wake up earlier.

It was a sunny day and he could hear the birds chirping outside. He rubbed his eyes, sat up, and drank some water. As usual, saying good morning to the photograph and then proceeded to stretch his stiff body. He went straight to the bathroom and took a bath a cold bath.

Today was different, he felt light. Like something good was going to happen. But, he didn't want to expect anything.

After a long shower, he put on a black t-shirt and grey jogging pants. He packed his extra clothes and some towels inside his gym bag and then went downstairs to digest something. A simple breakfast is what he usually makes when he has worked, a bowl of oatmeal and milk with fresh fruits on top.

His schedule starts at 8:30 am so he had time to spare. Besides, his dance studio was just a 15-minute walk from his apartment. Good thing it's sunny today, he thought while finishing his food. He puts it in the sink, switched off the lights, and grabbed his skateboard.

He puts on his sneakers and went on his way. On the way to the elevator, he saw the landlady's son standing in the corner busy with his phone. He didn't want to approach him but the man already realized someone was coming and lifted his head to see who it was.

"Oh, hey Leo. Morning.." He greeted.

"Morning.." He greeted back with a half-smile.

"Heading for work? The weather's good today." He casually said.

"Yes." Leo simply answered. He dislikes small talk and doesn't want to be disturbed in any way, but it was too late. Lyle suddenly became quiet and Leo noticed his uncomfortable face looking in every direction like he wants to ask something. "Well, I'll be going. Good to see you again, Lyle.." He was walking in the elevator when suddenly the man called him.

"Leo..hmm..actually I have a favor to ask. Uhmm..say..do you mind giving me your brother's number? I just need to ask him something.." He was a bit shy but tried to look straight at Leo.

Leo raised his brow a bit. He was hesitant at first but thought maybe it was something important and seeing the man's face turn red, he automatically knew that it is. Saving Lyle from any more embarrassment, he grabbed his phone from his pocket and checked the phone book without saying anything.

"Here. Just tell him It was me who gave it to you." He said.

Lyle's face beamed like a kid.

"Thanks. Yeah, I will." He said while copying Felix's number to his phone. "Here. Thanks a lot. See you later." He said and left, still smiling.

Leo slightly shook his head as he looks at the man walking away and disappearing from his sight. He went into the elevator and within seconds he was outside. He sighed, taking in the air filled with smoke coming from the cars passing by. He looked around and put down his skateboard, carefully sliding through the busy streets.

People looked at him in awe. A good-looking man, hands-on in his pocket, passing by people without a care in the world was so cool to look at. Ladies were amazed. He just rolled his eyes at them and continued on his way.

He got to his studio within minutes and started his day. He turned on the music from his phone, connected it to the speakers, and listened while he cleaned up a bit. It echoed through the whole room and his head moved with sound. Some moments later, a lady with a young boy about 5 years old went in and greeted Leo. The boy immediately ran for him and hugged his leg which made him smile patting the kid on the head. For some reason, the boy would always do it whenever he would see him and he finds it very cute.

His studio is open for everybody who wants to learn to dance or those who want to stay fit and the kids are his priorities today. As cold and tough as he is on the outside, he always has a soft spot in him for children.

The woman, which is the mother walked toward Leo smiling at her youngster.

"He likes you very much, Mr. Leo. He is always excited to see you." The woman said, smiling widely.

"Yes, me too. I'm always excited to see the kids, especially little Peter here." He picked him up and squeezed the kid's chubby cheeks. The woman chuckled.

"Well, I will pick him up later. please take good care of him." The woman said. She turned to his child and stroked his hair. "Peter, mommy is going now, please behave and always listen to older brother okay?" He gently reminded his son. The kid giggled and hugged his mother. "Okay, mommy." The kid said. Leo beamed and suddenly remembered his mother. He used to be him, a child, a happy one, and instantly, the nostalgia strikes.

Other kids arrived soon and the day went on as usual. After their playful dance session, the children's parents came to pick them up and some waited for them to finish. Leo was worn out. The kids drained his energy but he loved it. He went on to his locker and drank some water then checked at the clock and mumbled; "11:30." He then changed his clothes drenched in sweat and closed the studio. He had enough time to have lunch and do his other errands. Time went by and he remembered his meeting at the café. He immediately booked a cab and went on his way.

He got there 15 minutes early. He was greeted by his employees and his manager, Jax.

"Good Afternoon, boss. Good to see you." He said smiling widely at Leo.

"Hm. Still early." Leo responded.

"Well boss, he's here. He came 20 minutes before you. He's waiting in the other room." The manager said politely.

Leo's brows creased. "Already? Tsk. Alright. I'll go meet him now. Bring us coffee." He said a bit disappointed.

"He already ordered tea, boss. I will bring yours shortly." The cheerful manager said.

"Hm." He hummed lightly and went to meet the man.

He opens the door slowly, exposing only the man's back sitting on the chair with his legs crossed. The man heard the door squeak a little and shifted his head to look who was there, then stood up and faced him.

Leo was surprised. His eyes widened and didn't expect it to be him, of all people, but managed to stay calm and look upright to the visitor.

"Oh, Mr. Leo. Hi. We meet again.." The man grinned.

Again, leaving Leo a bit uncomfortable.

TO BE CONTINUED.