Chapter 11 - Akaguia

His peace would definitely not last long.

As his friends drank and ate, the more excited they became, especially after coach Santiago left. And it seemed to get worse as soon as a local singer started playing some songs live. When he started playing "Evidência", the singing took off. It was the first time Jake had seen the herd effect happening in front of him.

It started with his drunk friends, and by the time it got to the chorus, the whole restaurant was singing along. 

And to top it all off, the boys from Team Akaguia recognised Rapoxia.

— No wonder it stinks in here, it's like there's a bunch of savages here.

Matheus didn't let the provocation pass him by. Over his shoulder, he flashed a mischievous grin and didn't take long to reply.

— Birdie, what's that sound? What sound, what sound is that? Who knows its name?

Before they could answer, Ricardo slung his arm round Matheus' shoulder and joined in the teasing.

— That sound is the sound of loser worm-eaters!

The other team's players banged on the table as the Rapoxia burst into laughter. Jake hid his face in his hands, feeling the weight of his co-workers' and even his boss' gaze on him.

— Are you making fun of us?

— Calm down, little sparrow, you don't have to get angry, do you?

The restaurant was quickly filled with pheromones when Matheus' collar was grabbed. The customers, and even the musician, stopped to watch the little argument. It was as if everyone was on alert to intervene if it turned into a fight.

— Jake, clean up this mess or I'll take it out of your wages.

The frightening voice sounded in his ear and hurt his pocket. The alpha nodded immediately.

— Yes, ma'am.

He'd think something like this would happen. There was no story in which these two teams got along. One breath and the war would break out. 

What would Jake do if the customers got scared and didn't come back? Jaqueline would certainly eat him alive, since it was her idea to bring her team to celebrate. 

— Guys, no fights inside the restaurant — Jake tried to calm down as he approached.

— We're fine, we're just here to celebrate the newcomers — Matheus said nonchalantly as he shook his shoulders — It's not my fault they're bothered by our presence.

— Ha! Just ignore us, then. 

— But you're the one who struck up the conversation, silly.

A shiver ran down Jake's back, and he didn't even have to look back to realise that his boss was already reaching the limit of his patience.

— Matheus, please calm down and stop teasing. Eat quietly in your corner, right?

— That's right, Matheus. Keep to yourself.

— I'd love to keep quiet, but it seems these losers have fallen in love with me and want my attention. Shouldn't I take responsibility?

— Come on...

The boy clenched his fist about to punch Matheus. Jake was quick to stop him before he hit his friend. Sighing, the alpha kept a friendly smile on his face as his fingers tightened on the boy's fist, who stared at him in surprise.

— Mr. Customer, as I asked before, please, no fights in the restaurant. If you carry on like this, you'll be asked to leave.

— Let me go, you piece of shit!

Being tapped on the shoulder, everyone was startled when they noticed Nathaniel standing behind Jake. Nobody had seen him get up and approach, which was strange, as people were usually afraid to look at him.

— Should I call the police? 

Wow, how scary he was.

Jake could see him so closely that he could clearly see the red circles under his eyes and the coldness in his gaze. To his surprise, Nathaniel peeked his eyes out and glared at the unknown boy, who stared at him unblinkingly.

As he was still holding his fist, Jake felt the guy flinch when he received Nathaniel's gaze.

— Huh? No, I don't think that's necessary.

— So you'd rather I took care of it?

About to ask how he intended to take care of it, the murmurs were already rippling through the restaurant.

— Isn't that the guy with the rumours, the Joker? The one who's already been arrested for killing someone.

— Is that him?

Pulling back his fist, the boy took a few steps backwards without stopping shaking.

— That's none of your business — complained the fearful man, taking a few steps back.

— Nath, please behave yourself — muttered Guilherme, pulling the masked man's arm.

— Ha! I didn't think I'd see you two here.

A second voice was heard. A tall man with reddish, wavy hair seemed to be disgusted in person. He was also wearing the Akaguia uniform, but Jake couldn't remember seeing him on the court before. He was probably a rookie.

Who was that kid talking to? Had the rivalry between the two teams worsened over the last two years?

Looking over his shoulder, Jake noticed Guilherme looking pale and surprised. 

That was definitely not a good sign.

— Caspian.

Before the situation got any worse, Jake stood in front of Guilherme and Nathaniel, smiling amiably at the redhead.

— Sir, would you kindly return to your seats and avoid any further confusion inside the restaurant?

— Right, right, since we've placed our order, let's eat and get out — replied the redhead, turning his back and pushing his team-mates away. But before he sat down again, he looked over his shoulder — We'll sort this out later.

Haa... Finally they could get back to normal.

Signalling for the musician to play something to reduce the stress in the room, Jake also accompanied Nathaniel and the others back to their table. He had certainly warned the Rapoxia staff to ignore his rivals, as this could cause him problems at work.

And so peace was restored for the rest of the evening.

At least for the time being.

Jake continued to help his co-workers serve customers and take their orders. From time to time the alpha spied on his friends' tables to make sure everything was in order, but while clearing a nearby table he realised that Nathaniel wasn't eating.

Had something gone wrong with his order?

Or did he not like snacks?

As soon as the Akaguia people left the restaurant, the Rapoxia went back to celebrating as if nothing had happened. 

Without any orders, Jake leaned on the counter and saw Guilherme heading for the toilet. Signalling, he called out to the boy, who approached.

— Hey, are you enjoying your welcome party?

— The guys are really lively, so it's fun. Oh, and sorry about before.

It was so nice when they brought it up without Jake having to take the initiative.

— Ah, Rapoxia and Akaguia have always been rivals, so it always happens.

— I didn't realise there could be a rival team that we hated so much.

— You didn't know that, did you? — Jake joked, leaning on the counter — You must know that there are only two colleges in our city, so the sporting rivalry is great. But you seemed to know one of them.

Guilherme's cheeks reddened, and he still looked embarrassed.

— Well, yes. Nath and I went to the same school as Caspian. That's an... old quarrel.

Hm... As he'd imagined, they knew each other.

It was curious to see such surprise on Guilherme's face before. Or was it more like terror? The quarrel between them must definitely be old, he just didn't know why.

But he shouldn't meddle in other people's affairs. He has already done your bit to save your job by preventing a fight. It would be better just to ignore it and ease your freshman's nerves.

— Oh, and what did you think of the food? It's tasty, isn't it?

— I really liked the snack. Well worth the recommendation, Jake.

— Did Nathaniel eat well too? — Jake took the opportunity.

— Ah, maybe he'll eat later.

Has he lost his appetite? 

Or was it something to do with his scar?

— I thought he'd feel comfortable enough to eat, but I must have been wrong.

— Hm, Jake, I wanted to ask you something — Guilherme approached the alpha as if to tell him a secret, which increased Jake's curiosity — You said you bought Nath a coffee, so did you happen to see...

— Stop flirting and get to work, pretty guy, take these orders to table eighteen.

— Yes, boss — Jake laughed embarrassed at being caught chatting at work, then turned to Guilherme — We'll talk later, newbie. 

Although he didn't know what question would be asked, Jake concluded that it was nothing urgent as Guilherme just smiled and went to the bathroom. Shrugging, the alpha continued working until, a while later, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

— Where's the bathroom?

— Ah, it's near the back exit, in the corridor — Jake pointed to the masked man, who then followed silently.

Looking at the table, he noticed that Guilherme hadn't returned.

It was simply curious when it came to those two. The alpha couldn't help but pay attention when it came to them.

As he cleared a messy table near the corridor to the bathroom, the alpha balanced the pile of dishes on the tray without stopping to worry about the two of them.

Guilherme warned Nathaniel in the discussion, didn't he? Especially when the boys from the team mentioned the rumours about the joker. 

Well, if there really was a misunderstanding, the two of them could sort it out themselves, couldn't they? Jake shouldn't meddle and make the situation worse. 

He just didn't expect to get involved in something much bigger when Guilherme came running into the restaurant, tugging at his arm.

— Jake, please help Nath!