Reunion (1)
"Are you near already, Red?"
"Yup, Yup. I'm just minutes away." Red assuringly uttered as he answered the person on the other side of his phone.
Red's eyes scanned the clock, and he couldn't resist scratching the back of his head.
Yesterday night, he was so engrossed in the game that he became lost in time. When he realized that he had been sitting for so long, it was already 3 in the morning.
He could have slept immediately, but his stomach was crying out of hunger.
Red had to order food first, which took half an hour. In the end, he was only able to sleep around 6 in the morning.
On the other side, Solar sighed. "Alright. We're going to wait for you then. Make sure you get here ASAP," she answered with a hint of impatience and understanding.
"Yeah, don't worry. I'll drop the call now." Red, after saying those words, pressed the end button on his phone's screen.
Their meetup location was just 15 minutes away from his apartment. But the problem was, he hadn't even left his apartment.
He just woke up 20 minutes ago.
Red glanced around his apartment. He realized that time had slipped away faster than he anticipated.
He tilted his head to the side. Even though he was still in a state of grogginess, he managed to take a bath and put on clothes in just a short amount of time.
Red just took his wallet and left his apartment.
As he went to the side of the street, Red raised his hand upwards, catching the attention of the cab drivers resting on the side.
Red could have used his car, but it would have been a hassle to find a parking space at a time like this.
"To Sinwoo Restaurant, Sir," Red informed the driver of his destination as he rode the cab. The urgency could be heard in his voice.
The only time that Red could finally have a moment to breathe and think was when the driver started driving. They went around the bustling city streets.
"Thanks, Sir."
Upon reaching the meet-up spot, he hastily paid the cab driver, giving a quick thanks before running towards the entrance.
However, just as he arrived at the door, he stopped his steps and stood for a while. His heart was beating fast due to the anticipation and nervousness.
'When was it that we last saw each other?'
Red couldn't remember the exact moment, but years go had surely passed.
As Red looked through the glass window of the restaurant, he saw that the inside was filled with people.
It was only 4 in the afternoon and yet the whole restaurant was jampacked. Sinwoo was a hit sensation and was popular with the masses as a lot of celebrities were usually seen dining inside.
"Let's do this, Red." Red breathed deeply as he walked forward.
The front door of opened, revealing the interior of the restaurant. Sinwoo's interior was a mixture of classic and modern design. They used neutral colors, such as white and nude, to create a cozy and calm atmosphere for the diners.
What's different about Sinwoo was that it wasn't just a normal restaurant.
Sinwoo had two floors. The first one was used for dining while the second floor was built differently. It was used as a modern internet cafe, with rooms available for private use.
"May I know your name, Sir?" A uniformed man greeted Red enthusiastically as he stepped inside.
"For Jules Casas," Red read the information regarding the reservation that was sent on their group chat.
When the uniformed man heard the name, he immediately nodded and led Red on its way to the table.
"Redddd!" Solar, tapping her foot impatiently, spotted Red on the crowd.
Hearing his name, Red embarrassingly chuckled. He looked around and saw that some of the people glanced in his direction after the sudden noise.
Red smiled as he looked at the table, where the shout came from.
"You're cutting it close, Red. We've been waiting for ages," CJ chided, with a smirk playing n his lips.
"Sorry, lost track of time. You know how it is," Red replied with a sheepish grin.
Red's eyes scanned Cj's face. Cj had light brown hair and tanned skin. Cj, now had a prim expression on his face. It was different back then when he used to have a goofy one.
The changes on his face were noticeable too, with Cj's facial structure becoming more defined.
He definitely looked older and more mature now than back then.
"Brother Red! I miss you!" Jules, who was eating a toasted bun earlier, had just managed to greet Red now.
Jules had a cheerful smile on his face as he waved his hands repeatedly.
Red chuckled as he looked at Jules's jolly expression.
Jules still hadn't changed. His short black hair and chubby figure were all the same, except his cheeks, which seemed to have gotten more rounded.
"Didn't I look more cute now, Brother Red?" Jules flashed a big smile, showcasing his chubby cheeks more.
Red laughed and repeatedly nodded. "Yes, yes."
As Red's eyes looked at the person sitting beside Jules, his eyes widened in shock.
"Eric?" Red's jaw fell to the ground,
Eric who was at the end of the table, stood up after hearing his name. The clothes on his body barely even fit him. His muscles were showing off and protruding too hard.
"Did you take steroids, bro?" Red exclaimed. Eric looked as if he had gone through a complete transformation.
Red couldn't believe that this was possible in just 3 years.
Eric chuckled. After leaving the professional scene, his new addiction went from playing games to going to the gym after a few months.
He would go to the gym as frequently as six times a week.
"This is all natural, Boss Red. No preservatives added." Eric jokingly muttered making the whole table laugh.
They couldn't blame Red. They were also surprised earlier when they first saw Eric.
"Unfair, Red. I'm the one who greeted you first, but you're greeting me last."
Red's eyes drifted to the opposite side of the table as Solar's melodious and soft voice entered his ears.
Solar's long and wavy hair draped loosely over her shoulders. Her fair skin shined and glowed. Her almond-shaped eyes, in a color of light brown, gazed at Red. Her reddish lips pouted in a way that a hint of gloominess could be noticed.
A subtle smile appeared on Red's lips.
"It seemed like you became more beautiful, Solar."