The house at the Crossroads (BxB)

The Wondrous Outcomes of Courage

Instruments made out of bamboo and strings were playing, and there were people clapping and cheering along, but the sounds were distant and muffled. The people passing by his route blurred and his eyes only focused on the man a few steps away. The said man had his back straight, hand twirling the glass it was holding. His eyes, almond-shaped and thick lashes, were staring at the band playing. His lips were plump and cheekbones high. His curly hair was cut short and combed neatly. He was wearing a traditional suit, but if he was not, he could have easily mistaken him as a woman. His features were feminine despite his sharp jawline. As he got closer, his pulse quickened.

He said, "Good evening."

The man turned to him slowly, eyelids fluttering. He scanned him from head to toe, then back to his gaze. He kept his grin wide and friendly, even though the man was looking at him coldly.

"Good evening," he greeted back.

"Are you having a good time?" He stood next to him but kept his head in his direction.

"Quite." He made it obvious he was not interested, but he still tried to break his walls. Smiling as he tilted his head, silently praying the man could tell he was waiting for more. The man sighed, "Are you?"

He chuckled. "No."

"Go find yourself some fun, then."

"I could tell your not having fun yourself."

"Oh, I am." He rolled his shoulder and adjusted his collar.

He could see sweat forming on his temples. He shoved his hand to his pocket to get his handkerchief, but as soon as his fingers touched the clothing, he thought twice of the action. Instead, an idea pinged in his head.

"Wanna get out of here?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Bold of you to assume I'll come with a stranger."

He smirked and offered his hand for a shake.

"Lucas," he said, "Lucas Marquez."

He was looking at him weirdly, but he took his hand regardless. "Franco."

Their hands shook once, then dropped back.

"So, we're not strangers anymore. Will you come with me now?"

For the first time, Franco smiled. It was small and could have been easily overlooked, but Lucas caught it. He beamed back.

"I'm waiting for someone."

He did not say No, so Lucas assumed he had not been completely rejected yet.

"So?"

"So I can't, Mr. Marquez. Take your offer somewhere else."

"But I don't want to offer it to anyone else."

Franco swallowed, then his cheeks flushed. He took a sip from his glass.

"I..."

"I promise you we're gonna have fun."