Until You [BL]

Chapter 5 - Flat tire and toffee nut

It was the weekend after finals that Fallon had to be at the doctor's for a scheduled gastroscopy because of frequent acid reflux. He had this condition since high school and also one of the reasons why he hates anything spicy. He noticed that this illness seems more frequent after senior high graduation.

After the doctor performed gastroscopy from which a sample was taken from his stomach to be observed, a list of prescribed meds was given to Fallon.

As Fallon was driving past the intersection of St. Luke's BGC, he heard a popping sound and the car sort of swerved out of control for a few seconds. Luckily there were not many cars on the road since it's early morning on a weekend. He was about to stop by the side and check his tires when he heard a blaring beep from a bigblack SUV on his left side.

He was surprised to see Alexis signaling him to roll down his window. As he did so, Alexis said, "Don't get out of the car, follow me and run flat slowly past that Suzuki service center." Alexis told Fallon while pointing ahead.

Fallon nodded and drove slowly following Alexis' car.

It was around 200 meters when he noticed the car in front of him is signaling to enter a parking area on their right side. He saw Alexis slightly put out his left arm and motioned for him to follow.

After parking in front of a low building with stores offering tires, car batteries and vape, He and Alexis got off their respective cars.

"Let's change your tires." Alexis said. "By the way, if this ever happen to you again, do not under any circumstance get out of your car. Run flat to the nearest gas station or any crowded place and then deal with the issue. "

"Ummm why?" Fallon asked while opening his trunk for the tools and spare tire.

"It's a sort of modus of some thieves to get you to leave the car. Then they will take that opportunity to rob you or steal your car."

Fallon nodded while Alexis helped him remove the spare from the trunk. They then changed the flat tire and made sure the bolts were secure. Alexis lifted the flat tire and stored it at the truck while Fallon rummaged for some wet wipes and gave a couple of them to Alexis to clean his hands.

While wiping their hands, Fallon thanked Alexis, "Thank you so much, Alexis. I hope I can have the opportunity to return the favor sometime."

"How about you treat me to coffee? Archer said you live near Mapua Makati? There's an SB reserve in Jupiter street."

Although a bit surprised that Alexis will take him up on his offer immediately, Fallon agreed.

As they enter the shop, they saw that it is a bit crowded, so Alexis said, "I'll get the drinks, go grab us a seat. What'll you have?"

"Toffee nut frappe. Venti." Fallon's eyes brightened after saying his drink order. He loves this drink however it is only available during the holidays so he is taking advantage of ordering it while he still can.

"Sweet tooth, aren't you?" Alexis smiled.

Fallon was able to get a seat by glass wall in front of the shop. While waiting for Ash, Fallon pondered on the doctor's reminder of what to avoid so his stomach can heal. Fallon's not supposed to have coffee or milk because of his gastritis acting up again and he's sure he will pay dearly for this short pleasure of savoring his favorite drink.

When Alexis placed his toffee nut in front of him, he remembered that he was supposed to be treating him.

"Hey, how much for the drinks? I forgot to give you money. I'll transfer the funds to you. Do you have GCash?" he asked.

"Don't have GCash. Used cc to pay. Anyway, you can treat me next time, maybe when I see you at univ."

"Oh alright." Fallon hesitantly agreed thinking, 'So, I will have to talk to him again?'

"Saw you got out from St. Luke's? You sick?", Alexis inquired.

"Ah no. Well sort of. Been having acid reflux lately so I had a procedure done to figure out the cause and try to heal it."

Alexis nodded but didn't say anything. There's an awkward silence for a couple of minutes and Fallon commented on Alexis' drink in an attempt to start a topic for conversation, "So you like strong coffee?" pointing to Alexis' Americano.

"Most of the times yes. Aside from the strong caffeine kick, I also love inhaling the aroma, it sort of refreshes my sense of smell." Alexis combined his answer with a sniff on his cup.

Alexis' answer made Fallon a bit confused. Alexis saw the confused sort of wondering look in Fallon's face and gave a short low laugh.

"Essentiá, it's ours."

"What?" Fallon, still confused asked.

"Essentiá, you know the fragrance company? It's a family business."

"Ahh, yes. Archer said you've been involved since your third year of uni."

"Yes, but to tell you the truth, I'd much rather spent most of my days in the lab instead of doing the business side of Essentiá. Creating fragrances makes me feel that you are a part of building a client's personality."

"Interesting." Fallon said blandly

"On the other hand, it seems to bore you." Alexis said plainly.

Fallon blushed and was about to apologize when Alexis said, "We should go, it's almost lunch time and I bet traffic will be bad in a while."

They stood up and before they reached the door, Alexis turned and said, "I do like the sound of you calling me Alexis but I'd prefer it if you'd call me Ash." The corner of his lips lifting slightly.

Fallon was surprised but he nodded pretending to be calm.

They drive towards Fallon's condo with Fallon leading the way. Fallon slowed down to almost a crawling pace just before turning towards the entrance to the underground parking of the building. Ash maintained his speed but slowed down when the cars were side by side. Fallon saw Ash gave him a one finger salute and drove off.

That night, he saw an IG follow request from Ash.