Catalyst

Chapter 1 Pt.1

Keao leaned over his kitchen island flushed, soaked, and dispirited. Usually a morning workout was enough to clear his incessant thoughts when they occurred, but this time was an exception. The events of the previous day replayed threw his mind excessively. In an endeavor to try and get to know Michael he may have taken it a bit too far. The intent wasn't to be flirtatious, but he found himself playing it conveniently to the mood. I really gotta stop doing that. Filling his glass with water he took a quick take of his small apartment. It wasn't anything too spectacular. Single bedroom, one bath, and the kitchen was attached to the front room. A small space, but it was cozy. It was home.

"Maybe we can be a thing. I did say I'll try after all..." Pushing the idea back to the far recess of his mind, he removed his sweaty tank top and proceeded to the shower. It was there, gazing into the mirror, he took notice of the slight stubble that began to grow back lining his face. Definitely need a shave. He hated growing a beard the same as he hated having a mustache. The two combined made him look way older than he wanted to be. Without he could pass for his regular age. The reverse of that would be looking like a mid-thirty heartthrob that belongs on a book cover. Not a bad look, but he was nowhere near ready to be that far in his adult life. In response he normally kept his body smooth, toned, and strong. The only hair he ever kept was his curls. That was something that stayed the same length as his late father. Although it wasn't the same blond as his dad, it was the same in volume. The dark coloration came from his mother's side. The same can be said with his lashes.

After the quick shower, he made his way to the bedroom to get changed. His style wasn't as flashy as most students on campus. Besides he was only going to class and work so he saw no need to constantly be a dressed up Ken doll. A simple button up and jeans were enough. Unless he was actually going out to an event he would just keep it simple. A jacket would definitely be nice. With the weather being bipolar, who knows if he would need it or not, but better safe than sorry. Grabbing a plain jean jacket he proceeded on his journey.

Dense layer of fog blanketed the complex. Each brick building was barely visible. Luckily Keao always left early. He could drive as slow as he needed and make it to work on time.

"Morning son!' He recognized that sweet voice from anywhere. Even through the thick fog he could make out Ms, Yolanda's, his landlord, features, rocking away on her front porch, holding her usual cup of tea. A dainty senior who was always so bright in the mornings, much like himself. The complex was filled with people like her. Older adults who retired and just wanted a peaceful living. A place that carried no drama. Low crime. Somewhere he could not be judged by his background cause no one knew his life here. To everyone here, he was just a kind young man making a living who never caused trouble. Always helpful.

"Morning Yolanda! Enjoying your London Fog?"

"Not today. Just plain Earl Grey."

"Simple. Love it! Well I'm off to go grab my own cup. I'll see you later!" Yolanda gave a gentle wave as he pulled off. This was a normal routine for the both of them. Everyone morning before he got up, she would always be there in the same spot ready to greet him. The only contrast being which tea she chose for the current day. Keao enjoyed their brief moments. Something about the positivity always gave him the extra jolt for the working hour ahead.

The drive to work in the morning was also constant. The roads were usually dead. The only luminosity being from the streetlights above and the warm glow from nearby shops being open by the morning shift. All the other towering buildings didn't warrant his attention. His main focus each and every morning was a small family owned business that rested near the outskirts of town.