Henry. Just. Henry.

Chapter 25|Wivoza

22nd July, 3000: 11:25am

Opalta, the only coffee shop and library hybrid in Sorden City. Classical, soul and RnB music tingled the calm space just enough to be soothing. Healing for some. The people who frequented the coffee shop usually bought a variety of drinks, from coffee and frappuccinos to boba and fruit smoothies; pairing with it scrumptious desserts and pastries.

Three book shelves were pressed up against the wall with dusty pages of fantasy, horror, adventure, romance or comedy. Even a few manga books were stocked to cater for the anime-lovers that visited. The many other people scattered in the coffee place now were respectfully quiet, either reading or typing away on laptops.

That’s why Fallon recommended Opalta be their place for magical discussions and hanging out if need be. Although Cedric couldn’t just pop up in a coffee shop bustling with people. He’d have to be informed later.

The waitress balanced the tray of drinks in one hand and cat walked her way to Henry’s booth. Then placed all the large glasses of frappuccinos in front of their respective buyers.

“Enjoy.” She said and walked away.

“She has a nice walk.” Ezra said.

“Right?” Henry agreed, sipping his strawberry cheesecake frap. “So frickin’ good.”

“Guys listen to me!” Miyu said. “I’m telling you I know what I saw! The grandour stone lit up and then…”

“And then…” Fallon asked.

“Well, then it didn’t. I don’t know how to explain it, but something happened!”

“Miyu this is hardly believable.” Henry said, sitting back and folding his arms.

“Seriously?” She deadpanned. “We live in a magical country overrun by glowing trees, mythical creatures, spirits and stones that protect an entire kingdom from wild magic and my story is hard to believe?”

“It’s hard because the grandour stone hasn’t been active since Kazimir Veltour.” Ezra said, finishing up his oreo overdose frap.

“Well come on then!” Miyu got up, shooing Fallon to move as she slid out the booth. “I’ll show you.”

The three guys looked at one another, shrugged, and followed her.

The walk from Opalta to the forest was a suitable length. They’d first have to walk out the city, as if going to Henry’s house, then make a left to exit Sorden completely to reach the forest just beyond the gates. This was a perfect chance for Henry to talk to Fallon.

Since he returned, it was like Fallon didn’t know he existed. Even from this morning in Opalta, Fallon dodged every opening to talk with Henry. Every time the two were left alone, he’d excuse himself to go to the bathroom. He hadn’t sat next to Henry or stared at him for more than a second.

For the first time between the two, silence hanging into the air had this unhurried yet impatient touch to it, like something needed to be said, and fast. He dropped back from Ezra to walk beside Fallon and smiled. Although he returned it, Henry knew it was fake.

“How are you doing?” Henry asked.

“I’m fine.” Fallon said, looking at anything but him.

This was enough, Henry sighed, ready to address more than just the elephant in the room, but the jaguar and lions too. “Fallon what’s-“

“Oh, I forgot! I needed to talk to Miyu about something so, we can talk later, right?”

Henry closed his agape mouth. He saw this coming, the avoidance as if he carried a disease. He sighed. “Yeah, sure.”