A sem ti povedal (Did I ever tell you)

Chapter 1: Hamburg

‘Die nächste station ist Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, the next station is Hamburg Central Station’ the intercom lady announced. The train started slowing down as they were nearing their stop. ‘This is our stop guys’ Bojan exclaimed excitedly to his friends. They had been travelling for a while and the last leg of the journey had been by train. This week they would visit a renowned recording studio in Hamburg to record the musical track for their new song Carpe Diem. As they disembarked onto the platform, the cold December air embraced them, making Bojan pull the hood of his coat over his head and stuff his hands into his pockets. Kris blew some smoke rings with his breath into the air, making Jan an Jure laugh. ‘It’s cold’ Bojan said to no one in particular. Outside of the station the late afternoon sun shone through the bare trees, casting long shadows on the pavement. It was nearing 4 o clock and it would begin to darken sooner rather than later. Jure, Nace, Jan, Bojan and Kris walked to the Hotel they had booked two rooms that they would share. Bojan and Kris would take one and Nace, Jan and Jure would take the other one. It was nothing luxurious but they would just need beds to sleep on and a somewhat decent breakfast in the morning. Bojan had their reservations, so he handled the check in while the rest of the boys just lounged in the lobby couches. They had a free evening tonight but they had to be in the recording studio very early tomorrow morning and since no on in the band, except for Bojan, were morning people they decided to just stay close to the hotel and have an early night. Kris thought this to be an excellent idea, since he was already tired from travelling the whole day.

Bojan walked into the lobby of the hotel with two keys in hand. Room 106 and 107, Jure, Nace and Jan dropped their luggage in room 107 and went back outside again Kris and Bojan walked into their room and saw it only had a double bed. Bojan looked at Kris with a smile and Kris also laughed. Both boys shrugged and sat down on the edge of the bed. ‘Seems we’re sleeping together tonight.’ Kris joked. It truly was nothing they hadn’t done before but just the thought of it made Bojan blush slightly. He mustered up a smile and wrapped his arm around Kris’ shoulders, ‘for old times sake’ he said, making Kris laugh at him.

Kris sat on their bed, alone with his thoughts after Bojan had gone outside to smoke a cigarette, he only did that when he was stressed out or nervous about something and Bojan just told everyone it was nervousness for tomorrow. But his heart was fluttering for different reasons, reasons he didn’t want to admit to. Bojan pushed the cigarette bud out and exhaled the last of the smoke, the boys wanted to take a little late afternoon walk through Hamburg city centre and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere Germany was so famous for, and maybe eat something. As they walked their excited chatter filled the streets. Lights and other decorations were scattered about the street, on lamp posts and in shop windows it looked beautiful and cosy.

They bought some food from a market vendor and ate it sitting on a bench somewhere. After a while Nace, Jure and Jan wanted to head back to the hotel, but since it wasn’t even 7 yet Kris and Bojan decided to stay in the city a little longer. They sat on the bench next to each other, Bojan was stealing glances at every possible opportunity. ‘Let’s get some coffee to warm up’ Kris said and Bojan thought that was a good idea. They stepped into the cosy warmth of a local café seeking refuge from the wintry cold. Their cheeks heat up from the sudden change of temperature and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled their noses. Bojan’s heart skipped a beat as he watched Kris peruse the menu in front of them, eyes flickering over the various coffee options they could order. He was captivated by the way Kris’ features seemed to glow in the soft yellow café lighting, never before had he noticed how the dark blonde locks of his friend contained so many different shades of blonde and brown, and Kris’ smile had ignited a gentle flame in Bojan’s heart and the warmth was spreading throughout his body. Bojan catches himself staring. No, he thought. Don’t stare.

They approached the counter to place their orders. Bojan’s voice trembled a little when he ordered his standard espresso macchiato and a chocolate torte, Kris ordered a cappuccino and vanilla cake. They paid for their order while the barista prepared their drinks for them. They settled in some plush chairs by the window with a small table in between and took their first sip of their hot drinks. Bojan couldn’t help but study his friends’ movements as he brought the porcelain cup to his lips. The sight of Kris taking a delicate sip while the milk foam left a trace on his upper lip sent a surge of warmth coursing through Bojan’s veins. He took a small sip from his espresso but almost choked when Kris’ tongue darted out to lick up the foam that was still left on his lips. Bojan was blushing bright red and acted like he was busy eating the chocolate torte. Though his emotions were clearly playing with him Bojan chose not to say anything about it, treasuring the simple fact of being in Kris’ company. As they enjoyed their drinks the conversation picked back up flowing effortlessly. Poking jokes at the other making them laugh and just appreciating each other’s presence.