Melting the Devil

King of Ice

A/N: My relatives living in Canada arrives today and it was chaos. Lol. I was obligated to go home and be pleasant with them, when I say pleasant it means I need to hold a conversation with them and entertain them.

So far, I am pleasant haha

***

For the remainder of the morning, Cantaloupe shows Prem around the floor, walks him through Tin's typical day, and shows him how to operate the coffee maker. Cantaloupe even allows Prem to answer some calls on his behalf when he goes on his lunch break because he handles every task like a pro. 

Tin exits his office at three o'clock and gives Cantaloupe a hopeful glance. "Shall we, Can?"

Turning to face Prem, Cantaloupe gets up from behind his desk. "It's going to be your job to hold down the fort here while I go with Mr. Medthanan to the art center. Consider yourself capable?" 

Prem gets excited. "Yes, sir!" 

"Good! Call me if you need anything." Cantaloupe turns to Tin and says, "And Sir, the car is waiting downstairs." 

Tin gives a headshake. "I'll drive; it's alright."  

"Sir, are you certain? Chen is currently— "

Tin states, "Tell Chen he can go home. Well, my car is here. We can avoid having to drive back this way. Let's go."

"Shall we, Can?" Cantaloupe starts to dispute, but Tin has already made his way down the hallway. Cantaloupe gives Prem a bewildered look, but Prem just gives him a friendly shrug.

🖇📎🖇📎🖇📎 

Kreepolrerk gives them a tour of the Perault Musee d'Arte once they arrive, showing them around the fully furnished and decorated spaces. Out of all the wings, the library is the most finished, and plans have already been made for its opening, including the dates and the special guests. With the exception of the main exhibition's centerpiece, the majority of the pieces are already installed in the art wing when they try to open it. 

As they enter the exhibition hall, Kreepolrerk says, "It's a 3D wire mesh project, and it's taking time to move and install it because of the unprinted parts." 

Tin turns to Cantaloupe. "What do you think?"

Taken aback, Cantaloupe stammers, "Ugh," but he quickly collects his thoughts and turns to Kreepolrerk. "Perhaps you could let them work on the project here? There is an abundance of space, which will also lower the cost of transportation."

Nodding, Kreepolrerk writes it down on his clipboard. He keeps guiding them through the exhibit, stopping at noteworthy installations and responding, "Will do." 

Cantaloupe appears impressed when he has the guts to look at Tin. "Can, that's a great idea."

In an instant, Cantaloupe feels the blood rush to his face. "Thank you, sir."

They are given a tour of the makerspace and concert hall by Kreepolrerk, both of which are still under construction. The tour concludes at the ice rink, a spacious, airy room with enormous glass windows occupying one wall. Cantaloupe's breath stops as soon as they enter the room because of the ethereal glow that the afternoon light creates on the ice. 

"Amazing," he exhales, unable to control himself. 

Tin whistles softly to his right. "Lovely." 

Kreepolrerk draws smiles. "It's also my favorite room." He claps Cantaloupe on the shoulder and says, "I'll let you guys look around. If you'd like to skate for a while, there are skates behind the counter and the ice is fresh."