Bitter Before Sweet [BoyxBoy]

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The discussion ended early and it was almost 11. Ivan gathered his stuff and took off his lab coat and tossed it on his chair. He stretched and cursed when he heard some bones popped. “I should go to a gym or something,” he mumbled and looked at his phone. Blake was usually a punctual person so normally he would arrive first 5-10 minutes prior. Ivan concluded Blake was late.

He said goodbyes to his other staff and left the room, sliding his sling bag across his shoulder. The building was quiet as expected and he was enjoying his time there. The staff was all intelligent and always has an opinion on everything. None of them liked confrontation which was a good thing. Assigned as the team lead, he wouldn’t compromise with anyone who was about to disrupt the harmony of a good team. He saw a vending machine and thought of drinking some cold tea while waiting for his brother. He took out his wallet and cursed silently when he realized he didn’t have small change.

“You need a change?” a familiar voice made him turned his head abruptly. Gavin put up his hands. “What kind of shoes you’re wearing? I almost had a heart attack!” Ivan exclaimed, putting his hand on his chest, trying to calm his heart. “Sorry,” Gavin apologized timidly.

“What were you saying?” Ivan asked after he calmed down a bit. Gavin ran his hand into his jeans and took out few coins. “You looked like you needed some change. Which one do you want?” he asked, stepping next to him. Ivan stared at him.

Blake had told him that despite Gavin was a senior, they both were involved in the same research project. Blake even told him Gavin was on the dean’s list since he was a freshman so despite his rugged look, he was actually a smart student. His head was covered with unkempt short dark hair. He had clean stubble along his jaw. He was taller than Ivan even though Gavin was only 3 years younger. Ivan didn’t even have any hair on his face which pissed him to no end. He had repeatedly mistaken as a college student before, even now. Blake didn’t have any either. It must have been genetic.

“Green tea, please,” he said, pointing to the brand he wanted. Gavin nodded and put the coins in and pressed twice. Ivan frowned and turned to him. “I’d like to drink too,” Gavin responded, as if he knew what was going on the older man’s head. He picked up the cans and handed one over to Ivan.

Gavin took a sip and spluttered. Ivan looked at him in disgust. “It’s bitter,” Gavin commented and looked at the can. “No sugar…how do you drink this stuff?” he asked and looked at Ivan. The older man scoffed. “Young people these days…”

“What ‘young’? You’re just 3 years older than me,” Gavin countered, drinking the tea nonetheless. “By the way, did you just finish your discussion?” he asked.

Ivan nodded and began to walk towards the exit. Gavin trailed next to him, looking over his shoulder as if checking if there was anybody else there. “I just finished mine too. The archive needed some arrangements and no one is bothered to do it,” he said. “You’re still staying at the hotel right? Are you waiting for Blake?” he asked. Ivan stared at him. “Yes. I told Blake that I’ll be finished at 11. It’s more than 10 minutes now and he didn’t reply to messages. “

Gavin looked around at the parking space and saw Blake’s car. “I think I have an idea where he is right now,” he muttered. “You do?” Ivan turned to him. “And I don’t think he will make it tonight. I’ll send you. Come on,” he said, motioning towards his car parked close to the building.

“Why won’t he make it?” Ivan asked, confused. “You’ll have to ask him that himself. Come on, even though this is a closed campus, you can’t let your guard down,” he said, beckoning Ivan to follow him which the latter did. “Why would you say that?” he asked, trying to keep up the pace. After all, Gavin was taller and bigger than him.

Gavin didn’t say anything until they got inside his car. “Because I saw man followed you when you left the lab,” he said and started the engine. “Good thing I was just leaving.” Ivan frowned at that. “He could be a staff or a student who wanted to ask me something,” he suggested. Gavin smirked. “Then why was he keeping a distance from you and stared you from afar?”

Ivan fiddled with his fingers. This was not the first time. He had stalkers before. One of them received a restraining order. Of course, his mother and Blake didn’t know. This was when he was a senior back in college. He knew he was somewhat beautiful for a man, but he didn’t know why someone would go after him to this extent. “I have a feeling this is not the first time,” Gavin’s voice broke his musing. Ivan sighed.

“Yes. Nothing new,” he uttered, looking out the window. Gavin stared sideways at him. He was taking in the beauty next to him. Every part of him was beautifully sculpted. Blake was similar in a way. Only, Blake had this innocence and naivety to his demeanor, while Ivan had elegance and sensuality. He stared down to Ivan’s exposed neck now that he pulled off his tie when he entered the car just now.

He gulped and returned to look at the street properly. “Have you eaten?” Ivan broke the silence. “Huh, what? No. I did eat a sandwhich though,” Gavin replied. The older man cleared his throat. “Do you mind if we swing by somewhere for dinner. I’m hungry and allow me to buy you dinner to thank you,” he said, still looking out the window.

Gavin widened his eyes. Something inside of him felt like he was succeeding but of what, he didn’t know.  “Sure, there’s a family diner nearby. The food is as good as a mother’s homemade meal. You’ll love it,” he replied. Ivan rolled his eyes. “Well, I’ll find out later then.”

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“What the heck!?” exclaimed Blake and Ivan simultaneously when they bumped into each other at the diner’s entrance. Blake and Clyde was just leaving the place. “I told you to fetch me at 11 sharp, young man!” Ivan crossed his arms and glared at his younger brother.

Clyde turned to Gavin and was surprised to see him arriving together with Blake’s famous brother. Gavin shook his head slowly as if to deny whatever accusations in Clyde’s head. “It’s not even 11—“Blake looked down at his watch. “Fudge the fairies! Sorry, Ivan!” he exclaimed and threw himself onto his brother. Ivan was still glaring at him and suddenly shifted his gaze at Clyde who flinched inwardly.

“You! What are you doing with Blake?” he demanded, Blake’s arms still around his shoulder.

Clyde thought how Ivan acted as if he was Blake’s father. “I-I was having a dinner with him,” he replied, scolding himself mentally for stuttering. Gavin hid his snigger with a cough. Clyde elbowed him in reply. “Ivan!” exclaimed Blake. “Don’t you talk that way to him, please! I’m going out with Clyde now.”

Gavin and Clyde swore they weren’t imagining when they saw steam coming out of Ivan’s ears while his face was beet red.

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Sorry for late updating. I guess once a week is a standard for me ;w; sorry! I somehow like Gavin and Ivan's development. If they both do get together, I'll write a separate story for them. Oh, inspiration! Well, hope you enjoyed so far. Please look forward for more Blake and Clyde ^^