Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Chapter 12. Blackmailing

〔A few days later . . .〕

Friday, night time

I stopped in front of the diner. Excited, I walked inside the diner－or should I say bar－and was immediately greeted by music and the smell of alcohol.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't like the clubs that are so loud and suffocating, it's more . . . civilized. There were people drinking, laughing, playing pool, watching a game from the TV at the far corner, it's so different from the 'bar' I'd imagined.

I used to go on parties at 'bars' and I never enjoyed it, not once. There were assholes and whores all over the place, literally, I'm not even exaggerating. It was a vulgar place where guys tries to bribe you with drinks and girls who wear lesser clothing would be the most attractive among the rest. I hate it.

This one's different, it has a more friendly vibe. There were both young adults and old people in here but it seemed like everyone gets along.

I eyed the place, looking for Rachel and the group. I didn't notice this diner－bar－was huge, "Joy!" I heard a voice and quickly glanced at the source.

"Hey!" I impulsively shouted at them and immediately received a lot of looks from the people. I lowered my head in embarrassment and walked towards the table they were at, frequently excusing myself from people. Sure enough, everyone was there, except Byron.

"You made it!" Austin grinned.

"I was a little lost at first," I looked around at the crowd of people, "So . . . yeah, wow. I never thought this place becomes a bar." I muttered.

"Sit down," Rachel gestured at the empty space beside Austin, "We teachers are a regular here. Every single Friday." She smiled.

"Unless exams are nearing in." Jacob added as I sat down.

"Enough chit-chat!" Ryan stopped us, "Let's get some drinks!" He enthusiastically said while signaling the waitress that looked like she was in her late 40's, he seems familiar with the people in here.

"Drunkard." I heard Lance jokingly mutter.

"I don't get drunk, your statement is invalid." Ryan retorted.

"Sure you don't . . ." Austin sarcastically said.

"Stop picking on me!" Ryan whined as everyone laughed at him.

I searched around the building for a particular someone while everyone forms a conversation. He better keep his promise or I'm seriously gonna pick him up right now, maybe even steal his suitcase on Monday . . . I'm not returning it once I get my hands on it, and that's not my fault.

"So, Joy, you're pretty close with－" David started.

Before he could finish, I hastily stood up from my chair and stared at a familiar figure. No way . . . He came! I thought he wouldn't, "Hold that thought!" I replied, not letting Byron off my sight.

I hurriedly walked towards him, occasionally bumping a few people. Byron was wearing a plain gray pullover on top of a white shirt and a pair of pants, he looks so much better in casual clothing. I had to stop myself from laughing out loud because he just looked so lost, like a puppy－a fucking bulldog. He was frowning so much, he looked like one, doesn't his face hurts from all that? He really needs to smile more.

I sneaked around him and waited for a little while, waiting for him to do something.

Yet, he didn't.

He just stood there, looking around, sighing. I shook my head and walked closer before poking his back, "Hi!" I shouted so my voice would be much louder than the music.