From the Beginning

Chapter 4: Ramen

          Shocked at first, Skye felt a tug in his heart when he heard the other's soft sobs and gradually reached a hand up to give Bowen gentle pats on his back. "A-Are you okay?"

"I..." Bowen sniffed once he realized what he was doing and quickly released the man. Wiping the tears off his face with the back of his hands, he apologized. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me these days. Please come in."

"If I'm intruding, I could come back another time," Skye said.

"No!" Bowen shouted. "You're not intruding at all. Please come in."

Skye wasn't sure how to react to the other's sudden outburst but decided to go along with his request anyway. "I'm sorry for coming over so early in the morning. I have another appointment in the afternoon."

"It's okay." Bowen smiled and shut the door after Skye entered. "Take a seat. I'll go get you something to drink." Glancing up at the clock, Bowen discovered that it was not even 10 o'clock yet. Since I'm in my old apartment and it's our first time meeting, it should be 3 years ago. Hurrying over to the refrigerator, Bowen opened the door to search for something to serve his guest. I forgot that all I have are bottled water. Snatching two of the bottles, he went back to the living room and placed the bottles on the coffee table. "I only have water," Bowen informed sheepishly and sat down beside Skye.

"It's okay." Skye picked up a bottle and twisted off the cap to take a sip. "I love water."

"I'll make sure to stock up on some fruit juices when you visit next time," Bowen blurted.

Skye looked at him with widened eyes but didn't say anything.

"I...I mean," Bowen caught himself and attempted to correct it, "never mind. May I ask why you are here?" He knew absolutely why Skye was here yet pretended not to know in order to fit into the past.

"Oh, right." Skye pulled out a proposal and handed it to Bowen. "It's about the game demo you created. I love it. I want to team up with you to produce it. I'll take care of the marketing side while you work on the coding of the game. I know I'm new at this and I can't offer you a big budget, but I'll..."

Before Skye could finish his proposal, Bowen interrupted him. "I'll do it."

"Oh..." Skye blinked. "Are you sure you don't want to think about it a little bit more before entrusting me with your game?"

Bowen gazed straight into Skye's eyes and smiled. "I trust you. So," he stuck his hand out to Skye, "do we have a deal?"

Skye's mouth gaped open slightly for a moment and then he happily shook Bowen's hand. "I'll do my best. I promise."

"I know you will."

Wondering why Bowen was still grasping on to his hand, Skye addressed. "Bowen?"

"Oh, sorry." Bowen released Skye's hand and grabbed the unopened bottled water. Removing the cap, he gulped down half of its content.

"You must be thirsty," Skye commented.

Bowen's stomach growled, answering Skye's inquiry. What the heck! I ate before the time travel. How am I hungry again?

Your current self, actually, the self you're currently occupying skipped dinner last night.

Bowen glanced around in search of Yulian right away, but the alien was nowhere to be found.

Stop looking around for me, or else Skye will suspect that something is wrong.