My Cup of Tea

Part 2 "Shirt"

We were done with our morning classes and is lunch time already. As usual, Somchai is famished and nagging me to look for a place to eat and we decided to go outside the Uni because I'm avoiding those Culinary Arts (C.A.)students. We've invited one of our friend, Pan. Somchai and Pan is the only close friend that I have because I'm a person who doesn't have that much friends, High School year and during my stay here in the Univeristy.

  We've finally arrived at "Dolce Vita" Cafe not far from the Uni. They're very famous for their Italian Dishes, so most of the students from the University who are looking for new dishes are coming here. As usual the cafe is full.

   I don't know if the universe (or fate) is playing with me or what but Tad's gang is here as well. The worst part is the only available table in the cafe is right next to them. It left me no choice so we had to sit next to them. We left our bags on the table and went straight to the counter and ordered food. I ordered my usual food "Alia Olio Pasta with Parma Ham" and Somchai and Pan ordered Burger and Pesto Pasta. But wait, I forgot to mention again that Pan and Somchai are together like couples, so they always share food with each other. Sometimes I envy this lovebirds because they started as a friend and they ended up as lovers. Well I've been in other relationship. 2 to be exact but due to some reasons, we ended our relationship. I didn't notice that Somchai is asking me something.

"Chris! The waiter is asking for your drink."
"Oh! Sorry! What did you order" I replied
"We ordered Iced Coffee coz' it is freakin' hot in here"
"Okay I'll have it also"
"What happened to you lately, your mind is flying since morning?" Somchai asked.
"I'm fine. nothing to worry"

We returned to our seats and wait for our names to be called to get the food. While waiting, I opened my phone and started using my social media accounts then suddenly, the C.A. Student sitting next to our table started teasing and playing with each other. I looked at them angrily and it seemed to them that they're the only people here at the cafe. I saw Tad in the counter getting his order. When he arrived at their table, one of his friend bump into him and to my surprise, his HOT CAMOMILE TEA spill unto my shoulder. It was FREAKIN' hot so I stand up immediately and Tad started panicking and get tissue to wipe my clothes. But I rushed to the bathroom to remove my uniform and clean myself up. Tad followed me in the comfort room.

"Hi! I'm Tad and I'm really sorry on what happen and sorry for my friends actions awhile ago" to my surprise he was so polite and his voice is very warm and caring.
"It's okay. nothing to worry" I said.
"You're Chris from Architecture, right?"
"Yes" how did he know my name and my faculty.
"Take this." He handed over an extra shirt.
"No, it's okay. No need for that" I replied
"Please take it and let me wash your shirt, I'll return it tomorrow"
"No need" I insist
"Please" his eyes looked worried so I took it. I removed my shirt and I saw him staring at me. His eyes are fixed in my body. Well I'm not shy showing my body to others because I workout most of my free time but I' lm not used to men watching me.
"Yes? Is there anything wrong?"  I ask.
"Amm.. Can I get your Number?"
"...." I was stunned by his question
"I mean.... so that I can return your shirt"
So I gave him my number and handed him my shirt.

  We return in our respectful tables and I ate silently. While eating, Tad went to our table and hand me a tea and guess what the flavor is, HIS FAVORITE CHAMOMILE TEA. I was being polite and I accepted it but at the back of my mind, I was curious why he loved drinking this tea even though it's hot here in Bangkok. Then he returned at their table. I saw him eating Gaeng Kiew wan Moo (Pork Green Curry). He is eating Thai food in a ITALIAN CAFE. Is he out of his mind? But well, we have our own preferences so I let him. We went back to the Uni and finished all the remaining classes scheduled for the day. Finally, everything is done. I went straight to my condo and took a rest.

  I was laying in my bed and I kept thinking about Tad. About the way he look while he reads those cookbooks, How worried he was when he spilled his tea to me, the way he looked at me while changing my Shirt, and specially why he LOVED drinking Hot Chamomile Tea. There something about his eyes. No, about him entirely. He have this aura that you could rely on and that everything he do is about passion. I didn't notice that I fell as sleep.