Chapter 48 - Lava Java (4)

Liam brought Aki the rest of the kitchen.

After bringing back a book to his seat, Aki chose to sit on the side where Mia sat before. That way, he had a good view of the cafe. He wanted to observe the place and familiarize himself with the people and the staff. Basically, to get a feel of Lava Java. He loved doing that everywhere and in just about everything. He enjoyed playing the role of the Observer.

This seat gave him a good vantage point for the entire place so he saw right away when Liam emerged from the kitchen, holding a tray full of assorted foods. Aki was starting to believe that Liam made it his life's goal to fatten Aki. A smile escaped from Aki's lips.

Liam made eye contact with Aki and returned his smile. Aki's smile widened to a grin.

When Liam reached the table, he laid down the foods one by one with professional ease that Aki watched in amazement. "Here's your sandwich. There's also a parfait, pasta, salad, and water -- you still need fluids a-after last night." Liam's cheeks flushed at the mention of the previous night which made Aki flush too though, as far as he remembered, 'he' should be the one to blush and not Liam… unless he did something else entirely which caused Liam's reaction? Aki facepalmed inwardly and forced himself to focus on what Liam was saying still. "Just call me when you're finished and I'll bring out some more foods or if there's anything more you like, you can say so."

"Wait Liam. I can't really pay 'and' eat this much."

Liam smiled. "Dummy. Didn't Mia tell you that this is on the house?"

That posed a lot of questions and Aki did not know where to start. But Liam took Aki's silence as a sign that he was unconvinced.

Liam added. "How about this, just enjoy the foods and then later tell me what you think about them -- if there are things that we need to improve etc. That way you're also helping the cafe to improve and serve our customers better. And! I'll bring sample sizes so you get to taste them all."

Aki felt a lot better when he thought about helping Liam so he took a bite from the parfait he had been dying to eat ever since he saw it outside. How did Liam know that Aki wanted it was beyond him. Liam always seemed to know what Aki needed. The Liam that was in front of him now was far from the Liam in his mind before. Aki imagined the other guy as the selfish and entitled person who felt like the world owed him everything and everyone. But the Liam he got to know was hardworking and considerate. Aki liked this version better.

"So you're working here?" Aki asked.

Liam nodded and took a seat across Aki. "I work part-time here."

Aki contemplated. He wanted to ask the reason but he did not want to be rude.

"I wanted to earn my own money. If there's one thing that my parents taught me is that I have to work to get what I want."

Aki whipped his head upwards and saw Liam watching him, his eyes danced in amusement. Aki felt himself blush. "How--?"

He let the question hang in the air but Liam had no problem catching the meaning. "You always tilt your head to the side and bit your lip when thinking." He pointed on his head and mouth for emphasis.

"I do not." Aki put on an offended face which made Liam laughed out loud.

Aki took another scoop of the parfait and released a contented sigh. "This is really good!"

They heard loud voices from the entrance which made them both turned towards the sounds. New customers came pouring inside the cafe. Aki felt bad for enjoying his time with Liam and hogging him all to himself when Liam was in the middle of work.

Aki leaned in and lowered his voice. "I'm sorry for holding you down from your work. I noticed you from the outside… and then suddenly I'm here. Won't you get scolded because of me?"

"No worries. I got permission from my boss," Liam said.

"Are they here?" Alarmed and worried that Liam's boss might be watching them with disapproval, Aki craned his neck to around for anyone who might be the boss. When he did not find anyone standing out, he turned back to Liam. "You shouldn't spoil me so much."

"Get used to it." Liam grinned and stood up, going back to his work.