C3 - Once Reunited

Raziri's POV

"Manager, I'm heading out!"

"Take care on the way Raziri."

I smiled at the manager and closed the door. Then I cautiously looked left and right to cross the road.

Thankfully, there were not many vehicles at this late evening hour.

Oh right, where am I right now? Let's just say somewhere in the 'heart' of the city, who's also heading home after finishing my shift. Yes, I am a part-timer in a cafe-slash-flower shop.

Currently I am heading towards the mall to buy a bit of groceries. Looks like some of my supplies ran out.

And, there's the mall in view! Oh wait, what should I buy again?

Narrator's POV

Raziri went to the side before he placed his bag on his chest and opened it. He found his notebook, skimmed a few pages 'til he found what he needed.

"Not that many ey? Nice."

As he was about to walk inside, a sudden strong breeze arrived. He shivered. Some of Raziri's hair covered his glasses.

"Didn't check the weather today." He clicked his tongue. "Should've brought my jacket."

He headed towards the mall's entrance and entered.

Around 12 minutes later, Raziri went out of the mall with some tote bags containing his groceries and other necessities.

"I may or may not have been distracted at the stationary and winery aisle. Oh well."

He smiled. "I got what I needed."

He walked across the road safely arriving the other sidewalk.

As he turned to a side, he suddenly halted out of reflex.

A black expensive-looking car stopped right beside him.

He should've ran away.

He did attempt to run, but it was too late. Someone blocked him from leaving.

"Greetings, Mr. Raziri."

Raziri slightly jolted in fear, tightly gripping his groceries. He turned to face the person who addressed him.

He saw a man dressed in a butler attire, looking like in his 40's or 50's. The rest who were with him, about 3 more people, were bodyguards.

The butler cleared his throat. "This is not what it looks like. However, we kindly request that you come with us."

Raziri couldn't hide the fear expressed on his face. He knew running away while holding his groceries is most likely impossible to escape, as he doesn't run fast.

"What will happen to me if I come with you?" Raziri asked with hesitation.

"You won't be harmed, and my master will be very delighted to see you." The butler responded.

He looked at his watch. "We can't keep him waiting. Please head inside."

Raziri sighed. He eyed one of the bodyguards with a stern look before he entered the vehicle. The bodyguard who blocked him entered next and sat right beside Raziri. He closed the door.

The butler also sat beside Raziri, while two of the bodyguards sat at the front seats — one is the driver.

Engines on, the car drove off. Raziri closed his eyes while gently getting slammed on his back due to the sudden speed. He still tightly held his groceries.

"Pardon us for doing this unexpectedly." The butler spoke again towards Raziri. "We are, however, delighted for your cooperation. The young master will also be very delighted. He's been looking for you."

Raziri raised a brow and looked at the butler. "May I know who is your young master?"

"You'll meet him soon as you arrive sir." The butler smiled at him.

"I understand your wary, but fear not. He won't harm you, nor do we." The driver suddenly responded too which gave Raziri another slight jolt.

"I'll pretend I take their word for it." Raziri thought. "Just to be safe."

The butler clears his throat. "My apologies for not introducing myself. I am Mr. Lei."

"Lei?" Raziri looked at him questioningly. "I think I've heard that name before. . ."

Lei, the butler smiled at him. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Raziri."

The butler thought that despite him not meeting Raziri, he knew how great of a friend he is towards the master he serves. The young master was, and still is, quite fond of him.

It did raise Lei a question; what of Raziri has the young master found himself fond of him?

Meanwhile Raziri, now looking at the front, tries to discreetly reach his phone in his pocket. His attempt failed as he heard a hum from the bodyguard beside him.

The bodyguard was looking intently at Raziri even if he was wearing shades. The young lad concluded that every move he tries to or he does so, he'll have to face the consequences through this bodyguard and the rest who were with him.

In mind, he heavily sighed. He still wonders who this young master is, and why is Mr. Lei's name familiar to him.

He focused his attention again at the front.

[ Premises of the Mansion ]

After passing through a ton of eerie-looking trees, the car arrived in front of a ginormous metal gate, with some slight rust and hanging vines on it.

Raziri softly yet discreetly gulped. He was anxious. He tried to calm himself down by breathing slowly yet deeply.

Not more than a minute, the gates slowly opened with a creaking sound. The car drove forward as an opening was enough to make it pass through it.

"We've arrived." Mr Lei gleefully says.

Raziri only continued to watch what appears to be the greatest mansion he's ever seen in his entire life. He questioned himself about its location, but it was disregarded as the car suddenly halted.

They arrived at the mansion's main entrance.

"Woah." Raziri couldn't hold back the awe escaping from his lips, although he was still terrified.

"This way sir." Mr. Lei said.

Raziri blinked, then watched the car drive off. He then followed Mr. Lei who walked ahead into the mansion. He also saw the two bodyguards on his sides, guarding him.

Their presence is intimidating. Raziri thought. I think their young master is, too.

Mr. Lei led them all in the living room. A shadow of a young man staring at the fireplace was seen, and he appeared to be as young as Raziri's. Just the height that's different, and their hair length.

Raziri nervously picked up the rhythm with his eyes glistening towards the young individual right in front of him. How could he not remember that reflective bluish-teal hair?

"We've finally meet again."

The lad turned to face the people he was waiting for, most especially his one awaited guest.

"Raziri."

His eyes so earnestly landed on Raziri's, to which he noticed the expression of shock onto the pink-haired lad's expression.

"E'rald. . ." Raziri muttered.

"It's been a while. I've been looking for you."

Raziri was at a loss of words. He could only look at him with surprise and disbelief. His best friend whom he always looked forward to hanging out with when they were teenagers and suddenly disappeared without a trace nor a goodbye, is now standing right in front of him.

A slight heartache was what Raziri felt in his chest. Still, he was relieved to see his old best friend.

"Let's head to the table. I'm sure you're very hungry, seeing you with those groceries you bought."

Raziri looked at the bags he held. He sighed. "I can't throw these away you know,"

"Never said you have to." E'rald chuckled on Raziri's reasoning. He walked closer to Raziri and grabbed his grocery bags. "Let's have them placed in my fridge. Shall we go now?"

Raziri looked at him again with a neutral face. He took back the grocery bag E'rald held. "Lead the way."

E'rald only smiled, then turned his way towards another door in the room. Mr. Lei went beside him, and Raziri followed.

Raziri noticed the two guards standing still at the entrance. "Guess that place was their assigned spot." He thought.

A few minutes later, the three individuals reached the dining room. A large table was in the middle of the room with a couple of well-designed chairs. E'rald sat on a chair facing back a window, while Raziri sat at the opposite side of him. E'rald ordered Mr. Lei to put Raziri's groceries in the fridge and serve the meals. The butler nodded, then walked away.

"I hope my presence isn't making you uncomfortable." E'rald talked to him.

"Why would I be?" Raziri responded neutrally while looking down at the table. "I am surprised though. To think I'd see you again. . ."

Raziri thought that he was indeed looking for him and he should feel at least a bit of happiness, so why did he only feel disappointed?

"Forgive me if I left without a word." E'rald said with his sad tone while looking at Raziri. He noticed the lad not looking at him.

Raziri nodded. "You had your reasons. I'm just glad to see you're alive and well."

He then drank the water in a glass cup placed beside him. He then looked at E'rald."So, how have you been and why am I here?"

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking." E'rald softly smiled at him, then he sighed. "As to why you're here, you will stay and live in this mansion with me."

Raziri's eyes widened. "Say what?"

E'rald chuckled. "I could repeat what I said if you badly want to hear it."

Raziri glared at him. "Sorry, I thought I misheard."

"Not at all." E'rald smiled at him with reassurance. "You are wondering why I said such a thing, but it'll benefit the both of us."

"How exactly will me living together with you, benefit the both of us?" - Raziri

"Have you had nightmares lately?" - E'rald

Raziri fell silent a bit before responding. "Yes, I've had."

"Every August, isn't it?" - E'rald. Raziri nodded.

"Yea, and?" - Raziri

"I can erase your nightmares, temporarily." - E'rald

Raziri blinked. "How can you do that?"

"Pardon my intrusion sire." Mr. Lei then appeared with a cart full of meals. Raziri couldn't help but look at the dishes with a delightful look as they seem very tasty.

"When it comes to food, your face softens up." E'rald thought while looking at Raziri. "And it's been the cutest thing I've never forgotten about you."

Mr. Lei gracefully lifted up and placed all the dishes accordingly, only putting the dishes to where the two young lads are sitting. He then bows down. "Please do enjoy your meals sire." Then, he pushes the cart and walks out of the room.

"Back then, have you met my butler, Ri?"

Raziri was about to feed himself but he instantly halted. "No, I don't remember seeing him back then." He was surprised to be called by his old nickname but he disregarded nonetheless. He proceeded to do what he was doing.

"Right. He only heard about you from me." E'rald responded while also scooping a spoonful of his meal.

Raziri almost choked at what he said. E'rald noticed so he quickly came over to Raziri's side, asking him if he was alright.

Raziri took a few coughs, then glared at E'rald as he noticed the lad softly laughing at him. They had a friendly bickering afterwards.

Mr. Lei who was listening to them both discreetly smiled. "I see why you're fond of him young master." Then in his mind, he wishes his young master good luck.

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