Fran didn’t know what to say. He just stood there, looking like a fool. He wanted to act nonchalantly in front of Noah, but, his nerves wouldn’t permit him to do so.
“I’ve wanted to say many things, but, I don’t know where to start.” Noah was the one who spoke first. “Maybe let’s start with formally introducing ourselves.”
Fran replied: “S-sure…”
Noah extended his right hand towards Fran. “Hello, my name is Noah Henry Alva. Just call me Noah.”
“Alva? Is Noah related to that Nigel Alva?” Fran thought.
He shook Noah’s hand. “I’m Franco James Olin. You can call me Fran.”
Noah laughed happily. “Finally, we’ve formally met! This is a happy day.” Noah squeezed his hand.
Fran suppressed his smile, instead he said: “You can let go of my hand now.”
“Oh, sorry.” Noah let go and apologized.
“It’s okay. No harm done.” Fran assured Noah. “By the way, Fran, this is for you.” Noah handed him the sunflower.
Fran received it a bit hesitantly. “T-thank you.”
Noah noticed Fran’s hesitation. “Ahm, I saw a lady selling flowers. When I saw that sunflower I thought it’d suit you. However, if I made you feel uncomfortable by giving it to you, don’t force yourself to—”
“No! I’m fine. You didn’t make me feel uncomfortable.” Fran interrupted Noah. The truth was, he was just being shy.
“That’s a relief!“ Noah showed him his brightest smile. “So, shall we go inside?”
Fran nodded. He let Noah lead the way.
Inside the restaurant, the two of them kept on talking like they were old time friends. The awkwardness between them was just felt in the beginning. They started to feel comfortable with each other’s presence.
Fran noticed how attentive Noah was towards him. Noah asked him about the food he would like to eat, he would also put food on his plate, pour water on his glass, and would ask him if he was comfortable on his seat.
It was too much considering it was only their first meeting (well, officially). However, Fran did not find Noah’s behavior as disgusting or cringey. Truth be told, Noah’s gestures made Fran feel special and respected.
Most importantly, Fran liked how Noah was a great listener. Whenever Fran was speaking, Noah would listen to him with sincerity, and not once interrupted Fran.
He could see that Noah was not just pretending to be someone he was not. Fran believed from the bottom of his heart that Noah was a naturally kind person.
“Forgive me for asking—” Noah muttered. “Can I ask for your socials?“
Fran replied: “What do you mean by that?“
Noah smiled. “Ah, I mean, I want to add or follow your social media accounts.”
“Sorry, but, I don’t have a social media account.”
Noah’s face couldn’t hide his surprise. “How about messaging apps? Like Line, WhatsApp, or WeChat?“
Fran shook his head. “Nope.”
“Why?”
Fran couldn’t help but laugh. “Just because.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Good thing, you gave me your number. Or else, I’d have a hard time looking for you—which is not really a problem with me.” Noah said.
Mgjc gjlrfv jc fsfygbk. “Tbe wfjc, lo P vlv cba ifjnf ws cewyfg ja atf tbrqlaji, sbe’v ralii ibbx obg wf? Tbe vlvc’a fnfc xcbk ws cjwf!”
“Ofa’r rjs, P tjnf ws bkc kjsr.” Rbjt gfqilfv klat j rwlgx.
“Vb, cbk atja sbe xcbk ws cjwf, sbe klii erf sbeg ‘bkc kjsr’ ab lcnfralujaf kts P vbc’a tjnf jcs rbmljir?“ Mgjc ibkxfs afjrfv Rbjt.
“No, of course not.” Noah said in a serious voice. “Whatever your reasons are, I will respect them. I won’t overstep your boundaries.”
“I know. I believe you, Noah.” Fran muttered in a sincere tone.
“Thank you, Fran.”
Their conversation continued. Fran hadn’t talk that much for a very long time. Only with Noah did Fran become talkative. They also talked about school.
“You are an incoming freshman in S University?” Noah eyed him intently. “Hmm, Literary Studies?“
Fran smiled. “No. I’m a Business major.”
Noah jaw dropped. “What? How come? You like books!“
Fran laughed. “Yeah, I like reading books, but, I don’t want it to be my career in the future.”
He expected Noah to ask more questions. However, Fran was startled when Noah started to laugh.
“Why are you laughing, Noah? What’s funny?“
“Fate.” Noah replied.
“What do you mean?“
Noah smiled brightly. “I am an incoming third year student at S University. Also, a Business major.”
It was Fran’s to be surprised. “Really?“
“Yes. It means we’re really destined to meet.”
Fran didn’t know what to say. He was saved when Noah’s phone rang.
“Excuse me, Fran. I’ll just take this call.”
Fran replied: “Don’t mind me and go answer the call.”
“Thanks, Fran.”
Noah answered the call as politely as possible while Fran ate his food.
“Yes. I’ll go to your store today. No problem. Thank you for your help. ‘Bye.” Noah ended the call.
Fran wanted to know who the caller was, but, he held back.
“Do you have an appointment after this, Fran?“ asked Noah.
“I’m free for the rest of the day.” He answered.
“Great!“ said Noah enthusiastically. “Do you mind spending time with me much longer?“
Fran said, “Not at all. So, what’s on your mind?“
Noah gave him a sweet smile. “You’ll see.”
Fran was intrigued.
*****
“Where are we really going, Noah?“ Fran was sitting on the passenger seat inside Noah’s car. The latter was driving and wouldn’t tell Fran about their destination.
Noah sighed. “We’re going to a bookstore.” He finally revealed.
“A bookstore outside the city?“ Fran raised an eyebrow. “I know you’re doing this for me, but, why go this far…literally?
Noah chuckled. “There’s a reason why it is called a ‘surprise’, Fran.”
He looked at Noah. This guy was really one of a kind. “Okay, you win. I won’t ask questions anymore.”
“Don’t worry, you are safe with me.” Noah assured him.
“I’m not worried.” Fran answered.
It took them an hour and a half to reach their destination. Fran was surprised to learn that the bookstore Noah was talking about was a small establishment selling used books and art materials.
Make no mistake. Fran loved all kinds of books—whether they were newly published or second. However, Fran couldn’t think of a reason why Noah would drive for more than an hour just to bring him here. There were also a couple of secondhand bookstores in their city. So, why here?
“Remember the book you’ve wanted to read but couldn’t find any copy in any bookstore?“ Noah asked.
“What Happened to Arthur Blake! ” Fran blurted out the title of the book. It was published in the 70s and was considered a rare book because there were only 100 copies in the world. “Noah, you don’t mean…”
Noah just laughed. He got out of the car and opened the door for Fran. “Shall we?“
Fran got out of the car, his hands were sweating. They went inside the bookstore. Noah walked towards the front clerk. Fran just followed him. His mind was still confused.
“Hi!” Noah greeted the staff. “I’m here for the book.”
“Mr. Noah Alva. Please wait here. I’ll have the book ready.” answered the clerk. He left them without looking back.
“Why don’t you roam around the store while waiting, Fran?“ Noah said to him.
Fran shook his head. “If you’re doing what I think you’re doing, I can’t look at other books as of the moment. I’ll wait here with you.”
Noah laughed. “Okay, Fran. You’re the boss.”
Five minutes had gone by, but, for Fran it was like an eternity. The front clerk returned with a book on his hand. It was black and big—just like a grimoire. Fran’s heart was beating too fast.
“Here’s the book you requested, Mr. Alva.” said the clerk.
Fran’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was really the book! “How did you do it? How did you find this book?“
“I’m sorry, but we cannot disclose that information. It’s a trade secret. Though, rest assured that we acquire all our items—including this book—legally. We’re not doing anything against the law.”
Fran looked at Noah. “How much did you pay for it?“
“Not much.” He answered.
Fran was not convinced. “I don’t believe you.”
“Fran, please, I just want to make you happy.” Noah’s expression looked hurt.
Fran sighed. He didn’t know what to do.
“Just take the book, Fran. It’s a gift from me.” Noah cajoled him. He gave Fran the puppy eye look.
Fran sighed again. “Okay…” He really wanted this book, ah!
“Great!“ Noah exclaimed. “If ever you want some rare books, this is the place for you. Just give them your contact information and they will inform you whenever they have what you’re looking for.”
“That’s right!” the front clerk said. “Fill out this form and we’ll start doing business with you.”
Fran looked at the form handed by the clerk. He needed to write his name, address, and contact numbers. Fran didn’t even bother to think. He just filled out the form right away.
He could feel Noah’s gaze intently at him.
“We’re looking forward to doing business with you.” said the clerk when Fran handed back the form. “Here’s your book.”
Fran received the book with so much eagerness. He immediately smelled the book’s inside. Ah, it was heaven! He hugged the book so tight.
“Thank you, Noah!” he said. Fran wanted to hug him, too, but he felt shy.
“As long as you’re happy, Fran…”
On their way home, Fran was still on cloud nine. He was so grateful to Noah, he couldn’t think of what to give him in return. Fran wracked his brains out but still, he had no idea.
“My house is the one with the green gate.” Fran said to Noah. The latter insisted on driving him home even though Fran told him he would get off at the restaurant where they had met and he would just take a cab home.
“Why is there not a single light on in your house, Fran?” asked Noah.
“My mom is on vacation with her sister.”
“You mean, there’s no one in your house but you?”
“Yes.” Fran answered.
“Take care of yourself. Please always get in touch with me.”
Fran replied: “I will. Thank you for today, Noah. You made me happy.”
Noah smiled. “I’ll text you.”
Fran extended his right hand to Noah. They shook hands. “Good night. Drive safely.” It was Fran’s turn to squeeze Noah’s hand. Then, he got off the car.
Fran heard Noah’s car drove off when he was already inside the house.
Everything felt surreal.
Imagining Fran hugging the book …… sooo cute !!!..
Thanks for the chapter… it’s sooo good just as always…love it a lot!!❤️❤️❤️
😊😊😊
thanks for the chapter <3
He trusts people so easily … or maybe it’s fate and love that guided him !🧐😁
Thank you for the chapter <3
It’s so gratifying when someone is that excited by your gift. Noah seems to be genuinely happy to do it. These two could each be easily taken advantage of by the wrong people but they sure seem good for each other.