"Easton. I need to ask you something..."

"Will you still love me even when I'm not around?"

"Of course, I will. What's with this suddenly?" Hervy asked. "And didn't I tell you to stop calling me Easton?"

"Why not? Your name is Hervy Easton Styles, right?"

"It is, but I'm not used to being called Easton. You're literally the only person who calls me that." Hervy answered in a rather annoyed tone.

"I know, and I want to be the only person who calls you Easton."

"Promise me, you won't let another person call you Easton." 

"I promise..." Hervy answered.

And then came the Loud noise of the alarm. 

BEEP BEEP! BEEP!

Hervy opened his eyes. 

He's dreaming. 

Again.

He reached for his phone under his pillow and turned the alarm off. It's 7:41 in the evening.

He's been having the same dream every night, not that he can avoid it. It was a memory, not just any dream. It's also the reason why he can't concentrate on writing.

Hervy is a happy person. He was a happy person, to be exact. He used to be very optimistic and cheerful, very far from the person he is now. Every time he tries to write or think of a story, he can't help but think of what happened. And every time he does, he breaks down.

Hervy got up and went straight to the bathroom to wash his face.

He can smell spray paint. On his pile of dirty clothes lay the spray-painted shirt he was wearing when he got home.

He almost forgot about what happened the night before. Every time it slips out of his mind, the smell of the spray paint always reminds him of it.

Lewis Thorington, huh...

"So..you're a vampire?"

Hervy can't help but laugh every time he remembers that question.

Lewis's facial reaction as he asked that question was also something Hervy couldn't forget.

It's been a while since Hervy talked to another human being outside of his family. And it's also been a year since he last contacted his publishing house. They never failed to call him and leave a voicemail at least once a week. You would think they are concerned about how Hervy is doing, but really, they're more concerned if Hervy has already come up with something, a new book, or at least started writing a new story.

Hervy Styles is one of Midnight Publishing's top authors. He had written several books that the public has well-received: A Warning Sign, Two Spirits, Beautiful Creature, and many more. Give him a word or two, and he'll make a storyline out of it. Give him an opening scene; he will show you how to end your story.

He has also received offers for his books to be made into a movie or Netflix series. Offers which he gladly declined. According to Hervy, he's an author, not a scriptwriter.

"These books are better off being read than watched." It's what he would always tell everyone.

Hervy knew he needed to write a new book - HE HAD TO. But ever since that fateful day, Hervy's mind has been walking over shards of glass, and every time he tries to avoid one, he steps on another broken one. He avoids the shards of glass that is his mind - he is all over the place.

Hervy had been staring at his reflection in the mirror for a long time now. He finished washing his face and quickly brushed his teeth.

He went downstairs, filled the percolator with water, and turned it on. It's funny how he tries to make himself breakfast at 8 PM.

***

7:41 in the evening.

Lewis laid flat on his couch. He is tired.

He was busy meeting with possible clients all day, discussing this and discussing that.

"What do you think is the best color for this?"

"Don't you think the red ones are better?"

"Who's going to print this out?"

"Can we get a discount on this?"

Questions, questions, questions. 

Lewis had many of those today, and honestly, if someone asks him one more question, he swore he'd snap.

Good thing he's alone in his apartment.

"Had I been rich, I would never have to work this hard. Or maybe I don't even have to work at all." Lewis laughed at the idea.

Life had been rough for Lewis.

He recounted all the events that brought him to the very situation he is in right now.

His Mom passed away when he was 16 years old. Not knowing who his father was, he lived from one relative to another.

Times were rough, his aunts and uncles would say they were okay with him being around, but he knew better.

He had been in constant trouble with his cousins. They didn't want him around.

He was never bullied at school but constantly bullied at home.

His only escape was drawing. His Mom taught him how to draw and provided him with paper and pencil. He knew life would have been better if his Mom was still around.

Though he never got to see his father, he never held any grudge towards him or his cousins, who made his childhood difficult. He's still hoping that he will finally get to see his father one day.

Lewis, who was once a pessimistic kid, grew up to be a young man who loved living in the moment and always tried to see good in everyone.

Lewis can feel his eyes getting wet, and before they run down his face, he quickly rubs the tears off.

"I better get something to eat."

He quickly took off his shirt and changed into his boxer shorts. He didn't bother putting a shirt on.

He loves how the calm wind touches his bare upper body.

He quickly went to the kitchen and looked for something to eat. He has a deadline to meet, so he can't afford to be cooking a decent meal tonight. Anything instant is good.

"Ah, finally," Lewis said in sheer delight.

The noodles had finished cooking, and he got a piece of bread to match.

He brought it over to his workstation and turned his laptop on.

His desktop is full of sticky notes that he can barely see the desktop icons. He started sorting out the notes and checking them to see which ones were done.

'HERVY FROM THE CHILDREN'S PARK'

Lewis smiled and felt silly for saving Hervy's name on a sticky note.

He's horrible with names, not to mention he has a crazy schedule, and with all his work all piled up, he's afraid he might forget his name.

He might forget his name, but he'll never forget how he looked like: a good-looking guy with curly brown hair and green eyes. His dark circles are apparent even in the dim light. Yeah, those eyes are particularly expressive. His eyes said a lot about him.

Lewis shook his head.

He shouldn't be thinking of anything else tonight.

He took a sip from his bowl of noodles then set it aside.

He only has until 9 PM to work on his designs. He needs to get up early the following day and meet up with another client.

***

All the city is asleep. Hervy, on the other hand, is still awake, as usual.

Hervy's been doing the sleep-all-day-up-all-night routine for more than a year now. He finds it hard to sleep in the deafening silence of the night. He can't tell whether his eyes are closed or not once the lights are off. He finds comfort in the busy noise of the day, and the faint light that creeps through his window blinds makes him feel safe, assuring him everything is all right.

He looked at his phone. It was past 3AM.

He could feel his stomach growl - he's hungry. It's almost 'dinner' time. He's got his mind (and tummy) set on getting a chicken meal from the fast-food place just a few blocks from his house.

He quickly changed into a red pullover jacket and went out.

It was cold outside. The fast-food place was just two blocks away from Hervy's house, so he didn't need to hail a cab. Besides, walking will also help him warm up.

He turned right on the first corner. It was the park where he first met Lewis.

He strolled as he approached the covered walk. It was a little dark; the street lights barely lit up the area.

Hervy stopped for a moment and looked around, his eyes busy scanning the place, the bench, and the concrete fence. He was a little disappointed that Lewis was not there.

He was half-expecting Lewis to be there.

Hervy started moving again. Just like a melody beginning to materialize, four lines suddenly formed in his head in a rather poetic way:

Stuck on the chorus of my favorite song

It's four o'clock now, and I'm walking alone

Looking at the sky and singing along

Feeling empty coz nobody's home.

He just made a short poem.

It somehow painted a faint smile on Hervy's lips. He looked up as he felt his eyes getting wet, blurring his vision for a moment.

***

4:23 AM

Lewis is already losing cool.

He's been standing in line for more than 15 mins, and he hasn't been able to order his meal yet.

"What a good way to start your day," he whispered as he clenched his jaw.

A couple of minutes more, and it's his turn. 

"Finally!" Lewis exclaimed. "I would like a two-piece chicken meal, spicy, no gravy, please."

Lewis handed his payment over and was given a waiting number.

Lewis took a deep breath. "Great, as if I have not waited long enough."

Apparently, he must wait five minutes more before getting his food. Lewis is not best at hiding his emotions, he is really annoyed, and it's showing in his face. Lewis decided it was best to leave the counter. He might say something he might regret later.

He started looking for an empty table.

Lewis is surprised how there are many people at this time of the morning. For more than two minutes, he had been pacing back and forth the whole place looking for an unoccupied table, all to no avail.

He went to the table just below the stairs to see if it was taken when he saw someone in a red pullover looking out the glass window.

Lewis's heart raced. He looked closer. He couldn't see the person's face, but he swore that long curly hair was familiar.

Lewis slowly walked in the direction where Mr. Red-Pullover's table was.

***

Hervy found a comfortable spot, his usual table just under the stairs, near the glass window. He initially wanted to order to-go but changed his mind last minute.

He didn't mind waiting for his meal.

He was gazing outside when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Is this seat taken?"

Hervy turned around. His eyes widened.

Standing beside his table is the same person he expected to be at the park earlier.

"L-Lewis!" Hervy could feel his heartbeat faster as he said his name.

Lewis looked even more handsome with all this light, unlike the last time they met where it was a little dim. His sea-blue eyes never looked more beautiful, and he indeed has the sweetest smile in the world. He's wearing a black tank top that shows his muscles, and this time he's wearing a black bonnet.

Hervy tried to hide his excitement and regained his composure. 

"No, this seat is not taken," he said.

Lewis put his number on the table and sat in front of him.

"Thanks, man. I couldn't find any empty table." Lewis said.

"I didn't expect I'd see you here, Hervy." He added.

"Me either," Hervy answered.

"How have you been? I don't have any spray paint with me this time." Lewis asked.

"That works for me. Don't worry, I'm not drunk, so I won't try to pull off any stunt today," Hervy answered.

They both laughed.

Hervy was about to say something when the server came with his food.

"Two-piece Original Recipe chicken, fries and extra gravy"

Hervy thanked the server and was about to start to eat when Lewis's food came as well.

"Two-piece spicy chicken meal."

Hervy looked at Lewis. He looked annoyed.

"Is everything okay?" Hervy asked.

"I specifically said no gravy but look at this," answered Lewis, pointing at his food. "I don't really like gravy or any sauce at all," he added.

"Well, you're in luck because Hervy is here to save the day," Hervy said jokingly.

"I happen to loooove gravy, so if you give that to me, I guarantee not a single drop will be wasted," Hervy added.

"Wow, really? That's weird, I think. Here, help yourself. Bon Appetit!" said Lewis as he handed the gravy over to Hervy.

***

Lewis started eating as he admiringly looked at Hervy.

He thought it was weird that Hervy likes gravy that much. The look in Hervy's eyes as he handed the gravy over to him was just adorable.

I could look at this all day.

He thought Hervy looked more handsome this time. His dark circles are gone. "Maybe he's been getting enough sleep," Lewis said to himself. 

He hates to admit it, but he's drawn to Hervy's big green eyes, those eyes that hid a lot of stories.

He wanted to know Hervy more, but he's afraid he might drive him away.

The last time they met, Hervy was not keen on sharing a lot about himself.

***

Time went on as the two guys ate heartily.

When Hervy finished his last piece of chicken, he noticed Lewis just staring at him.

For one full minute, they just stared at each other in silence.

Hervy thought of something to break the silence. He liked that Lewis was looking at him, but he didn't enjoy the silence. 

"S-so. I suppose you're going home after this?"

"Yeah. I met up with someone earlier. I'll be heading home after this," Lewis answered.

Hervy's expression changed. 

Lewis saw the shift in Hervy's expression, so he continued talking, "With a client... I met up with my client".

Hervy let out a sigh of relief. He was relieved it was just a client.

"How about you?" Lewis asked.

"Home. I've been up all night, got to catch some sleep. You won't see me walking in the daylight. You know, vampire thing." Hervy answered.

Lewis laughed, "You still remember that?"

"Yup, of all things." He answered with a smile.

"I honestly thought you'd forget me, knowing that you were drunk when we first saw each other," Lewis said.

"Not necessarily. I can still remember some details," Hervy answered. 

He then touched his chin as if he had a beard. 

"You're turning 27, and you love carrots."

Lewis was surprised. "Wow."

"And also, you're a visual artist," Hervy added.

"I'm surprised you remember all of that," Lewis said in amazement.

"Now that you mentioned it, visual artist sounds so broad. What do you do exactly?" Hervy asked.

"It's a little difficult to explain," Lewis answered.

"Crazy idea - how about I show you what I do instead?"

"Don't worry, this won't take long. I'll make sure you're home before sunlight - so you won't get burnt to toast," Lewis assured, winking at him.

Though a little hesitant, Hervy nodded. "Alright, but make sure this won't take long." They both took one last sip of soda before leaving.

The two started walking to Lewis's place.

Lewis led the way while Hervy followed.