The government announced that the first two cases of COAID had been confirmed in Y city. Both patients were in isolation and receiving intensive care. The public was urged to remain calm, maintain hygiene, and avoid crowded places.
People who heard the reporter's voice seemed frightened, their minds swirling with various speculations. But there were also those who dismissed the news, considering it a global elite conspiracy, even turning it into a joke on social media.
On the other hand, Karel, who had just heard the news, was lounging comfortably on the luxurious sofa in his apartment, surrounded by an array of snacks. He had just been informed by the school administration that classes would be suspended for two weeks. However, he knew this event was not as simple as others thought. It wasn't just two weeks; it could stretch to two years.
Armageddonnnn...🎶
Hearing his phone ring, he leaned back on the sofa and picked it up. After sliding the green button, he brought the phone to his ear.
"Dear, I heard you're on break. How about we have dinner together?"
Arthur's voice came through softly, his tone measured and polite, as always.
"That's unusual. You're usually busy munching on peanuts while working on those reports" Karel teased gently.
Arthur's workload had kept them apart lately. Even when Karel made the effort to visit Arthur's apartment, the man was always seated in front of his laptop.
Karel sighed softly, recalling the nights Arthur had to work overtime because of reports."This must be because of that second lead male, Maximilian, making my man work late" he thought irritably.
"Dear, are you there?"
Arthur asked, ensuring Karel was still on the line since he hadn't heard a response.
"Mm-hmm."
Arthur took a deep breath on the other end of the line. "I'm sorry, there have been some internal issues lately that needed immediate attention. And tonight is my birthday, so I wanted to have dinner with someone special to me. Would you be willing?"
Hearing this, Karel's pupils dilated instantly. A mix of surprise and a tinge of guilt washed over him. "I-I'm sorry, I..."
"It's okay" Arthur replied gently, though a hint of sadness tinged his voice.
Karel bit his lip, guilt beginning to haunt him. "As a birthday gift, how about we have dinner at my place, and I'll cook for you? How does that sound? And after dinner, we can watch movies until late."
Arthur chuckled softly on the other end of the line, warmth returning to his voice. "Of course, I'll finish up here and be there by eight sharp."
"Deal!" Karel smiled, satisfied.
He let out a relieved sigh after hearing Arthur's voice sound brighter. "Okay, don't be late, or I won't open the door."
Arthur let out a soft laugh. "I'll make sure to be on time. Goodbye, dear." His tone was softer than usual, carrying a hint of melancholy.
"Mm, bye. Remember, don't be late"
Karel replied before quickly hanging up, not wanting to disturb Arthur, who was undoubtedly still busy with work.
Without further delay, Karel grabbed his car keys and headed out to the supermarket, ready to buy ingredients for the meal.
However, as soon as he stood in front of the neatly arranged rows of fresh vegetables, Karel froze, staring blankly.
"Idiot, I can't cook!" He facepalmed himself. He had spoken impulsively earlier, driven by guilt over forgetting Arthur's birthday.
"Karel?"
Hearing his name, Karel quickly turned around, and there stood Patricia, the mother of the male lead.
"Oh, Hello, Mrs. Ashford! Didn't expect to see you here" Karel greeted warmly, shaking her hand.
"I've been watching you space out here for a while. Is everything alright?"
Karel smiled sheepishly, feeling a bit awkward. "Well, Mrs. Ashford... it's my boyf..em my girfriend's birthday, and I planned to cook something for him. But... I can't cook."
Patricia let out a small laugh, amused by Karel's honesty. "Come on, I'll help you cook. I happen to have some free time."
"Wait, really, Mrs. Ashford? Are you sure it's not too much trouble?" Karel rubbed the back of his neck, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Not at all" Patricia replied with a smile.
"But besides the food, have you prepared decorations and a birthday cake?" she reminded him.
Karel shook his head, his expression sheepish.
Patricia nodded understandingly, then called out, "Daniel, come here! Help Karel pick out a gift and decorations for the birthday party. I'll handle the food."
Daniel, who had been called over, quickly put down the apple he was holding. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw Karel standing nearby. He placed a hand over his chest, trying to calm his racing heart.
"Okay."
Karel furrowed his brow, wondering why the protagonist was so compliant around him. But he didn't want to dwell on it further, Arthur's birthday was his priority.
He quickly pulled out his wallet and handed a black card to Mrs. Ashford. "Mrs. Ashford, I'm so grateful for your help. Thank you."
Patricia accepted the card. "In that case, I'll go find the ingredients first. Daniel, you stay with Karel."
The mother of the male lead gradually disappeared from view, leaving Karel alone with Daniel in an awkward atmosphere.
"Let's go"
Karel issuing the command with an arrogant tone. After all, he didn't need to pretend to be nice in front of Daniel, because the protagonist was the first person to label him as the villain.
After wandering around for a while, Karel finally returned with a cart full of items, of course, pushed by Daniel. For some reason, Daniel didn't make any snide remarks and simply followed without complaint.
As they passed the clothing section, an idea flashed through Karel's mind: a gift.
If he thought about it, Arthur's closet was already filled with expensive clothes. But when his eyes landed on a black tie with a tiger stripe pattern, a slow smile spread across his face. He felt a surge of excitement at the thought of tying it around Arthur's neck later.
After shopping for what felt like hours, they finally arrived at the checkout counter with a cart piled high with items—naturally, Daniel still the one pushing it.
Once the payment was done, Karel stepped outside and soon noticed Mrs. Ashford struggling with her bags. Without hesitation, he rushed over and took the heavy load from her, guiding her to the car.
"Oh, I forgot to ask earlier, what does your girlfriend like to eat?" Patricia asked.
Karel thought for a moment, recalling his time with Arthur. "He likes almost everything... except carrots" he answered with a small smile.
His mind drifted to the memory of Arthur trying to eat his salad and meticulously picking out every piece of carrot.
Brukk!
"Oh my goodness, Daniel! Are you okay? How did you even fall like that?"
o0o