“Are we there yet?”
“Almost,” Mhok informed Day, “Just a few more steps.”
Day clutched onto Mhok’s arm tighter as they walked towards the bakery. Hazel was also with them, leading the way.
As they reached the bakery, Mhok tied Hazel to a nearby pole. Dogs were definitely prohibited in a café. After making sure that Hazel moved about just fine, they made their way towards the bakery.
Mhok pushed open the door, “We’re here, Day.”
Day relaxed as Mhok said that, and he gradually loosened the grip on Mhok’s arm much to Mhok’s dislike.
“Let’s sit over there,” Mhok guided him to the chair near the window.
Mhok sat across Day, “So what are you gonna order?”
Day rubbed his chin in thought, “Hm, we should try something different today. How about red velvet pastry?”
As soon as he said it, they laughed aloud.
“Wow! What a suggestion.” Mhok shook his head as he admired the cheeky boy in front of him.
Day giggled, and Mhok decided that it was his favorite sound now.
“Okay, I’ll go for a chocolate cake today.” Day finally chose, “And you, P’Mhok?”
“The same.” Mhok took in Day’s angelic form as the sunlight fell on him.
“Oh, and coffee also?”
A waiter approached them, but Mhok didn’t recognize him. He figured that he might be a new employee. They had placed their orders when Derek stepped into the bakery.
Derek walked towards them as soon as he saw them.
“Hi guys,” He greeted and slipped onto a vacant chair beside Mhok.
“Hello, Derek,” Mhok muttered unenthusiastically while Day looked confused.
Of course. Day was not used to outsiders, after all.
“Hi,” Derek directed it towards Day, but he was facing a different direction.
“Day cannot see,” Mhok shook his head at Derek.
“Oh,” Derek looked embarrassed, “I’m so- “
“You don’t need to apologize,” Mhok intervened, “Day is just like us. So treat him as such.”
A small smile pulled on Day’s face. He was proud of P’Mhok.
“Okay then.” Derek clasped his hands together in newfound confidence, “I’m Derek, the owner of this bakery. Mhok probably would’ve told you about me. Nothing good, I know.” He laughed.
Mhok nodded, “You’re right about that.”
Derek sighed, “Okay, let me get this straight. I don’t want you to hold any grudge towards me. You said it yourself, right? I’m honestly working on my personality.”
Mhok nodded slowly, “If that’s the case, then I won’t hold any grudge.”
Day stayed silent throughout the conversion. He didn’t know what to contribute to it anyway.
“That’s good then.” Derek smiled, “Also, I want to talk about Ricky.”
“Ricky?” Mhok asked.
“Uh, right. It’s not Ricky anymore. What was it? Hazel?”
That caught Day’s attention, “How do you know Hazel?”
“Um,” Derek fiddled with his fingers, “It used to be my pet.”
Day’s eyes widened in shock, “What?”
“Yeah, Day. I had learned it the day you went missing.” Mhok said.
Realizing that Day was not going to talk, Derek continued, “Ricky used to be my pet for three years now. In the beginning it was easy to look after him but when the café began to do well, I couldn’t keep up with everything anymore.  With my busy schedule and nasty temper, I figured that Ricky deserved better. So, I abandoned him.”
That earned a glare from Mhok, “I know, I know. That wasn’t the brightest decision, but it was an impulsive decision, and I didn’t think much before leaving it a secluded spot. Hours later, when it started to rain, I became worried and went to look for him but he wasn’t there anymore. That time, I thought that it was for the better. I thought that he’d probably find a better owner than me, and he did. He found you guys.”
Derek lowered his head, “I’m really sorry for all the inconvenience I’ve brought upon you guys, and I also thank you for taking care of Ricky. I saw him as I walked here. He looked better than before. He looked happier. As if he belonged with you guys. Even as I saw recognition in his eyes as he noticed me, he didn’t wag his tail or jump happily. He just merely acknowledged my presence. Honestly, it did hurt me, but I know I deserve it anyway.”
Derek was in tears by the time he finished.
All the previous hostility had vanished from Mhok’s face. Mhok felt sympathetic towards Derek.
He placed his arm on Derek’s shoulder, “Let’s go see Ricky.”
Day was surprised as Mhok addressed their pet with that name. Day understood that Mhok was a considerate man who valued everyone’s emotions.
“Sir, your order.”
What a timing.
“It’s okay. You guys, please eat first. I-I can wait.” Derek stood up, “I’ll check up on a few things now.”
“Alright, after this, let’s reunite you with Ricky.” Mhok looked at Day, “Right, Day?”
Day smiled, “Of course. Let’s do that.”
Derek was overwhelmed. He did not deserve to be treated this way.
With a heavy heart, Derek walked away.
“So, let’s dig in?”
Day smiled, “P’Mhok, you still have an appetite after all this?”
“Of course!” Mhok lied.
After finishing the cake, Day sipped on the coffee, “P’Mhok?”
“Yes, Day?”
“Should we,” Day placed the cup on the table, “Should we return Hazel?”
Mhok’s heart sunk, “Do you want to?”
“No, but- “
“It’s up to Hazel.” Mhok placed his hand on top of Day’s hand that rested on the table, “He can choose his owner.”
Day nodded, “I don’t want to let him go.”
“Neither do I.”
After finishing their order, they stepped outside the bakery with Derek. Derek was a nervous mess.
“Take it easy, Derek.” Mhok smiled at him.
Walking towards Hazel, Mhok untied the leash.
Hazel jumped up and down happily as he saw his humans but immediately stopped when he noticed Derek. Derek wanted to run away.
“Look, Hazel!” Mhok patted his fur, and Day followed the same, “Derek, come here.”
Hesitantly, Derek moved closer to them and knelt in front of them, “Hi, Hazel.”
Hazel’s ears perked up at that.
Derek slowly lifted his hand and brought it to Hazel’s head, “I-I’m so sorry.” He teared up again, “I don’t deserve you. I’m sorry, Ricky.”
Hazel looked more comfortable after the apology.
Derek wiped his tears away, “I’m happy that you have people who love and care for you. I truly am happy.”
“Derek,” Mhok called out.
Derek stood up, “Thank you for this. I’m grateful that I got to see him again.”
Day also stood up, “You can meet him anytime.”
Derek smiled, “Thank you so much, Day. I don’t know if I will take up on that offer, though.”
“You- “
Derek cut him off, “He’s yours now. He has chosen you both.”
“Derek,” Mhok took a step towards him.
“Let me take another look at him,” Derek moved closer to Hazel, who was in Mhok’s arms now.
“Have a good life, Ricky.” Leaning down, Derek placed a kiss on Hazel’s forehead, “And forgive me if you can.”
All three men were on the verge of tears.
“Bye, guys. See you around.” Derek announced as he walked off to the bakery without turning back.
Mhok stood next to Day, “Well, that was- “
“Melancholic.” Day finished.
Mhok chuckled, “Woah, okay, Shakespeare.”
Day smiled and smacked his arm, “Let’s go home.” Day lopped his arms around Mhok’s.
Mhok gazed at him in his usual lovestruck way.
Mhok wanted to tell Day that he was already home.
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