Chapter Text
If there was one thing that always impressed Mydei, it was the number of offworld tourists who visited this planet.
He didn't complain; it was good for business, even though his restaurant was humble and simple. Homemade food, made with love, like something your mother or grandmother would have made. But it was still impressive.
Although Nova Amphoreus wasn't really a planet. A large satellite with a simulated sky. A salvation treaty between the IPC, the Intelligentsia Guild, and the Genius Society saved the population of their original planet, in full decline, creating this space.
A long and complicated story, Mydei only knew the basics, and that was enough. The TV played background music with some IPC news report about some act of bravery by the Nameless of the Astral Express, while the aroma of spices wafted up from the sautéing of garlic and onions for another serving.
People often judged the man, his grim look, aggressive tattoos, and strong body. They thought it completely unlikely that a man like that would possess the delicacy to prepare delicious dishes with simple yet delicate presentations.
The restaurant's social media was a veritable phenomenon, citing the beautiful photos, courtesy of his former high school classmate Castorice.
Despite the disdain of his father, who never approved of his choice. He simply dropped out of college, ignored his "duty" in the world of high-ranking business figures, and, with part of his late mother's inheritance, opened his own business. For Eurypon, he no longer had a son. Mydei only silently accepted his father's decision. It's been four years like this.
Mydei was finishing delivering the freshly prepared dish to a family in Luofu when the doorbell rang, and a flustered man arrived. He looked about her age, with short platinum hair, comfortable clothes with a blue cashmere embellishment draped over his shoulders, and a messenger bag slung over his shoulder. His sky-blue eyes were framed by thick-framed, yet well-designed, glasses.
Their gazes met for a moment, and for a few seconds, it was as if this new client seemed to get lost in his own golden eyes.
The businessman wasn't immune to those strange moments, a shiver running through his body and a feeling of nostalgia.
Mydei felt nostalgic for many things: his mother's hug, the nights sharing marshmallows and sweet potatoes by the campfire with his friends in high school. But he understood the root of all the feeling. But not this nostalgia. Those sky-colored eyes, clear after the rain.
The visitor seemed to shake off his daze, looked away, and sat at a table. He pulled a laptop from his bag and appeared to be working on some document. The blond man finished serving the otherworldly family and then went to see the man.
"Ah, well... Could I ask for a restaurant suggestion?" was all the other man said to the blond man's question. The customer seemed a bit distracted and, at the same time, very shy.
"Well, you can, but isn't there anything you can't eat? Like an allergy or something?"
"Well, I... I eat everything, I don't discriminate. I don't really have a specific preference; I just wish I could eat some tasty food here."
Mydei sighed discreetly. If the customer wants it, so be it.
He could simply choose any more expensive meal and take advantage of the goodwill, but besides it not being in his nature, something in the back of his mind urged him to cook something.
It wasn't on the menu; it was something he made himself as comfort food. He never quite understood why it was comforting; he only ate it as an adult, but it felt like home.
Every now and then he glanced at the platinum-haired man, typing furiously on his laptop. Finally, the meal was ready, and he delivered it with a complimentary salad.
The customer's smile was so bright with happiness that Mydei thought he would go blind. He let him enjoy his meal in peace while he collected the meal fees from the family of tourists, and as soon as they left, only the other man and him remained.
"Hmm, this is very good. How did you guess it's my favorite?"
"I just picked whatever came to mind," the blond replied.
"Is it just you? No other employees?"
"Just me. The restaurant is less than a year old, and I still want to get the cash register up and running before hiring anyone."
A brief, contemplative silence preceded a new, bright smile.
"My name is Phainon Khaslana, it's a pleasure to meet you."
The blond saw the outstretched hand, but hesitated for a few seconds before returning the gesture. Phainon's hands were quite warm, he noticed, almost feverish. Unusual for someone without protection in a setting autumn.
"Mydeimos," he replied, still at a distance.
"Oh, do you mind if I shorten it to just 'Mydei'?" The businessman was a little surprised by the boldness. But he nodded. The last person who called him that was his own mother before leave.
"I'll definitely come back here," the platinum-haired man said, a sweet smile on his face.
Mydei was enjoying the night view from his apartment window. The city lights obscured the glow of the simulated stars, but it was still beautiful and relaxing. The mug of tea was steaming, and he slowly sipped the liquid.
His mind kept returning to Phainon. He knew he'd never seen him before, but his presence felt natural in his life. As if he'd always belonged there. His smile shone with sunshine, and his gaze said "home."
The blond wasn't innocent of relationships and passions, but it seemed different from simply "falling in love." He let out a soft laugh through his nose at the stupid idea that had come to mind. "Soulmates"? Like those silly romance novels from the newsstand?
But it was the best explanation he could come up with. Only then could he be struck by such a deep feeling so quickly and still seem natural. He finished his tea, not bothering to wash the mug; that would be a concern for Mydei the next day. He took off his shirt and threw himself on the bed, quickly falling asleep.
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His eyes opened to a different scene. In the background was a huge statue holding a glowing, blazing globe like a sun. His vision was still blurry from sleep, so he couldn't focus clearly on details. Mydei then noticed he wasn't alone; another person dressed in white and blue was there; the gentle breeze seemed to lift the other man's light hair. He couldn't see his co-star's face, but he seemed to be smiling. He couldn't hear any sounds, but somehow something resonated within him with warmth and longing.
[Mydei…]
He woke up, this time in his room. He looked at the clock; he had only slept for about two hours. Besides his confused state, he noticed something else: tears in his eyes.
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Phainon was reading something on his phone as he walked through the arcade, lined with late-night businesses like bars and bakeries. He still wore the same clothes he'd worn hours earlier, at the restaurant. But at one point, in a less crowded area, in front of an arcade, he insisted his reading be public.
"The year of silence is what the year without births is called. The birth rate in Nova Amphoreus simply reached zero. Scholars at the University of the Woods are still debating what this phenomenon represents."
He stopped behind a shorter young man who seemed quite engrossed in watching other people.
"Don't you find this phenomenon curious… Dan Heng, Nameless of the Astral Express?"