TTRIA 32
by soapa“First, my name is Aiden Blake. It’s the name of a college roommate who lived steeped in nightlife culture. And Cecil, you’re Noah Bennett.”
“Noah… Noah Bennett. Whose name is that?”
Jeff’s shoulder twitched suddenly.
“Well, uh… probably no one’s. I mean, it could be someone’s name, of course. What I’m saying is… it just came to mind.”
He couldn’t bring himself to admit it was the name of the prettiest kid in the neighborhood from his distant childhood. Thankfully, Cecil nodded lightly, repeating “Noah Bennett, Noah Bennett” to himself, memorizing his new name. Relieved, Jeff looked down at Ego.
“Ego is Hunter. How’s that?”
Seeing no particular reaction, it seemed Ego didn’t care either way. Jeff went over their names once more, then added flesh to the story.
“Me, Aiden Blake, I went to a job agency looking for work. Luckily, I got referred to a decent job—a servant position at a castle bought by a wealthy French artist. I drove this truck straight to the address I was given. And there, I met Cecil—no, Noah Bennett, crying in despair.”
Cecil, who had been listening with interest, furrowed his brow.
“Why was I crying?”
“Because you got scammed.”
“What kind of scam?”
“A job placement scam.”
Pointing to himself, Jeff continued.
“Of course, I got scammed too. A castle, yeah right. We met as victims of a scam in an overgrown, weedy lot. Two naive country boys tricked by a con artist. We bonded over our shared anger, opened up about our situations, and decided to track down the scammer together…”
“Together?”
“And then we got jumped by robbers and beaten to a pulp.”
Jeff pointed to his cheek, his neck, and the hidden scars on his body, palms, and ankles in turn.
“Pretty convincing, right?”
“…”
Seeing Cecil’s expression twist subtly, Jeff continued nonchalantly.
“The robbers attacked us, stealing our money and valuables. As if that wasn’t enough, they tried to take this truck too. Exhausted from the violence, we couldn’t fight back and just watched. But then.”
Jeff put on a deliberately serious face and continued.
“A scream rang out from somewhere.”
“A scream?”
Cecil, caught up in the story, widened his eyes.
“Yeah, a scream. It came from one of the robbers. As the startled group turned around, something huge pounced on them. Biting their arms and legs mercilessly, it was!”
His playful amber gaze landed on the bundle in Cecil’s arms.
“A valiant black dog.”
“Ego.”
“No, Noah Bennett.”
Jeff wagged his finger cheekily.
“Not Ego—Hunter. The name we gave the brave black dog that saved two pitiful young men.”
“Oh, right. Hunter. Hunter. Hunter…”
Cecil whispered, looking at Ego. Ego snorted dismissively and turned its head away.
“Me, Aiden Blake, and you, Noah Bennett, are chasing the scammer with the valiant black dog Hunter. We just happened to stop in this town. Got it? Cecil, what’s your name?”
“Noah Bennett.”
“My name?”
“Aiden Blake.”
“Ego’s name?”
“Hunter.”
“How did we end up together?”
“As victims of the same job scam, we teamed up to track down the con artist.”
“And how did Hunter join us?”
“Before we could even chase the scammer, we nearly got killed by robbers, but Hunter saved us. That’s how we ended up together.”
“Perfect.”
Jeff flashed a satisfied smile, like a teacher proud of an excellent student. Cecil, mirroring a faint smile, suddenly asked.
“But will we ever need to tell this story?”
“Well, maybe, maybe not. It’s about being prepared just in case. You can’t let your guard down in a small town like this. In cities, no one cares about individual identities, but small towns are different. Especially for outsiders like us, and Cecil, you…”
Jeff let out a faint sigh.
“Your face stands out too much. You’ll definitely draw attention. Someone’s bound to strike up a conversation. You don’t have to be completely honest, but you don’t want to seem suspicious either. Having a believable story will help us blend in naturally. A bit of a goofy vibe helps too—it lowers their guard.”
“Got it, Jeff.”
“Good. Let’s eat first. Oh, and keep an eye on our surroundings on the way to the diner. We’ll need to stop by a clothing store or grocery shop before we leave.”
“Are we leaving today?”
Jeff shook his head.
“No. If possible, we’ll stay at a lodge tonight. If this place seems safe, we might stay a few more days. But we’ll need to prepare thoroughly before moving on.”
“Got it.”
Jeff grinned at Cecil’s earnest nod and said.
“Alright, let’s go eat for real now.”
The small town, steeped in the charm of a bygone era, was modest but prosperous. Perhaps because it saw a fair number of travelers, the locals weren’t too wary of outsiders. But the concern Jeff had anticipated came to pass—people couldn’t stop staring at Cecil.
And with Ego, a massive dog, walking alongside without a leash, it was only natural they drew attention.
Despite the burning unease in his chest, Jeff kept a calm expression as he scanned the diner. A relatively quiet restaurant caught his eye. He immediately led Cecil to an out-of-the-way terrace table. Cecil’s eyes widened as he asked.
“We’re not going inside?”
“Ego might not be allowed indoors. Can you stay here for a bit? I’ll check with the staff.”
“Okay, got it.”
Just then, a waiter emerged from the restaurant. As Jeff approached, the waiter hesitated, startled, but soon flashed a friendly smile.
“Are you customers? How many in your party?”
Jeff gave a slightly sheepish smile, playing the part of a naive young man.
“Three—well, two people, but we have a dog. Is it okay for the dog to come inside? He’s really gentle and well-behaved…”
“Oh, is that the guy…?”
The waiter peeked out, and his mouth fell open slightly upon seeing Cecil. Jeff quickly stepped in to block his view, redirecting his attention.
“Is it possible?”
“Huh? Oh, uh! Just a moment, let me check!”
The waiter, ears red, hurried back inside. Soon, a man who seemed to be the owner appeared. The friendly-looking middle-aged man scanned Jeff, Cecil, and Ego in turn before whistling. The waiter, sticking close to him, slapped his arm, as if saying, “See? I told you!” From their similar looks, they seemed to be father and daughter.
After a brief moment of consideration over Ego’s size, the owner gave a slight nod, signaling it was okay to come inside. Jeff led Cecil and Ego to the most secluded corner table. The waiter, handing them menus, eyed them with curiosity.
“You guys are outsiders, right? Are you here for a movie shoot or something? Maybe theater actors?”
“Actors? Oh…”
It must be because of Cecil’s appearance. His striking looks could easily be mistaken for an actor’s.
Jeff swallowed a sigh and glanced at Cecil. His usually stiff expression softened the moment their eyes met. The waiter let out an involuntary gasp. It was a dramatic change, like eternal snow melting away.
They didn’t want to stand out while on the run. Clicking his tongue inwardly, Jeff quickly spoke up.
“Haha, actors? Thanks for the compliment.”
Having to be this cautious just because of a pretty face—did having a beauty by his side have to be this nerve-wracking? He resolved to cover that face somehow today. Firmly determined, Jeff opened the menu with an exaggerated gesture.
“Anyway, any recommendations?”
“Oh! The beef stew is great today. We just got some good beef and vegetables.”
“Sounds good. Then we’ll have the beef stew, a ploughman’s lunch, and… let’s add a green salad, boiled eggs, and some ham.”
He also ordered a boiled egg and unseasoned beef for Ego, finally completing the order. Cecil, who had been passing water to Ego under the table, looked up.
“All done?”
“Yeah, sorry. I ordered without asking. Is that okay? Should’ve checked if there’s anything you can’t eat.”
“No, it’s fine. As long as it fills my stomach, I don’t care what it is. I’m not picky.”
“That’s a relief then.”
Jeff leaned back in his chair, relieved. The constant tension had left his neck stiff. The deep-seated fatigue in his muscles was only now sinking in. Meanwhile, Cecil sat up straight, carefully observing the restaurant’s interior, his gaze like someone studying the notes of a musical score. As his eyes slowly roamed, he suddenly spoke.
“It’s strange.”
Jeff, massaging his stiff neck, raised an eyebrow.
“What is?”
“Being in a place like this. Especially…”
“Especially?”
Cecil pursed his lips, as if choosing his words carefully.
“…being with someone.”
At that, Jeff instinctively lowered his hand. Without looking at him, Cecil quietly added.
“I never imagined something like this. …No, that’s a lie. I have imagined it.”
He swallowed softly.
“But it was something I wasn’t supposed to do. How could I dare…”
“Cecil.”
Jeff’s face hardened as he reached out to cover Cecil’s hand. The blue eyes, wandering with countless emotions, seemed to sink, and it pained and angered Jeff. He pulled those submerged eyes back to him before they could sink deeper.
“Where are we?”
“…Here?”
Momentarily confused, Cecil stammered.
“Uh, a restaurant?”
“Good. And who’s sitting across from you right now?”
“…Jeff. Jeff Lowell.”
“Right. And what are we doing?”
“Uh… waiting for food, talking…”
Trailing off, Cecil blinked slowly. Then he spoke softly.
“Having a conversation.”
“Exactly.”
Jeff nodded lightly.
“We’re waiting for food after starving for three days, and we’re just talking naturally. That’s it.”
Gently pressing his fingertips, he added.
“It might feel unfamiliar and strange. But it’s not something to fear. It’s not something to avoid either.”
Letting out a silent sigh, Jeff shrugged with a grumble.
“For heaven’s sake, it’s not like I was imagining breaking Wayne’s wrists. What’s wrong with picturing an ordinary, mundane moment like this? Why shouldn’t you?”
Jeff looked straight into the trembling blue eyes and said.
“Imagine it as much as you want, a hundred or a thousand times. Nothing bad will happen.”
“…”
“Do it freely. Got it? Cecil Gre… oh.”
Jeff quickly shut his mouth, cutting off the full name. Shaking his head as if casting off something impure, he said.
“Damn it, I hate your last name. I don’t even want to attach it to you. So I’m never saying it again.”
He drove the point home firmly.
“You’re just Cecil.”
Cecil, who had been silently watching, quietly said.
“But I’m Noah Bennett.”
“…”
Hah, Jeff let out a stunned breath. His bewildered face, as if he’d been lightly smacked, gradually bloomed into a wide smile. Laughter, like a tremor, followed from his relaxed posture against the table. Covering his eyes briefly as he laughed, Jeff suddenly lowered his hand. His rounded eyes turned to Cecil.
“Yeah, Noah Bennett. That was pretty great.”
Despite his calm tone, his eyes sparkled like a boy who’d just had a blast playing.
“Right, you’re Noah Bennett now. Noah can do anything. Think anything, act however he wants.”
“…Noah can do anything.”
Cecil murmured softly.
“That’s what I’m saying.”
Jeff nodded gently, then suddenly whispered in a sly tone.
“But now I’m curious.”
“About what?”
Cecil tilted his head. Jeff, propping his chin and meeting his gaze, said playfully.
“Oh, it’s not a question for Noah.”
“Then who?”
“It’s for Cecil. Let’s just say I’ve got something I want to ask him.”
“What do you want to ask?”
Jeff chuckled at the tilting head and said.
“Why are you asking? I said it’s not for Noah.”
“…Noah knows Cecil really well. He could answer for him.”
The cheeky reply came back. Jeff’s face lit up with amusement.
“Oh, really? Knows him that well, huh?”
“Yeah. They’re close.”
“Alright then, no choice. Shall I ask on his behalf?”
“Go ahead.”
The moment Cecil tilted his head in response, Jeff’s smile faded briefly, and he spoke cautiously.
…Cecil.
“How does it feel to have your imagination become reality?”
“…”
“This restaurant, spending time with someone—the imagination you described as ‘daring.’ How does it feel to have that suppressed, peaceful moment you thought you shouldn’t have become real?”
“…”
“That’s what I was curious about.”
After a brief pause, Jeff’s voice continued.
“Noah, can you answer for him?”
Cecil said nothing. Or perhaps he couldn’t. Only faint breaths escaped his pursed lips. Then his lips pressed tightly shut. Maybe he couldn’t answer yet. Maybe it was still too hard for him.
Just as Jeff thought that.
“I’m scared.”
Cecil spoke. That single word rippled like a gentle wave. Jeff looked at him, unable to find words to respond. After a brief hesitation, Cecil continued.
“No, to be precise… I’m scared because it feels good.”
Jeff’s fingertips, resting on Cecil’s hand, flinched slightly. Cecil looked at Jeff’s indescribable expression before lowering his gaze.
“It’s unfamiliar and awkward. And unsettling. My heart keeps racing, and my chest feels fluttery.”
As if trying to understand his own emotions, he continued quietly.
“These sensations and reactions are familiar. That’s how it always was at the mansion. But something’s… different.”
Cecil slowly raised his head. His blue gaze skimmed the table before settling on Jeff.
“You know, Jeff. I’ve been thinking, and this is…”
A brief silence followed his trailing words. He took a soft breath and whispered.
“Probably what ‘excitement’ feels like.”
A faint warmth spread around his eyes. A slight upturn of his lips. The moment his cold, sharp features softened, captured in Jeff’s eyes. Jeff tightly clenched his relaxed hand.
He was a little happy.
No, honestly, quite a lot.
“There’s no one using the shared bathroom right now, so you should shower first. No one will barge in until you’re done. I paid the owner extra to make sure.”
“What about you?”
“Oh, I…”
Jeff trailed off. The lingering bruises came to mind. He didn’t want Cecil to see the marks of violence. The same went for the old burn scars. After a moment’s hesitation, Jeff shrugged lightly and said.
“I’ve got some things to sort out. It’ll take a bit, so you go ahead and shower. Head straight to the room afterward. Don’t wander off.”
“Okay, got it.”