Chapter 24

"Can you just not call me for one day?"

Randy grumbled annoyed when she approached Darwin at one of the regular bars that the man frequented. An hour ago, his cousin did call, asking to meet immediately. And I don't know what other problems will be discussed this time.

After all, it's a holiday. Randy really wanted to rest at home. However, those hopes and plans failed miserably because Darwin whined for company with the excuse that he was too late and needed a friend to talk to.

"Come on, Ran. I'll treat you tonight. Besides, I don't have anyone to go out with."

"Why don't you just ask Samuel?" said Randy from behind her phone. He, who had just finished taking a shower, immediately sighed lazily because he had not been invited to go out yet.

"It's a bit difficult if I invite Samuel," Darwin said quietly. "What day, I've taken her to hang out for quite a while. If I ask her out again tonight, Luna won't let her. Besides, it's Sunday. Usually Samuel is busy making time with her children and wife."

Randy growled angrily. Very annoyed to hear Darwin's answer which he considered favoritism,

"Yes, what's the difference between me and Samuel, Win. You think Sunday like this I don't want to rest? Don't want to relax?"

"Ah, you've relaxed every day, Ran. Besides, Samuel handles a lot of work too."

"Reckless! I actually work a lot more than Samuel," Randy argued. It's just nice to say that so far he's mostly relaxed rather than working.

"Come on, Randy. Stay with me tonight."

"Why don't you just invite Vicky?"

"I'm not crazy, huh!" Darwin could be heard immediately exclaiming when Randy gave him a suggestion to meet Vicky, who incidentally was his own girlfriend. "If you ask Vicky to meet, the one called suicide. Besides, I don't know where he is now."

"You mean you don't know? You really don't know where your boyfriend is," said Randy, full of doubts.

"How do you want to know where Vicky is. Meanwhile, the cellphone number has been deliberately changed to Velove. I never even knew which company Velove put Vicky in. I literally lost contact with Vicky for the next six months."

"But that's good," said Randy. "Let you forget all the pebbles."

Darwin grinned indignantly. He did know that Randy had always disliked Vicky and had never agreed to him having a relationship with his girlfriend. So, it's nothing new for Randy to be honest like now.

"Okay, no need to debate. I really need a friend, Ran," whined Darwin once again. "Don't you feel sorry for me later when I get drunk and no one takes me home? You have the heart to let me drive alone and in the end I end up doing nothing on the road?"

There was a gasp of annoyance on the other end. Randy hated it when Darwin whined like this. It's just old. However, he behaved exactly like a child.

"Okay, Fine! You're really annoying. After getting ready, I'll follow you right away. Just let me know where I'll meet you tonight."

In fact, Randy had deliberately arrived late with the intention that when she arrived at the bar, Darwin was waiting for her. However, when he arrived at his destination, it turned out that his cousin had not even arrived. Randy was even more irritated.

Not to mention that when Darwin came, the man without the slightest sin did not apologize. In fact, it's cool to express the turmoil that the man is feeling.

"I'm getting really bored, Ran," said Darwin while taking a sip of the wine he had ordered.

Randy just glanced at him. He was still annoyed because today's Darwin really disturbed time and at the same time made him have to wait a long time.

"Just so you know," Darwin continued. "How could Velove lie to me. And what's more, unfortunately, I can't reply at all. This is unfair," he said in a tone of protest.

Randy corrected her sitting position. Pulling the chair forward, seconds later the man finally spoke.

"Actually, what are you talking about? I swear I don't understand at all."

"Velove, Ran. He's really going to dinner tonight."

"With Nathan?"

Darwin nodded.

"Yes, with anyone else. What makes me hate it even more, he's clearly lying to me."

Randy's brow immediately furrowed.

"Lies how? What did he say?"

"Before leaving, Velove gave me permission to go out with Deasy."

"Keep going?"

"He wasn't honest when he went out with Nathan, Ran. His intention was to lie to me."

"Who knows he might just go with Deasy."

"No way," Darwin shook his head repeatedly. "I'm sure he did go out with Nathan. In the afternoon, I overheard him receiving a call from Nathan and discussing dinner."

"Talking about dinner, you don't necessarily have to go together, Win. You're just the one who's overthinking. In fact, instead of asking me to meet, why don't you just follow Velove where he's going. Count to make sure if it's true that he went with Nathan or No."

Darwin chuckled lazily. Where is he willing to follow the advice that Randy conveyed just now.

"Duh! It's really lazy. I'm just crazy about Velove and I'm followed by everything here and there."

"Well, then if you don't have feelings, let alone you're not crazy, why are you even cranky like crazy now? You freak!"

Randy sighed lazily. Basically Darwin is wishy-washy or what. When heard from what he said, his cousin refused and also completely denied that he wasn't the least bit interested in Velove.

However, if you pay attention to his behavior and behavior so far, it really seems quite the opposite. Randy felt that Darwin's prestige was too high.

"Anyway, I'm really pissed off tonight."

"What's wrong again, Win," said Randy immediately. "Are you annoyed that Velove went with Nathan?"

"That's one of them. On the other hand, I also hate him using all lies."

Rand's eyes narrowed. He was also tired of giving explanations to Darwin, who was getting more and more unclear, babbling everywhere.

"I told you, it's not certain that he'll go with his ex."

Darwin was silent. The man instead called the waitress to then order another drink for him to drink tonight.

"Why did you order all the tequilla?" Randy protested when she heard Darwin order another type of drink from the barman. In fact, before this, his cousin had already finished two glasses of wine.

"Let my tiredness and dizziness go away," Darwin replied casually.

Randi smiled lightly. He was sure that after this, Darwin would definitely trouble him.

"If you want your heart and mind to be calm, you just bring it to worship, Win. Just get closer to God a lot," suggested the man with a serious face. He meant it with his words. "But, if you need an instant way, you just order a lot of alcohol, who knows, after this you will go directly to the creator."

Darwin pressed his lips together. He wanted to swear, but he really realized that he needed Randy's figure, right now.

***

Velove had just arrived at a restaurant where he and Deasy had an appointment and dinner tonight. Assisted by the waitress, Velove was immediately directed to enter the VIP area, which has a view of the frenetic streets of Jakarta at night.

Velove smile straight high. From his eyes, he could see Deasy, who tonight was wearing a broken white dress, waving her hand. The curly-haired woman motioned for him to speed up his pace to approach.

"Sorry if I took long," squeaked Velove as he sat his tiny body on the chair.

Dessy smiled. The beautiful woman shook her head.

"Just relax. If you are waiting for a princess like you, you really need to stock up on patience."

"Hey... I'm late because of traffic jam, Deasy. Not on purpose."

Deasy laughed. Exasperated to see Velove's face that does not accept.

"Sorry. Don't be offended, dear. OK, hurry up and order food. I'm hungry. I deliberately didn't eat so I can be satisfied eating here."

Velove laughed, then called the waiter to record the food menu he and Deasy wanted to order. After choosing some food, while waiting, the two of them chose to swap stories.

"This Nathan fix can't come? It's really annoying," Deasy complained, starting the conversation.

Velvet nodded. He also regretted that his ex-girlfriend could not come to the dinner tonight. In fact, it is undeniable that there is a little hope that on this special day he can meet and celebrate his birthday with the man he used to love so much.

"This afternoon, Nathan called. He told me that Papa suddenly gave him an impromptu assignment. From his voice, it seemed like he was really heavy."

"Ah ... poor," Deasy responded. "I'm sure, he must have prepared a gift for you as well."

"I don't have a problem with the present, Des. You guys just remember my birthday, that's more than enough. And most importantly, being able to get together like we used to do."

Deasy smiled sadly. Grabbing Velove's wrist to then hold it.

"Don't be sad. Like in previous years, I will accompany you."

Velvet nodded. In my heart give thanks. Because after making friends with Deasy for so long, she has never been absent from celebrating birthdays with him. After all, besides the presence of his father, Deasy's role was also more than enough to make him happy.

"Then, by the way, has Darwin himself wished you a happy birthday yet? After all, he's your husband, right?" Deasy asked curiously. Also curious if the man he hates does something special for his best friend.

"No," Velove shook his head. "Darwin really doesn't know that it's my birthday today."

"So he didn't say anything? Gosh! What kind of husband is that."

"Alright, just let it be. I understand if he doesn't say it. I've never mentioned it or told you at all. So it's very, very natural that he doesn't know at all."

"Yes, why are you insensitive and don't want to find out?"

Velove smiled amusedly. He really didn't bother at all if Darwin really didn't realize that today was his birthday.

"Just relax, Des. It's not a big deal. Instead of thinking about Darwin, let's just enjoy dinner this time. Eat as much as you like. I'll treat you to your fill."

Velove and Deasy then enjoyed the dinner moment by eating various food menus that they had ordered. While eating, the two of them were so enthusiastic about chatting, discussing many things from personal to work issues.

At exactly 9.30 pm, Velove decided to go home. Even though Darwin didn't set limits or impose a curfew, he had to be self-aware by not coming home too late.

However, when they got home, Velove did not find Darwin's car in the garage. When Reni opened the door of the house, her household assistant also informed her that her husband was out.

Lazy to bother, Velove decided to immediately enter the room. Change clothes and then rest.

Exactly at 12 at night, when leaving the room intending to get drinking water in the dining room, Velove was surprised by the presence of Darwin, who at that time he believed had just come home. Velove could clearly see how her husband was staggering towards the room.

Worried, Velove rushed closer. Grabbing Darwin's body to then be led to the room.

"Jeez, Darwin! Are you drunk?" Velove scolded when he managed to guide and then sat his husband on the bed.

he winced. I don't know what was funny about the question just now, instead of answering, he chuckled after hearing the rebuke from his wife.

"I'm not drunk, Velove," he muttered.

The smell of alcohol rose sharply, stabbing Velove's sense of smell. How is it possible not to get drunk when walking properly her husband is incapable.

"No need to dodge, Win. I'm not blind."

"Who accuses you of being blind, Velove dear."

Velove narrowed his eyes. Hearing Darwin's unusual answer, he was increasingly convinced that his husband was really drunk at this time.

Lazy to respond, Velove preferred to help open the shoes Darwin was wearing. Stand for a moment, then walk towards the cupboard. Looking for sleep pajamas, took the initiative to replace the clothes Darwin was wearing.

"Get rid of your hands," Velove ordered while unbuttoning the shirt button that her husband was wearing one by one.

Velove should be grateful, Darwin doesn't act too much. The man was silent when he helped open his shirt and then replaced it with sleepwear.

"You change your pants yourself, okay? It's time for me to change them too."

Darwin chuckled. Staring at Velove's face with a sad look, the man returned to babbling as he pleased.

"It's really a burden. As a wife, you should be total if you want to help."

"It's delicious!" velove delict. "If you're sober, you shouldn't mind changing your own pants."

This time Darwin chuckled. When Velove was about to stand up and walk away, he deliberately pulled his wife's wrist so that the woman sat back down on the side of the bed.

"What else do you want? What do you need now?" In that second, Velove, who was astonished, immediately threw a question.

"What are you doing in such a hurry to leave? Can't wait to call Nathan?"

Velove's brow creased in surprise.

"Nathan? Who wants to call Nathan? Besides, it's already 12 at night. I'm sleepy, it's time to sleep, Win."

"Excuse. You must be lying, right? Aren't you satisfied with what you had dinner with your ex-girlfriend earlier?"

Velove snorted indignantly. Just because he was drunk, his husband casually accused him.

"Who's having dinner with Nathan? You're joking, ugh. Don't accuse anyone at all."

Darwin chuckled. Continuing to stare at Velove, he replied that he didn't want to lose.

"You don't have to lie, Velove. The other day I even heard that you and Deasy were planning a dinner to celebrate a birthday. And you also want to invite Nathan, right?"

Velvet chuckled. He let it go when Darwin, who at that time continued to chatter.

"I don't know. You heard wrong this time."

"I'm sure I didn't hear wrong. I even deliberately eavesdropped on your conversation at that time."

Velove had a hard time holding back his laughter. Fix, it is certain that her husband is indeed very drunk. If not, how is it possible to drop self-esteem by telling the truth like now.

"So you eavesdropped on the conversation between me and Deasy?"

Darwin nodded.

"Just so you know. I'm really annoyed to hear that you and Deasy are planning a dinner by bringing all kinds of Nathan along. What's so good about him anyway? I'm handsome too than your ex."

"Yeah, what else can I do. I just want to invite you to dinner. But, it's impossible, right? I'm sure you will definitely refuse," joked Velove. Deliberately provoke what other comments Darwin will give.

"Who said I don't want to?"

"So, if I invite you to dinner, will you?"

Darwin nodded repeatedly.

"I don't want to. What's so hard about accompanying you for dinner. But, it's useless. You haven't talked or discussed birthdays in the slightest about birthdays. In fact, I've prepared a special present for you."

Velove strained his hearing to confirm what Darwin had just said. She was sure that her husband meant what he just said.

"You prepared a present for me?"

"Yes. I bought it specially for you," Darwin pointed to the sofa. There, Velove could indeed see a very large box wrapped in wrapping paper with a pink ribbon.

"Just so you know," Darwin continued. "I even called your Papa to ask what things in this world you like the most."

"Then what did my father say?"

"They say Velove likes dark brown teddy bears and big sizes."

"So you bought me a teddy bear?"

Darwin immediately nodded.

"I bought the best one, the most expensive one so that Nathan couldn't compete with him."

Once again Velove giggled. In the middle of the night like this, he was amused by Darwin's funny behavior, who was probably still under the influence of alcohol.

"Then thanks for the present. Thank you for going to the trouble to find it and buy it for me."

With his glazed eyes, Velove could see how Darwin chuckled. Leaning his face, the man whispered.

"Just a thank you? Nothing else?"

"What should I do?" asked Velove curiously.

Unexpectedly before, Darwin boldly grabbed Velove's face and then pressed his lips on Velove's. The man kissed, bit, even crushed his wife's lips gently.

This of course made Velove really surprised. How could he have thought that Darwin would do such a reckless thing?

"You should say thank you and give me a kiss, Ve," Darwin whispered after breaking the kiss. While Velove was still dumbfounded. For a moment, he was shocked because for the first time he got a sudden kiss from his husband.

"Win, this isn't right. Looks like I have to leave before anything else happens."

Darwin shook his head. Instead of letting Velove go, the man came back to block. Smiling meaningfully, he then whispered.

"Isn't it fine if we both do more than just kiss?"

"You mean?"

Darwin nodded briefly, before finally speaking again softly.

"Don't you want to try making love with your husband?"

Velove's eyes immediately widened. Even though Darwin was drunk, the man's words just now managed to make him shiver. So, should she accept her husband's offer?