38: Text Me Back

Inho sent Stephen another text, “Did you eat?” it said. It was the third blue text in a row because Stephen wasn’t answering. It was two days after Stephen’s birthday, and Inho stood on the landing outside the restaurant’s back door, hiding under the ledge from the rain. He glared down at his phone and rocked forward and back onto the balls of his feet nervously.

Stephen had only been answering the occasional text, and his responses were often hours later. Was he mad at him? Losing interest? Inho’s stomach throbbed at the thought. He felt like the last time they were together had been amazing. His heart still did a little flop in his chest when he thought of Stephen’s mouth wrapped around him, and the heat from Stephen’s hands on his thighs.

He quickly changed his train of thought before the memory could show through the front of his apron. Had Stephen not liked it? He’d seemed pretty into it at the time. Maybe he was mad that Inho hadn’t reciprocated? He’d started eating cake right after but...that must be it. Stephen was offended that Inho had left him hanging. What if he thought that Inho was grossed out at the thought?!

Inho felt humiliated – he was a terrible lover that didn’t give anything back and even made his partner feel unappealing. On Stephen’s birthday no less. He said a silent vow to never let it happen again, plus a little prayer that he’d get a second chance. Surely he would – Inho pondered his way into dangerous territory.

They had been on a handful of dates now, but were they dating? Where they...boyfriends? It gave him an odd thrill to think the word. So unfamiliar, and yet, satisfying. But, there had been no “confession” and that would feel sort of out of place somehow. He could perfectly imagine Stephen’s amused smile if he told him he liked him. “Okay, and?” Stephen might say, he could almost hear his voice.

Could they at least discuss being exclusive though? Did he have the bravery to start that conversation? He thought he did, but in other relationships, he’d actually been fairly passive. Inho drummed his fingers on his chin, pensive.

He wanted to assume they were together, but who knew if relationships between men were different? Plus the cultural differences, dating customs could be completely different here, it’s not like he would know. He should ask someone...He should ask Stephen, he decided in a moment of boldness.

What if Stephen didn't want to date someone that wasn't staying in Canada though? A big drop of water fell down his neck and he jumped just as Jasmine poked her head out the door.

“Inho get in here,” Jasmine hissed, “stop hiding in the back. It’s busy out there!”

“Sorry!” Inho called back, “Just one sec!”

He quickly typed another message, “Want to see a movie tonight?” and shoved his phone in his pocket to hurry back to work.

The rest of the night was slammed, and Inho didn’t get to check his phone again until his shift ended at 9 PM. When he did, his worries weren’t relieved. Stephen had answered, but just a single letter response, “K.” was all it said.

He quickly got changed and said his goodbyes, rushing out into the dark wet streets. He pulled his hood up against the rain and called Stephen.

“Hello Inho,” Stephen’s voice wasn’t angry, and a breath Inho didn’t know he’d been holding whooshed out of him. Stephen continued, “You want to see a movie? Should I meet you at the theatre downtown?”

“Sure, yeah! That would be great, I’ll head there now too.” Inho checked the time, “Can we meet in about 30 minutes?”

“Sounds good, I’ll see you soon.” Stephen’s voice was as warm and rich as usual, and the sound flooded Inho with surprisingly soft feelings. He wasn’t expecting himself to get so attached, but he really liked the time he was spending with Stephen.

He hurried into the rain, joining the thinning throngs of people heading home. Cars swished by spraying low mist onto pedestrians, and the mix of stoplights, headlights, and neon signs overhead made the shining streets into a colorful blur. Inho felt happier now, despite the downer weather and put in headphones to enjoy the walk.

When he reached the theater, there was a crowd of people milling about the lobby, hiding from the downpour while they waited for friends. He spotted Stephen quickly. He wasn’t wearing a suit for once, but he still looked beautifully put together in a black turtleneck sweater over grey chinos cuffed neatly at the ankles. His coat was folded over his arm. Inho paused to admire him before he was spotted. He just stood out from the crowd, fit and handsome, his clothes were tailored perfectly and his hair was shiny. He didn’t even look wet from the rain...how? Inho’s chest squeezed and he walked over to greet him.