Chapter 17: I Told You, I’m Not Drunk
As expected, the inexperienced Riley was nowhere near sober after one glass of beer. His silly smile and drooping eyelids were a dead giveaway.
"Okay, I believe you now. Your alcohol tolerance is almost non-existent. You're too green for this," Lark admitted, peering at Riley leaning on his shoulder.
"I'm not drunk," Riley argued, instantly sitting up straight. It was laughable coming from him, given his blushed cheeks and slurred speech.
"Yeah, yeah… That's what drunk people always say." Then shaking his head smiling, Lark mumbled, "I never knew anyone could get easily drunk like this from finishing a bottle of beer… So funny…"
Drunk, not deaf, Riley heard Lark's comment.
Lark, with a glass in his hand, was about to drink when Riley suddenly grabbed his shoulders and twisted his body to face him. Caught unprepared, beer sloshed out of Lark's glass and into his shirt, soaking it wet.
Afterward, in a voice bursting with as much conviction as any drunk person could, Riley insisted, "I told you, I'm not drunk. Why would you not believe me? Are you really my best friend?" Riley's lips pursed, looking disappointed.
He was clearly dissatisfied with Lark as if Lark had betrayed their friendship.
Wet and incredulous, Lark sat unmoving as Riley then flicked his nose with his index finger, grumbling, "Tsk! You're annoying. But fine, I forgive you."
Seemingly done with his peevish display, Riley started to ignore Lark after, leaning his back on the sofa.
Lark couldn't do anything but laugh.
Later, intending to go to the toilet to clean his shirt, Lark moved to stand up. However, before he could do that, Riley hooked his arms to his, preventing Lark from going. He could see that the younger man looked irked again.
Sulking, Riley asked, "Where are you going? Are you leaving me here? Why? You don't want me anymore?"
This time, his mischievous friend looked like a lost puppy left behind by his owners. Lark could swear he could almost see his dog ears drooping.
Presented with that picture, Lark did not know if he wanted to laugh or cry. Drunk Riley, he discovered, was very demanding. But even so, it came across as cute. Especially at moments like now, when his pale light brown eyes that seem to reflect light in the dim room focused on someone. Almost glowing. Quite mesmerizing to look at, to be honest.
Heaving a sigh, Lark pulled Riley's head to rest on his shoulders. Thankfully, his friend did not protest and was obedient at last.
"I'm not leaving. I'll always be here for you, Ry..."
Although Riley was drunk and may have no recollection after, Lark meant every single word he said. The last two years of separation did not weaken the bond he formed with Riley.
Besides, Riley is not just his best friend. To Lark, he's more like a little brother in need of his protection. And he plans to be there for him whenever Riley requires his help.
At the same time, he has decided then and there not to let Riley drink with other people ever. The guy could be taken advantage of by others! His little friend loses all his inhibitions when drunk!
Not good. Not good at all, Lark concluded.
Actually, the little guy worries him. Since meeting Riley, Lark had realized that his friend had that sort of naivety that seemed to invite others to exploit it.
And in Lark's opinion, this current connection Riley has with Draco Sy is quite troublesome. Despite what his friend told him about how great and good Draco Sy is, Lark is still uneasy. He doesn't trust the man. Besides, Lark does not like the look in Draco Sy's eyes every time the man gazes at Riley. It's as if he wants to devour his friend.
From the other side of the room, the man in question was only listening with half an ear while talking to Keith. Draco was seated on a high stool with his back leaning on the counter. However, the scene on the sofa across the room had long since captured his attention.
At first, Riley and that young Adonis - Draco's bitter view of Lark, was merely happily drinking. Draco let them be. Moreover, the hunk youth - again, this is Draco's unwilling admittance of Lark's image, is Riley's best friend. It's just the usual closeness between friends - he keeps telling himself.
Everything was fine, that is until Riley grabbed Lark by the shoulders, and Draco saw him move too close, almost sticking his face to Lark's. Not finished, the naughty boy even flicked Lark's nose.
The boy really dares even in his presence!
By then, Draco's eyes had narrowed into slits. His long fingers, which grip the liqueur glass, tightened. He was getting riled up.
Draco tried to hide his emotions at best, not showing any outward signs.
However, Keith beside him still felt the temperature around the man drop. He was automatically on guard, confused. Weren't they having a pleasant conversation just now? Why was it that the man's mood suddenly turned for the worst? He was also sure he did not say anything that might offend the big boss. So, what is it?
Following Draco's quiet eyes, Keith's gaze fell on the sofa in time to see Riley pull his brother's arms and hug it. Keith's back straightened, alert.
From his observation of the big boss' attitude towards Riley, he deduced that the overall situation was not as simple as Riley thinks. They were acquainted only for a few hours, but Keith had seen enough to distinguish how different Draco is towards Riley compared to other people, meaning those who are not Riley.
Keith can tell that Draco Sy's treatment of Riley is special. Very and solely exclusive for the boy.
Now, getting this kind of reaction from Draco Sy, Keith fears for his brother's life. If this continues, Lark may not live another day to see the sun rise again. Keith was not ready to lose his ignorant brother, so he needed to do something fast to rectify the circumstances.
Coughing softly, he started, "Mr. Sy, it is not what you think-"
However, Keith never got the chance to explain. His words were left hanging in the air. He watched with regret as Draco Sy stood up after an 'excuse me' before he could finish.
And with firm steps, the big boss strode towards the two 'cuddled' in the chaise lounge…
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone