Be Mine(14)

117

At ten o'clock at night, at the barbecue joint in the city center, Leonardo became much more energetic after he slept for a while. While eating grilled skewers, he drank liquor. He said nothing. In just half an hour, the liquors on the table were finished.

"Sir, again..."

"Leo."

Looking at the hint of drunkenness in his eyes, I could not help but open my mouth. I looked at the shopowner who came over with the liquor and I turned to Leonardo. Then, I whispered, "You can't drink anymore."

Leonardo lowered his eyes and said nothing. The shopowner glanced at me and perhaps he thought that it was me who decided between Leonardo and me. Thus, he took away the liquor sulkily.

After hesitating for a while, I asked the shopowner for a glass of apple cider vinegar. Then, I sat beside Leonardo and handed it to him.

Leonardo tilted his head and looked at me innocently. He smiled. Then, he said as if he wanted to remind me, "If I were drunk and died, you wouldn't have to stay by my side.