Work Text:
"I'm so hungry," Brett muttered to himself while climbing the flight of stairs to get to his apartment. He had been working non-stop this week at the office and did some overtime. His supervisors assigned a lot of work to him and he almost wanted to complain except he was assured that his overtime will be paid at the end of every month.
It was dark outside so Brett fumbled a bit with his key and opened the door to his apartment. He carefully removed his shoes and hung his work bag near the door way.
He convinced himself that he only needed cup noodles to solve his hunger for tonight. Since he was exhausted on his way home, he forgot to stop by the convenience store. Brett could almost hear the sound of his mother scolding him once she finds out he's been living off of convenience store food for the past 3 months.
"That is not healthy for you!" Brett winced at that thought. There's nothing he could do, he was too tired every single day to even cook a meal for himself.
"It's because you don't have a wife to take care of you and cook you healthy meals!"
His mom would raise an eyebrow, "You need to start your family, you're not getting any younger, Brett."
"As if I could do something about it..." he mumbled.
He grabbed cup noodles and a soda can from his refrigerator and placed them on the table. He left his food to turn on the television while he eats. After pushing the button on the remote control, Brett paused and sniffed around. He smelled something different all of a sudden.
When he returned to the table where he left his cup noodles and soda can, there was something different on the desk.
Instead of a soda can, there was a bubble tea.
"HUH????????????!!!!!!!!!!!"
He jumped away from the table. There must be someone else in his apartment who switched the soda can for a bubble tea! It was odd. By merely observing the state of the bubble tea, it looked like it was recently bought from a shop. It was still cold with water dripping down the sides. Brett decided to inspect around his apartment, at every corner he could think of. He suspected there was someone there who might've switched it.
To his surprise, he found no one. Evidently, he was also too exhausted to care. He grabbed the cup noodles and poured hot water inside. He stared at the bubble tea for a while. It just so happened that he absolutely adored bubble tea and he was practically craving for it. He never have the time to buy a bubble tea for himself anymore.
"Okay, this is totally weird," Brett huffed. He grabbed the bubble tea and decided to drink it. It had no names, nobody else it belonged to. Therefore, the most plausible thing he could do was drink it. He didn't want to waste food and bubble tea sounds like heaven to him right at this moment.
He stabbed the straw through the top of the bubble tea and began sipping.
Hell, it was even his favorite order, too. Now he's really creeped out, but again, was too tired to care. It was the best bubble tea he had ever drank in his whole life.
"Maybe, I am crazy... I am crazy from the exhaustion that I am feeling," he told himself. He glanced at the ceiling, there he saw his CCTV camera. Luckily, in their building, there are built-in CCTV cameras inside the apartment rooms. The owner insisted on it as he said it could double the security.
Brett ran to his computer inside his bedroom and opened the software for his live CCTV camera. There was no other explanation, somebody might've switched it.
He gasped as he watched himself through the monitors. In the live footage that was taken of him earlier, he was normally drinking the soda can with a straw. It wasn't a bubble tea at all. He looked back at the living room and still saw the empty container of the bubble tea.
"Oh, I am definitely going crazy. I am even deceiving myself, thinking that I am drinking a delicious bubble tea!" he slapped himself 3 times, but the vision still didn't change. He groaned, he totally didn't have time to seek professional help if he was actually going mentally unwell.
Brett frowned and took another soda can inside his refrigerator and placed it in front of him. He closed his eyes and counted up to 5 seconds. As soon as he opened his eyes, a new bubble tea emerged. He grabbed another soda can, this time, he accidentally glanced at somewhere in the room. When he looked back, there was another bubble tea.
"So, there's no one switching the soda can... It just happens..." he said to himself.
After a while, he came to his senses and realized he couldn't really do anything about it. He went to his bed and dozed off for the night.
>> INCOMING CALL: BROTHER<<
Brett groaned as he reached for his cellphone and pressed the button to accept the call.
"Hey, are you coming home this weekend? Mom will cook."
The man sighed and rubbed his eyes, yawning, "I don't think I can go, I am working overtime."
"Bro, you sound like you're tired, on the brink of death. Can you not work overtime?"
"Can't disappoint the requests of my supervisors, they said they'd promote me. Anyway, it's a bummer. I've been missing Mom's cooked meals. Maybe you can bring some to my apartment."
"Yeah sure, no problem. Brett, are you even eating?" He can hear his brother moving around the house through the phone.
Brett frowned, "Yeah, of course."
His brother paused, "Well, is there something bothering you? You can tell me, you know. I can listen, I have time."
"No– actually there is. Maybe I could use your advice. It's not like I have any close friends to talk to."
"Hm? What is it?"
Brett sat up, "Would you believe me if I said that every time I grab a soda can, put it in front of me and look away for a few seconds, it turns into a bubble tea?"
He can hear his brother snicker, "Yeah, you should take time off work. You're also probably not eating well."
"I am serious!" he demanded.
"I am serious too, gēge," his brother replied.
Brett groaned, "You're not helping. I feel like I am becoming a crazy old man. Isn't that how it usually starts?"
"Have you done anything about it, like investigate? Or figure out how that's happening to you?" he asked.
"I did investigate, I found out that it's only in my vision, but it's so real, believe me, at least in my vision. I also tried looking at it in my peripheral but nobody's switching the can for the bubble tea. At first, I thought there was someone else intruding in my apartment, but no, that's not the case," he explained, hoping his brother would believe him.
"Then there's something wrong with your neuro-whatever? If you're seeing something that's not actually true. You should google that," his brother recommended.
Brett shook his head, "Google will tell me I have 1 month left to live."
"That's funny, if you don't take time off work tomorrow, I am gonna tell mom about what's been going on with you," he gasped at his younger brother's threat. "Brett, it's going to be good for you to rest and then work again if you're able. Just at least tomorrow, call in sick or something. You can list me as a witness. I can sign it, I am only one call away."
Brett sighed, "Fine. I'll send you the letter. Thanks anyway for listening to my nonsensical rant that even I, can't believe."
"No problem, Brett. Take care of yourself, I'll see you in the weekends."
He got off the call and got ready for work. It was the same routine for him every day, he didn't have friends in the city to hang out with. He only had his family. Brett calls them once in a while, to update them of what he's been doing, or just to hear their voice. This time, he didn't get to call since he was busy with work so, his brother called instead.
When he arrived at his work, he quietly bowed to his supervisor before heading to his desk.
"Good morning, Brett!" she greeted him. "You're pretty early today."
He wanted to just nod but he decided it'd be more polite to speak, "Good morning, ma'am. My brother woke me up so that's why I am early today."
"I see," she smiled. "We have a company party later, just drinks and hot pot. It's all on me. Do you wanna come?"
Truthfully, he wasn't interested in social gatherings especially work gatherings, but his supervisor invited him personally so it's only polite to come.
He nodded stiffly, "Yeah, sure. I'd come. But I'll probably need to go home early since I have a lot of house chores."
Her smile widened, "That's great! See you there and good luck with your work."
"Oh one more thing, ma'am? I would kindly ask for a day off tomorrow, my family insisted. I really wanted to go to work but they were persistent," Brett informed. "I'll submit a formal excuse letter when I get back from the day off, I just wanted to let you know early."
His supervisor nodded, "It's totally fine to take breaks once in a while, I hope you know that. You should still prioritize your health over anything. If you need any help, don't hesitate to call us anytime. Of course you can take a day off. You also seem pale, are you sick?"
"Not really, but something has been happening, just an emergency, so maybe it's the reason why I look pale."
"Oh well, sorry to hear that. I hope everything will get better for you."
"Thank you, ma'am. I'll get back to work."
He went back to his work and let out a long sigh.
After some paperwork, he could hear his other co-workers already packing up their work bags, closing off their computers. Brett was still finishing up with the spreadsheet he was working on.
"Yo, Brett!" his male co-worker that he frankly forgot the name of slid near his desk. "You coming?"
Brett nodded, saving the spreadsheet and closing his computer, "Yeah, I am just finishing up here."
"Okay! We'll wait for you at the entrance," he said and continued talking to their other co-workers. After Brett finished packing up, he joined his co-workers and they all headed to the restaurant nearby.
They all sat down and ordered drinks, their supervisor urged them to order meals so, they did. Brett couldn't stop constantly looking at his watch. It's been a while since he's out late, normally, he'd be heading home by now. He was glad the others didn't notice his impatience and were busy chatting with one another.
All of their orders were served.
"Cheers!" their glasses with beer bumped altogether. Brett informed them that he wouldn't be drinking too much as he had other "important duties." The truth is, he was a lightweight and he wouldn't be able to handle too much beer. It'd be a hassle to go home drunk.
It was refreshing, Brett thought. Seeing his workmates outside of the office just chatting with each other and drinking. He enjoyed listening to their conversations, occasionally sipping his own beer. After finishing one glass, he said "No, thank you, I think that's it for me." to all of the people trying to pour him some more beer.
He glanced at his watch, "Oh, I think I am gonna head out for the night, it's getting pretty late for me," he said.
"Oh Brett! I have a favor to ask," his supervisor called him. She pointed at his co-worker, he believed her name was Patricia. "Pat over there, she's pretty wasted and you're the only one that goes home in the same direction as her. Plus, you're sober, so, is it alright if you take her home?"
Brett stared at Patricia, yes, she was. She was slumping over the table, speaking incoherent to her friends. Their other co-workers heard the request and they all howled.
"Oooh, Brett's taking Pat home, huh?" they teased.
Brett turned his attention back to his supervisor, ignoring the tease, "Yeah, sure. I can take her home."
He asked Pat's closest friends to type her address for him.
One of the girls said, "Are you sure you're gonna be taking her home? We're going to be worried sick, you know."
"Yeah, I understand. I'll take her straight to her home, you can count on me."
The other girl chuckled, "Brett looks trustworthy enough plus, we know where you live so we can just call the police on you."
He helped Pat stand up as he ignored more teases from his workmates. He booked a cab for both of them. The ride seemed long and he kept glancing at his watch once again, of course, also checking on Pat. Once they reached Pat's house, he rang the doorbell and talked to her parents. Luckily, they didn't suspect anything bad and just thanked Brett for bringing Pat home. He supposed he did look trustworthy.
From then on, he felt like walking, his house was pretty near down the street so, he decided on that. While on his way, he suddenly smelled something, a kind of familiar scent. He followed it and it led him to a store.
"Chen Tea" It said as he reached the source of the delicious smell. The store was still lit even though it was late. He entered and as he expected, it was empty. The only person in there was the tall brown-haired man working behind the counter.
"Welcome!" he warmly greeted. Brett stepped into the counter and carefully scanned through the menu. To his shock, he realized why the scent was familiar. It was the same exact bubble tea that he had been hallucinating these past few days.
He could remember the fine print on the packaging, "Chen Tea"
His eyes widened, "That's you!" he suddenly blurted out. The poor worker stared at him, in suprise.
"Yes? What's me?" the other replied, his tone worried.
Brett shook his head, "Oh sorry, don't mind that, I- I'll order something." He finished ordering the brown sugar milk tea that he likes.
"Sure! What would you like?" He pointed at the bubble tea he wanted on the menu section and showed the worker.
The man smiled at him, "I can see you know your bubble tea."
"Pardon?"
"We have the same order, that's my favorite bubble tea, too," he said.
Brett nodded, "Oh, that's interesting, that has always been my order since forever. Um, Eddy?" he read his nametag.
"That's me."
"Why are you still open, it's midnight?" he was curious, this shop was the only shop lit in the street.
Eddy chuckled at that, "Well, I like what I am doing so, I open even if it's pretty late. I want the shop to be accessible even to office workers like you who work until midnight."
"That's understandable and very considerate, bubble tea is always worth it."
"Right!" he agreed. "Here's your change and receipt. The order will take about 10 minutes, you can go ahead and sit down."
"Thank you," Brett replied, sitting down on one of the chairs. He looked around the store, it was cozy and the smell of bubble tea and coffee filled the air. He could also recognize the music playing from the speakers.
He glanced at Eddy, working on his order, "That's Tchaikovsky Mélodie, right? A romantic piece, how nice. Suits the ambience of the shop."
Eddy blinked and smiled, "Yes! It is. I am glad you recognized it. I can't believe that we both have a lot in common. I guess you also listen to classical music."
Brett chuckled, "Yeah, I played the violin for a while."
"No way, I did too! Well, it was a hobby of mine before becoming a shop owner."
"That's incredible. Do you still play?"
Eddy covered the cup and grabbed some tissues from the counter. He handled Brett's order with a lot of care, "I do, I practice every once in a while. I don't want my talent to go to waste, you know? How about you?"
"Not much. Been busy with a lot of work but whenever I do get free time on the weekends, I try my best to at least practice some scales."
He went to Brett's desk and sat down with him. He noticed that Eddy also got a bubble tea for himself.
"Here's your order, I hope you like it!"
"I know I will like it."
"Oh? Have you ever been here? I don't think I remember you, sorry."
Brett paused, he didn't want to scare a potential friend with his insane story.
Eddy noticed that he was suddenly quiet, "It's okay, if you haven't been here, I won't hold that against you. You look like an office worker with your attire, you must be tired every day."
"No, it's that, you won't believe me when I tell you how I knew your bubble tea."
"How so?" Eddy sipped his own bubble tea.
Brett sighed, "It's a story that's hard to believe, even for myself."
Eddy nodded in understanding, "You know, being a worker here, I've listened to a lot of crazy conversations and gossips. You can tell me anything."
"You won't believe that my vision turns soda can into your bubble tea."
Eddy smiled, "Maybe your love for bubble tea is doing that to you."
"Maybe... but it's actually bothering me, I feel like there's something wrong with my mental well-being."
"That could be... is the bubble tea specifically ours?" Eddy put a finger to his chin, thinking of a plausible explanation to Brett's phenomenon.
Brett nodded, "I am sure, I remember your exact same packaging on the bubble tea that I keep seeing. I can't be wrong." He pointed at the orange fruit illustrations surrounding the plastic cup.
"Well, it's fate then," he replied. "Maybe someone, something, or whatever it is wanted you to come here."
"You're right," Brett stared at the bubble tea.
They both chatted and didn't even notice the time. As they finish their bubble teas, Brett bid goodbye to the friendly shop owner.
"You can always come here whenever you like!" Eddy had shouted behind him as he waved goodbye.
That was the start when Brett's life took a turn for the better. Every single day, after work or even in the weekends, he would come visit the shop and order bubble tea from Eddy. For once, he had something to look forward to, every day for 2 years. Even with his exhausting working hours. With his frequent visits, his bond and relationship with Eddy grew into something more.
>>BRETT---EDDY<<
<BRETT: I cannot wait to go home. I feel like I am gonna get sick.>
<EDDY: What? Are you okay? You're feeling sick right now?>
<BRETT: Yeah, I just don't feel good since this morning.>
<EDDY: Why didn't you just call in sick?>
<BRETT: Can't. A lot of people are counting on me. I need to finish a lot of paper works....><EDDY: [Sent a sticker] >
<BRETT: I'll be fine..>
He put his phone down and rubbed both of his eyes, he did feel like he was nauseous. He decided to lay his head down for a bit. He reckon his supervisors won't get mad as long as it's not for too long. He had already finished the major works, anyway. He deserved even a little bit of rest.
He was awoken by a light tap on his shoulder. It was his desk mate.
"Brett, someone's here for you. They look pretty shaken up," he whispered. Brett sat up and fixed his glasses, he could hear other people murmuring.
"Brett!" he could recognize that voice anywhere.
"Eddy? What are you doing here?" he asked, staring as if he had seen a ghost.
Eddy raised the paper bag he was holding and handed it to Brett, "I put in here everything you needed. I know you don't take care of yourself when you're sick and that's not good. So I bought medicine and made you vegetable soup. You'll get better in no time if you eat that soup. You also don't have to lie to me, I know you're feeling like shit."
The whole office was silent, listening to their conversation. Brett was just frozen in place.
"Oh, thank you so much. I appreciate that, you didn't have to come all the way here." Brett took the paperbag and looked inside.
"Well– you seem troubled and I know how you are when you get sick, so I was worried. You always push yourself."
"Oh, who do we have here?" one of the supervisors said, smiling.
Eddy quickly turned around and bowed, "I apologize for suddenly intruding the company's office, I just needed to give something to Brett."
The supervisor looked at him up and down, "Are you perhaps– a househusband of Brett's?"
Eddy froze, "Eh?" he suddenly processed the question and looked at himself, he was still wearing the apron from his store, he couldn't take it off since he was rushing to bring the things to Brett.
"Ah– you got it all wrong! I am not, I was just worried about him, sorry, I've got to go, I left my shop!" Eddy shook his head. He rushed to the exit and waved to Brett.
Brett waved back and stiffly turned around, facing his desk. After Eddy was gone, he could hear all of his co-workers teasing him in chorus. He peeked inside the paper bag again and his heart felt warm. He felt like he was being taken care of. Brett hid his smile behind the bag.
"Hm, so that's why you've been glowing these days," his desk mate retorted. "I wouldn't have guessed."
Brett held his cheeks with both hands, "Have I been? Was it that obvious?"
His desk mate nodded, "It was, your performance also improved. You know, falling in love is good, it can give you positivity and motivation."
Brett nodded back, listening attentively, "You seem to know a lot about this?"
"I have a wife so, I know all about it. It just feels good to come home and your wife being there to greet you with home cooked meals. It reminds you of who you are living for."
He sat back, "That's– that sounds lovely."
"You should tell him."
Brett looked down, holding the note inside the paper bag.
'Eat this while it's still hot! I hope you feel better soon! See you later.
Love, Eddy
Ps. I hope it tastes good :( It's a rushed recipe, sorry! Let me know what it tastes like when you come here later....'
There was a doodle of the Chen Tea orange fruit illustration at the bottom. He once again caught himself smiling at it. He grabbed his most important journal and slipped the note inside.
"I'll tell him. This is something I can't let go, ever."
His co-worker nodded, "Good decision."
On his way home that day, he couldn't stop thinking about what his officemate said, and most importantly, what he replied to him. What would he even say? Brett knew he wasn't the best with words. He suddenly felt anxious, in his heart, he wanted the other to know but he was also scared. He knew that he liked Eddy, he already had infinite free bubble tea visions as long as he had soda cans inside his house and yet, he kept going back to the store.
When he entered the shop, he did his routine. He ordered himself a bubble tea, went to have a talk with Eddy, and helped him clean up to close the shop. When they were outside, the air was a cold breeze and they were both shivering.
"Brett, you know you don't have to help me clean the shop every single day. I know you're already tired with work and I don't wanna trouble you with extra work here," Eddy said, his tone worried. Brett thought Eddy was still thinking about him being sick.
Brett couldn't speak. It's as if his tongue had been cut out.
"I–Uhm."
"Hm? Everything okay? Let's go, it's kind of cold here," Eddy shivered.
Brett stepped closer and held both of the other's hands, blowing hot air from his mouth then, he enclosed it with his own.
"I have something I need to tell you," Brett said.
Eddy nodded slowly. "Okay? Do you have to tell me now? We're both shivering in the cold," he chuckled.
"If I don't say it now I am afraid I won't say it ever."
"Okay, it's a serious talk. You can tell me anything, then."
"I– Uhm. Fuck."
Eddy held his hand, "It's okay, take your time. Whatever it is, it's okay."
"I am afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"I don't want you to leave," Brett said, his voice quivering. "I don't think I'll survive it."
Eddy blinked, "What, why? Why would you even think of that? I'd never leave you, unless you ask me to."
"I'd never ask you to leave," Brett looked down. "I am a coward and I am afraid I'll mess everything up between us."
The other frowned, "You won't, if you tell me. It's already a huge step that you're initiating a conversation like this and I do appreciate it."
Brett could feel the tears forming, "I don't know, it hurts my chest just thinking about how you can leave me anytime. Everyone does."
Eddy tightened his hold, "I am not just everyone, or anyone."
"I know that. You're not. You're really not, you're special. I don't want you to think that you're not special to me because you are."
Eddy grinned and pulled him into a hug, "I am glad."
Brett pulled them both apart, he wanted to say it, he wanted Eddy to hear it directly from him, "I– I think I am falling in love with you. It's scary but I know you're worth it."
He stared at him, processing what he just said. Brett patiently waited for any reaction.
"You had me so worried," he said. "I love you, too, you know. I implied that a lot of times like just this morning."
Brett sniffed and chuckled, "I know, I just realized. Why were you so nervous back there then?"
"I was shocked, I didn't know if you were comfortable with people thinking we're together, much less married."
The air surrounding them still felt cold, but the warmth of their hearts, beating together, was enough to overpower the harsh coldness of that night.
Brett chuckled once again, wiping his tears with his sleeves, "I didn't think I'd cry. Expressing feelings is such a scary thing but once I did it, I felt light and so happy."
Eddy smiled, "From now on, we should be honest to each other and communicate everything, always."
"Always. Also, the soup was amazing..." he sniffed.
Eddy sighed in relief, "I am glad! It's a recipe from my grandma and it's my first time cooking it by myself."
"It's so good that I probably shed some tears while eating."
They both laughed, their hands intertwining.
After 3 years...
The sound of the alarm reverberated in the whole room. Brett groaned and stretched. He was confused, finding himself alone in the room.
>> INCOMING CALL: EDDY <<
"Sorry! Did I wake you?" Brett smiled, yawning.
"No, I just got up, your timing is perfect. You didn't tell me you'd come to the shop early, why'd you let me sleep in?" he asked, reaching for his glasses.
"Someone from the shop called, and you looked like an angel sleeping so I didn't wanna bother you. I handled it," he heard the proud tone of his boyfriend.
"Good job, love. But next time, tell me, okay? I can help you. I am just gonna go get dressed and then I'll meet you there, alright?" his tone was soft as he went inside the bathroom to wash up.
"Okay! I'll see you!" The call ended and he already missed the other's voice.
He quickly finished his routine and headed outside. A lot has changed over the years. For one, his apartment didn't feel lonely anymore, he glanced at the other shelf near his doorway with different set of shoes. Other than that, he quit his job at the company, he never felt mentally drained anymore as he joined Eddy run the bubble tea shop. However, he did try to keep in contact with his co-workers.
Last but definitely not the least, his soda cans never turned to bubble tea again as soon as he started dating Eddy. He would never complain, this was the happiest he had ever been in his whole life. He locked their apartment door, his smile not fading for even a second.
When he got to the shop, he got greeted by a tight warm hug and a bubble tea. He couldn't ask for more, really.
While they were on break, he got a call from his younger brother.
>> INCOMING CALL: BROTHER <<
"Brett, how have you been?"
"Pretty good. What's up?"
He could almost hear his brother nodding, "You sound really well. Mom's inviting you for cooked meals on weekends. You free?"
"Yeah, sure. But I'd like to bring someone, is that okay?"
The other line was quiet for a second, "What? Really? Of course, you can. I didn't think I'd ever hear that sentence coming from you. Mom and Dad would be very happy. What's her name?"
"He's Eddy. Eddy Chen."
"Oh, sorry! Sure, you can bring him. But you would have to call Mom first or she'd have a heart attack, you know her."
"Yeah, I'll remember to call her later. Talk to you soon, I need to get back to the shop."
"Okay! Take care."
When he got back to the kitchen, he pulled Eddy aside and told him about the event.
"I'd be happy to go, I'd love to try your Mom's meals," he replied. "But would she be okay with us? Well, we've been together for 3 years and you haven't told her anything about it. Won't she get shocked?"
Brett shook his head, "Mom's not like that, but she'll be shocked when I tell her. She'd love you though, probably stuff you up with a lot of food when we get there. She understands that I am a really private person, if that's what you're worried about."
"That's relieving. On the way there, could we stop by the cemetery? I want you meet my grandparents."
"Sure thing, I'd love to."
December 20
"Are you almost ready, love?" Brett called from the living room, spraying himself with perfume and grabbing the car keys.
"Yeah, just a moment, I am fixing my hair. I want to look perfect for today."
Brett also took the paper bag with the food they prepared to share with their parents as well as flowers for Eddy's grandparents.
"You already look perfect, just the way you are," he said, loudly.
When they were at the car, Eddy decided to play Christmas songs while Brett drove. They stopped at the cemetery.
Chen
Eddy introduced Brett to them. Brett was frowning, this exact place...
"You know, my grandparents took care of me since I was a little kid. Mom was busy with work. They owned the business originally and then I had to take over. They were really worried that I'd be alone and be unable to continue the business by myself."
He looked at the tombstone near the Chen's.
Yang
"Those are my grandparents beside yours," Brett pointed out. Eddy checked it out.
"Wait a minute, you're right! What a coincidence," Eddy laughed.
Brett paused, he always went to visit his grandparents' tombstones in every important occasion. Sometimes, he just goes to update and talk to his grandparents about anything he wanted. He never noticed the names beside his grandparents' tombs, though.
His eyes widened, he thought that maybe, Eddy's grandparents recognized him as he went there frequently and thought he was competent enough to help their grandson. Thus, they made his soda cans transform in the the Chen Tea bubble tea! Which led to him meeting Eddy and becoming co-owners of the business. It would also explain why the soda cans stopped turning when he had a relationship with Eddy.
He bowed down and thanked them.
On their way to their Mom's house, he could feel that Eddy was anxious. He noticed this and grabbed one of his hand and held it close.
They rang the doorbell and the door opened. It was Brett's younger brother.
"Oh, you guys are here. Come inside."
He directed both of them to the living room and gave them something to drink. After a while, he sat with them on the couch.
"You're Eddy Chen, I presume?"
Eddy nodded, "Yes, that's me."
His younger brother hummed, "My idiot brother definitely got lucky having you."
Brett scoffed, "Easy on the name-calling."
"Yes, really, he looks like he can cook," his younger brother rolled his eyes at him. "Are you a chef?"
"I studied culinary arts, yes and now I am a business owner with Brett."
Eddy quickly warmed up to their harmless brother banters, laughing at the both of them. They suddenly heard footsteps from behind.
"Oh, you're here! I was preparing the table at the kitchen, why don't we all go there now and eat?" Brett's mother greeted them.
Eddy stood up quickly and bowed, "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Yang. I am Eddy, Eddy Chen, Brett's–"
"Boyfriend? Yes yes, I know. He called me. I almost had a heart attack! How come he had someone for 3 years now and haven't even told us. Plus, you're a handsome boy. Brett got lucky," his mother giggled and pinched both of Eddy's cheeks.
"I can help you set up, Mrs. Yang."
"Just call me Mom, because Mrs. Yang? That's too formal," she joked.
Brett's mother slung an arm to Eddy's and brought him to the kitchen, starting a conversation.
Brett groaned, "And now I got him taken away, I knew this would happen. Who knows whatever embarrassing moments I had would mom tell him?"
His younger brother grinned, "I hope she remembers the kindergarten potty accident."
"Majority of the working adults today shat their pants in kindergarten," Brett replied, unamused. Both of them also helped setting up the table. Needless to say, they both had a great time. Brett's father also arrived and joined their table.
On their way home, Eddy was going on and on about the Yang recipe book that Brett's mother gave him.
"I am so, honored? It's basically having her blessing in our marriage. It's like, she's sure that I'd be your husband," Eddy rambled, hugging the recipe book. "She gave me the ultimate Yang traditional recipe book. It's incredible, I have to cook all of these and send her some."
Brett felt like his cheeks were hurting by how much he was smiling, "I told you it'd be alright."
Eddy sighed, "Yeah, you were right, your family are all nice. I don't mind being married into your family. Next time, we should visit my parents' house too."
"We should."
He didn't know whose work it was that his visions got him someone to be with for life. Whether it was the Chen grandparents' work or not, he was still grateful that it happened. How else would he explain that event if not this? It was too much of a coincidence and the stories were lining up. The bubble tea was his exact order and came from Eddy's store.
"It really was fate...." he mumbled, while driving. "How cool."
"What was that?"
"Oh, nothing."