He is Enchanted

Daydreaming

Hunter nodded his head; with a mocking face, he leaned back.

"If you don't like him, how do you know about his favorite foods and colors?"

"He told me himself."

But Vivian raised her eyes as if she knew that there was something Ethan was hiding.

Roman gave Ethan a hint, so it's clear that Roman himself said it to Ethan. If he really didn't want to say it, he'd ignore Ethan's whining, right?

After all, he was the first to ask about Ethan's favorite color, and Ethan actually regretted that he answered so straight away.

"It's just a favorite color. We were making small talk," continued Ethan. 

Now it's Isaac's turn, and he's shooting glances at Ethan. "You know why he's in that shop, don't you? Don't you know what he bought?"

Ethan immediately shook his head, and all of his friends immediately believed him. 

It was annoying, and they could tell when he told the truth, when he told a lie, and when Ethan didn't tell the whole story. 

However, that question had also bothered Ethan since he saw that old man standing inside the gift shop. 

"But I'm inquisitive why he went there, and he's still busy looking at something," said Ethan, now he put one hand on the table, then put his hand to rest his chin. 

"Actually, if you like him, we have no problem," said Soren. "It's just that we're worried about you, Ethan, and we're worried he's just playing with you."

Everyone instantly raised their heads, agreeing with what Soren said.

This is one of the reasons why Ethan is so lucky to have friends like them. 

"He's annoying, but he's not that kind of guy."

All smile.

"But I feel betrayed by Ethan. Why didn't you tell me that you are now changing professions to be a sugar baby?"

Ethan immediately widened his eyes at Emma. "No way!" he said, throwing a tiny ball made from tissue that Judith had shaped on a whim. 

All laugh. "If you're not the sugar baby, can I propose myself to be his sugar baby? He's my type, actually."

Ethan flicked a glance at Judith. "You must search for another one. He's mine." 

Everyone laughed, including Judith, who didn't expect Ethan to say that.

"So, have you confessed that you like him?"

"In your dreams," Ethan said curtly.

They all nodded their heads, and even Emma still managed to say that she would think Ethan didn't like Roman.

So they all continued with their conversation while Ethan turned his gaze back to Roman, who was seen holding several dried flower stalks and a small round ornament.

Ethan forgot that he was with his friends. He should have been joking with his friends or with Isaac, Dante, and Hunter, who were about to play a game together. 

But somehow, his friends became boring, and he was more curious about Roman. Ethan instead felt like he was staring at Roman from his bedroom window.

"By the way, Ethan."

Ethan looked at Duke. "Liana's name comes from Hebrew. So did the name Roman, right?"

"Maybe?"

Duke wrinkled his brow, demanding further information. 

"If the name is Roman, yes, but Liana, I don't know. And by the way, Roman means Strong, powerful."

Duke laughs mockingly. "And you still won't confess your feelings to us?"

Duke laughed in satisfaction while Ethan stomped hard on the Duke's foot, causing Duke to cry out in pain while laughing. 

***

Ethan, who was annoyed that his friends had teased him, now vents his anger by playing games with Isaac, Dante, and Hunter.

Ethan's participation got Duke and Soren into the game as well. And they split their team into two. The first team was Duke, Soren, and Dante. Ethan, Hunter, and Isaac are on the second team.

Meanwhile, Emma, Judith, and Vivian spent time taking photos or talking about Emma's wedding. 

However, no matter how focused he actually played, Ethan still couldn't stop thinking about Roman. His smiling face with small wrinkles had not yet left his head.

He grumbles because his mind is getting more uncooperative, and Dante has managed to kill his character.

Ethan took a deep breath, and then while waiting for his character to be returned to the battlefield, he glanced at the shop again even though Roman wasn't there anymore.

Roman's appearance in the shop was something Ethan had never seen, so he was curious about what Roman bought. 

Does he want to give a gift to someone? Or did he stumble into the shop? Or does he have a hobby?

Ethan shook his head, he didn't even realize Judith, Vivian, and Emma were looking at him. But they didn't do anything because they thought it was natural for people who were in love. 

Then about one more thing.

Does Ethan like Roman?

Isn't the word liking too strong to name the feelings Ethan has for him?

Ethan shook his head again.

Ethan was unfocused, and Duke even had to kick Ethan's leg because Ethan hadn't realized that his character had returned to the battlefield. Ethan, who was surprised while groaning in pain, immediately continued his game. 

Also, keep thinking about Roman. 

If Roman wants to buy a gift, he wants to know who it's for, or maybe Ethan can help Roman wrap it up. Ethan feels he's pretty reliable when it comes to gift wrapping. So Ethan will be very confident to offer his help to Roman.

If Roman were just a stumble at the shop, this would be an exciting thing. Because why did he choose a gift shop as a place to stumble from all the shops in this mall. Ethan had a kind of thought that Roman is suited to go to a branded store, or to a*****e that sells children's supplies, or a bookstore because, to be honest, Roman's aura reminds Ethan of the types of smart kids in his class but quiet type. 

And if it's for his hobby. Ethan wanted to know what hobbies he had. Because according to Ethan, it must be a unique hobby, which Ethan would never have thought of. Does he like to make origami? Could it be that he likes to make bouquets? Or maybe he wants to paint?

Ethan thought of whatever his brain could think of what hobbies smart people could do and didn't talk much, but even so, Ethan felt that each one of those hobbies didn't suit Roman. 

But Roman would be perfect if he got on a horse, galloping it around the track. Ethan could guarantee he'd look as charming as a king from an ancient Roman era.

Or if Roman likes archery, he'll look like a soldier, which is incredible!

The game was won by the team of Ethan, Hunter, and Isaac.

Even though his mind was all over something else, Ethan was still able to follow the game's rhythm with ease. After all, Hunter and Isaac were players that couldn't be underestimated, and they shouldn't have been in the same group based on Ethan's opinions. 

"Oh yeah, do we want to meet again after Ethan's work?" asked Duke.

Everyone was silent for a moment and agreed that they could take some time out this afternoon to hang out, and Emma, Judith, and Vivian would decide where to meet next. They would tell the rest of the group when they had agreed someplace. 

Then, in the end, Ethan was the first to say goodbye because he had to hurry back to the office.

"Fighting our love warrior!" Emma teased him, to which Ethan gave a middle finger.