Blue Hour

Chapter 67

“Wow, Sun. You really look good with these simple clothes. I wish I could pull it off.” Miko said. Sun smiled shyly because of the compliments that he was hearing.

“Let’s go.” I said, and the three of us headed outside.

As usual, the kitchen was bustling with people at dinner too. I can see that everyone was busy taking out a lot of stuff. I saw Austin lighting up the coals that were placed in the griller. Lena, together with her sister, was busy putting meat and vegetables in skewers.

“A barbecue party?” Miko asked.

“I guess, but what’s the occasion? No one informed us about this one.” I said, as we continued walking towards the big table set up under the Acacia tree. The employees greeted us, and then continued working on what they are doing again.

“Hi Sir.” Cynthia greeted us, mixing some of the meat with marinade.

“What’s the occasion?” I asked.

“We are sorry if we are not able to tell you, but twice every month, it’s the tradition of the farm to hold a barbecue party and also as a thanks to the good harvest.” Cynthia answered.

“I see. It’s okay, since the farm does it traditionally, I have no issues with this, and it looks like it’s fun.” I said.

“Thank you, Sir. Well, please enjoy and eat a lot.” Cynthia said. We volunteered to help with work. Miko went to where Austin was, and I decided to go to Lena. Sun followed me.

“What’s happening, Ray?” Sun asked, looking around.

“People here at the farm are having a little celebration for the good harvest. They told me that they usually do this twice a month.” I said.

“That’s pretty nice, and it’s good since I think your business is doing well.”

“Well, everyone is working hard. That's why we got these results. Now, let’s go and help them with the preparation.” I answered.

Sun and I walked towards the busy team who were handling the skewered meat. Again, everyone was greeting us.

“What can we help?” I asked.

“It's okay, Sir Ray. We are almost finished here. How about you bring this to Austin?” Lena said, pointing at the tray with the skewered meat and vegetables.

“Of course.” Sun and I nodded in agreement.

“Here.” Lena said and handed out the tray to us. It was going fine at first, but when it was Sun’s turn, Lena flinched her hand, and the tray almost fell over.

“You okay, Lena?” Sun asked. Lena was still giving a shocked face.

“E-eh, I am okay, big brother Sun. How about you, are you sick? Why are your hands so freezing cold.” Lena said.

“That’s because---

“Sun is feeling a bit sick, since he is pulling out an all nighter, that’s why.” I cutted Sun.

“I see, well, I have to give you something later, Sun. It will help you feel better.” Lena said.

“Thank you.” Sun said shyly.

After talking about a few things, we left and headed towards where Austin and Miko were. The other workers who were there were excited as well. We handed out the tray to them, and Austin started to grill them. I offered to help, but they said that they will do it. The smoky scent of the wood, together with the fragrance of herbs and meat filled my nose. Honestly, it stimulated my appetite. Again, I insisted, but Miko and Austin told me to sit down on the table.

“I guess we have no choice but to sit down, Sun.” I said.

“Seems like it. Let’s listen to them.” Sun answered. My heart almost jumped out of my chest because of what happened next. I felt his cold hands against mine. At first, I did not budge, but Sun realized it, and pulled his hands away. We looked around if everyone noticed, but there was no one looking at us.

“Sorry.” Sun said.

“N-no, it’s fine.” I said, and we headed to the table.