Pierre walked with Max on the way down the hiking trail, after clearing the parks and ground from litters. They stopped at a fountain basin. He had been at the beach since noon, and all because of Jethro. The boy, on the other hand, hadn't make an appearance since he left the dorm at 10:30 in the morning.
He should have waited and leave together with Jethro, he thought. His calls weren't even answered.
"So this is what you need help with? Picking up trash?" Max smirked, as he washed his hands at the small fountain.
Pierre was not amused.
In actuality, he had no idea they were going to do coastal cleanups and even clean the recreational parks either – and all signs of blame pointed to Jethro.
He thought back recently to when Jethro brought it up at the gents' toilet.
"Anyway, have you heard? The guys and I are planning to hit the beach this Saturday. I heard there's gonna be some event there and Sid said he could use some volunteers."
Pierre raised his brow, half interested at the idea of doing something on the weekend, yet wondering what kind it would be. "What sort?"
"A café, maybe? A small gig or something. I'm not too sure on the details, but sounds like we just have to carry and move the equipment for the day."
Carry some equipment for the day? And he would be volunteering so there wasn't going to be any money for his labour.
Jethro smirked. "I know what you're thinking, and yeah we're not getting paid but there will be food trucks."
Which they still have to pay, but it shouldn't matter, he thought. The thing was, Pierre didn't need to be coaxed anymore. Living on cafeteria food and takeout could only last for some time, and he wanted to explore the food the city could offer.
He shrugged. "I'm in."
That was then, and he had been doing his part as a volunteer picking up litters, wiping off graffiti paints on surfaces in the park. It wasn't a dreadful thing, cleaning the beach. He even admitted to himself that he liked doing something good as this. Some others were still doing the deed, picking up where other volunteers might have missed. He thought it would be a good idea to get help from Max since Sid wanted more volunteers.
Mostly though, Pierre thought by enlisting his twin's help, it could make them grow closer. Things were looking up, but sometimes there were pauses of awkwardness between them. He thought they were past any hesitance between them, but maybe almost a decade of absence would need just as much to mend their relationship.
"Yeah, this is what I needed help with." He deadpanned. Pierre didn't want Max to think he was a loser who didn't know what he was getting into.
It hadn't been bad – there were breaks in between, and food too. They were volunteering, alright, but it was for a different matter. The only thing that Jethro mentioned but wasn't anywhere around was the setup of a gig.
Did he get played by Jethro? Did Jet leave? Pierre didn't know what to think.
Volunteers are free to come and go as they please, but Pierre stuck around. He glanced at Max, who was now washing his face thoroughly from the dirt. He hid a smile. Max had to scrub the paint off the wall and some of the marks got to his face. His smile dimmed entirely and into a small frown when he realized that Max was still here too.
They were barely close, and the fact that he agreed to come today was already a surprise to him. He could have left Pierre to do the rest of them, but instead, he was still here with him.
"I want to get some drinks. How about you?" Max said, wiping his hands dry on his loose tank top.
What's there to lose? I've been at this park for almost the entire day. He shrugged. "Yeah, I –"
"Oy! Pierre!"
He turned around and saw Jethro sprinting towards him, his hair windswept. He halted when he reached Pierre but started to speak. "I….I am soh…I am so sor –"
"Hey, breathe. You're wheezing." Pierre patted his shoulder lightly, concern all over his features.
Jethro nodded vigorously and took slow breaths, trying to even his breathing. When he could speak again, he took in a deep breath, exhaled and said, "I'm so sorry for not showing up for," before looking at his watch and added, "two hours. You're not gonna believe what I had to deal with and it'll probably sound like an excuse anyway."
Pierre and Max exchanged glances and the former said, "Maybe, but I still want to hear them. What made you ditch us for two hours?" His words sounded harsh, but his tone was a bit lighter. Pierre's earlier frustration disappeared into one of curiosity.
They sat on a marble bench at the park, overlooking the beach and ocean that spanned out below. Max leaned against a thin trunk of a tree while drinking soda while Pierre and Jethro sat beside each other.
"So, what's going on? You didn't return my calls."
"For a good reason." Jethro raised his index finger like one was about to impart a wisdom. "I left my phone at the dorm in the rush to get here, so I took the bus and went back –"
Pierre was getting a bit better at understanding the arrival and bus routes. "But the bus from our school to this beach takes an hour to commute, and you've got to change the line to –"
Jethro sighed in relief, patting Pierre's back. "I knew you'd understand but that's not the end of it. I don't fucking know why today of all days, the bus broke down, so I ran the rest of the way back. Yeah, that happened. Thank God it's only my phone, though." He exhaled a breath of relief.
Max decided to put in his two cents casually while looking around. "Yes, if you forgot your phone and turns out it was out of battery, it would be a huge problem."
Jethro stared at the ground, unmoved, as Max's words hit him. "I don't need to hear that but sure thanks, Max, I appreciate the extra info." He muttered before shaking his head from getting influenced from the 'what ifs'.
Max only grinned into his drink.
Pierre chuckled, somehow knowing that Max didn't mean any harm when he said that. Perhaps he just wanted Jethro to stew in the guilt for a little bit since the both of them had to cover extra places. Who knew there were only about five volunteers who showed up (six – now that Jethro was here) when usually it was twice that number. With the vast surrounding, it was no wonder they were in desperate need for people.
He knew Jethro wasn't the type to stand people up, and he really did seemed apologetic. Pierre shrugged and patted his back. "You're here now so that's all that matters. Right, one more thing, how come we're volunteering for the park? I thought we're supposed to carry some things for an event." He raised his brow at the now sheepish boy.
"Well…" Jethro drawled before adding, "I…may have misunderstood Sid. Heh. He texted me the deetz and I…I forgot." He chuckled nervously and hoped they weren't too mad at him.
Jethro really did forget – and all because he was busy trying to flirt with girls after he told Pierre. And now it's come to bite him in the ass. He looked around then and perked up, trying to enlighten the situation. "But seems like you already wrapped this up so maybe we can go –"
Pierre's disbelief expression turned into a mirthless smile. Unforeseen circumstances? He could be understanding but forgetting….especially since they were roommates and he could have brought this up any time before today…? Pierre couldn't help feeling a little vexed.
Well, sure, Jethro doesn't forget often but when he does, trouble were often on the other party's expense. Max's brow rose, looking displeased and Pierre thought he could understand how his brother feels. Friend or foe, and perhaps because they were exactly that – friends – he thought there wasn't any harm in teaching Jethro a little lesson.
"Oh." Pierre started monotonously, a little bit resentful even. "Did you really think we're done here? There's lot more to cover in this expansive beach."
"Yes," Max added, his voice ever soft, unlike Pierre's, and there was a slight edge in it that could make anyone think it was be a threat. "We've set some parts for you. After this, we'll go down and clear more litter."
Jethro gulped inaudibly, feeling a strange vibe coming from these two brothers.
He never really noticed it before from Pierre, maybe because he almost always kept to himself and seemed humble, but there was a subtle but sharp edge to his friend. Max on the other hand had always seemed gentle and passive, yet he definitely sensed an underlying tone to his otherwise harmless words.
They seemed like they bite, but how hard? When put together, these Lachlan twins exude this uncertain aura in others.
Have they always been this menacing?
"O-okay. I'll help." Jethro said, already realizing his errors and trying to mend this sudden tension between them. Jethro were many things but a slacker wasn't one of them and he knew he needed to work on punctuality and not being forgetful.
Pierre suddenly laughed and the air he felt dispersed. "It's not like you have a choice. We're in this together, remember?"
Jethro tugged on his shirt restlessly, trying to cool his skin from the hot air that clung to him.
This was what they had to deal with for the past two hours? Jethro couldn't imagine both Pierre and Max enduring the heat and cleaning various places. But they did. They had been at it for three more hours and he was amazed at how diligent the Lachlan twins was at their tasks.
When he first found out that Pierre and Max were related – no, scratch that, twins – to say he was surprised was an understatement. He had no idea they were siblings and he was sure this news took the student body by storm. There was still hushed whispers whenever they see them together.
Jethro eyed Max, who was typing on his phone under a palm tree, occasionally smiling at the screen. He was in charge of clearing away the litters near the shop lots, but having finished earlier and getting the 'OK' from the team leader, he was now enjoying his free time.
He and Pierre, however, had to cover another area finding litters using the metal detector. Thankfully they were assigned to a less populated area. Jethro thought it didn't make sense to clean the beach when they were at the peak hours of tourists – with so many people cluttering the place, and he was sure there are those who didn't care about keeping it clean, to declutter the place would go long into the night.
When Max approached them, they looked up and Pierre noticed the obviously elated but also attempted masking of his emotions – like one was trying to not make a big deal out of it – and he was curious.
"What's got you brimming with sunshine?" Pierre questioned lightly, silently pleased that his twin seemed a little bit open in expressing himself.
"The sun." Max answered instantly, but lamely. He smirked then, as if proud of that answer. Pierre blinked owlishly at his brother, having not anticipating that response.
Jethro chuckled, enjoying the banter between two estranged siblings. "And 5 points to uhh…what house are you in?"
When Max looked confused, he elaborated patiently. "I mean Hogwarts. In Harry Potter. You know, the sorting hat sorts students into these hou – oh." Jethro looked caught on in embarrassment, and he scratched a spot behind his ears. "Do you know what I'm talking about?"
Max shook his head.
Astonished and feeling that it was his responsibility to share the treasure of which he enjoyed during his childhood years, he took a deep and steady breath – ignoring Pierre's amused looks – and looked into Max's eyes. "Alright, that was ignorant of me. But fear not, my friend, because I will show you the wonders of the world."
With a serious glance at Pierre and then Max, his determination showed when he said, "We should do a Harry Potter marathon. The books are great and I love the movies too but the experience really depends whether you're a book or a movie kind of dude. Personally, I enjoy both although sometimes books just can't compare."
"I'm getting roped in too?" Pierre asked in amusement.
"Yeah, you're his twin and last I check, you couldn't name a character from the movie, even though you claimed to be a bona fide fan."
Pierre laughed, he did claimed that but only to shut him up since he was going on about non-related school quizzes, on the night before their mock exam. In truth, he had only seen the first movie of the franchise. "Mate, I know that her name is Emma Watson!"
Jethro shook his finger at him in accusation. "Who plays the character Hermione. You need to get it right."
"Awright, so you're going to be that person, huh." Pierre raised his brow, but he still couldn't help laughing a little.
Jethro sighed deeply, knowing he would forget himself when he's passionate about his interest. "Fuck no, everyone hates that guy and I am loved, okay?" Then, not wanting them to think he was weird or anything, he joined in the laughter. "Sorry, I can get intense when it comes to these things."
"It's…fine." Max blurted, finally having the moment to interject the friendly…bickering between Pierre and Jethro. Before he forget what he came to them for, he added, "I'm just going to say that I have to meet a friend so I will be taking my leave firs –"
"A friend? Who?" Pierre asked, the initial easy going topic dispersed when Max caught his attention. He didn't mean to sound aggressive or envious – he definitely wasn't – and the truth was, because Max was his younger brother, he couldn't help but still see him as that little kid who would tail after him and was too kind to everyone to even stand up for himself.
It was odd, that image of him had long since gone and they were all grown up now, yet that was the only way he could remember how they were, but considering their situation, it was a given, wasn't it?
He just…he just wanted him to be safe, to protect him as he should have done years ago and since he was always with Katya and no one else….he didn't think he had made a friend. But maybe he had. Maybe, unlike him, it was always easy for Max to make friends – at least that part hadn't change since they were kids.
He realized even more that he wanted to be involved in his brother's life. Thinking that his words sounded weird, he explained calmly, "I just want to know. And I guess I'm worried." He averted his gaze elsewhere, feeling that awkward and painfully embarrassing emotion within him.
He was so not used to expressing himself to anyone like this – even more so to his own brother.
Max, too, looked as though he had swallowed a bitter pill.
He stared at Pierre for a moment but he knew that he was showing an effort here, so he just said, "I will be fine and it's just around here. Someone we know too."
Both Pierre and Jethro raised their brows, interests 100% piqued.
"Ooh, it's a girl. A girl, right?! Look, he's obviously blushing." Jethro exclaimed, eyes lighting up.
Max only stared at them, not betraying his thoughts but making a point to give a sharp look to Jethro before shrugging.
"Yeah, it's a girl alright." Jethro nodded to Pierre, nudging his elbow to his.
Pierre on the other hand was coming up on the list of names of people he know, but before he could open his mouth to start guessing, Max stopped him.
"Think what you will, I'm going to meet with them so don't wait for me." He sounded rush but when he made a move to leave, the gait was calm and calculated. Pierre stopped him before he could walk any further.
"No. We will go back together so don't forget about it." Pierre said, his voice silvery, but with a hint of seriousness as well. He smiled. "It's easy to get lost especially since the street signs are probably still unfamiliar to you and I'd prefer avoiding that."
Max's lips twitched in annoyance. "You're just like Katya. I'm not little anymore."
Pierre was unaffected, in fact he thought it a compliment because it means Katya had been doing a good job looking out for him, and so he said coolly, "That's what family are for." Then he added lightly, "And you are still my little brother. Even though we're six minutes apart."
In between the pauses, Jethro whispered a small 'aw' to himself.
For once, Max didn't have any retort on his lips. Like Pierre earlier, he hadn't anticipated that.
So he nodded, before turning away from them.
When he was but a speck in the crowd, Jethro said, "Should we tail him?"
Pierre drew back and gave him a funny look before saying, "If you want him to kill you."
He chuckled uneasily. "Oh, you saw that deadly glare too, right? I thought I was the only one."
Pierre laughed before clapping him at the back. "Come on, we've got a little bit more to do."
"You weren't kidding when you said this place is huge." Jethro remarked aloud, eyeing the beach-goers and couples making out.
They were finally done with the tasks and after meeting with the team leader in charge of today's tasks and gotten an approval, they headed to the area where several food trucks were waiting on hungry beach-goers.
Pierre saw the longing look in Jethro's eyes and teased, "An ex?"
Jethro glanced at him before shaking his head, smiling. "Nah, I don't date. She does looked like someone from school, though."
"Ah, right. One of your flings."
"Harmless flings. They know it's just a game. No strings attached and all that." Jethro emphasized lightly.
Pierre nodded casually, fanning himself with his shirt, and assessing the trucks and the type of food he felt like getting. It was getting hotter too.
Should I just dive into the waters first?
"Right. Well the letters on your desk don't seem to agree with you." He said, matching Jethro's tone. Then, as a thought came to him, he added, "Did you see Sid? I haven't seen him since I got here."
Jethro pulled off his shirt, chuck it to the ground and instantly reveled in the slight breeze. "Much better." He sighed. Then, he added, "No, but that's to be expected. Sid volunteers as a lifeguard and he's usually at the post so that's probably why. He's always surrounded by people. Just like our golden boy, Zach."
"He's here too?"
Jethro shrugged, unaware of the sudden turmoil and thoughts swirling in Pierre's mind. "I don't know. Maybe. I mean, Zach is a lifeguard too and since they're both close, it's possible." Then he looked at Pierre funnily. "What's the matter? You looked like someone just pissed on you."
"What?" He drew back before shaking his head. "No, I just had no idea."
The truth was that Pierre didn't expect the possibility of Zach even being on the same beach as them. Why would he? With the way people spoke of him and how everyone knows he was an active student in all things academia and sports, he became more of a myth to Pierre since he rarely see him on school grounds. It was ridiculous but that was how he felt.
And now, Jethro was saying that there might be a huge chance Zach was here with them since Sid volunteered at this beach….well, it suddenly made him want to try and get to know the mysterious but revered idol of their school.
He still seemed suspicious to me but maybe it's just a misplaced feeling? I don't really know him, after all, he thought.
Jethro exhaled. "Let's go and check their posts. Probably has more towers than we could count…or," He chuckled then added, "Well…maybe that won't be necessary at all."
At Jethro's surprise but triumphant expression, Pierre frowned and glanced to where he was looking at. "Huh."
While they were talking about Sid and Zach, Jethro spotted the pair on a boardwalk walking towards them. Coincidence or not, Pierre was glad they didn't have to go on a search – he really needed to fill his stomach. And, he noticed the laughing expression on Sid's face and thought he seemed much better since news of his break up took them by surprise. Sid was a pretty cool guy, so maybe he had gotten back together with his ex, but if he didn't, then he must have moved on.
"Yo, Sid!" Jethro flailed his arms and when he caught Sid's attention, waved over.
"Hey! Jet. Pierre." They greeted each other and did the guys' secret handshake. "You guys came."
Pierre just knew what was coming based on his friend's body language: body turned so it was a half-profile, and his shoulders started to shake. He really thought his friend needed to see a therapist or a counsellor.
Before Jethro could sputter a laugh, he went to nudge his arm. "Yeah. So I heard you're a lifeguard?" He glanced from Sid to Zach.
Sid nodded. "Yup. Been volunteering since sophomore, right, Zach?"
Zach seemed to be paying attention to them but he was also preoccupied towards the crowd, a look of pensive or worry on his face. Was he searching for something? Or someone?
They didn't need to get his attention again because he turned with a smile, saying, "Yes, and it was kind of on a whim, actually. We were down by the beach when Sid said he wanted to join the team."
Sid lightly pushed Zach. "Hey, at least I didn't say I wanted to save lives right off the bat. You weren't even hesitant and I didn't know which scared me more, thinking of venturing into something new or you being confident about risking your life for others. I swear I thought you were joking." To them, Sid pointed at Zach, teasing but there was also pride in his voice. "If anyone's got a big heart, it's him right here."
Jethro seemed awe. Everyone knew Zach was a giving person, but people were still surprised with every successful endeavors they heard about him.
Bashful, his cheeks pinked and he waved away the compliments lightly. "You're making me out to be a saint or something. It's not a big deal. I just wanted to help people."
Sid whistled. "Which is exactly what someone who has a big heart would say."
Zach's cheeks reddened even more, but he couldn't help the smile that mirrored his friends.
Pierre observed them and mulled it over. Indeed, he had a big heart because he didn't know anyone who would risk their lives for others without wanting anything in return. Maybe he had found the only person to be the exception.
Unbidden, his mind echoed a thought, is this part of the reason why December fell for him?
Pierre shook his head.
He sounded lovesick – which he wasn't. Sure, he admitted to himself that he felt something towards December but he wouldn't let his mind be consume with thoughts of her especially since she was with Zach.
Longing.
He learned long ago that it didn't do him any good.
"He's right." Pierre smiled, feeling a little bit at ease instead of cautious.
Zach's expression fell slightly and he groaned, "Not you too, Pierre."
Pierre's lips twitched and he let out a small chuckle. It was odd seeing Zach behaving just as regular as them. He didn't really know why, maybe because the guy had always been put on a pedestal for so long that he felt way above everyone else.
But right here, and right now, he wasn't Zachary Wong the Student Body President, but just Zach Wong, a senior just like them.
His stomach grumbled quietly and he thought that was definitely his cue to get some fuel for the day. Looking around, he said, "So, what's good around here?"
Zach smiled wide and Sid hooted in agreement. "Aw, man, everything! Well, everything except the beef steak from truck number eleven and the lasagna from number twenty. It's alright, but unless you wanted an uncooked meat and paper, then I'll stay away if I were you."
Zach laughed and said to them. "Sid's a little bit strict on them but he's got a good point. I usually get some Hokkien noodles, pizza Margherita, and shawarma. They're incomparable."
Pierre nodded, his mind already skipping on the bad ones and on to the lists Zach rattled off. "Sounds good." He looked to Jethro whose gaze seemed fixed at something ahead of him.
Another nudge from Pierre, and he broke from his trance. "Sorry, what were we talking about?" He laughed lightly.
Pierre frowned, thinking something definitely had taken hold of his attention but Sid laughed easily. "Did you see some hella pretty girls?"
Jethro rolled with it, laughing just as easily as them. "Yeah, maybe."
"Careful, Jet. You might just get yourself into trouble, and I can't let that happen on my watch as a fellow student." Zach said, a cross between a wince and looking apologetic but still lighthearted nonetheless.
Jethro rubbed his head, ruffling his already tousled hair. He glanced with a smirk, an eyebrow raising at Pierre before saying, "So I have been told."
To Zach, especially since the guy actually looked concerned, he added, "I'm harmless so don't worry about me, Prez."
Pierre shook his head, as if already used to his friend's ways. "I'm famished. Want to join us?" He asked them.
Zach and Sid gave it a pass. "We've just had ours, actually. But you guys go ahead."
"Yeah, drop by the tower later when you've got some time. I'll just be in there while Zach mostly do all the work." said Sid, laughing.
They exchanged chuckles but Pierre thought it was a slight shame they couldn't hang out then.
"Alright. We should meet up next time."
Zach nodded, exuberant. "Yeah, yeah we should. There's this place downtown that sells all sorts of merch like t-shirts, graphic novels, and all you could want, so if you're into that, we could all go and check those out."
Pierre raised a brow, seeing a slightly different side of the usually composed and studious guy. It was a little bit unnerving yet, he had to admit, cool too. An elite, down to earth and charming guy like him had fit in his image of those people he was familiar with back home; outward, they played the part of being a poster student but he knew what they were like behind the scenes; cold and ruthless.
Although Zachary was all that in front of the student body, but now that he weren't, he didn't sense any malicious or superficial intent from him. He wasn't like the guys he met back home. Had he misread the air?
He suddenly felt guilty in thinking that Zach was hiding anything considering how translucent he was in wearing his expressions. Maybe he had judged him too quickly.
"Aw, yeah! That place is sick. Jet, you're going with us too."
He sighed dramatically, like one was exhausted with the high demand but didn't want to disappoint. "Do I even have a choice?"
Sid punched Jet's shoulder, unperturbed at his theatrics.
"What about band shirts?" Pierre asked, already wanting to check the store out regardless if they have it or not. It sounded interesting.
Zach tilted his head, pensive for a moment before nodding, "My cousin's got a friend who runs the store and he's got all kinds of shirts, from anime to ones which looked like a tangle of roots sprouting from the ground."
Pierre knew what he was talking about. He grinned, "Sounds like I might find something I like there."
They went their separate way and after getting some fuel for their hard work, Pierre and Jethro walked down the gentle hill, where wooden slates marked their way in the dunes, with blades of grass growing in either sides.
"You alright? I can tell there's something on your mind." Pierre started, eating the chicken shawarma he bought. Zach was right, although he told him later that he had fish, the chicken tastes like nothing he ever had before. If this was the quality they served, then it's no wonder there was a long line to the truck.
Jethro remained quiet for a moment, finishing the last of his gelato ice cream, before saying, "Okay. Don't laugh, alright?"
Pierre raised his brow. "Depends if you're going to make a joke out of something again."
Jethro choked out a laugh, before sobering. "Do you ever just…not want to grow up?"
At Pierre's startled and confused expression, he elaborated.
"I mean, we're in school now but after all this, there's the working world out there and I don't know, people change, things change and I just… don't want to lose all of this. This moment and who I am right now." Then, as if he realized he sounded unlike him, Jethro tried to play it off. "Sorry," He chuckled before adding, "I don't know what came over me. Don't take this as me confessing to you, alright? I like you, but I don't swing that way." He put his hand on Pierre's shoulder, his tone sounding like one of those sentences that started with 'no offence, but'.
Pierre wasn't convinced. He could tell that Jethro felt awkward bringing something like this up – which was the first time he had seen him so vulnerable – but he didn't think this was anything to get weirded over. Pierre would never laugh at something like this.
If anything, he could understand where his friend was coming from; they were seniors now, and this safe haven they have, friends and their youth, the time where they didn't have to take things too seriously as compared to when they would be out there, it was coming to an end one way or another. It was daunting and nerve-wracking, and he wasn't sure if he could hold that weight on his shoulders.
Yet, he also couldn't wait to see the world. Perhaps, it was because he needed to get out of his father's clutches – and finally be free from the expectations forced onto him.
Pierre turned to face him, hearing Jethro's fears in his words but he also wanted him to know something he meant. "I know what you mean. I'm not going to lie and say it isn't, because I don't know what lies ahead. But what I do know, is that this isn't the end of our friendship. You're one of my best friends, Jethro and it's not easy to get rid of me."
Jethro stared at Pierre, maybe not for the first time, realizing how open and honest the guy was. And a riddle too. Sometimes, he was as open as a hard clam, but other times, he was so expressive, it was befuddling.
But damned if he wasn't moved by his friend's earnest speech.
He turned away slightly, trying to wipe his misting eyes, before facing him, spirit lifted. "Thanks, Pierre. I really appreciate that." Then, because he had to say it, he added, "You know, I'm hard to get rid of too."
Pierre cast an unaffected look. "Well, yeah, you've proven that a lot."
Jethro grinned self-satisfyingly.
"At least I know you'll stick around."
Afterwards, they checked out the stores by the beach; clothing stores, surf shacks, snack bars, and everything you could think about. They played games, tried on clothes until they felt laden with the day's activity thus far. Pierre spotted a music store – old records – and suggested they check it out. At the same time, Jethro's gaze were hooked on someone whom he thought looked familiar.
"This store has some cool records. They've even got The Bluebells and Cheap Trick here." Pierre grinned as he surveyed the front shop's posters. His uncle does have the vinyl records of these bands but he once told him that the former were only sold in the country and not overseas. He took a picture of the posters and sent them to him. This would make him go nuts.
He noticed then that Jethro was looking at something, but when he followed his gaze, he didn't know what he was looking at.
"What are you looking at?"
"Huh?" Jethro glanced at him, a smile immediately present on his face. "Nothing. Sorry, yeah, I got distracted again."
Pierre had an indifferent look on his face, as if telling himself he really should get used to this, before exhaling a sigh.
"I swear on the glen, you have the attention span of a mussel when it comes to everything else but the girls."
"A mussel?" Jethro chuckled and ruffled his hair, a habit when he didn't know what to do, before saying, "Well, what can I say? They're my kryptonite." He glanced at the music store before adding, "Hey, I'll meet you back at the place we met, alright? I gotta go check on something."
After a confused 'later' from Pierre, Jethro turned and headed towards the direction where he thought he saw a girl flitting in and around the crowd from his line of view.
ns 15.158.61.54da2
