Tenya gulped back a fearful quiver, now fully making eye- contact with the man responsible for his brother's debt.
The strange thing, however; was that besides being paralyzed with fear, he could've stared into those peculiar hetero chromatic eyes for an eternity.

His lips barely parted,
"I-"
"C-Can I order something?"
The stranger stammered.

He combed back the combination of red and white hair that hung over his eyes, giving Tenya a better view.
His bangs only fell back over his sight, however, shadowing an icy-blue gaze.

His left cheek was scarred; a scar that made him known throughout the country.
It spread over his left ear and down the side of his neck.
Tenya couldn't help but wonder how he go-
"Excuse me?"
Tenya was drawn back to reality.
His shoulders stiffened, as he realised how much trouble he could actually be in.
"Uh- no- I mean, yes- I mean... Sure, Sir... What would you like?"

The man sat on one of the many stools lining the counter, interlocking his own fingers.

"Your number."
He said, his deadpan expression never leaving his face.

Tenya would've sunk through the ground of he could; but alas, he was faced with a notorious gang leader with the means to be attacked by him at any second.

"I'm sorry, but could you clarify?"

"I would like your number; if that's alright with you."
He began twiddling his thumbs.
Tenya decided to play along.

"What's your name, stranger?"

He began picking an assortment of fruits from categorized produce baskets below the counter.

He knew full-well who the scarred man was, the infamous Shoto Todoroki-
Known on the streets as one of the coldest, apathetic bosses in existence- yet, said boss was flirting with him- and he wasn't even good at it.

He was nothing in terms of intimidation when it came to his own boss, though. Tenya, along with most of the public, doesn't even know what his face looks like.
Just the mention of his title brought the social hierarchy to its knees.

That didn't make this man any less dangerous, however.

"Shoto Tod- I'm sorry, but what are you doing?"
Shoto let out a soft chuckle.

Tenya looked up from his fruit-squeezed concoction, to see a lightly smiling Shoto, his cheek resting in the palm of his hand.
He could feel the tips of his ears burn.
"A cocktail."

"What kind?"

"You'll see."
He hummed.

Turning towards his shelves of various glasses, his fingers worked delicately along them until he gingerly picked one up.

He placed it atop the counter space between them, pouring the mix into it.

Shoto couldn't help but stare at the pink-red liquid that cascaded from the lip of the container.
Tenya noticed this, his lip tugging a small, proud smirk.

He garnished it with three rose petals, before pushing the glass towards Shoto.

"Try it."

Shoto's eyes widened.
"Impressive. What's it called?"

"I-It's called a Love Potion Cocktail."

Shoto smiled, taking a small sip of the mixture.
"It tastes like strawberry jam and... Vodka?"
He licked his upper lip,
"And the rose petals coat the tongue with a velvety texture. How much?"
He asked, pulling out his wallet.

"N-No, it's on the house."

Tenya paused.
"You should leave."

"Excuse me? Why? I was going t-"

"Now."
Tenya commanded sternly.
Shoto reluctantly complied, swiftly making his way over to the front door.

He gave Tenya one last glance, before exiting into the cold, dark December night.
What on earth was his problem?

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Thank you for reading part 2 of 'Flames & Roses'! Please leave a '⭐' or comment if you enjoyed!

[S.K.]