After living in the big city for quite some time, Julian began to get used to being there and started to remember every route from Arcane's house to several places in the city.
For example, a minimarket, a mall, and even the city park, which turned out to be only a 15 minute walk away. Although it wasn't like his expectations of the area around Arcane, where people seemed friendly, he was fortunate that he didn't see many problems in the city.
However, he still felt confused and lonely every time Arcane went to work and he was left alone at home.
"So you've started memorizing every street in this place? That's good. It's the beginning of you getting used to it, and maybe you'll be able to find a job quickly," said Marshal when they met at a cafe.
Julian nodded. "Yes, I'm quite familiar with the neighborhood here, and I already know where to look for work. Maybe I can start by working at a small place like a cafe or becoming a minimarket employee?"
"You're a college graduate, and you're thinking of working at a minimarket?" asked his cousin in surprise.
"I know! But I feel that even though I graduated from university, it's difficult to find a job at a company just by relying on my degree!"
He explained that he was majoring in animation, which would definitely make it very difficult to find a job in that field. Especially to create an animation.
Marshal was silent for a moment when he heard this and began to think. Who among his acquaintances could help his cousin get a job?
The man remembered his friend Hans, who worked in television. He was sure that his friend must have acquaintances on the team or producers of an animation who could possibly introduce him to Julian.
"I'll try to ask Hans about this. But don't get your hopes up too high, because it's not certain that animation producers need new employees," he said.
"No problem! Thank you for being willing to help me, Marshall."
They then talked about other things, such as how Julian lived with Arcane. He said that honestly, living with that man wasn't so bad.
"He is very strict about cleanliness. But I don't think that's a problem for me. Even though I'm lazy, I can't stand seeing things messy or dirty around me," he said.
"That's good then. You two are compatible enough to live together. So it's not a problem for you to share a house with him."
Even though he had been living with Arcane for almost two months, he was still curious about Arcane's main reason. Why did that man still want to teach at that special school for girls and want everything to run smoothly?
It seemed that Marshal knew the reason behind his friend's insistence on teaching at that place. But he chose to remain silent and said that it was not his place to discuss it.
"But surely his main goal isn't a bad thing. When he opens up to you, I'm sure he'll tell you the real reason. So it's better for you not to pressure him too much to talk."
Julian could only remain silent, thinking that so far he had never pressured Arcane to talk. After all, whatever the real reason was, it was none of his business. At least he knew it wasn't a crime.
That afternoon, he returned home and met Arcane, who had just come out of his room.
"Where have you been? I was just about to call you," said the man.
"I just got back from the cafe after meeting with Marshal. Were you worried about me?" Julian asked suddenly.
Both of them fell silent upon hearing the question, and Julian realized that his question sounded incredibly silly.
Before he could say anything, Arcane burst into laughter while shaking his head.
"I just wanted to ask if you've had lunch yet? If not, I'll cook lunch for you too. I was just about to cook," he replied.
With a red face, Julian turned away, seemingly embarrassed and annoyed at being laughed at.
"I was just joking when I asked you that! And of course, my answer is that I haven't had lunch yet. Marshal had a date with his girlfriend, so we parted ways before we had lunch!"
Arcane then went to the kitchen to make lunch. That afternoon, he intended to cook grilled salmon with mayo. Julian, who was curious, followed him to the kitchen and watched his husband prepare lunch.
He looked serious, cutting each piece of salmon and grilling it on the stove. But every now and then he smiled, enjoying his time cooking.
"You really like cooking, huh? Has it been your hobby since you were a kid?" he asked.
"Not really. Just because I like cooking doesn't mean it's my hobby. Besides, cooking is a basic skill that you should be able to do," Arcane replied, turning to look at him.
But Julian felt that what Arcane cooked looked very delicious. The man wasn't just cooking ordinary home cooked meals, but rather like a restaurant. No one cooks like a restaurant unless it's one of their hobbies.
In the end, Arcane explained that he used to work at a small restaurant. It was a family restaurant run by an elderly woman.
"When I was 16, I helped out at the restaurant as a cook. I cooked food ordered by customers. I did it to repay the kindness of the elderly woman who was still willing to let me stay at her house. Even after my mother died," said Arcane, recounting his past, which surprised Julian quite a bit.
He didn't know that Arcane's mother had been gone for a long time, more precisely 10 years ago. And he had to work to support himself since he was 16 years old to continue his schooling and college.
He felt a little guilty for asking such a question, especially since it was a past that he felt was quite difficult for Arcane to remember.
At a time when Julian himself still often acted spoiled toward his mother and father, even choosing a major in college that he liked without thinking about his future career. Meanwhile, Arcane entered the mathematics major because he wanted to become a teacher and continue his life.
Arcane, who was cooking, realized that his little husband was looking down after hearing about his past.
"Hey, don't look at me like that. You don't have to pity me like a stray puppy." He tried to lighten the mood.
While ruffling Julian's hair, he patted him gently and grinned.
"See? You're like a stray dog on the street looking at me with those pleading eyes. How ridiculous." He laughed mockingly at the man in front of him.
Julian's face turned red with embarrassment at being teased like that.
"I'm not a stray dog! You're always so annoying! Even though right now I—"
His words stopped when he saw another smile on Arcane's face. That smile made him feel so calm that his anger immediately subsided, and a sentence came out of his mouth.
"There's no need to feel sorry just because of the past. Let it be history and focus on the future. You are my future."