CHAPTER 65: A DATE WITH APHRODITE

The first dating spot was in the Haven City public library.

That seemed to be the obvious choice since Aphrodite was a bibliophile. But Hermes still couldn’t gauge how much his old friend was enjoying himself. Sometimes he wished he was the one who had the mind-reading ability instead.

"So... What did you think of this place?"

"It’s good."

Hermes gave a boxy smile, trying to not be disheartened by his succinct response. "How is it good...?"

Aphrodite took his time to respond, still browsing the shelves. His expression did not reveal any interest or disinterest from what he was reading.

"It’s bigger and has even more books than our bookstore."

Hermes hangs on to that topic. "Oh! That’s true. Maybe you guys can expand the bookstore when more people come over to read? Here in the city they do a lot of promotional stunts and advertisements. When I become a popular hero, you can use me as a sponsor to boost sales!"

Aphrodite just nodded, not looking up from the book he was perusing.

Hermes was disappointed, but he just told himself that Aphrodite was probably too engrossed in the book he was holding to think about things like sales and business expansions.

"So.... What are you reading? Are you thinking of borrowing anything?"

"Mm. A lot."

Hermes’ spirits fall back down to the ground. But he didn’t give up, and tried changing the topic.

"Then, uh... Where do you want to eat after this?" Hermes asked.

"Anywhere."

Hermes scratched his growing stubble. He forgot to shave and woke up late again this morning, as he always has since his hiatus. Still, he wore the best clothes he got from Somner and put on some cologne for Aphrodite’s sake.

His friend had done a lot for him. He can’t just half-ass this date.

So even though communication was difficult, Hermes must still try to accommodate him. "Then what about this cafe nearby? It has a really nice aesthetic with a lot of flowers and even short poems on the walls. You like those things, right?"

"Yes."

Hermes smiled, offering his hand. "Then let’s go after you check out those books."

Aphrodite looked at his hand as if it was some foreign object from outer space. Hermes was sweating bullets, thinking if he had been too forward.

’Fuck, I really don’t know the first thing about dating! Is this too much for the first date!?’

But eventually....

Aphrodite linked their fingers together, though with much hesitance.

Hermes doesn’t know why, but he felt like a million bucks just from that. It’s harder to get Aphrodite to open up than a clam shell, but he was able to do it a bit and peek at the pearl underneath.

They walked around the library while holding hands.

They gained a few stares, but most people minded their own business. As they reached the counter, Aphrodite suddenly made a sound.

"Hm? What’s that?"

"... I need to give the books now to the librarian."

Hermes remained oblivious, still in cloud nine. "So?"

"... I need both hands."

He finally realized. "Oh! My bad..."

His childhood friend gave the books that he was carrying under his arms to the librarian, and availed a library card so he can borrow books any time in the future.

They were mostly fiction books, and more of the ’artsy’ type. The plots were strange and hard to explain, but Hermes thought it did suit Aphrodite.

After all, the way he writes and thinks are also very descriptive and melodramatic like these books.

"Have you ever thought of being a writer?" Hermes suddenly blurted out as they went to the cafe and got a table for two.

Aphrodite tilted his head. "Why should I?"

Hermes shrugged. "Well, you have a very distinct writing style. The way you use metaphors are so good. Like the one where you described me as like thin ice above a lake or a painting left in the rain—"

It was at that moment that Hermes knew.

He fucked up.

He immediately raised his hand, trying to come up with an excuse. "I- I can explain! I really didn’t mean to—"

"Read my diary?" Aphrodite just went to read the menu. "I already knew that."

"Y-You do?"

Aphrodite gave him a look and just said: "Mindbloom."

Hermes felt like he was the dumbest idiot to ever walk the face of the Earth.

How could he forget!?

Of course he can’t keep any secrets to Aphrodite! Just moments ago he thought about wishing to have Mindbloom!

But wait—

That means Aphrodite knew that too! And he knew all about his embarassing, cringey thoughts....

"I try not to. I promise. That is why I don’t look at you directly." Aphrodite explained while keeping his eyes on the menu. "Why I don’t look at anyone directly. I want to respect their privacy."

Hermes felt so stupid once again.

So that’s why! He’s not being distant at all, he was just being considerate!

"I’m so sorry, Aphro..." He bowed his head, covering his face from shame. "You respect my privacy but I bypassed yours... I’m such a terrible friend..."

Aphrodite shook his head. "That’s not true. You were just curious. It’s really ok..."

Then he whispered something that Hermes didn’t hear.

"Because you didn’t read about that part at least."

Hermes looked back up, leaning closer to try and hear him better. "What?"

"Nothing." Aphrodite said. "I think I want to order now."

Hermes snapped his fingers. "Of course! Shit... I’m really screwing this up real bad."

He then called out to the wait staff awkwardly. "Ah, excuse me! Waiter? If it’s not too much of a bother, we would like to order, please?"

Aphrodite watched Hermes converse with the waiter, and couldn’t help but smile to himself.

His thoughts at this moment were not at all judgmental of Hermes’ awkwardness or ineptitude in the dating scene.

Instead, he was just happy to see Hermes back to his usual self again instead of the depressed shell of a man he had been these past two months.

[I may not be the best date to have but... Nothing brings my heart more joy than seeing you back at your own feet, Hermes. That is enough for me.]