Serving Up Hot [ON HOLD!]

Chapter 25 | Skeletons Out

author's note:

before you guys start reading, this chapter feels quite heavy and sad to read as you finally get to learn about Benjamin's life. so, just take note and prepare yourself if you're sensitive about the topic of death.

I have linked a song above that I really think suits Benji a lot. you guys should give it a listen while reading this chapter because the artist produces chill and beautiful music like the one song I've recommended!

also, the image displayed above is the city skyline of Singapore that I have taken in 2014 at the setting Chara and Benji are at. I know it's low quality (don't judge) and dark but that's just how the skyline looks like at night. it is a reference for you guys to have the optimum reading experience ;)

ok, go ahead and enjoy the story

xo, emily

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We've arrived at Marina Barrage's rooftop park, probably one of the most iconic places to visit in Singapore to hang out and chill for locals or tourists. It's located in the city, which overlooks the beautiful skyline and shimmering waters of Singapore. I have only visited this place once in my entire life with my parents years ago to watch Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP) live. They would organise this gigantic screening for the public to come, sit and relax while enjoying a spectacular view of the fireworks that would set off at night.

Now, all we do is stay at home and watch it on television instead.

"Wow, it's been so long since I've come here," I spoke when we got to the rooftop level, my arm holding onto a bag of McDonald's. My eyes admire the skyscraper buildings, feeling with so much awe right now. "It looks even more breathtaking at night."

Spanning widely in front of us is the grassy field with the clear, open sky hanging above our heads. However, we could hardly view the millions of twinkling stars in the sky due to light pollution. But, the soft glow from the full moon and the gentle breeze are what we have to settle for, creating a mysterious and cooling night.

"Me too," Benjamin says from beside me, on his arm he hugs onto a picnic blanket close to his chest. "I used to come here with my parents often a few years ago on Sundays."

Despite the darkness, the lamps around us allow me to see the small smile forming on his lips as he reflects back on the fond memories. Unexpectedly, his eyes lift up as they catch me staring at him red-handed. Embarrassed, I quickly avert my gaze before answering, "I came here once and that is during the NDP because of the free live screening."

Benjamin lets out a low chuckle when he hears this. "My family used to come here for that experience too. I used to think it was stupid when we could just watch it at the comforts of our home!"

"Hey, it's free viewing! Who wouldn't want that?" I said in defense.

"Those who are lazy to travel all the way here and back home?" Benjamin replies while leading us to a vacant area for us to sit and chill. The park is quite uninhabited with only a handful number of people who are sparsely littered across the field. A few of them are flying LED kites, the colourful lights dancing amongst the sky as they camouflage like stars. While there are others doing the same as us—having a picnic. "The streets will be filled with traffic once the parade ends and it always take forever to get out from it."

Of course. Who can't forget the jammed pack streets where the roads are filled with vehicles travelling back home? Public transportation services are impossible to get on as well due to the massive amount of people. It isn't a fun time and I certainly can vouch for that.