"And I don"t like it."

"Why do you care?" Nikto asked in annoyance.

"That"s our Orel," Tol smirked. "He cares about everything."

"I hope you"ll get bored with it soon," Nikto shook his head.

"Futile hope," Enriki said.

The owner of the restaurant knocked on the door softly and entered, bowing, with a tray full of drinks and food.

"You"re really humiliating Nikto," Enriki said when the owner left. "The poor guy nearly had a heart attack when seeing him. Here, in the Upper City, people are not used to it."

Tol laughed.

"Did you see his eyes?" He mimicked the owner"s face; it looked similar and everyone but Nikto laughed.

"Nikto, stop smoking at last!" Orel smiled. "Have a drink, talk to us!"

"You"re playing with me like I"m a new toy," Nikto said angrily. "Be careful – you might finish badly."

"He"s threatening us!" Tol laughed.

"Nikto, please forgive us, have a drink with us," Orel didn"t give up.

"Only if you give me permission to put on and take off my mask when I choose."

"Fuck you, put it on if you want! You"re unbearable like that!"

"You"re like two stubborn donkeys," Enriki shook his head.

Nikto bent to reach for the mask on the floor, and his hair spilled touching Orel"s hand. Orel shivered and while Nikto was straightening, he had time to pass his palm over one of blonde strands. Tol opened his mouth in surprise seeing Orel"s expression. Enriki rolled up his eyes. Nikto turned to Orel and met his eyes. For a few moments they looked at each other, then Nikto turned away and put on his mask.