On a tranquil street lies a charming little cafe brimming with customers. The interior of the building boasts intricate gold railings, contrasting with its white walls, adorned with plush maroon armchairs and wooden tables. And the warm fragrance of rich coffee and freshly baked pastries fills the air.

     Oliver and his trusted friend, Gregory, lounge outside the bustling cafe, facing each other with their arms resting on the table. They wait for their drinks, taking in the gentle breeze that carries the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The scent mingles with the sweet flowers adorning the cobbled street, enveloping them in fragrance.

"So, what did you order?" Gregory asked, resting his chin on his palm.

"Hmm... cinnamon coffee with caramelized toffee," Oliver replied, smirking.

"Hm, sounds sophisticated..." Gregory commented. Then, he beamed as he raised a finger. "...But unique!"

"How about you?" Oliver asked.

"Just a simple hot chocolate for me," Gregory said. "But I also ordered two bottles of red wine for us to enjoy," he whispered, winking at Oliver.

"Two bottles?" Oliver gasped. He breathed deeply through his mouth, shaking his head as he smirked at Gregory. "Oh, Greg, you know I get drunk easily."

     Gregory's eyes closed halfway through as he grinned at his friend. Suddenly, a waitress appeared and placed their beverages on the table. Gregory reached for his steaming cup of hot chocolate, flashing the waitress a grateful smile as he wrapped his hands around the warm mug.

"Thank you," Gregory said, his voice filled with gratitude.

"You're welcome, sir," the waitress replied, warmly smiling at Gregory.

     Meanwhile, Oliver picked up his steaming mug of coffee from the table. He blew on the surface of the hot drink, and the steam flowed with the air. As his lips met the porcelain cup, the rich cinnamon taste quickly filled his senses, making his eyes wide in surprise.

     Oliver lifts the steaming mug of coffee to his lips again and takes another sip. But the scalding liquid burns his tongue, forcing him to set the cup on the table and look around. Oliver then reaches for the open bottle of red wine on the table and pours himself a generous glass, the deep red alcohol reflecting the warm glow of the cafe's lights.

"Do you want me to order some ice?" Gregory asked.

Oliver giggled. "Ice? Greg, it's July. Ice is a luxury commodity around this time. They're likely to charge a penny for it," he smiled.

     Oliver reaches for his wine glass and hovers his hand above it as he glances at his friend with a playful grin. Sparkling flurries materialize from thin air, swirling and dancing around Oliver's outstretched hand as they transform into a cascade of ice tumbling into the glass. Oliver then grabs his drink and raises it.

Oliver giggled as he shushed his friend. "Don't forget about my elemental powers," he stated.

"Oh, why would I forget such ability you have?" Gregory replied.

"Here, let me do this for you, too," Oliver reached over and grabbed Gregory's wine glass, filling it before summoning a flurry of ice into the drink. "Here you go!" He handed back the glass to Gregory.

"Woah, thanks!" Gregory exclaimed, peering at his now-cold drink.

Oliver gave Gregory a playful smirk. "Hey, Greg. Don't forget why we're here," he reminded him. "What do you want to tell me anyway?"

"...Oh! Yeah! Thanks for telling me!" Gregory joined his hands together as his brows furrowed. "So! Yeah..."

"Yes?" Oliver wondered, his eagerness pulling his ear closer to Gregory.

"I'm no longer a potion maker..." Gregory sighed, looking down at his hot chocolate.

"...What...?" Oliver asked. "Why? What happened...?"

"It's because... I've been promoted to apprentice!" Gregory announced, his tone drastically becoming more cheerful.

Oliver sighed in relief. "Greg, you almost made me cry," he joked sarcastically.

"And just one more promotion! And I'll become an official wizard!" Gregory added as his eyes sparkled.

"How amazing! Just think about it! As a wizard, you'll be able to unlock all knowledge about potion-brewing!" Oliver pointed out.

"Indeed! I'll be able to brew anything from helpful to harmful concoctions," Gregory replied. He then ventured. "And I'll also learn how to use spells!"

"Oh, thank God, Greg. I'm so proud of you!" Oliver said, squeezing his hands together as he grinned.

"Hehe, thanks, Oli," Gregory responded, his face becoming flushed.

     Oliver and Gregory took their time savouring their drinks, spending several minutes enjoying the rich flavours before finally finishing them. The nearly empty wine bottle on the table was a vessel for their enjoyment. Despite consuming alcohol, Gregory remained conscious and alert, while Oliver was now visibly drunk.

     Oliver's face is flushed. Beads of glistening sweat drip down his forehead. And he sways unsteadily, like a tree during a thunderstorm.

"And that lad stole my comrade's money," Oliver slurred as he spoke, pointing an unsteady finger at an imagined culprit. "He's such a liar!" he then chuckled uncontrollably. "Hahaha!"

     Gregory stared at his friend in silence. His eyes widened at the sight of Oliver's raucous laughter. He then shook his head and smiled.

"...I suppose you've had enough wine for tonight," Gregory said, downing his final shot and setting his glass on the table. He stood up and approached Oliver. "Alright, Oliver. Let's get you home."

Oliver moaned. "Come with me," Oliver slurred, swaying unsteadily and leaning close to Gregory.

"Huh?" Gregory asked, raising a brow.

"Come home with me," Oliver repeated, his voice low and suggestive. He closed his eyes and rested his head on Gregory's shoulder.

"I will," Gregory replied, brushing Oliver's hair with his smooth, gentle palm.

     Gregory wrapped Oliver in his right arm. He reached for his friend's other shoulder and placed his palm above. Gregory gently carried and helped Oliver to stand upright. Then, he brushed and caressed Oliver's back.

     Reaching into his coat, Gregory grabbed seven bronze coins and placed them on the table. With Oliver heavily intoxicated and leaning on him for support, Gregory helped his friend to stand up, and they marched into the peaceful streets. Oliver's weight was a burden, but Gregory remained steadfast and loyal.