The sun has brought glittering orange rays throughout the heavens. The horizon blazes with the fiery embrace of orange and gold, mixing with the colour of soft peaches and pastel pink. The sky stretches like bread while wisps of clouds spread like a velvety layer of butter. As the minutes tick by, a veil of darkness settles upon the streets, shrouding them in a nightly cloak.

     As Oliver strolled along the bustling sidewalk, a sea of sizzling food stalls stood on his right. He kept his face lowered, concealing his face from the crowds and the billowing smoke. With his hand resting on his lower back, Oliver took a deep breath, relishing the tantalizing aroma of cooking meat and aromatic herbs from the shops. He smiled as he closed his eyes.

     When Oliver reopens his eyes, he halts and stands still. He fixes his gaze ahead, squinting slightly as he takes a few cautious strides. Gradually, the dissipating smoke reveals Gregory's figure, standing in the distance.

     Gregory reaches out with his hand, grasping a plate of rare steak from a stall. The meat holds a vibrant, rosy hue, its surface seared to perfection. Gregory grins at the delicacy before him as he burrows his other hand into his pocket, retrieving some silver coins.

"Here you go, kind sir," Gregory handed over three silver coins.

"You can have a seat there, son, and kindly return the plate to me once you've finished your meal," the vendor, with a warm and welcoming gesture, pointed towards a cluster of seats nearby. "And don't forget to enjoy!"

     Gregory turns towards the seats with the plate of steak in his firm hands. However, when he reaches a chair, he continues walking past it. Gregory then hops down the sidewalk and crosses an empty road, glancing left and right.

     Curiosity weighs Oliver's mind as he tilts his head. As his eyes follow his friend's direction, Oliver stands still among the crowds in the marketplace. He then takes one careful step forward, walks down the sidewalk, and crosses the street swiftly.

     As Oliver crosses the street, stealthily pursuing his friend, Gregory reaches the next sidewalk. He continues with his swift pace until he steps into an alleyway. There, he slips in between the compact walls.

     Oliver stops for a brief moment as he takes a deep breath. He glares at the alleyway before squeezing through. As he enters the narrow passage, regret crawls over him. He clenches his teeth in disgust as he feels the thick layer of dust on the walls touching his hands and exposed skin.

     Soon, Oliver reaches the end of the alleyway, stepping into a different street. He glances to his left and right, taking a deep, silent breath through his nose. Then, he spots Gregory on his right, still walking with the plate of steak. Oliver continues to follow with steady and quiet steps.

     Meanwhile, Gregory cuts to the corner. His broad smile beams like sunlight as he glances at the warm steak in his hands. With a relaxed and unhurried pace, Gregory blows a deep breath through his mouth.

     In the meantime, Oliver hastens, hurrying his steps while keeping his pace steady and quiet. Once he reaches the corner, Oliver stops and presses his back on a building wall. Then, he peeks from the corner.

     Surprised, Oliver's eyes widen as he spots Gregory standing before a homeless dog with a beautiful coat of white fur with caramel spots. Behind her, four adorable puppies whimper, sharing her striking appearance. Oliver watches his friend kneel and gently shake the steak off the plate.

     As the meat reaches the ground, the whining puppies leap in joy and wag their tails. They nudge and jump above each other, racing towards the savoury treat. Meanwhile, the homeless mother dog gazes up at Gregory, her eyes glistening with gratitude while her tail wags in appreciation.

     A broad, radiant smile illuminates Gregory's face as he watches the family of dogs delight in the meal he has given. Gregory grins as he steps back. Seeing the happiness he has brought to the animals fills him with an indescribable sense of fulfilment.

     Meanwhile, Oliver's jaw drops in awe. Slowly, his astonished expression transforms into a broad, beaming grin. Admiration swells inside him, making his heart race faster than a sprinting jaguar. A tremor runs through his chest, causing a sigh of astonishment to escape his lips.

     Oliver's palm covers his agape mouth as he takes quick, excessive gasps, overwhelmed by the sight of his caring and nurturing friend. Witnessing Gregory act like a husband caring for his wife and children, Oliver blushes excessively, painting his face red. He bites his lips as his breath quivers, trying to picture himself as the wife with their kids.

     Gregory's hand lies confidently on his head, revealing his sculpted muscles and broad, masculine arm. The wind playfully tousles his hair, accentuating the excitement of his muscular pose. Slowly, his hand slides down along his back before he turns his gaze to the right.

     Oliver, startled, quickly pulls his head back, attempting to conceal himself from Gregory's view. He freezes against the wall, holding his breath. Taking a slow and quiet breath, Oliver cautiously peeks at his friend from the corner. Shocked, he discovers that Gregory is now standing before him.

"Were you spying on me...?" Gregory asked, raising a brow.

"No," Oliver replied, his voice shaking. "I was walking back home."

"It seems like you were peeking," Gregory said.

"I wasn't!" Oliver gasped.

"Well, it certainly looked like you were," Gregory nodded, smirking as he crossed his arms.

"I'm telling you, I had no such intention," Oliver stated.

"Hmm, nevertheless, it certainly gave that impression," Gregory replied, his smirk deepening.

"I was on my way home to remind you about tomorrow," Oliver said, trying to calm himself. "Do you recall our conversation from last night? We agreed to spend the day together on Saturday, which is tomorrow."

"Oh yeah! You're right. How could I have forgotten?" Gregory smiled. "Well then! Friend, shall we make our way home together?"

"I like that idea," said Oliver.

The two men began walking together.