The Legend of the Blue Leash

inspired by Mika Sadahiro's Surf Junkie

Ash hopped in the first bus to Baler the moment the university declared school's out. He had been waiting for this all year. In fact, he had his stuff all packed up for days now impatiently waiting for summer to begin.

Baler, Aurora has been known as the surfing Mecca of Luzon. The locals are proud of their sandy shorelines and soft, shallow ocean bed and tourists can't get enough of the crazy waves it produces. For Ash, who saved all year for a 2 month stay in this Philippine province, it is the “holy grail” for someone who wants to master this surface water sport.

After 7 long hours in the bus, he found himself breathing the fresh, salty air of the pride of Southern Tagalog. He can't wait to start. Since he is starving, he decided to dine out. He quickly searched for the hotel he had pre-chosen and pre-booked for months and immediately checked in. He went to his room, prepped and went out for a night stroll along the beach and a good authentic Baler dinner.

He decided to do the former walking first along the shoreline for a while enjoying the evening ambiance. The dark sky was clear and crying with tiny silver droplets ready to fall on his head at anytime. The night air coming from the sea is overwhelming and the sound of the turbulent waves screaming then toning down to a dull roar has a mix of intense pleasure and calming effect on him.

"This is a dream come true!" He thought.

After a while, he can no longer ignore his hunger and decided to look for the restaurant that the lady at the front desk recommended. He sat on one of the tables on the veranda so that he can still get that beautiful view of the evening shore.

After settling in, he calls on the waiter to come and politely asks for the menu. "I heard you have the most authentic Ensaladang Pako here." He commented while browsing through the menu.

"We do sir!" The waiter said proudly. "You can have the famous Baler delicacy as a zesty side or as a part of your main course."

"I see. I'll have it with grilled tuna then and one green mango shake please." Ash ordered as he returns the menu. For a slight moment, their hand touch as the waiter took the menu away prompting Ash to look at the waiter's face for the first time.

"One Ensaladang Pako with grilled Tuna and one green mango shake for sir..."

"Ash.  Just call me Ash... uhmmm Miguel." He introduced himself as he looks at the waiter's name plate neatly pinned on his right chest.

Miguel beams a smile. He appreciated that a customer called him by his name. Come think of it, he thought, Ash was easy on the eyes. He was the classic Pinoy chinito with refined city boy flair. Even while sitting he can tell Ash might be as tall as he is. He also liked the way Ash's eyes reduced to a slit when he smiles.

"One Ensaladang Pako with grilled Tuna and one green mango shake for Sir Ash, coming right up!"

Ash watched Miguel as he enthusiastically walked away with his order. He is straight of course or he thinks he's straight. He is only 19 but had already fucked girls more than his fingers can count. Plus, he never slept with a guy before so he guesses he's straight.

But he can't help himself stop from smiling. The image of Miguel keeps on swirling in his head.

Miguel can't be any older than he is and might be just as lithe and tall. He had a lean body he suspects from surfing every day. His uniform hugs his body perfectly. His piercing, deep-set eyes crowned with long eye lashes along with his perfect nose also shows tall-tell signs that he might have a foreign blood flowing on his beautifully tanned body.

After a few minutes, Miguel is back with his dinner but he is no longer wearing his uniform. "Your dinner Sir Ash." Miguel announced as he carefully places his meal front of him.

"Just Ash, Miguel. Just Ash,"

"Sorry Ash... force of habit." Miguel smiled apologetically.

"You are not wearing your uniform anymore." He asked non-challant.

"Ahhh, you noticed. I just finished my shift." He explained. "You’re my last customer."

"You shouldn't have bothered then Miguel. You could have asked someone to bring my meal to me."

"It's okay. I took your order, I thought I should be the one to serve it to you."

"That's so nice of you. Thanks." Ash complemented.  "Here... for your trouble." He took a bill on his wallet and offered it to Miguel.

"That’s okay. You can leave the tip later. We equally share it here anyway." Miguel said refusing to take the money. “Thanks though. I really appreciate it.”

"See you around then Miguel. It was nice meeting you."

"Likewise, Sir Ash."

"I told you, just Ash."

"Alright, see you around too Ash." Miguel said before walking out of the restaurant.

photo here