"Kwan. Kwan. Wake up."
I opened my eyes and blinked around in the dark.
"Happy birthday, baby." He whispered and let out a low throaty chuckle.
I smiled, closing my eyes again. "You could just do it tomorrow. Why waste your sleep hours?"
"I wanted to be the first." He said and slipped under my arms. He buried his head on my chest and exhaled. "What do you want for a present?"
"Um pack yourself and gift me."
He chuckled. "You can unpack me anywhere, anytime."
I chuckled. "What about now?"
"Huh? We are at your parents house. Not here!"
"But you said anytime, anywhere."
"No, except here."
"Hmm." My eyelids felt heavier.
"Don't fall asleep. Talk to me!" He exclaimed. "It's your birthday. Come on, show some excitement."
"There is nothing exciting in getting older."
"Fine! Don't be."
I leaned closer to whisper in his ear. "You have become quite demanding, dear boyfriend."
"Deal with it. You brought this upon yourself."
I kissed his head. "I chose the right one."
He sighed. "Fine, sleep. I don't know why I am being so excited. It's not even my birthday."
I chuckled sleepily.
He didn't speak anymore and as silence stretched, I drifted back to sleep.
I woke up early and left the bed quietly. It was drizzling lightly so I went to watch the the rain in the balcony with a cup of hot green tea. Birthdays were never my thing. I had no excitement about birthdays. I just couldn't understand the excitement behind getting older. It didn't matter for me. But I guess only I thought that way. But there's nothing wrong with it. Others always ridiculed me for feeling that way but it didn't matter to me. If I didn't feel the excitement for birthdays, there was nothing I could do. Even then, I didn't want to celebrate my birthday. I wanted to run away from it. It was only on birthdays where your whole world showers you with love and attention and the next day, moves on with the bitterness. I didn't like it. It felt fake except for my family's.
I pulled my phone out and scrolled down the texts from friends and relatives, wishing me a happy birthday. I frowned when I found that Jeremy had sent me some pictures of that bastard in captive. And I was itching to go and break his jaw. It made me so mad that the back of my neck started to heat up, burning my cheeks.
"Good morning, son."
I turned to look at my mom smiling at me. She outstretched her hand and walked to me to hold me into an embrace.
"Happy birthday. You are all grown up now, huh?" She pulled away and shove off some invisible dust from my shoulder.
I smiled. "Always getting older."
"So...what do you want to do for your birthday?" She asked.
I hesitated. I wanted to run away. "Uh...mom, actually there is something that I need to sort out back in the city."
"Is it an emergency?" She frowned.
I nodded, biting my lips. I lied. "Yes."
She exhaled. "You are doing it again. Why do you not like to celebrate your birthday, Kwan? It's not the first time anyway. You always ran away or made some excuses to not celebrate your birthday. Is there any reason behind it?"
I took a deep breath. "No mom, I just don't like it. It's nothing else."
"I am your mother, Kwan. And I know there is something you are hiding."
I pressed my lips together. "You are reading too much between the lines, mother. I swear there is nothing."
She narrowed her eyes. "So now you are planning to go back today?"
I gulped down and nodded. "Yes."
She sighed and took a moment to reply. "Fine. I will cook you delicious lunch instead."
I grinned. "Thanks mom."
She shook her head glaring at me.
The decision was made. I booked the tickets and let Kao know about it. He was disappointed with me for taking the decision without asking him. After a great deal of wishes from my family, I packed my bags. Mom had cooked delicious lunch- not that her meal wasn't always delicious- and after that, we were ready to leave.
I waited near the car. Mom had taken Kao with her to give him something. I scrolled through my phone as I waited patiently.
"Hoi."
I turned to see Puai glaring at me.
I smiled at her. "What?"
"Here." She handed me a small rectangular box of maybe twenty centimeters.
I shook the box. "What's in here?" I asked, baffled.
"Open it when you reach home." She outstretched her arms.
I stepped closer and hugged her, patting her back. "I hope you get into a good university."
"I definitely will. I am smart." She pulled away and smacked my arms. "Smarter than you."
I chuckled. "I admit."
She looked around and leaned closer to talk in a quiet voice. "Diana likes you but I know you don't like her so I told her you already have someone else. She had been asking me a lot about you and I told her not to have her hopes up. You have to treat me for it." She grinned.
I looked at her in surprise. "What did you do?" I laughed.
She nodded smugly. "I know I am cool. If Grandpa finds out, I will be dead meat. But anything for you, bro." She showed me a thumbs-up, winking.
"I owe you one."
We turned to see Kao walking out with mom and dad. He looked flushed and had a small cardboard box in his hands. I smiled at them. I was glad grandpa wasn't home. He had to leave for some work. Diana followed after my parents.
"Visit us when you get time." Mom said, kissing my head.
I nodded. "I will." Dad and I exchanged a look and nodded at each other.
Kao and I got in the car. The driver started the engine and I turned to wave at my family.
He was quiet the whole way to the airport but once we were alone in the waiting hall after collecting our boarding passes, he turned to talk to me.
"You." He called.
"Yeah?"
"Your parents. They know about us!" He exclaimed.
I raised my eyebrows. "Do they?"
He frowned. "You don't know that they know?"
"What did they say?"
He moved closer to me and placed his hand nervously over my arm. "I think they gave me their blessings."
"You think?"
He nodded, his doe eyes quivering. "I thought I was going to die when they told they know I am dating their son. Oh my god! The horror. So many thoughts ran through my mind in a split second. I thought they would ask me to break up with you and never see you again. I feared they would do the same thing as my parents. Instead, they handed me this." He held up the cardboard box.
I smiled, clutching his hands. "So...aren't you happy?"
He smacked my arm. "You knew!"
I laughed. "I told my dad the other night and expected the same thing as you but to my surprise, they had known about it forever."
His eyes widened. "How did they know?"
I opened my mouth to say it but closed it again. Embarrassing. "Um...I don't know how either."
"Weird. Parents do know everything about their child." He looked away in confusion.
"What's in here?" I asked, pointing at the box on the seat next to him.
He shrugged. "A gift, they said. For me."
I nodded. "Mom must have packed you something nice."
He nodded. "By the way, why are we leaving today itself? I thought you are going to celebrate your birthday at home."
I shook my head. "Something came up."
He wanted to say something but the announcement broke off and it was time to board.
The flight was peaceful and we reached on time. He had slept the whole way while I was enveloped in my own thoughts. I had many things to worry about- or to be precise, to overthink about. I tried to clear my mind but I just couldn't. And he seemed to notice the change of behavior. He had asked me twice already if something was wrong but I had no idea how to speak my mind to him.
We reached my place and he ran off to the couch to lie down. I took a seat beside his head, staring ahead.
"Hey." He called.
"Hmm?"
"Is there something you want to tell me?"
I looked at him and smiled. "No. I am just a little tired."
He sighed. "Hmm, come lie down next to me."
I scoffed softly. "This couch isn't big enough for both of us."
"I will squeeze in. Come."
I grabbed his head gently and led him to place it on my lap instead. I ran my fingers through his hair and he closed his eyes, sighing.
"Wow, that feels good." He mumbled.
"I have some work to do. I will leave after a moment. You get some rest, okay?" I said, watching his face.
He opened his eyes and frowned. "But you said you are tired."
I traced the outline of his lips. "I am but this work is important."
He puckered his lips and kissed my finger.
I broke into a smile, squeezing his cheeks. "Being flirty, huh?"
He grinned. "Come back soon. We will have a small party on our own." He sat up excitedly.
I looked at him, not knowing how to refuse it. But watching his excitement, I didn't have the heart to do anything. "Okay, sure." I smiled.
He lounged at me and sat on my lap, wrapping his arms around my neck. "Who is getting older, huh?"
"The older one is always you."
He narrowed his eyes. "You don't need to remind me."
I laughed. "So...can I unwrap my gift now that we are home?"
He reached to touch my hair, his expression turning flirtatious. "Don't you have to leave for your work?"
"Hmm, you are right. But somebody is trying his best to keep me around."
"When did that happen?" He exclaimed, feigning innocence.
I looked down and his eyes followed. "Somebody has been putting pressure on something he shouldn't."
He flushed and pulled on my hair lightly. "I am just being comfortable on my boyfriend's lap."
I smiled, shaking my head.
"Let go of those thoughts for once from your head. Enjoy this moment. With me, here." He poked my head with his index finger.
I gazed into his eyes. He was right. I was so unhappy with my thoughts that I usually forgot to enjoy the moment. "Kao, do you want to be mine forever?" I asked. It just popped out of nowhere.
His eyes widened. "You still need clarification, you silly?"
I smiled half halfheartedly.
He scowled. "Kwan?"
"Hmm?"
"By any chance, have you considered visiting a psychiatrist?" He asked.
"Huh?" I frowned in confusion. "Because I seem like a madman?"
"No, because you seem depressed. You stay quiet and absentminded most of the time. I think I know these signs as being those of depression. I think you need to open your mind." He spoke softly, playing with my hair. "Talk to me. Tell me what you are thinking or what your fears are."
I slowly pulled him in a hug. "I know I can talk to you. But wait, I will come through."
"I am here if you need anything." He sighed.
I pulled away and slowly set him down on the couch from my lap. "I think I should leave for now."
He nodded. "Come back soon."
I smiled.
I got in my car and closed my eyes to meditate before starting the engine. I was overthinking too much. Now that he was with me, I should be happy. I should let go of the insecurities and live my life. I had been always mourning about his disappearance but he was back and I shouldn't be feeling that way. No matter what the world said, I had to fight.
I drove to Jeremy's said location and parked the car. I looked around and it seemed like I was in front of someone's mansion. I walked in the open gate and rang the door bell. Carlo opened the door and looked at me in surprise.
"Hi." I greeted.
"H-hi. Didn't know you would come today. Come in."
I smiled and walked in the house. The house was huge, full of sophisticated aesthetics- from paintings to furniture.
"Jeremy is in the shower. He will be here shortly." Carlo said, tossing down on the couch.
I sat on the other couch. "Jer told me about it. Thank you for finding that bastard."
He waved his hand in the air. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for Jeremy. He seemed pretty concerned for you."
I wanted to roll my eyes. Love birds.
After a while, Jeremy walked in sight with a huge grin. "Wow. Ready for show."
"Where is he?" I asked.
We walked in the basement- my heart was hammering against my heart. It was illegal. We had captured someone in the basement. My forehead was precipitating in nervousness. The room was dark- only a low power bulb was glowing at a corner but it was enough to show that bastard being curled up on the ground. He looked up at the sound of footsteps and his expression turned rigid as he saw us. He got on his feet and leaned against the wall in fear.
"What's wrong with him?" I asked, noticing the strange look in his eyes.
"We found him over-dosed on narcotics. He goes mad if he doesn't get a shot. The last shot was taken more than twenty-four hours ago so he must be sober now." Carlo muttered in a low voice.
I gritted my teeth.
Piere's eyes showed recognition as I stepped closer to him. "You! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?" He yelled.
I stayed calm though I was burning in rage inside. I was just one step away from beating the shit out of him. "You know me?" I asked.
"Of course I do. You are the one who brought me here. Let me go or else I will tell the police."
I turned to look at Carlo and Jeremy who took my sign and left us alone. I walked closer to Piere. He shrunk closer to the wall.
His blood shot eyes turned wide. "Are you going to kill me?"
I put my hands up in defense. "Do I look like a killer to you?"
He exhaled in relief but it was short lived.
I reached in my pocket and pulled the cigarette packet and lighter. I offered one to him and lit one for myself. He seemed puzzled by my gesture.
I took a puff and blew the smoke out. My throat burned. It had been long since I had last smoked. "Do you know how much he means to me?" I asked, reaching to hold his dirty shirt's collar that once used to be white.
He gulped down. "Who? Kao? But you just met him a few days ago."
"Seems like that, doesn't it?" I asked, moving my hand down to unbutton his buttons- my other hand holding the cigar between two fingers.
"W-what are you doing?" He asked, placing his hand over mine- a weak attempt to stop me.
I crooked a smile, not answering. I continued to unbutton three of the buttons.
"W-were you after me for this?" He asked, finding the courage to step closer.
I gritted my teeth and met his eyes, a menacing smile taking over my lips. I leaned forward to speak in his ear. "You think I will be after your disgusting ass?" With a sharp intake of breath, I pushed him back to the wall, pulling his shirt down and exposing his chest. I held him by the neck. With shaky hands, I pressed the burning butt of the cigar on his chest. God, how it felt good to hear his scream echo against the empty walls. He struggled under me and managed to free himself. He made a run towards the door.
Before he could reach the door, I grabbed him by his shirt and threw him on the floor. He quickly got on his feet and made an attempt to fight back in a daze. But I was bigger and stronger. I quickly held him in a head hold- from years of experience from playing with my sisters around. But this head hold was stronger and tighter. He repeatedly patted on my arm, groaning and choking. Kao's face flashed in my mind again and again, reminding me why I shouldn't stop.
"You must realize you messed with the wrong person." I said after a moment of choking him.
"I...Let me...go. Pl...ea..se" He groaned.
With a deep breath, I let him go. He stumbled against the wall, coughing and cursing.
I hesitated to take another step towards him because I knew the control I was holding would be lost if I really started beating him up. At that rate, I might end up killing him. I clenched and unclenched my jaw, debating.
"Ugh! I will kill you all!" He screamed, charging towards me.
I took my stance and threw him a hard punch on the face- that I could hear the crack of the jaw. Blood splashed on the wall and he fell on the ground, completely motionless. I rubbed the back of my hand. It stung really bad. It was a really hard blow.
I walked out of the room like nothing had happened and fully satisfied. Jeremy and Carlo were making out on the couch and I rolled my eyes at them.
"Have some manners guys. There is a guest at home." I spoke, patting my hanker chief over my forehead.
Jeremy jumped away from Carlo and arranged his shirt.
Carlo cleared his throat, completely scarlet. "Done?" He asked.
I nodded. "Yes. I think we should give him to the police now. He will wake up in prison."
"Wake up?" Jeremy frowned.
I smiled.
….
"Oh my God, uncle Jack! You won't believe how he held up a hard fight. Don't go by the size. He really can put up a fight. So, we didn't have any other way but to fight back. I am sorry we had to beat him motionless but it was for self defense." Jeremy made up a story about how we found that bastard in an ally and had to put up with a fight. "They were four and the others ran away after we knocked this one down. So, yeah. Here is your criminal." Jeremy smiled.
Uncle Jack stared at us with no expression on his face. He was not buying it. He knew what his nephew and his boyfriend were capable of. But there was nothing he could do.
"Fine. Leave him with us." Uncle Jack sighed. "Go now, I have other works to do."
We walked out of the station and I finally took a breath of relief. The danger from Kao's life was omitted. He would be delighted to know about it.
"So, home now?" Carlo asked, staring ahead at the parked cars.
I nodded. "Home now." Back to Kao.
........................