The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary. Men alone are quite capable of every wickedness. 

....................... .................. ..........................

The worn out house in front of him were nothing but in ruin. As if it will fall anytime now. Situated in the deep heart of Thailand, this place were nothing but a large sized garbage can. At least that's what it looked like to him. He let out another puff of smoke then threw what was left of the cigarette before crashing it below his feet.

"This is just like what I imagined her to be in. I hate this smell. Reminding me of my chicken's poop. My good chickens, I am already missing them. Gosh I am hungry enough as it is."

Gulf finally looked beside him at the nuisance he call his friend. He wasn't even sure if they were friends. But if you ask Mild, he will always say that it was more than just friendship.

"Reminding me of old times." He finally said while taking in his surroundings. This place does look like one of those places. That people forgets very easily.

Mild only laughed while taking a sip of his bear. Then he looked at the man standing beside him looking more calm then the silent house before them. "Never thought I will see you here again this soon Kanawut. But here you are."

"I am 33 already."

"Yeah you do look old. Not many can look this much younger like me."

"You are 32!"

"But I look not more than 18."

Gulf looked at the mad man before him before staring up ahead again. "118 to be precise."

"You're just jealous because you don't have my looks and my chickens."

Gulf's hands were itching for the cigarette packet in his front pocket and the gun inside his back pocket. If only those damn chickens were here now.

"Still..." Mild look at him, the only person he ever called family. Those eyes radiating warmness that was always there for him for some reason. "Still I am happy to see you again, Kanawut. I really am."

Those cold black orbs went soft for a second, just for a second only. And if you  were not looking closely you won't be able to even realize it. The words were on his tongue. That he was glad too. After so many times, to be able stand beside this stupid friend of him, he was happy too. But as usual, if Gulf Kanawut is bad at one thing, it was to express emotions. So he opted to ignore them again. "Of course you are. Just say that you are glad that now you've someone who will pay for your uncountable chicken fries."

A burst of laughter left Mild's lips while shaking his head in amusement. "Uh, you caught me!"

His eyes met with the black ones that were nothing but filled with coldness and devoid of any emotion. But still, Mild knew that those eyes, those unemotional eyes were capable of warmness too. He has seen it himself.

He has seen it all those years ago, on that dark night while they met for the first time. In a place similar to this one. 

Just then the sound of a door opening stopped the trip to memory lane. A woman in her late fifties were standing there looking confused for a moment. Before she finally looked at the man with black eyes.

A gasp left her lips. Fear clear as day taking over her wide eyes and Gulf could understand why. 

She was afraid. She was scared. Because she was not seeing him at that time. She was seeing the man she testified against 15 years ago. After all, Gulf Kanawut was the spitting image of his father. The only different was that his father had a heart and Gulf knew his was buried alive a long time ago. 15 years ago to be precise. 

"Long time no see Amanda. I must say, you are very good at hiding." Gulf took a step ahead and this was all it took for the woman to ran back inside leaving the door still wide open while screaming for her life.

"See! She is here. I knew she got the information that you were coming and if you came she will try to hide in her usual place. After all you're like vinegar to her."

"I am Vinegar?" He looked at the lunatic beside him with confusion. 

Mild shook his head in affirmative before throwing the beer can side. "Haven't you heard of the saying that 'you attract more flies with honey than vinegar'?"

"Why would I want to attract flies?" 

Mild looked at him, he looked back.

A sigh left Gulf's lips. It was useless to argue with this dickhead. "Never mind. Now if you are already finished, we have a woman to chase." Gulf looked ahead again, getting ready to go into that darkness he was seeing.

"You make it sound so corny"

"Shut up Suttinut"

"I was just saying if you want..."

"I am a married man."

Mild looked amazed for a moment before taking out the knife from his front pocket. "Almost forgot. When are you gonna introduce us."

Gulf rolled up his sleeve taking a step ahead. "After I am sure he wont kill you at first sight."

"Aww, you care for me so much man."

"Just die already."

Mild laughed then looked ahead too, the warmth leaving his eyes little by little as they both enter through the door that was waiting for them. After all, they have a woman to chase, more clearly, to murder at least.

Mild's eyes shined with eagerness and the man who's eyes were fixated ahead was filled with nothing but the darkness that were threatening to bury everything alive.

..................................... ................................. ..........................

Sometimes there comes a moment when you just have to rethink your decisions and set your priorities straight. But then again, priorities keep changing. From People to money to people and back to money again. Gulf won't say that there are no in-between. Cause there are. But that doesn't mean humans forget their greedy nature. We are an abnormal species after all.

But right now she was proving him wrong.

"I...I won't tell you anything. I don't even know what are you talking about." Though her voice, tone, dilated pupils all were saying otherwise. She knows. She knows something that he has been trying to find out for the last fifteen years. And she is gonna tell. If not by this then some other way.

"Ah, she talks too much. It's disturbing my sleep." Mild sat up in the dirty couch where he was trying to sleep for a moment. He was too tired after the interrogation they were doing for almost two hours now.

"Mild, how much will her organ cost again?" Gulf sipped his coffee while looking at his friend gulping down the beer in his hand while shamelessly ogling the woman walking on the ramp on the TV that already has seen it's expiry date a long time ago. His eyes reluctantly turned towards Gulf. A scowl was present on his face.

"Which part are you talking about? Eyes, heart or kidney."

"Wh..what are you talking about." The woman stuttered in fear but Gulf's attention was more on the coffee cup in his hand.

The fear gripping at her voice was increasing again and so was his curiosity. He wanted to know..her limit. Exactly where does this stop? At her end or his beginning?

"Everything. She looks like a healthy woman." Mild finally shut down the tv while getting up from the dirty sofa, not looking happy at all to leave the woman with a short red dress walking on the red carpet.

His eyes going towards the woman tied in the chair. Definitely not liking what he was seeing this time. And Gulf can understand why.

Her hair was in a mess, so was her eyeliner streaming down her face. If he was a painter he will definitely paint it. Broken, messed up, dark...just to his liking.

"I can get you more than 35 million for her. You know how much kidneys are in demand now." A burst of laughter left his lips. "We need those after gulping down these organ damaging fucking drinks after all."

"Pl..Please..I really don't know anything.." She was crying. Those tears streaming down her face like waterfalls were so satisfying to watch. As if her world was breaking. As if she lost everything in that moment. As if she was in utter indescribable pain. As if she was....faking it again.

Just like that day.Only this time the fear Gulf was seeing in her eyes was real. What he missed seeing that time....

"Can you tell me if you recognize the man standing there?" The lawyer asked the question to a nice looking young lady around his mother's age. And this time he can feel his mom gripping his hand in anticipation. She was worried. He can tell. But why was she? That lady will tell the truth.

That lady will say that his father didn't rape that six year old girl like everyone was saying. Then he will enter that school again with his head held high looking at everyone. He will tell them that he wasn't the bastard's son like they keep telling him. That his father was the best father in the world. He will tell them all.

But he couldn't cause the next words escaping from that nice looking lady's lips stopped it all. His world, his dreams, his family..all ruined at that moment. And a 15 year old him could do nothing but watch when she said that...That 15 year old boy could do nothing but watch in fear. When his world was burning down, all he could so was stare, like a puppet.

"Yes...it is him." Tears stream down her face ruining her mascara in the process. "He is the one who rapped my little girl. She is still in the ICU..He...He is a monster....Please, your honor, I want him to get his punishment. Please...help my child getting justice."

A loud shrieking sound echoed around the room. It took him a moment to realize that it was coming from his mother's lips. But he did nothing. He didn't embrace her, he didn't tell her that it's ok. Everything will be alright. Cause it is not ok. Nothing will be ok anymore. And he was right nothing was ok from that moment. Her one fake cry ruined his childhood and his family....And all that time, through that whole event, he stayed in one place. Like a good boy, like a puppet. Looking at accusing eyes. With nothing but fear.

Fear of the unknown future. Fear for his mother who was still screaming. Fear for the nightmares that won't end anymore. And the fear was there. For so many days until he decided. 

Instead of being afraid he was going to become something to fear.

And by the look of this woman's face, he will say he succeeded. It is funny actually how that same lady who is not so nice looking anymore was begging him to spare her life. But he can't do it. She was right about one thing that day though. There was a monster. But it wasn't his father. It is him. It always has been inside him.

And She shouldn't have woken him up.

"Ok I believe you..you really don't know anything." He stood up from the chair taking the gun from the table beside him. "Mild this place is soundproof isn't it?

"Of course. You can bet on it. I already did a survey. Just don't make a mess. Kill her with less blood spilling. I can't have blood smells on my attire. My chickens will hate it once I go home."

He and his precious chickens. It was odd for a man to have a chicken farm like him who slaughter people without blinking an eye. But then we both were unpredictable from the start anyway.

"NO..No...Please...let me go." And the tears started to fall again. If he could he would've laughed. But he can't. So no need for wasting time trying to do it right now. And his hands completely agreed as it raised the gun in front of her temple. A clear shot. Spot dead. Less blood. Just like that fucker and his damn chicken wants. 

"Time of death." He looked at his watch." 12:30"

"NO..I will say..I will tell you.." Mild snickered going back to his tv and ramp show. But He was disappointed. He really wanted to kill her.

"Couldn't you be one second late to open your mouth? I wanted to reach my office early. Damn it."

But since she wasn't late so that means he can't kill her. But he doesn't think he could've killed her anyway. The gun was empty with no bullets. She doesn't need to know that of course. 

He drag the chair close to her looking right at her eyes making her see exactly what she will go through if she wanted to lie.

"Start."

A hesitant look crosses her eyes but she began to speak anyway. And by the time she was finished he was sure about one thing. And Mild just confirmed his thoughts. He didn't even realize when Mild came to stand beside him.

"It wasn't a rape case only. It was a cover-up. And that little girl was sacrificed just like uncle Kanawut."

The disbelief in his voice didn't escape Gulf's notice. But he decided not to answer. His hands already taking out the cigarette pack. Lifting one to his mouth then lighting it up easily. he was even surprised by how normal he was feeling.

I knew this, didn't I? From a long time ago.

"They made him the scapegoat." He looked at him. A chuckle leaving his lips. A sudden burn was spreading through his chest. For a moment he thought he was having a heart attack but then he realized it was only the pain. Just an invisible pain.  The one he is always having. The one that didn't leave him alone since he buried his father. It's that pain. 

Same old pain. Same old him. Same old story. Only this time, the writer will be different.

"A goat sent into the wilderness after the Jewish chief priest had symbolically laid the sins of the people upon it." He took my gun out again putting the bullets in there one by one. "The goat was sacrificed." The burning increased more. "The people lived happily ever after even though it was their fault." The gun looked shining as new and her eyes looked as big as they can be when he softly put it on her forehead again.

"But why should the goat suffer alone. Those people need to pay for their sins too, right?"

"Pl..please..no..please..I am sorry."

She was sorry. She was feeling sorry after 15 years. Not good enough. He leaned towards her looking at her right in the eyes. "And so with the goat, the people shall atone to." 

And the trigger was pulled. He always loved clear shots. They ensure death in a second. The nice looking lady was not looking so nice anymore. She was looking hideous. He wanted to take a picture. But instead, he turned towards Mild's face. He was still drinking while watching the scene. A cold smirk appearing on his lips. 

"Nice shot. I almost forgot how beautiful can spilled out brain looks like."

Yeah. He does have a point. Thought Gulf really did wish he could've done this 15 years ago instead of today. His feet already was walking towards the wall behind the woman that was painted in red now. The color looks really good. Black smeared with bloody red. 

It's quiet funny how he always used to think that maybe her blood will be black in color just like the heart that was beating inside him. He keep the gun back inside his pocket before taking out his cigarettes' packet. "You know where to bury her, don't you?" 

"Of course." Mild came and stood beside him. "I even cleaned the place properly before coming here."

He nodded absentmindedly while touching the blood that was spread in his coat. Then light up the cigerrete with the same fingers. The blood still was stuck in his fingers. It felt cold but warm at the same time. 

"We are so going to hell Kanawut. I hope they have beer there. And also fried chicken at least." Mild's laughter echoed around the room as he started to untie the rope around the woman. But Gulf's eyes went to the red wall again, thinking about what that fucker just said. Hell!

A dark chuckle unknowingly left his lips while taking out a  handkerchief from his pocket. Trying to wipe the blood away.

"I am already in hell, Suttinut." With that, he left that place. Leaving that bloody walls and the hideous lady behind him. 

The counting has already started in his mind. 

One down, Many more to go.

............................. .................... ................... 
"You must be happy!"

Happy! When was the last time he was happy? As a kid, an adult, or when he didn't understand anything and was still in the dark? Bright seems to think he always happy after winning a case. Just like now. When those eyes settled on him through the video camera. Gulf can still see the man in a coat and the abandoned courtroom behind him too. The judge just gave the verdict a while ago declaring his client whom he left behind in New York, innocent. Turned out Gulf was right. It was the son who killed his mother putting the blame on his father later.

"I don't know. Describe happiness. for me, will you?" Bright's eyes filled with a look of what he can only assume as sympathy. He is wrong to sympathize with a monster like him. "And stop looking at me that way. I am not someone you can show sympathy to Bright. I thought you know that enough by now."

"Yes yes, the untouchable mighty Gulf Kanawut. Who doesn't need sympathy." He rolled his eyes before narrowing them on Him. Something is about to come out from Bright's lips that he won't like.

 "And also someone who doesn't know what love is. I feel pity for you, Gulf. Really, I do."

Was it his fault then? What does he even expect from a person who raised himself by getting beaten? Whether it was verbal abuse or physical. Until of course he started being the one beating others on a daily basis. No need to mention those other things he did. Bright lives in a world where either everything shine constantly or submerged in ending darkness. Bright's world was simple. And he wished to keep it that way. That man doesn't need to know the darkness he faces every day. He doesn't need to know that in Gulf's world, there is only darkness that remains.

"You don't know who I am. So, what you think of me doesn't define me at all. But it's great to know that I have a friend who pities me. I am feeling very lucky to be the object of your pityness. Do remind me of this moment when I have to take another case that you just can't crack."

"You know I love you." The tone changed suddenly making Gulf narrow his eyes at the man who was smiling through the camera now. "You are the only one whose picture I hang on my wall, Gulf. You know that" And the buttering starts. Sometimes he really doesn't know what he was gonna do with this asshole!

"Yeah, with so many of your ever changing girlfriends." His gasp could be heard clearly as those eyes turned into a glare. 

"You know what? I hate you."

"Now we are talking about something. Do you want me to describe the meaning if hatred to you instead?"

His eyes narrowed even more turning into slits. "I will wait for that moment Kanawut. Remember my words. When you fall in love I will be the first one to tell you that your life is completely screwed. Cause that's what love is. It screws with your mind, soul and takes everything away until.."

A sad look cross over his face and Gulf instantly knew. He immediately know who that idiot was remembering. 

"Until you have nothing to give anymore."

"Then I guess I am never falling in love." His eyes went towards the mobile phone that was ringing beside his table. An unknown number flashing there. He looked back at the man who was looking at him with depressed eyes. He looks screwed. The only proof that He was in love. That one plague that Gulf was never gonna encounter. "Cause I have nothing to give Bright." 

He was already empty. Beside this rage that eat his insided everyday, he has nothing to offer to anyone. Never had since that time when everything was forcefully taken from him without his fucking consent.

"We shall see." Bright's voice was challenging. But what he didn't know was that there was no competition. 

"Goodbye Vachirawit. And if you again put another picture of your daily changing slut beside me, I am coming after your ass."

He huffed in return, shutting the video camera in the process. 

His words were ringing in Gulf's ear. Love. That word itself sounded alien to him. He can't love anyone. Cause you need a heart for that. He already traded his a long time ago with my darkness. 

The ringing of the phone stopped. So did his train of thoughts. No need to think about useless things. He can't love anyone. Nobody can love him. Simple. There is not a person like that who can love a monster like him anyway. Especially when he will never be able to reciprocate those feelings back.

The phone started ringing again, This time with more urgency. The unknown number flashing before my eyes. Before he finally decided to accept.

"Hello!" An unsure voice came from behind the phone. A man's voice. Unsure, hesitant and also surprised as if he wasn't expecting him to accept his call. Maybe 40 or around that year old. "Is this  "Damn Oldy"...

It took him a moment to realize those words. "Damn Oldy." Where did he hear it before? Finally he remember. The day before yesterday....

"Kid!"

"Don't call me kid you damn oldy."

The 18 year old was seriously testing his patience now. Something has changed in that kid. After that night he seems to not fear me anymore. And also, this kid is becoming a pro in causing him headaches every now and then. "I am gonna throw you over the railing now if you don't stop talking. And stop shoving everything inside your mouth like that. Nobody is stealing your food." 

No, I can't kill him. I can't kill him. I can't kill him....yet.

"You starved me for two days. What did you expect!" His voice became muffled as he put more food into his mouth while glaring at Gulf in the process, This kid..he doesn't seem afraid of him at all. 

"If you forget, let me remind you. It was you who wanted to starve yourself to death rather than eating something that came from my.... what was that word again...oh right, dirty money. Your exact words."

"So.." He bites into the banana while pouring more juice into his glass. The 5th glass of that morning. "You jerk, you didn't even object. You just left me to starve and then die you damn oldy."

"NOT THAT WORD AGAIN."

"WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT."

He rubbed his forehead trying to let go of the head pain. "Kid..back to the subject. You have to follow my rules if you are living here." Every word was taking strength to utter. He was very close to saying hell to those plan and kill him right there. 

"I am not a kid."

"Then stop behaving like one."

"I hate you."

"Tell me something new" He threw the newspaper in the table getting up motioning for the servants to clear the table after finally having enough. "And God help me if I find you again singing "fucktard" in the middle of the night again. Especially when that song doesn't fucking exist, I am gonna lock you in that room and throw the key away."

That kid gasped pointing his banana at Gulf's face in an accusing manner. "Don't talk about my song. It is good. And entertaining unlike you who is boring and ...and"  He seems to think for a moment...

"Ah, forget it. I will find a bad word to describe your pricky self later. I am hungry." 

And that's how he knew the kid that was crying at the altar and after in the car was not the same. He can cry. But he can be damn freaking annoying who is not afraid of him. Why the hell is he not afraid of him? He can feel the headache coming back as his eyes fell on the kid who was busy in shoving another toast piece in his mouth while completely ignoring him.

"Hello..DamnOldy...damn oldy?."

"Yes." The words were through his greeted teeth. His knuckles already turning into a fist" This is damn oldy speaking."

He can hear a single sigh filled with relief from the other side. "Oh thank god. I'm the principal of St.Gabriel college."

"I don't think I am in the age of attending high school again."

A nervous laugh can be heard from the other end. He was nervous. Why was he nervous? He interrupted before Gulf can think more.

"Mr. Damn..

"It's Gulf Kanawut." He was so gonna kill that kid someday but before that, he am gonna have to snatch his mobile away from him to edit that fucking name before everyone began to address his as damn....

"Oh, Mr. Kanauwut. I am sorry for disturbing you like this."

"But you already did disturb me so just get to the point already." This idiot. Who made him the principal of a college.

"Oh..You are really funny."

No, he was not. You just can't accept the truth. 

"Yes. The funniest. Now can you tell me why you decided to disturb a busy man like me? You are wasting my time. And it's precious." All he can hear is laughter. That damn man. He is lucky to be not in front of him.

"You are too funny Mr. kanawut. Oh, I forgot why I called you.?

Finally. It took him five minutes to remember.

"Mew Suppasit is related to you right?"

"Why?" What did the kid do this time?

"He has done a very questionable act  toda that needs punishment Mr. Kanawut. He almost put Miss Natasha's hair on fire today. And she has very nice smooth hair."

And I am not gonna question how he knows that.

"This can't be overseen at all.?"

All for smooth hair? This man is only after smooth hair. And he is gonna sacrifice that kid to save it. That means I need to go.

"You understand right? If you can come.."

"I will be there shortly." He cut the call not giving him another chance to complain about how grave mistake that kid must've done by touching those goddamn smooth freaking hair.

................................................................... ........................... ....................

He don't know what he was expecting. But a man with a belly bigger than his body and laughing while talking about hairstyle is not it. Also, an angry kid who doesn't like to be called a kid sitting in a corner chair while looking down is not it either.

Why do I even try to have expectations anyway?

"So you are saying you want to suspend this kid.."

"I am not a kid" 

Gulf glared at him. The kid's head still bowed down while grumbling those words. "I will deal with you later."

The he turned bck towards that over-smiling belly-dancing man again. "Where was I? Oh yes. hair burning or something? You want to suspend him for burning those so called smooth hair." He looked towards a crying woman standing on the corner while trying to give him a flirtatious smile. "Her hair doesn't look that smooth. Besides the most that can happen was her going bald. I thought being bald is in fashion nowadays."

That man coughed loudly while moving the pen in his hand with a fast movement. "Mr. Kanawut.."

"Kid.." He ignored him trying to grab the attention of that 18 year old who seems to made ignoring Gulf his life motto. Along with singing that fucking song. "Go outside."

"Why should I listen to you damn oldy.."

"Mew." He seems to stop what he was about to say. "Go outside. I won't repeat again."

He stood up after giving the black eyed man a death glare and silently went outside. It was only after that when he looked back at the principal.

 
"Let's forget the hair and the smoothness for a moment and concentrate on another part."
Gulf fisted my hands trying not to lose control but his voice gave away the anger that was spreading through him.

"Yes, of course, Me Kanawut. We can discuss anything. It's my honor to associate with a reputable lawyer like you."

He unfisted my fingers and leaned back on the chair. The anger trying to burst through but that doesn't mean he will let it.
"Good. Let's start with the red marks I saw in his hands."

His laughter vanished. Just like the flirting smile from the wanna be fake model of Victoria's secret.
"I.. actually, you know how kids needed to be disciplined."

Oh, he knew. He knew it all too well. After All, he went through it himself. The sound of the repetitive stick coming down on his hand in an unstoppable manner was still lurking around his mind. A distant memory.
And when he entered today, that's what he saw first.

His eyes were on the kid for a mere moment only. And in that moment, he saw everything. He saw how that kid was rubbing his hands together. How he was sniffling quietly and how they were cornering him. And at that moment, something stuck in his throat. His chest constricted up making him feel emotions that was long forgotten. He wanted to hurt someone then. He wanted to hurt someone really bad. Cause this all was familiar. This was reminding him of something.

At that moment, that kid reminded him of someone. Someone very very close.

"No, I don't know actually. But let me say this for once and all. That kid.." He leaned forward taking the pen from the principal's now trembling hand. "If I ever saw him coming back home with any mark on anywhere in that body, I'm gonna make sure you will never be able to teach anywhere ever again."

The room became silent. He threw the pen in the trash bin nearby. A moment later a trembling voice came from the man in front of him.

"Are..are you his guardian to treat us like this." The egotistical illogical prideful voice irritated him to no end. He wanted to wipe it off.

"Exactly. I'm his guardian from now on." He still don't understand what made him say that at that moment. He doesn't even know why he was feeling so protective over that idiot. Wasn't he supposed to be the one throwing him to the wolves? Then why was he protecting him instead?

"So don't even think about touching even a hair on his head if you don't want me to come after your ass and also.. " 

He looked at the woman standing with shock clearly written over her face. "Her hair.. it's not smooth. It looks rough. Tell her to change her shampoo or better yet, don't grab her hair so tightly the next time you fuck her. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have to leave."

He checked his watch. It was already 6 in the evening. He had another appointment with his insane friend who was texting him demanding another free chicken fried package delivered to him.

"Also.." before he exit the room he turned back towards them "Mew will attend school from tomorrow. You don't have any objection do you?"

"N...no. of course not. He is such a bright student. We will be lucky to have him." He stood up with that sickening sweet fake smile of his. "It was nice talking to you Mr. Kanawut" The trembling in his voice gave away the fear he was trying to hide from showing.

"But It was not nice talking to you. Do you know you let out split while talking? Fix that habit."

He didn't wait to see the principal's reaction, he was already out of the door going towards his car knowing who was in already. And he was right. That kid was right there, sitting in the passenger seat with crossed arms. Eyes straight ahead. Ignoring him again.

And he kept ignoring him. And it was ok for Gulf because he was ignoring that kid too while concentrating on the road in front of him. His thoughts were in a mess. Making him question again and again about why, why he came here. Why did he behave like that? Why he feel that protectiveness.

"I want ice cream"

He almost missed the whispered words. Until that kid speaks again making him glancing sideway at the boy who was sitting with pouted lips and crossed arms .

"I want ice cream Oldy." Those brown childish eyes that were still laced with unshed tears were looking at him. To his surprise, this time, without a glare.

"What!"

"Chocolate ice cream." That kid said again making him question his hearing.

"So."

And the glare returns. "So buy it for me. Aren't you my husband? You've to do what I say."

He almost made him remind that it was those same lips that were spouting words after words about how this little boy will never consider him as just that....a husband.

"Oldy..."That kid whined making him turned towards the road again.

"Kid, I'm two seconds away from opening the door and pushing you off the car. So keep shut." He concentrate on the road again trying to ignore those whine leaving that devilish mouth. "And why the hell did you even try to put her hair on fire."

That boy huffed. He seems to do it a lot actually. Then sat sideways in the seat facing him. "She was annoying. And she...she always try to... nothing. Just forget it."

It wasn't nothing. There is a story behind that pause. But the question was does he wanted to know about that or not. He doesn't want to get himself more involved. He doesn't care what that woman does. He doesn't care what that kid feels. 

He doesn't care if those lips were trembling now while trying to hide the tears that were just waiting to fall down.

He doesn't care. He doesn't care at all. Then why did he said those words next?
"Which ice cream shop?"

The trembling disappeared. The tears went back. Instead, a brightening light appeared on those eyes along with an even more shining smile.

 
"I know one. They have the best chocolate flavors. And they have mint flavor too. Oldy do you want mint? It suits you. Also, I want to try that vanilla and strawberry one mixed together. But Kaw Kaw said it doesn't taste good together. Still I think I'm gonna mix them together. Chocolate always blends with everything. Do you know they have a gem machine too....

He kept talking, blabbering, sometimes singing, sometimes pointing at something with excited eyes through the window and sometimes glaring at him while arguing. The whole way, that kid kept doing everything and he kept hearing. Silently, willingly, without even knowing why he was doing it in the first place. 

But in-between those moments, he found out why those thoughts surrounded him when he first saw that kid today in that school. He  figured out why the thought of protecting that shine in those eyes felt like an absolute necessity to him. He found out why he was behaving that way.

Because this kid, this unbelieving, glaring, threatening kid who smiles like as if he holds the sun and moon in his eyes together reminded him of someone. Someone too scared, someone who was once too fragile, someone who use to get back home every day hiding the tears. Someone who uses to take every abuse silently. This kid who was arguing with him again with long dried tears on his face,  reminded him of someone he couldn't save 15 years ago.

This stupid ice cream-loving kid who calls him oldy reminded him of someone very close.

This kid reminded him of himself.
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This is not good at all. Doesn't matter how much I try, this chapter is still not under 3k words. Almost all chapters are over 6k. Why can't I write less...Anyway enough of my blabbering.

Sorry for the late update guys. Was on vacation. Just got back yesterday. From now on, I will try my best to update regularly.

P:S Don't forget to vote and comment. I love to read all of your thoughts. It makes me want to write better.

Hopefully, you guys like this chapter. Next one will come sooner. I swear on Mew's chocolate Ice cream.

Till then, Byeeeeee