Complete

25: Past

"Why did you let Gulf join this conversation?"

The seconds ticked by.

Seo Joon's aura got colder and more intimidating.

"You might think that it is only a little dip in the pool of the underworld.

But this pool of blood is overflowing.

A little dip is equivalent to a splash. Gulf is drenched in it now."

With his fingers tightening around the glass, it shattered under the pressure.

Blood dripped from his hand onto the carpet, vanishing amidst the black velvet.

Rubbing his temple, he collapsed against the couch.

"What the fuck do you think you are doing."

Gone is the stoic man Mew knows.

Before him is a man who is worried for his younger brother.

"I guess you have figured out that Gulf is not our blood brother.

Our dad found him on the streets, stitching his own wounds. He had done it swift and clean. Our dad saw potential in Gulf and took him under his wing.

He sponsored Gulf to go study medicine. Gulf went to Oxford at the age of 17, graduating when he was 21.

At first, our dad's sponsorship was for Gulf to be part of our group. Nonetheless, as time went by, we grew to love him. You know how loveable he is."

Seo Joon smiled weakly at Mew.

Mew nodded, smiling softly.

"So we left the choice up to him. Whether to enter the underworld and join us or not.

We would always protect him regardless which path he chose. In our hearts, we already regarded him as one of us. Our family.

After graduating, Gulf told us that he wanted to enter the underworld and join us.

He wanted to use his knowledge to protect us from death's door. Despite knowing the dangers of entering the underworld.

However, being in the underworld is like playing Russian Roulette. You don't know when you are going to die.

Gulf wasn't able to save our father who got shot. This was two years after Gulf joined us. Our father already lost too much blood and couldn't be saved. Yet, our baby boy-"

Seo Joon's voice cracked.

He sucked in a deep breath, closing his eyes.

"He blamed himself and stopped practicing medicine.

But he couldn't give up his passion for medicine.

He learnt how to be a vet, graduating when he was 26. He opened the clinic alongside my other brothers a year later.

We didn't want him to be reminded of our dad's death. We didn't want him to be near the underworld. Where he would have to constantly face his demons.

So we disbanded our group despite being the strongest in Thailand. We withdrew from the underworld, though I still keep tabs to ensure that everything is stable.

Yet you and your brother-"

Seo Joon's eyes flung upon, emotionless.

"ARE FUCKING DRAGGING HIM BACK TO THAT HELLHOLE?!"

Seo Joon's voice trembled. His hands are shaking.

"Is this how you love him? By leading him like a lamb to the slaughter?" Seo Joon whispered.

Mew shook his head. Looking straight in Seo Joon's eyes, he recited the Oath.

I, Mew Suppasit Jongcheevat,

Vow to protect Gulf.

Even when facing the Sickle,

I will not waver.

May my blood bear witness of my loyalty to the Oath.

Should the Oath be broken,

my life be laid

and body be scattered.

The Oath is the underworld's creed. If recited, under no circumstances can you retract your promise. If you break your promise, the bearer to whom the Oath is directed to has the right to kill you no matter how powerful you are. No one else is allowed to intervene.

Seeing Seo Joon calm down, Mew continued.

"My first meeting with Gulf started with me pushing him aside before he could get a word in.

Maybe it was his kindness or my vulnerability in that moment that caused him to look past that. Allowing us to get to know each other more.

I'm sure you know but the line of work you and I have is...Stressful.

Yet a single phone call from Gulf can wash away my troubles and ease me.

He is my lifeline.

Without him, I can't survive.

I will do whatever it takes to protect him. Whether I have to travel to hell and back."

Silence ruled over them for a while. Both collecting their thoughts.

All of a sudden, Seo Joon stood up, Mew following suit.

"Go. My brother should be at the park near the pet clinic. Go get him." Seo Joon patted Mew's shoulder.

"Thanks Seo Joon." Mew smiled, giving Seo Joon a bro hug.

Seo Joon chuckled upon seeing Mew's back disappear down the hallway swiftly.

Lovesick fools...