Sweet Devil [BL]

Chapter 65. The Road

Chewing on his lower lip, Misha slowly stretched a hand toward the golden wristwatch, which lay like an offering in the middle of his bed. His fingertips caressed the delicate ornaments carved in its case, and soon, a smile made its way to his lips, slightly curling up the corner of his mouth.

It wasn't the first time that Misha had taken the watch out of its hiding spot so that he could observe it and carve its image in his memory. But today was a bit special.

As he stroked the leather strap, Misha let his mind wander to the past. He thought of those long lonely years without his loved ones and how much time he had lost in regret. That period of his life felt so far away and yet so close. It was an odd feeling that made his heart throb in pain.

"Really, Santa Claus couldn't have given me a better gift."

He let out a chuckle, thinking back on the night he met the chubby old man. He was dead drunk and wanted to take a nap outside despite the raging snowstorm. If Santa Claus hadn't brought him inside his house, Misha would most likely have died, frozen to death.

Now that he took the time to think about it, things became somewhat mystical after the man's appearance. Still, never in his wildest dream would he have imagined that this chubby old man was Santa Claus in the flesh. Well, he did make a joke about his stereotypical appearance. However, that was never more than a lame joke, and it shouldn't have been taken seriously.

"Not only did he save my life, but he also gave me a chance to change my past. Even if he is Santa Claus, isn't he too good-natured?" Misha paused before snorting, "Or, did he take pity on me?"

When the words left his mouth, Gabriel's tired and bloody face flashed through his mind. Back at the bar, that listless appearance of his did startle Misha, but anger got the better of him and blurred his judgment. If Dereck hadn't stepped in to stop him from beating the man, there wouldn't have been much left of Gabriel's handsome face.

"Maybe it wasn't me that Santa Claus pitied," Misha let out a self-mocking laugh. In this tragic life of his, he never suffered alone, yet he only realized it after it was too late.

How much did Gabriel carry on his shoulders in their past life? Misha had no idea, but now, he had a hunch that it wasn't just a little. 'It won't be like this this time,' he told himself. 'I won't let him carry everything on his shoulders.' Misha wasn't a clueless child anymore, and he would butt in when he had to, whether Gabriel liked it or not.

While his mind was busy wandering left and right, someone knocked on his door, startling him. His body reacted faster than his mind, and he swiftly hid the watch under the pillow, tumbling on the bed in passing. When his mother opened the door, she thus saw him sprawled all over the bed in a strange position.

"Sweetie, what are you doing?" she softly chuckled.

"Stretching?"

"I see..." Gulnas tactfully decided not to ask further and instead said, "I was just wondering if you were ready. Gabriel will arrive anytime soon, and then we will leave and go to your grandparents' house."

"Yup. I'm all ready!" Misha nodded before leaping to his feet and spinning around to show off his clothes.

Today's outfit was as adorable as can be, making Misha gnash his teeth whenever he saw his reflection in the mirror. Still, he didn't complain and obediently dressed up. As long as his mother was happy, he could wear anything.

Well, almost anything.

"It suits you so well!" Gulnas giggled, thinking that her son was the cutest boy on earth.

As an answer, a smile bloomed on Misha's doll-like face, and he bolted to his mother, hugging her tightly.

"Mom."