BETWEEN LOVE AND LIES || JAESAHI

CHAPTER XIX

Arthur got thirsty so he decided to went downstairs and drink some water. He didn't know what time is it, but it's already dark outside. Kate is half sleeping half answering her answer sheet and Arthur chuckled at the little girl in front of him. He told her that he'll go down for a little bit and the girl just nod, she didn't even understands what Arthur said. Arthur was drinking water when he saw Kevin sitting beside the pool, feet dangling in the water. Kevin was drinking beer and some empty cans are laying beside him. The sight of the beer and the pool tempted Arthur, so he put down the glass and walks outside, walking closer to Kevin. Arthur sat beside Kevin and grabbed the beer can beside the latter, he immediately opened it drank the whole can like a thirsty camel in the dessert. Kevin just look at him, half amused and half annoyed. Kevin then looks away and the two just stared at the pool in front of them. There was a long comfortable silence, the two were both lost in their own thoughts, sipping beer and staring in the distance.

"How are you holding up?" Arthur breaks the silence, eyes still fixated on the pool. Kevin continuously dangle his feet in the water, the question was simple, but he is finding a hard time to compose an answer to it.

"Barely living but still surviving. You know what they say, when life fucks you hard, just moan."

Arthur choke on his beer, he release few coughs and heat crawled up on his face when he heard Kevin's words. Kevin glanced at him suppressing a laughter. Arthur's dirty mind never fails to amaze him. Arthur looks at him, face annoyed and embarrassed.

"What?"

Kevin looks away, he smiled a little bit at the red face Arthur right now. And then there was silence again. They were both enjoying each other's company in silence. It is like one of those old times where they would just sit side by side, not talking, but knowing that they are there with each other and for each other, everything seems alright. Except the fact that they are only sitting side by side because they share the same miserable life right now, nothing more, nothing less.

"How are you and Eliz?"

Kevin chuckled, he didn't expect that kind of question.

"Last time I remember, you said you don't give a penny shit about my relationship?"

"Yeah, but I never said I don't give a shit about you."

Kevin remained silent, he didn't answer Arthur. Sometimes Arthur's words confused the hell out of him. He sips his beer and absentmindedly stare at the pool.

"Why do you care?" Kevin answered.

Arthur dips his feet in the water, shivering when the cold embraced his bare feet.

"I don't, I'm just curious since I barely saw you two together these past few months."

"Are you happy now that she is not attached to my side anymore like she always does?" Kevin looks at Arthur, and Arthur looks back.

"Am I supposed to be happy?"

The two just continue to look at each other. Lost in each other's eyes, Arthur can clearly see the longing in Kevin's eyes, and he was sure Kevin can see it in his eyes too. Arthur breaks the contact first, he looks away and gulped the beer fast. Arthur can feel that his cheeks were burning, unable to erase Kevin's intense gaze at him in his mind. Kevin just watched him, he stares at Arthur's adam's apple bobbing while he was drinking and he gulps, Kevin immediately looked away and he too, can feel the heat creeping up on his face.

If there was a comfortable silence earlier, now they felt awkward at each other. The two didn't know if it is unusual hot today or it is just the beer. Arthur pulls out his feet under the water, crossed them and put his chin on top of his knees. He tilts his head on Kevin's direction when he heard him spoke.