orphic

14

"Mark, do you know anything about, Chittaphon?" Haon would ask his friend, blowing some smoke. The other thought about the question for a second recalling having some classes with Ten, "Not really, I just know he has a brother and his family is rich" Haon rolled up his fist already knowing that information.

"Make sure that kid doesn't interfere with my daughter's studies, Haon. That's an order!"

The thug wasn't sure how to keep them apart, he could barely engage in a conversation with the girl and he doubted she'd agree to listen, she hated him as much as she hated his boss, how was he supposed to work when he had no control? "Fucking, snobby fuckers, why did one of you have to get involved with the boss's daughter?"

"huh?" Mark looked at the long-haired guy, confused.

/

Isn't it funny how we think we know someone based on what they put on their social media, or by the way they present themselves to society? You simply assume you have this person figured out and you're certain that's the reason why they're such an asshole and many other names you could think of by first appearances. Maybe that's where we mess up? You can't possibly know someone by a couple of moments you capture, it's like saying it's going to be a bad day because a crow flew over you, or you tripped. Statistics claim a person takes up to 6 months to be fully convinced they want marriage, now, how on earth are you going to 'know' someone in a couple of seconds? It's ridiculous.

Ten felt as if he was being slapped across the face, he knew you were different, but he never thought, Y/n had such a dark past that it shifted her into a void that could no longer be reached. It was like meeting someone all over again. He admits he didn't have you figured out, he was lost in his thoughts realizing that he didn't know you at all, wishing it didn't turn out this way, why was he such an arrogant know-it-all? Should I apologize for being such a dickhead? He'd been contemplating, remembering all the times he wasn't the kindest to you and judged you wrongly. Is her dad powerful enough to find out how I treated Y/n? Would it complicate things in the future for us?

Meanwhile, an anxious Ten battled with his endless thoughts of possibilities, the girl hadn't mentioned anything, yet he already felt it was something deeper than he imagined. She fiddles with the spoon creating mountains of ice cream until finally getting fed up, and ends up taking a scoop, eyebrows furrowing in the process.

"I think, I'm going to head out first," she says, looking up at him, Ten hurries out of the chair beating Y/n to the front door, "What?" he hates that he doesn't know what to do, and finds it more troubling that he can't simply ask, but part of him is aware she wasn't willing to share. It's like asking him why he drinks, he doesn't recall the girl ever questioning him about the incident he caused in her shared dorm.

"I'll be here if you need anything" he reassured her, running a hand over her cheek. The girl smiled, the shade in her eyes darkened. He hated it, he hated everything.
"Ten?" you called out for him, tears streaming down your face, "C-can, I have a hug?" he then rushed towards you allowing the shop's entrance to shut as he pulled you in between his arms the embrace becoming tighter as you quietly sobbed into his chest, he could practically feel the shivers your body had suddenly formed, and he was just as lost as the first time he found out he was left alone.

The truth was revealed once he turned 12 and the memory is still crystal clear. It was a Saturday morning when he climbed downstairs, gleeful that the sun illuminated the inside of the dining room. The entire world knew today was a special day. He took a sip of his orange juice, certain no one and nothing could ruin his birthday, but then,

"They aren't coming, you already know that'' A voice mocked him, the room seeming gloomier than earlier that morning. Ten shook his head, repeating and yelling 'no' to his younger brother, who was positioned in the corner of the living room with both hands inside his hoodie. That was the difference between the two, Yangyang saw things through a broken mirror, he wasn't an idiot and believed easily like his older brother, pathetically did, which is why Yang took the role of being Ten's shield.

"Why aren't they here, Yangyang? I never ask for expensive clothes or toys, I just want to see mom" Yangyang chuckled, patting his brother's head, "They're just a bunch of assholes! Stop crying you idiot" the younger ordered, watery eyes visibly on sight, yet nothing rolled down as he forbade them from doing so. He knew better than to settle for tears. Yangyang held his sibling that night until 5 in the morning, he didn't cry once, sitting down on the couch until he completely passed out around noon the next day. Ten had woken up first, he instructed the servants to put down the decorations and anything that had to do with his birthday, "Can you please cook some noodles for my brother, I'm going out shopping" the boy then did as he said, having a day to himself. At that moment he realized two things, one his parents could care less about them, second, he had a lot to learn from Yangyang. Ever since, the two had been inseparable, running around the streets as if they had zero care for this cruel world.

The first time, Ten and Yangyang met their parents they were 16 and 15, the encounter wasn't as lovely as some cliche novel would describe it, the brothers were smoking in their backyard, Lucas and Hendery hanging by the pool while Ten held a blunt in his hand, and Yangyang downed a shot of scotch waiting for Ten to pass him the drug. "What is the meaning of this?" Mr. Lee's blaring was heard, causing the group of friends to turn, Ten lifted his head, red-shot eyes hooded as he saw his semen donor, as he called his father for the very first time.

"Look who finally decided to show up, bro" they both laughed going back to what they were doing, neutral to their parent's arrival. Mrs. Lee sighed rubbing her temple due to the clouds of smoke that didn't seem to fade away, "Could you two at least show some respect we-"

"You've been gone for nine years and you expect us to treat you with respect? Please just shut up and leave, you're both so good at doing that" Ten scoffed gaze focusing over at the horizon. He wanted to add more and demand an explanation, but after seconds of thinking he chose to keep it short and effective "Welcome home Mr. and Mrs. Lee" Yangyang added.

"Thanks, Ten" you would bring him back from the haunting memory, he nodded at you, brushing both hands over your hair, as he forced a smile. There was something different in his aura, you felt a wave of emotions the longer he stared at you, "Don't thank me, wanna continue with the ice cream?" he suggested, ushering you back to where you were sitting merely seconds ago. "You like green tea a lot, huh?" You began with a simple conversation not thinking much. Your brain was currently fried after everything that took place and as much as you wanted to know what Ten was pondering over, you saved that for later. When your emotions weren't all over the place.

You'd think after some time this huge lie would be easier to conceal, however, it was the contrary. It's been hell trying to keep your biological father a secret, now he shows up with another minion and ruins your chance at a fresh start. You never asked for this life, you only aimed for simple things, why couldn't he be less selfish and think of me for once?  "Yeah it's been my favorite flavor since I was young" He responded, licking his spoon clean, you smiled, took a scoop from his cup, and tasted the minty sweet, "Not bad, but I can't be unfaithful to my coffee flavor" by now you were both laughing, occasionally taking some spoonful of ice cream from each other and sharing whatever else was left. He was like your personal getaway, nothing had to be said or explained, Ten just being Ten was enough for you. It was beginning to scare you, how much you suddenly craved for him to be by your side.

Ten felt the same, but was much more silent compared to you, considering he wasn't taught how to express his emotions and show sympathy, however, he found himself learning because of you. Yangyang doesn't get tired of pestering why his dearest brother has such a huge soft spot for the new girl, saying he's such a fool in love despite the many times Ten denies it, Yangyang is convinced his assumptions aren't just his imagination.

When he first met you he couldn't help reacting the way he did, the barrier he created that kept him hidden from all sorts of damage was slowly melting and he was paranoid it'd end up like the time he was 12. He knew it was probably not the healthiest way to think, but he couldn't allow anyone else to make a fool out of him, and that was a promise he made to himself. The guy sitting across from you would then lock eyes with you, When she smiles like that, I can't deny what I'm feeling is real

"Have you ever napped by the river?" he asked, tapping some fingers on the palm of your hand, you nodded a 'no' to him, round orbs beaming with excitement at the thought of breaking free. "I know the perfect spot" Ten whispered to you, pulling your chin closer to him. You were starting to question what exactly was your title, were you two a couple? Or just friends who acted like a couple, but weren't? The thought of him not wanting anything serious with you hurt tremendously.

"Before we go, can I ask you something, Ten?"