Talk To Me

17. Let's move in together

It was just after midnight when Kind left Todo's mansion, thoroughly knackered and musing over how his sleep schedule had been utterly destroyed in the past few months. The last three months had given him a rare sense of liberation. He and Todo had jaunted off to the Maldives, Zanzibar, Krabi, Cebu, and a host of other exotic locales. It had been a whirlwind. Todo had insisted—because Todo always insisted—that they needed to "make memories." Naturally, this meant staying in the finest hotels, but at least Kind got to decide where they'd explore. He had a knack for mingling with the locals, and fortunately, Todo was a seasoned traveller who could fit in anywhere, something Kind appreciated about him.

Kind didn't mind following Todo's lead most of the time. After all, he had desperately needed the change of scenery. The shift in environment had done wonders for his mood, and for the first time in ages, he stopped brooding over his unrequited love. The decision to bring Todo along had been a stroke of genius, and Kind took the opportunity to learn more about his boyfriend during their travels. Todo, it turned out, wasn't particularly fussy about food and had a penchant for sweets. He also blushed furiously when complimented, something Kind found endearing. He loved holding hands in public, too, never mind what anyone thought. And when night fell, Todo would inevitably scoot over to Kind's side of the bed, cold and needy, nearly pushing him off the edge. It reminded Kind—unfortunately—of Wale. But he brushed those thoughts aside, trying to forget his best friend altogether.

Todo had his darker traits, too. He could be overbearing, always wanting his own way, and his extravagant tendencies bordered on the obnoxious. He liked to show off, and his jealousy reared its ugly head whenever someone else complimented Kind. Still, these were quirks Kind had grown used to.

Recently, Todo had suggested they move in together, promising to "protect" Kind from Wale. What a joke. As if that had ever worked before. But then Todo sweetened the deal by offering to move into Kind's place. Well, who could say no to that? Six months into their relationship, Kind wanted to show that he was serious about making things work. Besides, it was high time Wale realised that he was done running away. Swalha had been right all along—this had to end, one way or another.

And yet, Kind couldn't help but entertain Cherry's wild assumptions. The idea that Wale might actually be in love with him? It was preposterous... wasn't it? Still, the thought made him laugh. If Wale loved him, sheep might just start flying. No, forget sheep—unicorns!

Kind hadn't been back to his flat since the day he left three months ago. He figured it was high time to tidy up before Todo moved in—assuming Todo didn't take one look at the place and change his mind. As he opened the door to his flat, he was greeted by a surprise: it was spotless. Not a speck of dust. He distinctly remembered leaving it in chaos—he'd packed in such a hurry he'd nearly missed his flight. Only Swalha and Cherry had keys to the place, and he made a mental note to change that now that Todo was moving in. It had to be Swalha who had cleaned up. She was the only one who didn't secretly loathe him.

"What a relief," Kind muttered, closing his eyes with a sigh. He felt utterly drained. Reaching up to rub the back of his neck, he recalled Todo's odd change of mood earlier. Even during dinner, Todo had been unusually quiet. When Kind mentioned going home, Todo had all but jumped at the chance to pack and come with him. "That was adorable," Kind chuckled to himself. "Maybe I should go back."

"Go back where?" came a female voice from behind him. Kind's heart nearly leapt out of his chest. He knew that voice.

"Cherry? What the bloody hell are you doing here?"

"I knew this would be your next stop," she said coolly. "Unfortunately, so did Wale. He left after cleaning up the mess, so don't worry. I didn't touch your things—though you're very good at hiding your secret stash. Even Wale couldn't find it." She walked around the couch to face him. "We had a long chat while we waited for you. He swore up and down that he doesn't have feelings for you, so maybe Swalha was right. But I've got a proposition for you, Kind."

Kind, feeling the suffocating weight of yet another request from Cherry, couldn't help but roll his eyes. He had had enough of Cherry and her endless demands. She always seemed to need something from him, and it usually involved Wale in some capacity. Without saying a word, he walked over to the door and opened it. "I'll call security and have them get you a taxi. Do get home safely."

Cherry stared at him in disbelief. "You're actually kicking me out? You do realise we both have secrets, right? You'd be in just as much trouble if Wale found out about yours. Don't you get it?"

Kind's expression hardened. "Tell him yours, tell him mine—hell, tell him we secretly plotted the downfall of Western civilisation for all I care. I'm done with you two."