Talk To Me

30. A new beginning

As soon as Kind saw the driver return to the villa, he wasted no time. Quickly dressing, he hurried down the stairs and out to the car, intent on leaving immediately. Wale called after him, but Kind had made up his mind; he had to return to the city. The thought of staying another day in that villa felt like a trap—he wasn't sure he'd be able to leave with his sanity intact if he did. Rubbing his sore back, he groaned, prompting the driver to ask if he was alright. Kind assured him he was fine, then asked about their departure.

"The young master asked me to bring more supplies, so once I drop them off, we can leave," the driver replied, "but I fear there's no way off the island now. The tide is high. A better alternative would be to contact the other master to pick you up."

Kind felt trapped. "The other master" could only mean Todo, and he knew he'd have to face him eventually. After a brief conversation between Wale and the driver, Wale returned with his own bags and sat beside Kind in the car.

"We're going home, K Bunny," Wale said, a playful tone in his voice. "You should have told me sooner you wanted to leave."

"If you touch me one more time, I swear I'll punch you," Kind shot back, his fist already clenched in warning.

Wale chuckled, undeterred by the threat. "I promise to be gentle next time."

"There is no next time!" Kind shouted, moving as far away from Wale as the car allowed. He couldn't believe how much stamina Wale had. "Damn you, I'm so jealous!" he muttered aloud. Wale had never needed to work out, yet he was naturally fit, while Kind gained weight from merely dreaming about pizza.

After a long ride, they reached another location. Wale, ever cautious, seemed to avoid using the same place twice. This was not the spot where the driver had picked him and Cherry up. A helicopter stood waiting by the beach, and to Kind's surprise, Todo appeared from it, looking pleased to see them both. Kind was speechless, overcome with guilt. Todo greeted him warmly, directing him toward the helicopter.

"I'll take you both home this time," Todo said, addressing Wale as well. "I've arranged for your stay at my mother's mansion."

The noise from the helicopter made conversation impossible, and Kind, glancing between Todo and Wale, felt an overwhelming mix of emotions. He couldn't bring himself to speak, though he knew he should.

Upon landing, they were escorted to their new location, where Todo's mother welcomed them with open arms. The air of sophistication made Kind feel out of place, but Wale, ever the chameleon, blended in seamlessly. When Kind excused himself to use the bathroom, Todo offered to show him the way.

Once they were alone, Kind wanted to explain, to apologize, but he struggled to find the words. Todo, however, seemed unfazed.

"You'll want a change of clothes first, before any explanations, which I find unnecessary at this point," Todo said, his gaze intense. He reached out, brushing a hand over Kind's ear. "I can't blame you, though. With an animal like that around, it's no wonder things happened the way they did. At least tell him to stop marking you."

Todo tilted Kind's head, inspecting the back of his neck with a scoff. "Good thing he didn't bite this time." His tone was light, but the undercurrent of tension was unmistakable.

Kind stared at himself in the mirror once Todo left. He barely recognized the man staring back at him, disheveled and marked by the past few days. His face was scruffy, patches of beard showing—a far cry from his usual clean-shaven self. He sighed, wishing he could wash away the guilt as easily as he could shave off the stubble.

When he rejoined the others, they were deep in conversation about Wale's parents and the business dealings Wale had discussed with Todo. Kind, feeling like an outsider, listened quietly until Todo's mother turned to him.

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you like," she said kindly, "or until this matter is resolved. The decision is yours, at least according to Wale."

Kind was taken aback. "I have no reason to stay," he replied, trying to mask his discomfort. "But I suggest Wale remain here. It would be easier for him to work with Todo and handle the case."

Todo stood and agreed, adding, "It would indeed be convenient. However, Wale has insisted that you stay with him, despite our efforts to convince him otherwise."

Wale, sitting nearby, crossed his arms. "Wherever Kind goes, I go."

Kind, exasperated with Wali, stood up and knocked his  head with his knuckles. "Will you listen, you dummy? They're trying to help you, giving you a safe place to stay! Stop being so stubborn!" He continued scolding Wale, who finally relented, raising his hands in surrender.

"Fine! I'll stay, alright? Just stop knocking my head."

Todo and his mother exchanged amused glances, surprised that Wale had given in so easily. "There," Kind said, "it's decided."

When they arrived at Todo's mansion, Kind pulled Todo aside into the room they used to share. Without hesitation, he spoke, "I'm sorry I slept with him, and I'm sorry I don't regret it. If you want, you can hit me as much as you like."

To his surprise, Todo hugged him. Kind, unsure of how to respond, hugged him back.

"You don't have to apologize," Todo said softly. "If I were in your position, I would have done the same. You were honest with me from the start, so it was only a matter of time before something like this happened."

Kind pulled away, shocked by Todo's calmness. "I didn't go there with any bad intentions," he explained. "I tried to keep my distance, but Wale... he just knows how to get under my skin! He planned everything, and I was too weak to resist."

Todo shook his head. "Wale will always get in the way of anyone who tries to love you, Kind. Swalha was right. As long as Wale's around, no one else will stand a chance. So, I'm breaking up with you." He smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "But I hope we can still be good friends. And if Wale ever crosses the line, I'll be more than happy to break his nose again."

Kind blinked, piecing together Todo's words. "So, you were the one who punched him?" he asked, incredulous.

Todo shrugged, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "He deserved it."

Kind couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Despite the guilt, the heartache, there was a strange sense of relief in Todo's words. He had expected anger, but instead, Todo offered understanding.

As the laughter subsided, Kind looked at Todo, a bittersweet smile on his face. "I've hurt so many people..."

Todo clapped him on the back. "You make me laugh, even with a broken heart," he said. "But I don't regret any of it. Meeting you and your friends... those have been the best times of my life."