Are You Addicted? (Volume 3). The Post-Honeymoon Phase.(18+)

Episode 40

After an unexpected bothersome of a conversation with General Gu. For Bai Luo Yin, there was only one place he could go to, his good old dad.

On the way there the taxi window overlooked the famous bar. Where he and Gu Hai sat one night thirteen years ago to drink their sorrows and changed the status of their relationship from enemies to friends.

The rocky wooden chairs, the crowded tables, little to none changed. he licked his lips, looking for that yeasty taste of beer. He followed his instincts and hopped out at the bar to have a drink or two.

Sitting there, drinking, glancing at two other guys at the table next to him being a bit too touchy with each other. His mind galloped into the past, the good old times. When no one knew about them. Thus, no one tried to muscle in between them. Will those days ever come back or are they doomed to suffer?

He dragged his shoulders low, his arms losing all tension, almost dropping the beer bottle on the bumpy bricks underneath. Pondering about Gu Hai having to deal with the north Korean Major General, only one thought crossed his head. This, is not our day.

He kept his promise and returned a phone call to Gu Hai, but maybe it was a mistake. His mind still hobbling in the past, missing those peaceful days, utterly distracted. Gu Hai tried to tell him something but he didn't hear him. When he tried to figure out what he said and planned to apologize, Gu Hai already disconnected the call.

He turned the beer bottle upside down, not a drop left. Thats probably enough for a weekday morning. He paid the bar owner, and for the last time glanced at the two touchy guys, wishing them in his heart to have it easier than he and Gu Hai ever did.

He found his dad squatting on the ground, humming a childhood tune, watering the plants. He frowned at the hot pink blooming flowers. What are you so happy about?

His dad bounced to his feet, he held his arms out and hugged him. "Yin Za, Son." His dad's calm smile filled him with hope. Coming to his dad to talk, was definitely the right decision.

"Why didn't you tell me you are dropping by? I would have prepared you something to eat. Are you okay? You should take it easy in your condition."

"Dad, I am fine. I just needed to ask you something, that's all."

He crossed his legs and lumbered his bottom to the ground. His fingers playing with moss-shade withered leaves. At least they seem to understand what he is going through.

"What's going on son?"

"Dad," his gaze peeped up and quickly fled the scene, dwelling downward. "Are you disappointed that I can't have kids?"

"Did your mother talk to you about this?"

"General Gu."

"I thought he is okay with you two being together."

"He is, but he wants Da Hai to have kids, he said I should want to give him a child. He said you deserve to be happy. Are you not happy because of me?"

"Son, I am not sure why General Gu told you such an awful thing. But I am not disappointed in you at all, and I am happy. Even though sometimes I wish Da Hai was a girl." He chuckled at the idea. "I think that he is the best thing that ever happened to you. And as long as you are happy, I am happy. Always son, always."

The light footsteps skipping through the driveway interrupted their conversation. "Yeah, I just literately opened the door to my house." Meng Tong Tian let out a laugh, by the expression on his face one would have assumed he was talking to his girlfriend. "Hey, Yin Za is here, Gu Hai gege did you know Yin Za is here? Do you want to talk to him?"

He advanced toward Bai Luo Yin, ready to pass him the phone. But the response from the other side of the line made him furrow his expressive eyebrows and scratch his head. Perplexed.

A minute later he came out of his room, his right hand still scratching his head and the other waving his phone. "That's weird, I just mentioned you, and suddenly Gu Hai gege said he is busy and has to go."

"Son did I answer your question?" Bai Han Qi patted his shoulder.

"Yes dad, thank you."

"Then you should head home. Its seems like you and Da Hai have some things to sort out."

Once his dad left for the bedroom, he stormed into the kitchen and stole the bowl full of cereal from between Meng Tong Tian's hands. No way he will let that annoying man-child of a brother eat in peace unless he answers his questions. "What's up with you always talking to Da Hai, huh?"

"Always? I only talk to him like four or five times a week."

"Four or five times a week? Are you insane? Leave my husband alone and find yourself one of your own."

"I am not gay, you idiot."

"Get you a wife then, just get off my man." He slammed the bowl on the table, spilling some milk with cereal. "And stop calling him gege. it's weird! You are an eighteen-year-old grown ass man for God's sakes."

"For me, he will forever be my gege. Leave me alone." Tong Tian didn't back down and waved his phone again. "I will call Gu Hai gege and I will tell him you are bullying me."

A sudden uncontrollable flush of adrenaline hurtled through Bai Luo Yin's body. Clearing its path, hastening itself out in the most violent way.

You mother fucker!

He darted at Tong Tian, ready to kick the insolent man-child, but the other saw his leg coming and already ran away from him. He ran after him and quicky caught him. It wasn't even a fair fight, considering he was a well-trained soldier while his brother was a young student who was still drooling over girls.

"You know, snitches don't live to see the day in prison." He said and let his powerful leg clobber into Tong Tian's bottom a respectable number of times.

After teaching the insolent man-child a lesson, he left the house. The sun rays peeked at him from the west, they didn't blind him as in the morning. But he still wiped his sweat. Maybe he should have listened to Gu Hai and stay in the office. Running around in this type of weather was a horrible idea. When was the last time he drank water anyways?

He fought his fluttering lashes. No, you can't let me down now. Just let me flag a taxi first. He leaned his hand on the wall, supporting his body. But it was too late, his head pounded, the street span around him, and he lost his balance.

His body stampeded down, ready to crash against the concrete sidewalk but instead crashed into someone's warm embrace. Someone pressed his jaws, opening his mouth for him and spilled some water into it. He drank and drank until he was thirsty no more. He blinked open, staring upward.

"Da Hai."

Gu Hai's dark brown eyes bored into him. Don't stare at me like that, being all cute. I want to beat the shit out of you, you inconsiderate rascal.

"Should I spell r-e-s-t for you next time so you would understand what it means?" he sighed. "I am taking you home."

-January 17th 2022-