Mending Bangna | EarthMix and OhmNanon AU

Chapter 1

The past few days have been tough for Earth. 

Managing his law firm was one thing; managing the Watthanasetsiri household while his husband was grieving for the loss of his sister was another.

Sipping his morning coffee, he took a deep sigh thinking how things would have been better if extra hands were available to help him. His train of thought went to his sons, who rarely visited them when they moved out for university.

The three didn't even attend Janhae's burial a day ago. Ohm was flooded with recitations he needed to prepare for, Neo had hazing duties after class, whereas Phuwin needed to finish his student council duties. Workaholic parents, workaholic children.

"They couldn't even come home to comfort their father in such moments." Eyes threatening of tears, Earth shook his head with a hint of annoyance. He pondered if his actions somewhat contributed to the silent feud that his sons were having. 

He had come to the conclusion — thanks to the private investigator he hired — that Ohm and Neo were not on good terms. Their youngest, Phuwin, was well-aware of their feud yet chooses neutrality, keeping contact with both of his older brothers.

The only one kept in the dark of such matters was his husband. His sweet and lovely darling, Mix.

Lying was not part of Earth's intentions, as he attempted to bring up the conversation last month. However, the news of Janhae's stage 4 lung cancer and sudden death preceded his plans.

Feeling the warmth from his coffee, Earth muttered to himself, "Maybe this is for the best." Mix discovering their family's conflicts was the last thing that Earth wanted to happen right now. His husband could barely cope with the stress of mourning; everything was too much.

Besides, Mix held family relationships in the highest regard. Earth shuddered at the memory of Mix scolding him for refusing to reconcile with his distant cousins. Imagine the mayhem that might come with the situation once Mix learns about their children's unresolved conflicts — hell might break loose. This is why white lies are said, right?

Glancing at the clock, Earth picked up the breakfast tray he prepared for his husband and made his way toward their nest. The shifting and tumbling underneath the duvet informed him that his husband had noticed the smell of bacon.

"Darling," he whispered, slowly pulling the sheets to reveal his husband, "you need to eat breakfast, and I need to go to work."

"I don't have an appetite." Mix's voice was hoarse and barely audible, the aftermath of last night's breakdowns.

"But darling, you wouldn't want to waste Phuwin's cooking." Mix's dull eyes presented a subtle glimmer. "He dropped by and cooked a while ago, but he had to go and didn't want to wake you up."

That's another lie from Earth. Among all of their sons, Phuwin was the one that visited the most; that's why Earth had to use his name once again. He made a mental note to inform Phuwin so his lies won't get caught.

Sitting up, the faint sparkle in Mix's eyes was evident as he inspected the food prepared by his son. Smiling, he confessed to Earth, "Bacon is my least preferred breakfast."

"Yet you finish it with a smile every single time, my dear."

Mix smiled for the first time in two weeks. "Anything made by my family will always be my favorite."

***

"Mr. Watthanasetsiri, I am able to postpone your afternoon meetings if you want me to." If rolling one's eyes can be represented by a sentence, this was it.