No choice ○Countryhumans AU○

Concern

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

"What have you done to them, Laya." Brunei asked her with concern. "... Something about trades..." Mal sighed. "My government declined their offer." She said with regret. "Trade? Who get all work out because of a trade??" Brunei frowned. Mal glancing over her guiltily. "They're in the middle of a civil war, Nie. They need resources."

Silence.

"Oh." Brunei mumbled. "What are you going to do then?" she tilted her head.

Mal stared at her blankly. "I'm still thinking about it."

Brunei put her hands under her chin in a thoughtful manner. "Now when I think about it again, how come only both of us got alerted by our marines? We haven't heard anything from Phil or Indo. Kalimantan should be close enough with Sulu sea." she muttered quietly. Mal raised her eyebrow. "Right, that's... Concerning..." she hesitated. "Perhaps, they have something to do with it?" Brunei narrowed her eyes. Mal shaked her head calmly.

"I don't think so, Phil and Indo has been tightening our bonds lately. Even though Phil and my people still held grudges and doubt, we get along pretty well." she paused. "Indo... He's..." she can't help but felt her cheek warmed slightly. "He went through a lot of troubles to ask about my well being lately... He also brought up the matter for stronger relationship during our latest meeting." Brunei blinked.

"Huh? Stre-"

"Anyway!" Mal quickly stand up, interrupting Brunei before she could even finish her sentences. "I-I can do a double check! I can ask Indo for a peek at his marines patrol. I'm not that confident enough with Phil, can you ask him??" she asked a bit like a hurry. "Uh ah, s-sure..." Brunei sweatdropped.

"Calm down and sit back." she deadpanned. "Ri-right..." Mal laughed nervously then sat down again. Brunei let out a soft sigh. "Now that settle something..." Brunei stared at her strictly.

"Be careful, Laya. They have eyes everywhere. I think it's safer for you to stay hidden for now." Brunei said, her eyes harden as she stared at Mal. She gulped. "I'm aware, Nie. I'll do just fine. Don't worry, alright?" Mal smiled.

"... Okay... If anything, I'm always ready to help." Brunei muttered. "... And we should definitely bring this up next meeting in Hanoi." she added. "Of course." Mal agreed.

Limbang, Sarawak

The heat of the land already start to bother Mal. She groaned as she wiped her wet forehead. She knew it, she should have chosen the flight! She cursed softly under her breath.

"Is everything okay, ma'am?" Her driver asked kindly. "I don't know, in case you hadn't realised it yet... We are in the middle of no where and the heat are killing me!" She hissed. "Patience, Mal." Rafael warned beside her. "I will be if you had gave me my car back and let me drive on my own!"

"One more time, Mal. I won't hesitate to drop you here." Rafael hissed out.

"Whatever." Mal groaned before slumped against the car seat. She huffed in annoyance. She really wanted the journey from Brunei to Kuching end as soon as possible. Stuck with her boss in one place really are a torture. But driving in the middle of a forest with no hint or trace of any humans might be worse.

Mal shivered slightly. It was getting dark, the shadow from the tall trees hovering over their car. Luckily, the forest are full with lives, birds are chirping loudly, insects continue to blast her ears off. It brought peace to her. Maybe it was the feeling that nothing is wrong there.

Mal relaxed her muscle. Perhaps, there's nothing to worry about other than her boss.

Not even a second later, the forest went silent...