A Vihokratana's tragedy

8. Something's strange

"Yeah, I know he looks silent and all, but, dude, don't be deceived. This person right here—" Drake pointed at Frank, who was sitting beside him, "is a total maniac once you get to know him."

Frank, Drake, and Chimon, the trio, were enjoying their lunch in the cafeteria. More accurately, Drake and Chimon were enjoying making fun of Frank, while Frank could do little more than glare at Drake with a look that could kill. This was the umpteenth time Frank had attempted to "murder" Drake with his signature death stare, but then again, this was Drake we were talking about—no look from Frank ever seemed to faze him.

"And you know this guy is afraid of animals. Like, every animal. Small, big, cute—no matter what," Drake continued, clearly having the time of his life revealing Frank's quirks.

"Just like his brother," Chimon accidentally slipped, uttering the forbidden fact. "I m-mean my brother. He’s afraid of animals too." What a lie! His brother was a veterinarian, for crying out loud—Afraid? Nah, bro loved animals.

Drake's mischievous grin widened. "Oh, really? Then you should introduce us to your brother. Frank and he might become good friends."

"Ye-yeah, sure," Chimon replied, trying to backtrack.

As they continued their banter, someone accidentally bumped into their table, causing the tissue box to topple over. The person offered a half-hearted apology before leaving, which the trio deemed rude. Frank and Chimon reached for the fallen box at the same time, and when their hands brushed against each other, Frank jerked his hand away. This was the 56th time Chimon noticed Frank behaving strangely. Drake attempted to lighten the awkwardness with more of his usual antics, but by now, Frank's behavior had made its way onto Chimon's 'something's strange' list.

.....

"I have a question," Perth said, his mouth stuffed with food. "All you Vihokratana siblings are in the same university, yet you never eat lunch together. Why?"

Perth, Nanon, and Ohm were seated at a small canteen-like area for students in the architecture building. In fact, there was a similar place in every faculty's building, along with a huge cafeteria in the middle of the university.

"Just because we’re siblings doesn’t mean I’m going to trek back and forth from our architecture building to the cafeteria when I can have my lunch in peace right here. Besides, seeing their faces every day gives me enough reason to avoid them during lunch," Nanon retorted.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just admit you want to be with your boyfriend," Perth whispered, though Nanon's keen ears caught it.

"If you know that, then why are you still here being a third wheel?" Nanon shot back.

"Because, my dear friend, I’m afraid I might lose my innocent best friend if he’s left alone with you."

Ohm, who just wanted to enjoy his lunch peacefully, was once again questioning his existence at that table as Nanon and Perth bickered like children, completely forgetting about him.

.....

It was night, and Pluem wanted to revise some notes before going to sleep, but he couldn't focus. He still hadn’t talked to Frank, who had been avoiding him like the plague whenever he tried to initiate a conversation. This wouldn't do; he couldn't concentrate on anything else with so much on his mind. Closing his book, he stood up and found himself in front of his parents' room. He knocked twice and entered after a small "come in" from his dad.

"Hey, kiddo. It's already 11; why aren't you in bed?" his dad asked.

"Can I sleep with you two? I... don’t want to feel lonely."

"Aww, my big baby, come here." New, already under the blanket, motioned for Pluem, who eagerly joined his Papa's embrace.

"Hey, hey, hey! What about me? I’ve been asking for a hug for the past hour, Hin," Tay whined, sounding like a little kid at heart.

"Yeah, just after cuddling for an hour," New added with a smile.

"Such a show-off. I just wanted some peaceful sleep with my parents after a stressful study session."

"You shouldn’t stress yourself too much, Pluem. You’re already doing great in your studies," Tay said, while New ruffled Pluem's hair. Pluem nodded; he was so good at his studies that he had never fallen out of the top three. He needed to keep working hard for the upcoming exams, especially with an internship looming. He didn’t want to disappoint his parents, who had sacrificed so much for him.

Tay laid down beside Pluem, embracing his babies tightly and sighing contentedly before pulling away.

"What’s this, Dad?" Pluem asked, chuckling.

"Your power booster, kiddo. Don’t ever feel lonely. I’m here, so is your Papa and your brothers. Don’t let loneliness in when you have us." His dad might be clumsy, but when it came to emotions, he was the best. Pluem knew he had the best dad and papa anyone could ask for.

"And if you ever feel like there’s something you can’t share with us, like I always say, tell someone else you trust. Just don’t keep things bottled up. Those unspoken thoughts can lead to overthinking, and before you know it, you’re consumed by worries when everything is just fine." His Papa's words resonated with him.

He realized his Papa was right. Keeping things inside would only hurt Frank. His brother needed to talk to him, to let it all out. They needed to have a conversation.

"Umm... Papa, as you said, things need to come out. We’re starting a three-week holiday next week, and I was wondering if I could go to the farmhouse with Nanon and Frank a bit early. I want to talk to them alone."

"You can definitely go. You're an adult now; you just need to inform us. I’m glad you ask us things and talk to us without hesitation. I’ll give you the farmhouse keys tomorrow. Now go to sleep and clear your mind when you’re with your Papa and Dad. Good night." With a kiss on his forehead from his papa, Pluem drifted off to sleep.

.....

"Kids, you’ll be going to the farmhouse early since your dad and I have some work to do," New said, but the twins made disappointed faces. "Don’t worry; we’ll join you soon."

Pluem smiled sweetly at his parents. Without even asking, they supported his plan for some alone time.

"Oh, right! I’ve already invited my two friends to join us for the holidays. That won’t be a problem, right?" Nanon asked. Oh dear, Non had ruined Pluem's 'alone time' plan before it even started.

"Why didn’t you tell us first?" Tay asked, slightly flustered.

"I did, Dad. Remember last Saturday when you were busy on your laptop? I mentioned how lonely my friends would be during the holidays, and you suggested inviting them to our farmhouse. So, indirectly, it was you who invited them, and I appreciate it. Thanks, Dad," Non replied with a smile.

Oh no. How could Tay forget? It was indeed his idea.

Tay looked up just in time to catch New giving him a piercing glare. Great, now he was in trouble.

.......

A/N: Sorry I didn’t publish last week. I plan to publish again this Monday as an apology. See you soon!