KIMCHAY TALES: BITTERSWEET EXCHANGE

CHAPTER 7

The Beast said, "I would rather die myself than cause you even the slightest unease. But if you do not come back by the end of the week, poor Beast will die in grief."

—

Kimhan woke up oddly peacefully this morning. He stirred on his bed, it was still dark. He grabbed his phone at his bedside table to peek at the time. He cursed silently, it's fucking 11 AM already. Why does no one wake him up? His phone was bombarded with missed calls by the studio he was working with. He got up, walked towards his door, and opened it.

Big is standing just beside his door, guarding. He faced him and bowed, "Good morning, Khun Kim."

"Why did no one wake me up? Do you know what time it is?" he asked grumpily, his eyebrows furrowed.

Big was quite startled by the question, "Khun Kim, you told us never to disturb you." he answered.

Kim remained silent. He remembered he did tell them that it's one of the utmost rules in his household. He wants to enjoy his solitude alone, so he set this rule. He feels odd, something doesn't feel right. "Where's Porchay?" he asked, maintaining a grumpy mood.

"He already left early this morning, Khun Kim," Big said. Oh. That's today? He let Chay go home. He even talked to Kinn to let Porsche go. He doesn't even know why he did that. "He wants to remind you that he'll be back in a week, and..." Big trailed off, head still lowered.

Kim raised an eyebrow, "And?" he said impatiently.

"And, please, stay out of trouble," he added. Kim scoffed and rolled his eyes. He entered his room again, slammed his door behind him, and walked back to his bed.

Porchay gave a reminder like his mother. Stay out of trouble, huh? Like he wanted to be in trouble. Kim noticed a note stuck on his bedside table. He grabbed it, reading the note.

Khun Kim,

Here's my number. Call me if you need me. Stay out of trouble. Be back in a week.

Chay

Kim scoffed once more and put back the note on the bedside table. Like he would need him. Never. He would finally have his peace after a long time of Porchay's pesky attitude. One week of tranquility is all he has. He better relish it.

Kim spent most of his day at the studio, composing and recording songs. Before he knew it, it was already night. When he went home, it was so quiet and dim. Has his home always been like this? It feels weird, but he pushes the feeling aside. Everything is fine.

—

A couple of days passed, and Kim felt a weird feeling growing inside his chest, yet he kept pushing it aside. He felt something was missing, but he doesn't know what.

He just distracts himself by going to the studio or plotting his plans. He will stay in the forbidden room, diverting his attention so he won't feel the odd feeling in his chest. He's been bossing Big around, commanding orders here and there. Collect information. Find this person. Interrogating people every now and then. He's just using his anger towards his father to move forward, to have a development for his plans.

The following day, Kim found himself opening his window blinds, letting the blazing light enter his room. It feels so warm. He can't deny it felt so good against his skin. He felt being embraced into a comfy hug, which was oddly familiar to him.

Suddenly, his door opened. He immediately turned, his heart pounding fast. It was Big entering his room. Somehow, he felt disappointed. Why does he feel disappointed? Kim composed himself, "Can't you fucking knock?"