KIMCHAY TALES: BITTERSWEET EXCHANGE

CHAPTER 8

"What do you care for an ugly Beast?"

Beauty said, "It is not his fault that he is so ugly. He is a very kind Beast."

-

"Hia!" Chay screamed out as he ran into his brother's arms. He wrapped his arms around his brother tightly as Porsche did the same. "I missed you so much, Hia," he whispered, almost crying.

"I missed you too, Chay," Porsche said. He pulled himself out of the hug and stared at Chay, "How are you? Are you okay? How long have you been here? Are they hurting you?" he asked all at once.

He wanted to ask more but Chay stopped him, "Hia! Hia... Calm down. It's okay. We have time. I will tell you everything." he said and chuckled.

Porsche just smiled softly at him and messed up his hair, "Okay."

—

"What do you mean Big is nice? He's not nice. He pointed a gun at me on my first day." Porsche said, quite aghast. They were eating dinner that Porsche cooked. Chay missed this. His brother cooked food. Their talk and laugh over dinner. His brother Porsche. Their home.

Chay laughed, "I don't know what's between the two of you, Hia, but P'Big is really nice to me. Just grumpy at times." he said and took a big bite of his food. "Wow, Hia. This is really good. I missed this."

Porsche smiled, "Really?" he asked and Chay immediately nodded, his mouth was too full to answer. "Anyway, tell me about Kim. I didn't see him much at the main house. Is he nice to you? Is he... normal? I mean, they won't call him 'Beast' for nothing." his brother asked.

Chay chuckled, "What kind of question is that, Hia? Of course, he's normal." Chay said. He thought that the nickname is only known at Kim's household, it looks like it was known at the main house as well.

Porsche scowled and shook his head, "No. That's impossible. Everyone in that family is insane." he said.

Chay pouted and thought, "Maybe he has a few screws loose, but he's actually very kind. I mean, we won't be here if not because of him." he said and smiled. Somehow, Chay felt his cheeks heat up at the thought of Kim. He breathed deeply to calm himself.

Porsche shrugged, "Maybe. I know Kinn won't let me go just like that." he said.

Chay stared at his brother for a while and spoke, "Hia, how are you? You got thinner. Is your work that hard?"

Porsche remained silent for a while, contemplating, then smiled widely, "Of course, I'm okay. You know me, Chay. The training was hard, but they can't bring me down. Your hia is the strongest person you'll ever know." he said with an assuring smile.

Chay wants to believe what his brother was saying, but he knows. He's not a kid anymore to be fooled. He's not dumb. And he knows his brother. The way his smile never reached his eyes. The constant staring to nothingness every now and then. He knows his brother is not okay.

Chay wants to ask more, but he doesn't want to pressure his Hia. If Porsche is not ready to open up yet, it's fine with him. He doesn't want to force him. So, he just smiled and said, "Okay, Hia. I know."

—

Chay just finished his shower and is currently drying his hair. He grabbed his phone, hoping to see some messages but nothing. Chay sighed, he expected this yet he was still hopeful.

Chay was worried. He's wondering if Kim was okay. If he woke up early today? If he ate something? If he got into a fight again? He wants to check on him, but he doesn't know how. He wasn't able to get his number before he left so just left his number instead on a note. He didn't even bother to wake him up to say goodbye because he looks too peaceful to disturb, so Chay gave him a break.