✔️My Magical Stranger// GeminiFourth, FirstKhaotung

*45* Stalker

Khaotung stared at the laptop screen in front of him for a long time, trying to make sense of it.  Usually Margaret took care of his social media, he didn't like it.  He knew that one had to be very careful on social media: one wrong word used by mistake or when he was unaware of its other meaning could ruin his career forever, something he worked for years.

And now he had to face another problem.

Khaotung pressed his lips into a thin line and read the e-mail again.

"Khao, baby, hey!

You probably don't know me, although I've tried for years to make you notice me.  I'm sorry I don't have enough money to buy the gadgets from your collection, some of them are really cute, especially this keychain!  I'm also sorry that I can't afford to go to any GP race, but believe me, Khao, I'm doing my best to be there for you.  Why don't you ever see me?"

Khaotung stopped reading.  First and Margaret looked at him with concern and fear in their eyes.

“I have millions of fans, it's hard for me to see and remember everyone.  I'm sorry I made her upset, but I really don't know what she expects of me.”

His voice sounded sad.  In addition, he hadn't slept very well the night before, waking up every now and then with the feeling that his heart was much heavier than usual that night.  Some gut feeling told him that something bad was going to happen, and when he shared this feeling with First and NuNew this morning, he heard back:

“No wonder you feel this way. Last night one of us had to die.

“Who?”  Khao asked weakly, though one glance at where the parabatai rune should be was enough for him to understand even before New said it aloud.

“Just don't get mad, okay?”

“It's Joong Archen, isn't it?”

“Yes, Khaotung, it is Joong, your parabatai.”

Khaotung then slumped helplessly to the floor, knocking over the chair next to the desk.  All memories came back. The phone dropped from his hand.  First bent down to quickly pick it up.

Khaotung and Joong had known each other for a long time, and they met through Thanawat's father, who was one of the Knights of the Light and learned about the admission of the then thirteen-year-old Archen to the Academy of the Knights of the Light.  His father then decided to introduce the 13-year-old to his 16-year-old son.  He believed that his son would one day stand by his side and they would go on a joint mission together.  He didn't live to see that day.  Although the official version spoke of a serious, incurable disease, Khaotung's father actually died in the performance of his duties.  He had died a hero, and Khao had always had to deal with that burden of responsibility and the realization that he might never be as heroic or brave as his father.

Joong and Khaotung quickly became friends.  As the older, Khao always felt the need to take care of Archen, which made them share a very strong bond.  Khaotung knew that in the other world Joong Archen had siblings, but here he was an only child.  Khao treated him like his brother and was ready for anything for him.  He was the one who got Joong out of trouble when the younger one got into it.

Khaotung thought about all the times Joong came to him asking for advice or help in carrying out some plan.  Khao tried to argue, shaking his head and making discouraging faces, but in the end he always helped him.

“Why didn't anyone tell me?”

“There was no time.  Sorry.  I know we should have told you, but we had to save him.  It was the only way.”