Deciding Us (KENTIN Au)

18.

Justin makes his side of the bed carefully, not wanting to wake Ken up. He dressed up in khaki slack and white shirt, ready to go out. He spends about ten minutes on his phone, replying to urgent messages and scrolls through his social media.

"Why you didn't wake me up? Wait for me," Ken raspy voice shocks him. "No, it's fine. I can go there by myself. It's only 20 minutes away." He isn't in the mood to be near him today. He gets up from the chair, trying to leave when Ken reaches for his arm. "I'm coming with you. Period." He watches as Ken steps into the bathroom.

He sighs. He hates it when Ken uses the tone. He hates that the tone makes him feels weak and small, that he won't brave enough to disobey. Ken doesn't know the effect on him, and Justin prefers it like that so he won't get take advantage on.

"I'll wait you downstairs," he half shouts so Ken can hear. The smell of toast fills his nose as he gets closer to the dining table. "Good morning," he greets his parents in-law and Ate Amy. "Good morning, Justin," they replies. "Where is Ken? You guys are going out this morning, right?" Marie asks. "He is in shower. Yes, we'll be out to service my car."

"Is everything okay with your car?" John asks, looking over from his book. "I hadn't drive it for so long, so I need to check it over. A service will be enough." He smiles. His father in-law nods, before going back to his reading. He walks over to the kitchen, trying to help Ate Amy and Marie. "Is there anything I can give my hand to?"

Ate Amy is finishing the last batch of pancakes batter on the pan, while her mom in-law is making scrambled eggs to eat with toast. "Maybe you can help with cutting down some apples. It is in the fridge," Marie says. He follows the request, feeling happy to enjoy the breakfast preparation. He is too focused with his task that he doesn't notice that he is left alone in the kitchen.

"Justin," the sudden voice from his right side startled him, to the point he cut himself from the shock. "Auch!" he drops the knife, blood dripping down his index finger. "Shucks! Sorry, I didn't meant to surprise you," Ken apologizes, before reaching for his injured finger and put it in his mouth to suck the blood.

Their voices gets Ate Amy's attention that she comes into the kitchen. "Is everything okay?" He pulls his finger away from Ken, going to the sink to wash his finger. "It's my fault that he accidentally cuts his finger. Can you pass me the First Aid Kit?" Justin lets the water run on his finger, taking the sting in silence to not draw anyone's attention. "Here, I'll put on the plaster." Ken turns off the tap. "I can do it myself," Justin rejects the offer. He really wants to avoid any interaction with Ken today.

"It's your fault," he mumbles while rummaging for disinfectant solution in the First Aid Kit. "Yes, and I'll take responsibility of it. So, let me," Ken reaches for his left hand and treat the injury. Justin gives up to resist anymore, so he just watches Ken doing the first aid treatment. "Hurry up, please. Your parents are waiting for us," he says, not wanting to spend more time alone with Ken. "You're a bit grumpy today. Are you okay?" Ken frowns while putting back the First Aid Kit. "Thank you," he says before leaving the kitchen.

They both take the seat on the dining table, apologizing for holding up the breakfast. Ken's parents chuckles it away, and they proceed to dig on the food. Marie shares their experiences living in Malaysia, where they'll be visiting in few days.

"Tell me if you want to adopt kids. I'll help you out." Justin almost choked on his tea. He doesn't know how the topic comes out. "Mom!" Ken frowns. "What? I'm just offering my help. But it's fine to take your time. We can go to any orphanage to play with kids." Marie smiles with no sarcasm hidden. It may sounds so light but there is heavy thoughts in Justin's mind.

"Justin, I'm sorry if you feel offended with it. If we want grandchildren, we won't let your marriage happens. This has been thought for long time, we assure you to not worry," Marie clears out. Justin smiles as response, noticing Ken's small sigh.