KIMCHAY TALES: BITTERSWEET EXCHANGE

CHAPTER 21

"Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions."

—

"Dead." that's the only thing that Kim said. That's all he can say anyway. Well, there's nothing much to say. He's in his father's office to report the mission he had.

Korn sighed. He was not surprised by it but he was quite disappointed with what it turned out, "What happened?" he asked. He somehow needs to know what happened.

Kim sighed, "We were talking, and then things got dirty. He pulled out his gun first. He said nasty things I don't like and then I lost my temper." he explained.

His father eyed the faint bruises and a few band-aids on his son's face and arm. By the looks of it, the mission really must have ended in a bad way. He massaged his temple, "It was supposed to be a smooth transaction, Kimhan." he said.

"I know but you know Franklin, Father. He is a dirty ass jerk who doesn't want to pay his debt. It's been years, I don't even know how he managed to stay alive when we could have just killed him before." he said. He can feel his head pounding in pain. The dreaded feeling of being with his father and what happened the past week is taking a toll on him.

"Kimha–"

"The debt has been paid with his life. If you want further explanation of what happened, you should have asked Big." Kim said. He wants to go home. He wants to rest more. "Also, shouldn't Big go back here? He's fully healed a long way back. I have enough bodyguards at home. Pretty sure Kinn needed him more than me." he said.

"Your brother is fine. His new bodyguard is doing his job well. I designated Big in your care just in case." he said. Kim eyed his father suspiciously. As someone who is living alone and who barely does anything, designating one of the high-skilled bodyguards to him is kind of odd.

"Give him to Tankhun," he said.

"Tankhun doesn't like him. He's not as playful as Pol and Arm." his father explained. Kim sighed frustratingly. Kim was afraid of his conclusion that maybe he needed to watch Big closely too. Or better speak to him in his own way.

"Fine," he said. He guesses he can just suck it up. "Don't give me any mission yet. I have a lot of things to do," he said. And with that Kim left the office, not even giving his father a chance to speak. He wants to go home so bad. He's been so bothered these few days and he knows it's only for him to fix.

—

Kim and Chay were not exactly on speaking terms for the past week. Chay was sure he didn't do anything wrong. He still takes care of Kim until he is healed, but they never spoke anything other than that since that night. Though, they kept stealing glances at one another now and then and they shifted their gazes when their eyes met. They both could feel the awkwardness and tension in the air every time they were left alone. Kim is completely fine now. He stays at home to have enough rest.

However, today Kim left even before Chay opened his eyes that morning. Big told him that he went to the main house to report his mission. Chay was somehow relieved by that. Kim is fine.

Chay is having a quiet time on the balcony, watering plants and staring into nothingness every now and then. For the past week, he has felt heaviness on his chest. Like his heart is being broken as the moment passes, his mind races all the time. He hasn't got enough sleep at night.

"You will make my plants drown." a voice surprises Chay from behind. He turned and saw Kim standing by the entrance, hands inside his pockets.

He immediately turned off the water and greeted Kim quite cheerlessly, "You're home, Khun Kim. How are you feeling?" he asked, avoiding Kim in the eyes.