You're Mine, I'm Yours

Part 26

The evening air was cool and crisp as Khaotung and Mark stood near the small pond at Puitrakul mansion, the soft glow. They leaned against the wall, the rhythmic flickering of their cigarettes punctuating the quiet moments between their conversation. Khaotung exhaled a cloud of smoke, watching it dissipate into the air before turning to Mark.

"So, how's it going with Neo?" he asked, a hint of genuine curiosity in his voice. Mark took a long drag from his cigarette, considering his words before responding.

"It's going well, I guess. he's been busy with work, but we're making it work. You know how it is," Mark said, and Khaotung nodded, understanding the delicate balance of maintaining a relationship amidst the chaos of daily life.

"Yeah, I get it. It's tough, but worth it," he replied with a smile.

Mark shifted his weight, his expression turning more serious. "How about you and Boss? How's that going?" Khaotung sighed, flicking ash from his cigarette.

"It's... complicated. There's always something going on, and lately, it feels like we can't catch a fucking break." Khaotung whined as Mark glanced around, ensuring they were alone before he spoke again, his voice lowering conspiratorially.

"You're not kidding. The empire's been under a lot of stress. People are jumping ship, taking their deals to the rival family. It's like a rainstorm we can't escape from," Khaotung frowned, the weight of Mark's words settling heavily on his shoulders.

"Why are they leaving? What's changed?"

"They're scared," Mark replied, his tone somber. "We've been trying to find a mole, someone who's been leaking information. It's created a lot of mistrust. And now, with Master coming back, it's only getting worse."

The mention of First's father sent a shiver down Khaotung's spine. He had heard stories about the man, a notorious Mafia boss whose reputation alone was enough to instill fear.

"First's father... he's really that bad?" Mark nodded, his expression grim.

"Worse. He's ruthless. People fear him for a reason. With him back in the picture, everyone's on edge, scared of what might happen next." Khaotung took a deep drag from his cigarette, the gravity of the situation settling in.

"What about First? How's he handling it?"

"Not well," Mark admitted. "He's under immense pressure. Trying to keep everything together while dealing with his father's expectations. It's a lot for anyone to handle."

"I wish there was something I could do to help," Khaotung said, his heart aching for First, imagining the burden he must be carrying as he looks at the sky. Mark placed a reassuring hand on Khaotung's shoulder.

"Just being there for him means more than you know. He needs someone he can trust, someone who understands him."

Khaotung exhaled a puff of smoke, frowning as he saw a familiar figure approaching. Janhea, dressed in an outfit that was clearly designed to draw attention, walked with a determined stride, her eyes scanning the crowd. Khaotung huffed, clearly annoyed.

"The fuck is she doing here again?" he muttered, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

Mark was caught off guard, glanced at Khaotung, unsure how to respond. He remembered the last explosive encounter between Janhea and Khaotung, a meeting that had left tensions high and tempers flaring.

As Janhea's gaze landed on them, her face lit up with a saccharine smile. She made a beeline for Mark, her demeanor shifting noticeably when she spotted Khaotung. The smile faltered, replaced by a sharp frown.