HIDDEN TRUTHS

CHAPTER 9: MIDNIGHT REVELATION

Porsch paced back and forth in their apartment, his mind in turmoil. Arm had left hours ago after the shocking revelation of his marriage, and now it was well past midnight. Arm’s phone was switched off, and Porsch had no idea where he was. The apartment felt empty and cold without him, the weight of the unspoken words and the unfinished conversation pressing heavily on Porsch's heart.

He checked his phone again, hoping for a message or a missed call, but there was nothing. His mind raced with worry. What if something had happened to Arm? What if he was hurt or worse? The thought made Porsch's heart pound in his chest.

Unable to sit still any longer, Porsch grabbed his keys and headed out the door. He had to find Arm, and he had to make sure he was safe. He drove around the city, checking all the places he thought Arm might go—their favourite coffee shop, the park where they often took walks, even the late-night diner they frequented. But there was no sign of him.

Desperation gnawed at him as he circled back towards their apartment. He parked the car and sat for a moment, his head resting on the steering wheel. He couldn't lose Arm, not like this. He had to make things right.

As he trudged back up to their apartment, he noticed the light was on in the living room. His heart leapt with hope as he rushed inside. Arm was there, sitting on the couch, his eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Arm!" Porsch exclaimed, rushing over to him. "Where have you been? I’ve been so worried!"

Arm looked up, his expression a mix of anger and heartbreak. "I needed some time to think."

Porsch knelt in front of him, his hands shaking. "Arm, please. Let me explain everything."

Arm's eyes hardened. "You’ve had four years to explain, Porsch. Four years of lies and deceit. How could you do this to me?"

Porsch's voice cracked. "I was afraid, Arm. I didn't know how to tell you. I didn’t want to lose you."

"Well, you have," Arm said, his voice trembling. "You’ve lost me."

Porsch shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "No, please. Just listen. I love you, Arm. I’ve always loved you. My marriage... it’s complicated. It was arranged by my family, and I couldn’t get out of it. But you’re the one I want to be with. You’re my true love."

Arm's face softened slightly, but the pain in his eyes remained. "You should have told me. We could have figured something out together. But now... I don’t know if I can trust you again."

Porsch reached out, taking Arm's hands in his. "Please, give me a chance to make things right. I’ll do anything. Just don’t leave me."

Arm looked down at their joined hands, tears falling onto them. "I need time, Porsch. I need to think about everything. But I can’t stay here tonight."

Porsch's heart ached, but he nodded. "I understand. Take all the time you need. Just know that I love you, and I’ll be here, waiting for you."

Arm stood up, pulling his hands away. "Goodnight, Porsch."

"Goodnight," Porsch whispered, watching as Arm walked out the door with a suitcase at hand, leaving him alone with his regret and sorrow.

---

Mew arrived at the end of his shift, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. He had arranged to meet Tul at a quiet, cozy restaurant, hoping they could have an open and honest conversation about the changes in their relationship. As he entered the dimly lit space, he spotted Tul at a corner table, looking a bit apprehensive but smiling warmly.

Mew joined him, and they ordered their meals. They ate in relative silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Once they finished eating, Mew suggested moving to the bar side for a drink. They settled into a pair of plush chairs, and Mew took a deep breath, knowing it was time to address the questions that had been plaguing him.