Distance, Time and Space

Chapter 14

Kyo arrived at home from his part time job. As he opened the door, he saw Ren sitting on the floor beside his bed, reading a book. He instantly looked at the door when it opened.

"Ohh, welcome back."

Kyo took off his shoes and closed the door as he entered. "Yeah..."

"Did you eat already?"

"Not yet." Kyo said, walking towards Ren to see what he was reading.

"What? I have no idea he can read."

Ren stood up, walking into the kitchen to prepare the food he had made earlier. "Here, I made something for you."

"What? I'm not aware you can cook."

"Well, you're not wrong about that. I just put the vegetables I saw in your fridge."

"Ughh... What kind of cooking is that? Is this even edible?"

"Wha- But, but as long as it tastes good, it will be fine, right? I mean, my stomach is fine." Ren replied.

"Huhh?! But I'm a human, of course our stomachs work differently. Nah, I won't eating this." Kyo complained.

"But I work hard to make this for you." Kyo mumbled, looking so down.

Kyo made a disgusted face, seeing Ren act that way. "Tskk, fine fine, I'll try it, but if I don't like it, I won't eat."

Ren looks up at Kyo, smiling brightly at him. "Okay."

Kyo was ready to taste the food but also hesitating, but the thing he was thinking was Ren making it, even though he doesn't know how to cook, and it is also a reason why he doesn't want to eat it.

"Well, whatever."

As the food touches Kyo's tongue, he glances at Ren. "You made this?"

"Yeah." Ren said happily.

"Not bad."

"You like it?"

"Well, maybe something like that."

Ren smiles, "Good to hear, I'll get you some water."

"Since Ren came here, he takes care of me. He even cleans the house when I'm not around, tho I dunno where he learned to clean and even cook. Why does he even take care of me? I don't like it, but it's not that I hate it either."

Ren came back, carrying a pitcher of water and a cup, placing them on the table where Kyo was currently eating, and settling down as he watched him.

"What?"

"Huh?"

"You're staring at me, you want something?" Kyo said as he frowned.

"Nah, I'm just happy that you're back." Ren replied, giving off a smile.

"Say..." Kyo put down the spoon and fork on the table, while Ren just kept watching on him.

"Yes?"

"Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?" Ren asked in confusion.

"Why are you taking care of me?"

"Huh? But why not?"

"That's not the answer I want." Kyo stated as he furrowed his eyebrows.

"What do you mean?"

"Answer me properly, why are you doing this? Do you need something from me? Are you asking for an exchange?"

"What?! Why are you saying that?" Ren unconsciously raises his voice slightly.

"I mean, that's how society works. When a person does something good to another person, they will expect something in return."

"You... You don't trust me, don't you?" Ren said as he crossed his arm, staring at Kyo.

"..."

"Ha! You really don't trust me, huh? So... You're expecting something from me in return back then when you helped me?"

"What?! Of course not!" Kyo exclaimed, raising from his chair.

"See, that is my intention too. If that's how society works, just think of this as a payment because you took care of me before."

"..." Kyo settled down, looking down, feeling ashamed about what he said to Ren.

"Listen, Kyo. Not all people will use you for their own goal, just like some people around you are doing that. I'm not like them.

"Is... not because you like me?"

Ren dropped his jaw when he heard Kyo. "What?"

"Remember the time when we ate together after my class? You said you like me. I don't think that's a lie tho or a joke either. You're not a person who lies or jokes something like that. And that is not just a simple like, it's not like as a friend." Kyo said.

Ren was speechless, he can't even deny it, saying nothing will make it more obvious. "How?"

Kyo leaned back on the chair. "So, it's true."

"How did you know?" Ren asked furiously.

"How can't I know when you're being so obvious? I'm not dense, Ren."

"Do you hate it?"

"Of course, we're both guys."

Ren froze like a statue in front of Kyo. Hearing those words, he looked down, disappointed.

"Why did I even ask? I already knew that."

"What do you mean?"

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I'm back!!🙉 Sorry for the late upload😭. I'm currently learning anatomy and perspective in drawing, perspective is really hard for real, I'm dying💀. It's hard to do both at the same time, yahh, arts and writing💀. Well,  this is my choice, being stressed in a creative way. Anyway,  I hope you like this chapter. I really appreciate it. Have a nice day!! Thank you for reading😌💅

- chrys❤