OffGun August Collection of Drabbles 2024

Prairie (Khai/Third) - Behind the curtain

Author's note: Part 8/??

When Khai escorted him back to his office, Third's head was full of unanswered questions and confusion. This hardworking, enthusiastic and professional Khai was so different from the one he knew in the past. He was more attractive when his eyes shone excitedly as he talked about his job. Third shook his head, trying to dismiss the unwelcome thoughts. He couldn't afford to fall back into the pit hole he barely climbed out of. There was only one solution to divert his thoughts and it was writing. Third, strode to his desk and settled down on the uncomfortable chair. The open laptop in front of him occupied his brain right away. 

He didn't know how long he typed, filling the blank pages in his new drama script when the urge to drink forced him to abandon his work. Reluctantly, Third pushed himself off the chair and walked to the small fridge standing beside the cabinet. Seeing the insides of the machine empty made him groan. His throat was dry like a prairie and needed to be watered. Third had no choice but to go to the small kitchen designated for the employees. Along the way, he made a mental note to buy as many supplies as the tiny fridge could contain so he wouldn't have to make unnecessary trips out of his office.

The door to the kitchen was open and Third could recognize three siluetes standing inside. He stopped in his tracks, hesitating. 

"How was the morning with Third?"Bone's voice made his decision not to enter easier. He plastered himself to the wall instead, listening to the conversation. 

"What do you want to hear?" Khai answered. Third closed his eyes, feeling a sense of deja vu. 

"How was he? What were you talking about?" Two joined with his questions and Third had to bite his lips not to make any sound. 

"He was... professional? We only talked about work." Khai replied. 

"Professional? More like cold. He's got an attitude. It's like he doesn't want to know us anymore." Bone snickered. 

"Don't talk like that about him, Bone. You don't know what he went through." Khai defended him. Third's heart skipped a beat.

"Sorry man, but he abandoned us as if we were nothing and went abroad without telling us. He cut us off." Bone raised his voice. The room fell into silence after that. Third, took a deep breath, peeling himself off of the wall. He should refrain from listening to other people's conversations to avoid unnecessary heartache. Yeah, he left without telling them, he did abandon them in a way, but his so-called friends were the first to betray him. So why was he the only one feeling like the worst trash? 

Third, glanced at the entrance again before he left. He could get a drink outside too, anyway.