THE ON1Y ONE (某某) [ TAG/ ENG ] FANFICTION

ACS 65

A CERTAIN SOMEONE FANFIC ''THE ON1Y ONE ''

JAMESVINCE

A Certain Someone
Chapter 65: Hidden Words

The alley was cloaked in silence as Sheng Wang tried to process Philip's harsh words. The shadows made it hard to read Jiang Tian's expression, and Sheng Wang was uncertain if Jiang Tian was feeling embarrassed, angry, or something else entirely. The tension was palpable, and Sheng Wang felt a growing frustration.

He had never encountered someone like his dad—someone who seemed to drag others down just to save face. The contrast between Philip's current demeanor and the idealized image Sheng Wang had from old photos was stark.

Sheng Wang adjusted the strap of his schoolbag and took a step forward. "Uncle, I need to say something," he said, his voice firm yet friendly.

Philip looked at him, confused. "What is it?"

With a slight smirk, Sheng Wang said, "If you weren't Jiang Tian's dad, this bag would have slapped your face by now."

Philip's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't move. He seemed to weigh Sheng Wang's words carefully, perhaps unsure if this was a genuine intervention or just an outsider's interference.

Sheng Wang continued, "But honestly, I don't think Jiang Tian is going to recognize you as his dad, right?"

Before Philip could respond, Sheng Wang swung his schoolbag lightly at him, making a point but not causing any harm. "What's Jiang Tian's life supposed to be? He has a family now. Enough of this."

Philip, taken aback, looked flustered. He turned to leave, but his footsteps were heavy with resignation.

Jiang Tian placed a hand on Sheng Wang's shoulder, his touch gentle but firm. "Let it be," he said, his voice a mixture of relief and fatigue. "It's not worth it."

They watched as Philip walked away, his shadow growing smaller in the dim light. The Old Man's loud voice echoed through the alley, adding to the night's chaos. "Jiang Tian! Sheng Wang! Help me open the door! I want to deal with this unethical person!"

The Old Man's shouting stirred the neighborhood dogs, creating a cacophony of barking. Philip hesitated, feeling the sting of the Old Man's anger and the weight of his own shame.

Jiang Tian turned to Sheng Wang, offering a weary smile. "Let's head inside."

Inside the courtyard, the Old Man was flustered but tried to make amends. "I should have called ahead. Maybe you wouldn't have had to deal with Philip. Papaluin ko ito ng dos por dos kapag nagkita kami ulit. "

As Sheng Wang helped in the kitchen, he was puzzled by the Old Man's attempt to cheer Jiang Tian up with food. The old man was trying to make dried bamboo shoots, lotus roots, and chestnuts—food that he hoped Jiang Tian would like.

Sheng Wang, thinking of Jiang Tian's tastes, suggested, "Let's go with the dried bamboo shoots. He seems to prefer crispy things."

The Old Man nodded appreciatively and went to prepare the food. Sheng Wang, feeling a bit inspired, found a packet of chamomile tea and brewed a cup, hoping it would help soothe Jiang Tian's nerves.

At dinner, Jiang Tian was quiet, lost in his thoughts. Sheng Wang glanced at him, reflecting on their first meeting and how Jiang Tian's tough exterior masked a deeper pain.

After dinner, they walked back to school. The evening was alive with students heading to 7-Eleven or playing basketball at the playground. Jiang Tian seemed distant, his eyes occasionally drifting towards the playground.

Napansin ni Sheng Wang at tinawag, "Jiang Tian!"

Napatingin si Jiang Tian, biglang natauhan mula sa kanyang iniisip.

"Ano?"

Ngumiti si Sheng Wang, may lambing sa tono, "Kalilimutan mo na yang problema mo at lahat ng kalokohang 'yan. Para lang 'yan sa mga taong naghahanap ng palusot. Ikaw ang may kontrol sa buhay mo. Gets? "

Naging seryoso ang mukha ni Jiang Tian. "Sinabi rin ni Jr dati, na kapag lalo mong tinutulak ang isang bagay o problema, mas lalo itong lumalaki."

Tumango si Sheng Wang. "Tama. Hindi ka natutukoy ng nakaraan mo o ng sinuman. "

Pumasok si Jiang Tian sa dormitoryo, habang sumisilip ang ilaw sa pasilyo, nagbibigay ng init sa paligid. Habang dumadaan siya sa pinto, bulong niya sa sarili, "Totoo nga, talo ko lang ang sarili ko."

Sheng Wang watched him go, a mix of concern and support in his heart. The night ended with a sense of understanding and the hope that things would get better for Jiang Tian.