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

ACS 86

A CERTAIN SOMEONE FANFIC ''THE ON1Y ONE ''

JAMESVINCE

A Certain Someone

Chapter 86: Family Dinner

Aunt Lea never imagined she'd run into Day at the hospital. She told Clark with a nostalgic smile, "Day was one of my closest friends back in high school. We were inseparable."

She recalled their shared days vividly. "Day was always complaining about doing all the work while I had the fancy title of monitor. But I couldn't help but bring homemade snacks for us all. Those were good times."

Day and Aunt Lea's friendship had been solid. She remembered how he'd even helped her with Philip, the boy she had a crush on. "He didn't think Philip was right for me," she laughed softly. "Turns out, he was right."

Time had passed, and Day had moved north. Aunt Lea had her share of ups and downs, including a tumultuous relationship with Philip. They lost touch after graduation, and her life took different turns. Recently, she'd heard that Day was ill and had returned to China. Seeing him now, frail and changed, was jarring.

When Aunt Lea encountered Day in the hospital, she was overwhelmed. "Why are you back?" she asked gently.

Day's eyes were tired but kind. "Something's growing in my head, and they say there's no cure. I didn't want to die far from home."

After their brief conversation, Aunt Lea hurried downstairs, tears welling up. She was afraid of running into Philip, who might be around. Her son, Sheng Wang, and his friend Jiang Tian were waiting by the hospital's entrance, where Sheng Wang was making the old man laugh with jokes.

Aunt Lea found a bit of comfort in seeing her son and Jiang Tian interact. She was about to join them when her phone buzzed with a message from Day: Thank you for coming to see me.

She replied, It's what friends do. Rest well and don't worry too much.

Back at home, Sheng Wang had been planning to tell his father about his and Jiang Tian's plans to rent a house, but with Clark's busy schedule, he hadn't found the right moment.

Jiang Tian noticed Lea's somber mood and asked, "What's wrong mom?"

Aunt Lea brushed it off. "Oh, nothing important. Just old memories and some paperwork issues."

"Which classmate?" Jiang Tian probed.

Aunt Lea chuckled. "Someone from long ago. I'll show you old graduation photos someday. You probably wouldn't recognize them."

Jiang Tian nodded, but he couldn't shake the thought of Lea's discomfort. "Let me help mom," he said, heading to the kitchen to assist.

"Don't be silly," Aunt Lea replied with a smile. "I'll cook. How about ordering takeout?"

"No need to, I can help," Sheng Wang said, peeking into the kitchen.

Lea laughed, putting on her apron. "You trust my cooking, don't you?"

Habang ang kusina ay naging masigla ang lahat, sinubukan nina Sheng Wang at Jiang Tian na gumawa ng mga dumpling. Si Sheng Wang, sa kabila ng kanyang pagtry magluto, ay nahirapan sa proseso ng paggawa ng dumpling. Si Jiang Tian ay tumingin na may kasiyahan, paminsang pumapasok para ituwid ang mga hindi perpektong dumpling ni Sheng Wang.

"ganito kasi, gayahin mo ako.." sabi ni Jiang Tian, na mahinahong itinutulak si Sheng Wang sa gilid. "Ang gulo mo.."

"Hey, ginagalingan ko kaya!" umangal si Sheng Wang, ngunit ang kanyang mga pagsubok ay lalo pang nagpatawa kay Jiang Tian.

Hindi nagtagal, sumama sa kanila si Uncle Pat, na nagdala ng dagdag na mga sangkap at tumulong sa paglalagay ng palaman sa mga dumpling. Ang kusina ay abala sa mga gawain at tawanan, na nagbigay ng mainit at komportableng atmospera.

Clark and Aunt Lea returned to the aroma of vinegar and dumplings. The family gathered around the table, enjoying the simple but heartfelt meal. Despite the imperfect dumplings, everyone appreciated the effort and the company.

As they ate, the old man raised a glass. "Sheng wang, you need to practice this skill. You won't fool your future wife otherwise."

Clark nearly choked on his drink, and Sheng Wang felt his face redden. He wanted to retort but simply mumbled, "Uh, I'll get better."

Jiang Tian gently touched Sheng Wang's leg under the table, offering silent support. Sheng Wang smiled, feeling the warmth of Jiang Tian's presence. Despite the chaos of the meal, the evening was filled with warmth and love.

As the dinner ended, Clark announced, "Lea and I plan to invite everyone to a special dinner soon. We're going to get the certificate and make it official."

Sheng Wang's eyes widened in realization. His father and Aunt Lea were planning to settle down. The thought made him feel a mix of emotions. He glanced at Jiang Tian, seeking reassurance.

Jiang Tian met his gaze, his eyes soft and understanding. Together, they faced the future, feeling more connected than ever amidst the warmth of family and the promise of new beginnings.