Every Single Thing I Touch || HeartLiming "Moonlight Chicken"

25. The Deafening Silence Of A Heartbreak Song

Some angst for those weary and weakened souls. I'm sorry, but we need this talk. And the next talk. And the next. But just so you know, there's always a silver lining in every dark cloud—there's always a rainbow after the rain. Take this bitter pill and you'll feel better soon.

"But I knew you'd linger like a tattoo kiss, I knew you'd haunt all of my what-ifs. The smell of smoke would hang around this long, 'cause I knew everything when I was young. I knew I'd curse you for the longest time, chasin' shadows in the grocery line. I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired, and you'd be standin' in my front porch light"

—Taylor Swift, "Cardigan"

"Liming?" Heart's voice was laced with both surprise and concern as his eyes locked on the shorter boy, who was standing in the doorway, absolutely livid.

Heart immediately pushed himself away from the other boy, trying to create some space between them, but it was too late. Liming had already seen enough, and his fury was palpable, radiating off him in waves. Liming's gaze flicked from Heart to the boy—pale-skinned, with an soft grin that slowly faded into a grimace as he realized the gravity of the situation. Liming's fists clenched at his sides, and his voice came out in a low, dangerous growl.

"Who the fuck is this?" Liming's words vibrated with anger, each syllable sharp like a blade.

"Liming, wait—" Heart began, raising a hand in a futile attempt to calm him, but he could see how the rest of Liming's team was watching the scene unfold, eyes wide and mouths agape. Heart knew this wasn't just a private issue anymore, but before he could utter another word of explanation, Liming was already in motion.

In an instant, Liming lunged at the other boy.

"Phi!" Teung shouted, rushing forward to stop him, but Liming was faster.

It was like he was eighteen again and in front of him was his worst nightmare—Taro. His fist connected with the boy's face in a clean, vicious punch, sending him stumbling backward. The other boy reacted quickly grabbing Liming's collar in a defensive move, but that only seemed to fuel Liming's rage further, who kneed him in his crotch, making the other's legs weak and tumble in reaction. Liming wasn't done however, as he gripped the boy's throat, choking him—eyes burning with intense fury.

Heart was cheating on him. Heart was cheating on him. Heart was cheating on him.

A sob clogged in his throat, threatening to come out but Liming stubbornly held back his tongue. He had suffered worse when he was a teenager—this was nothing. He wasn't losing his brother, he wasn't getting fucking raped by Taro, he wasn't seeing Heart lose his hearing—this was absolutely nothing.

But why did it feel like someone was squeezing his lungs, making it impossible to breathe? Why was he seeing fucking stars?

Teung and Dillon scrambled to pull Liming back, their hands gripping under his arms as he thrashed wildly—legs flying and his body moving with a raw, animalistic fury. Liming growled brokenly, his breath coming in short, angry gasps as he fought against their hold. Heart rushed forward, grabbing the other boy and pushing him behind him protectively, shielding him from further assault.

And it absolutely broke Liming. Heart used to protect him years ago. Him. And now...

"Liming, stop," Heart said, his voice rising, exasperation and desperation threading through his tone.

He knew this was spiraling out of control, and fast—and even Liming knew that. They were in the workplace, and this wasn't the right time or the right place to air their dirty laundry, but Liming couldn't care any less. He was in the now—and he wanted answers. Or maybe smash that boy's head on a wall until it was crumbled to pieces. And then he'd turn to Heart to repeat the same.