When Worlds Collide (Taynew)

episode ✍️ 55

Tay stared down at the two men as they squirmed in fear. "Where is your boss now?" he asked coldly.

"We don't know," one of them stammered. "He just calls us and gives orders."

Tay's eyes darkened. "Now you two will work for me. And don't even think about betraying me—my men will always be watching you."

The men exchanged fearful glances. "But if our boss finds out we betrayed him, he'll kill us," one of them said, trembling.

Tay leaned in closer, his voice low and menacing. "And if you don't work for me, today will be your last day on earth. Now choose."

Swallowing hard, the men nodded. "We’ll do whatever you ask. Just tell us what you need."

Tay outlined their new instructions, ensuring they knew their roles. Once he was satisfied, he let them go. But their fear lingered—they understood all too well what crossing Tay meant.

Later, Tay sat in his chair, thinking deeply about the situation. He considered his next moves carefully before finally getting up and heading home.

When Tay entered New’s room, he found New still awake, sitting up in bed. Tay raised an eyebrow. "You're still awake?"

New smiled softly. "I waited for you. Did you eat anything, Tar?"

Tay say. "I did. Now lay down, I’m just going to freshen up quickly." New nodded, obediently lying down as Tay went to the bathroom. When Tay returned and lay beside him, New rested his head on Tay's arm and asked softly, "Did you find the man, Tar?"

Tay sighed. "No, but I will."

New nodded quietly, feeling the tension in Tay’s body. After a pause, Tay looked at him seriously. "New, can you do something for me?"

New turned his head to face Tay. "What is it?"

Tay took a deep breath. "When you go to college, or anywhere else, don’t talk to anyone suspicious. Don't go anywhere alone, even to the restroom. And if someone from your college asks you for help or wants you to go somewhere with them, avoid it. If you notice anything unusual, call me, your bodyguard, or your brother okay?"

New's brow furrowed with concern. "Why? What’s happening, Tar?"

Tay sighed, stroking New's hair. "Just do those things for a couple of days. Don't ask me more questions. I'll tell you when the time is right."

New frowned, his worry growing. "You're making me more anxious, Tar."

Tay's expression softened. "Don’t be worried. Just remember one thing: if you’re safe, I’m safe too."

New looked at him skeptically. "Don't joke around, Tar. How does my safety guarantee yours? You’re the one who’s always in danger with the kind of work you do, not me."

Tay chuckled, amused by New's innocence. "Are you really that dumb? I thought you were the top student at your college."

New scowled. "Tar! Don’t insult me! You know I’ve never gotten second place."

Tay laughed softly. "But you're still dumb. I don't even know why I chose a dumb boy to be my partner."

New slapped Tay’s arm playfully. "I don’t want to talk to you anymore!"

Tay smiled, amused by New's reaction. "You dare to hit me? No one else would even touch me, you know."

New turned away with a pout, refusing to speak. Tay leaned closer. "Are you seriously going to stay mad at me? Turn around."

But New remained stubbornly silent. Tay sighed say. "Okay, okay you are not dumb. It’s late. I want to sleep, New. Please turn around."

Slowly, New turned back toward Tay but still kept quiet. Tay sighed again, more gently this time. "My enemies can’t get to me, so they’re trying to target my weakness to take me down. Do you understand what I mean? When I say your safety means mine, I mean it."