A few days later, Santa have help his father at his food stall, he would also help barcode with his study, right now the three of them at the their house, Santa stood near the kitchen, helping his father with some cooking for that day, a spatula in hand, flipping fried noodles. The sun cast a warm glow over the small cozy house, the warmth did little to ease the anxious feeling brewing in Santa’s chest.
"Phi, can you help me?" Barcode asked, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to solve a math problem at their dining table. Santa laughed softly, glancing over at his younger brother, whose pencil was scribbling furiously on the paper.
"Sure, Nong," Santa said, He couldn’t help but grin at the mixture of seriousness and determination on Barcode's face. It reminded him of their shared late-night study sessions filled with laughter, grumbling, and the occasional fight.
"Ugh! I can’t do this!" Barcode groaned, tossing his pencil aside. "Why do I need to know about algebra anyway?"
"Because you’re going to be the smartest kid in school," Santa teased, ruffling Barcode's hair. "And besides, I’m here to help you. How about a break?"
"Fine, But only if you promise to help me with my English later," Barcode replied, his face lighting up at the idea of a break.
"Deal," Santa said, smiling as he reached for a snack from the refrigerator.
As the two of them chatted, their father joined them, a plate of freshly cooked fried noodles in hand. "I think I might have outdone myself today," he said proudly, placing the plate on the table.
"Smells amazing, Pa!" Santa exclaimed, eager to dig in. The warmth of the moment enveloped them, laughter and love filling the small space as they enjoyed their meal together.
But unknown to them, time was ticking down on a dark cloud hanging over their family. The debt their father owed was nearing its deadline, and the reality of it hung like a specter, waiting to pounce.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perth lounged in his mansion, scrolling through his phone as Jeff paced back and forth in the living room. The atmosphere was tense, thick with unspoken concerns about the overdue debt owed by Santa’s father.
"Perth, the time we gave to the old man is finished," Jeff announced, his voice sharp and impatient.
"Let’s go to his house then," Perth replied, his expression shifting from relaxed to resolute.
"Yeah, I think it’s time we pay them a visit," Jeff said, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. They climbed into the car, flanked by a couple of their workers. Perth’s mind buzzed with thoughts of how they would handle the situation—what they would do if the old man couldn’t come through with the payment.
There was a knock at the door, cutting through the laughter and chatter in the house. Santa looked at Barcode and their father, all of them exchanging curious glances.
"I’ll get it," Barcode said, but before anyone could move, a loud, aggressive knock echoed through the house.
"Hey old man! Open up!" Jeff’s voice boomed, and dread pooled in Santa’s stomach.
Their father exchanged worried glances with his sons. "Stay here, boys," he said, his voice low and tense. But it was too late. The door swung open, revealing Jeff and Perth, flanked by a couple of menacing workers.
"Hey, old man, the time is finished," Jeff said, a smirk playing on his lips as he stepped inside, clearly uninvited.
"Please, I’m begging you! Just give me a little more time," their father pleaded, his voice cracking as he stepped forward, holding tightly to Santa and Barcode.
YOU ARE READING
Taken by the Mafia ✧*。
FanfictionA K-pop idol's life spirals out of control when he's taken by a ruthless mafia as payment for his father's debts. As love, loyalty, and power collide, he must navigate the dark underworld while uncovering unexpected feelings for the mafia heir.
