To the end

21

Finally In his arms

Kim stood in the hallway outside Tankhun’s room, gathering his thoughts before stepping inside. He knew his brother would ask questions—questions he couldn’t answer, not yet. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open to find Tankhun lounging on his bed, flipping through a brightly colored catalog.

“Kim?” Tankhun’s voice was curious as he looked up. “What’s with the serious face? You’re not here to lecture me about spending money again, are you?”

Kim shook his head. “No. I just wanted to let you know I’ll be gone for two days.”

Tankhun’s brow furrowed as he sat up. “Gone? For what? You barely leave the house unless it’s important. Where are you going?”

Kim hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. “I... can’t say. But it’s something I have to do.”

Tankhun frowned, clearly displeased with the vague answer. “You’re being all mysterious again. Come on, Kim. At least tell me if it’s dangerous.”

“It’s not dangerous,” Kim replied firmly, though his tone softened. “I’ll be back. Just handle things here while I’m gone.”

Tankhun crossed his arms, clearly unconvinced but deciding not to push further. “Fine. But you better come back in one piece, or I’m sending someone after you.”

Kim allowed a small smile to tug at his lips. “I’ll be back, Khun. Trust me.”

Before leaving, Kim stopped by the children’s playroom. Venice was seated by the window, staring out at the garden, while Leiah sat cross-legged on the floor, her notebook in her lap as she doodled aimlessly. The atmosphere was tense, filled with unspoken words and emotions neither of them dared to voice.

“I’ll be away for two days,” Kim said softly, stepping inside. His voice was gentle, careful not to startle them.

Leiah didn’t look up from her notebook, her pencil moving in slow, deliberate strokes. Venice shifted slightly but kept his gaze fixed on the window.

“I know you’re upset with me,” Kim continued, his tone tinged with regret. “But... I promise, when I come back, things will be different. Better.”

Leiah paused, her pencil hovering over the page, but she didn’t respond. Venice’s shoulders stiffened, and Kim noticed the way his hands gripped the windowsill tightly.

“You’ll understand when I return,” Kim said, more to himself than to them. He took a hesitant step back, his heart heavy with their silence. “Take care of each other.”

As he closed the door behind him, Kim exhaled shakily. The weight of their disappointment was suffocating, but he held onto the hope that everything would change when they saw Vegas again. They had to.

The hum of the engine filled the silence as Kim drove through the dark, winding road toward the dock. PJ sat in the passenger seat, his gaze focused ahead, his expression unreadable. The tension between them was palpable, but neither had spoken much since they left.

Kim tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his knuckles whitening. His mind raced with anticipation, fear, and hope.

This is it. Vegas... you’re alive. I’m coming for you.

The dock was eerily quiet, bathed in the pale glow of the moonlight. The water lapped gently against the wooden posts, and a single boat was tied up, waiting for them. Kim stepped out of the car, the cold night air biting at his skin. He didn’t hesitate as he grabbed his bag and walked toward the boat.