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Earth's text arrives just as Mix steps out of the cafe. His phone buzzes, screen lighting up with a simple message.

I'm already here w your parents.

Mix rolls his eyes, with an exaggerated groan. "Whose parents are they, really? Why is he always there first when I'm the son?" he mutters to himself. He pockets the phone and heads out, flagging down a cab, a small scowl still lingering on his face.

The cab ride is quiet, punctuated by Mix’s frustrated thoughts. They were supposed to go together—just like they always do, but the fight this morning had changed everything.

It isn’t about Earth staying at Mix’s place while his own house is being renovated, no, Mix doesn't mind that. In fact, he likes taking care of Earth, it made him realize how much he enjoys looking after others.

But what flips him over is the mess.

Earth’s mess.

Lately, it felt like Earth had taken up a hobby in chaos creation, and Mix had finally exploded this morning, his frustration boiling over.

When the taxi stops, Mix pays the fare, muttering a quick thanks to the driver. He had considered driving his own car, but Earth had argued against it. "It'll look weird if we leave in separate cars," he'd said, using Mix's parents as an excuse. Mix knew the real reason, though. Earth just wants to make up.

Stepping into the diner, Mix’s mood lifts slightly at the sight of his parents waving from their usual booth. He smiles at them, warmth softening his expression, before his eyes land on Earth.

There he is, already seated in the corner, face buried in the menu. Mix suppresses the urge to roll his eyes again and joins them, kissing his parents on the cheek before taking the only available seat between Earth and his mom.

"Why didn’t you come with Earth, honey?" his mother asks, her voice filled with curiosity and concern.

Earth shoots Mix a look that says, See? I told you they'd ask.

Mix forces a smile. "I had to run an errand, Ma. I let Earth come first to keep you company."

"Oh," she replies, her smile returning. "We ordered for you already. Hope that’s okay."

"That’s perfect," Mix says, the smile he gives his mother is genuine now.

Earth leans in slightly, his voice low, a hint of dominance threading through it—something only Mix would notice. "I ordered you hot tea since you mentioned your headache from hangover this morning."

Mix blinks, brows knitting together.

Hangover? Headache? Wait, his head is perfectly fine.

What is Earth playing at?

But with his parents watching, he forces another smile. "Oh, umm.. thanks."

His mother chimes in, “You need to take care of yourself, Mix. Earth can’t always do it for you.”

Mix bites back a retort. Excuse me? I’m the one taking care of him! Instead, he nods, swallowing the frustration and agreeing with his mother’s words.

The waitress comes with their food, setting down dishes and the mug of tea Earth had ordered. Mix busies himself with his plate, but he notices Earth carefully mixing cream and sugar into the tea. Once finished, Earth nudges the mug towards him—a silent command. Mix glares, but Earth’s eyes narrow in reprimand. With his parents watching, Mix sighs and takes a sip.

What is he up to? Mix wonders. He’d already had coffee this morning, and now this overly sweet tea is making him uncomfortably full, in the bladder.

sometimes messy is good (One-Shot)Where stories live. Discover now