Sailub slowly opened his blurry and itchy eyes to see Pon sleeping clinging onto Sailub, Sailub felt guilty and felt something he hadn't felt ever before for Pon: Love.
Sailub never expected himself to love Pon, to care about him, to even hug or touch Pon, the only thing that they would do is to kiss and hold hands in front of their parents.
it was all fake now, they're all alone, cuddling with each other. Pon was still sleeping heavily, his head was still hurting from the interview last night from Pavel and due to the drug Boss used on him.
Pon was tired and his heart was hurt and ached from everything, he didn't know Boss was like that, was he that naive?
Sailub watched Pon who kept sleeping and looked so peaceful and adorable, made Sailub's stress go away, the hatred Sailub felt for Pon washed away.
it was a day where he needed to know more about Pon, he needed to understand Pon more and make sure he's loved and safe, he decided to go on a date with Pon today.
Sailub sighed softly, running his hand gently through Pon's soft hair.
The younger man stirred slightly but didn't wake, his peaceful expression making Sailub's heart ache.
How had he not noticed this before? The quiet strength Pon had, the way he endured everything with a smile, even when it hurt.
Sailub shifted carefully, making sure not to wake Pon as he adjusted the blanket over them.
The events of the past few days played in his mind like a relentless storm. Boss. The hotel. The drug.
It was too close a brush with disaster that Sailub couldn't forgive himself for letting it happen. But now, seeing Pon safe in his arms, he made a silent vow: Never again.
He leaned down, pressing a feather-light kiss to Pon's forehead. "You're safe now," he whispered. "I won't let anyone hurt you again."
Pon murmured something in his sleep, nuzzling closer to Sailub's chest. A soft smile tugged at Sailub's lips.
For the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself to relax.
He didn't have to pretend anymore not with Pon. He didn't need the facade of indifference or the cold mask he wore around others.
This... This was real.
After a couple of hours, Pon was starting to wake up..
The warm sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room.
Pon finally stirred, his eyes fluttering open slowly. He blinked a few times, disoriented, before realizing he was still wrapped in Sailub's arms.
"S-Sailub khub..?" Pon's voice was soft and hoarse, barely above a whisper.
"Good morning," Sailub greeted softly, his voice unusually gentle.
He brushed Pon's hair back from his face, studying him carefully. "How are you feeling? hm? what's wrong?"
Pon winced slightly as he sat up, rubbing his temples. "My head still hurts... but I'm okay." He looked down.
The memories of what happened with Boss flooding back. His eyes welled up, but he quickly wiped them away, not wanting to show weakness.
"Hey, honey.." Sailub's voice was firm but comforting. He cupped Pon's face, tilting it up so their eyes met. "It's okay to feel hurt. You don't have to hide it from me."
Pon's lips quivered, but he nodded. The tenderness in Sailub's eyes was something new, something Pon wasn't used to. It made him feel safe, like he could finally let his guard down.
"I'm sorry.. Sai.." Pon whispered, his voice cracking. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen, i-i.. boss.. he wasn't who I expected."
"Don't," Sailub interrupted, shaking his head. "None of this was your fault. Boss... he's the one who crossed the line. You did nothing wrong, Pon."
Pon leaned into Sailub's touch, his body trembling slightly. For a moment, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth and understanding.
---
After some coaxing and gentle encouragement from Sailub, Pon agreed to get dressed. Sailub had something planned a day just for the two of them.
Pon was hesitant at first, still shaken from everything that had happened, but Sailub's determination to make him feel better was infectious.
They drove in silence, the city bustling around them. Pon glanced out the window, wondering where Sailub was taking him.
When they finally arrived, Pon's eyes widened in surprise. It was a quaint little cafe by the river, surrounded by lush greenery and the calming sound of water.
The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of pastries.
"This place..." Pon trailed off, looking around in awe with a smile tattooed on his face his heart was melting.
"I thought you'd like it," Sailub said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Come on."
They found a quiet corner by the window, the view of the river stretching out before them.
Sailub ordered both of them, remembering Pon's favorite drink a caramel latte and a plate of warm croissants.
As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally. Sailub asked Pon about his childhood, his dreams, and his favorite books.
Pon, surprised but delighted by Sailub's genuine interest, opened up more than he ever had before.
Sailub listened intently, absorbing every word. He realized how little he truly knew about Pon, and it made him feel a pang of guilt.
But today was about change. Today was about showing Pon that he was more than just a husband in name.
After their peaceful time at the cafe, Sailub took Pon to a nearby arcade. The moment they stepped inside, Pon's eyes lit up with excitement.
The flashing lights, the sound of coins clinking, and the cheerful chimes of games were a stark contrast to the heavy emotions of the morning.
"Let's play that one!" Pon pointed enthusiastically at a claw machine filled with plush toys.
Sailub chuckled. "Alright. But don't get mad if I'm bad at it.."
"it's okie! as long as you're having fun with me it's all perfect!"
Pon laughed, a genuine, carefree sound that made Sailub's heart swell. They spent the next hour bouncing from game to game, competing in racing simulators, shooting hoops, and even dancing on a rhythm game.
Pon's laughter and giggles was contagious, and Sailub found himself smiling more than he had in years.
At one point, Pon managed to win a large stuffed bear from the claw machine. He hugged it tightly, beaming. "Look! I finally got one!"
Sailub couldn't help but laugh. "You're amazing, Pon."
Pon blushed, his heart fluttering at the compliment. He felt lighter, freer. For the first time in a long while, he felt like everything was going to be okay.
As the day wound down, Sailub suggested they head back to the mansion.
Pon, still riding the high from their day, agreed. When they arrived, Sailub opened a bottle of sparkling water and handed Pon a glass.
Pon sipped it, feeling relaxed and content. The warmth of the day, the comfort of Sailub's presence it was everything he needed.
As Pon leaned back on the couch, Sailub sat beside him, their fingers intertwining naturally.
They didn't need words. The silence between them was filled with understanding, with promises unspoken but felt deeply.
And for the first time in what felt like forever, Pon knew he was truly loved.
YOU ARE READING
MINE, YOURS ONLY (SHORT STORY)
Lãng mạn"Mine, you're mine and I'm yours." Sailub is a stern and cold man who despises Pon, his paper husband. Their marriage, arranged by their families, is nothing more than a formality. Sailub had to leave behind his beloved ex to marry Pon, someone he...
