Babysitting the Campus Jerk (On Semi-Hiatus)

BCJ 28 • home

***

Pete could sense Kao's apprehension the moment they got off the car. It was the day that Kao had to move in with him. He didn't wanna blackmail Kao at first but it was the only way he could think of to get closer to him. He knew it was not right but he'd do whatever it takes to be with Kao again. 

"Do you really want me to talk to her again?" 

Pete watched as Kavine shifted on his seat and leaned closer to him. It was a Sunday when he decided to talk to Kavine. He had not seen him for weeks, neither did he see Kao. He really took a time off and distanced himself from the two as he wanted to clear his mind and look for ways to turn things in his favor and he finally found a way. 

"Yes, Pete. She would not get any treatment unless you talk to her."

"Give me Kao then," he said firmly. "Only then will I talk to her."

"Geez, are you insane? You're setting conditions just to see your own mother? What kind of son are you?" Kavine spat, his eyes growling and the creases on his forehead went deeper. 

"And what kind of mother is she for leaving me and my dad?" Pete retorted as he crossed his arms and glared at Kavine. 

Kavine was silenced. He immediately leaned back on his seat. 

"We're not actually together."

Kavine's revelation didn't surprise him that much for that night when Kao kissed him, he was sure they didn't have anything going on. 

"Well, my hunch is correct then."

"That is still up for Kao to decide, Pete, if he wants to be with you again. But I promise that I'd break every single bone in your body the moment you break him again."

"Just tell me when and where she wants to meet. And Kao better not know about this," he said as he stood and left Kavine. 

"I think I should go, Pete. I am not supposed to be here," Kao's quivering voice took his attention. 

"Are you scared of me?" he asked tenderly, his hands weak as he tried to reach out for Kao but stopped midway.

"No. It's just that, I am not supposed to be here, with you, in this house," Kao voice quivered even more, his eyes on something. 

Pete eventually followed Kao's gaze and discovered what he had been looking at the entire time. It was the photo of them during graduation day. 

"Yes, you are meant to be here, Kao. This is your house now," he said firmly as he grabbed Kao's hand and led him upstairs. 

To his surprise, Kao didn't protest anymore and just let him lead the way.

"Where's Peter?"

"He's out with his friends. Here's your room," he replied as he opened the room he personally prepared. 

"We're not sharing a room together?"

Kao's question caught them both off guard. He stifled a smile as Kao's face became beet red.

"I mean, thanks. I like the room," Kao immediately pushed Pete aside and stepped into the room. "Can I rest first?"

"Of course, you can. I'll call you when it's time for dinner."

***

"Where's Peter?"

Pete cocked a brow as Kao asked for Peter for the nth time. They were seated across each other at the dining table but Kao was obviously avoiding his gaze. He would either look down on his food or look around the house as if he was looking at something only he could see.

"He's staying overnight at his friend's house. Group project."

Of course he was lying. He had to pay Peter 100 bucks just to get him out of the house for the weekend. 

It was Kao's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

"Why? Do you think I am lying?"

"Are you?" Kao fired back, this time his gaze locked on Pete.

Pete didn't say anything and just munched on his food. 

"Just answer me, Pete."

"Yes and no. Yes, he's at his friend's house and no, not because of a group project but because I told him to leave us alone tonight," he replied calmly while Kao's mouth gradually opened upon hearing his statement.

"What the fuck, Pete?"

"Language, Kao. We're in front of the food. Curse me all you want when we are in bed."

Kao's gasped loudly at his boldness while Pete just bit the insides of his cheeks to keep himself from laughing. 

***

Kao laughed along with the characters in the movie, his feet propped on the table while a bowl of popcorn was on his lap. 

For Pete, it was the best sight to see. Having his house filled with Kao's voice and scent just made the house much warmer than it used to be. 

And he would do anything to keep it that way.

Pete decided not to bother him and just watched from the back. Kao didn't seem to notice his presence. 

He smiled. It had been so long since he heard Kao's laugh.

Minutes passed and he still didn't announce his presence. It was then that Kao started crying as the movie became emotional that he sat beside Kao and handed him tissue.

"Thanks," Kao said as he sniffled.

"Care to tell me what's happening in the movie?" he asked despite actually knowing what the plot was. He just wanted Kao to babble.

"He's sick and he's dying but she doesn't know," he answered, his eyes never leaving the screen.

"Would you cry that much as well if I die?"

His question clearly caught Kao off guard as the latter quickly looked at him. 

"Why would I?" Kao replied coldly instead. 

"Oh, well, I'll just visit you and sleep beside you every night without you even knowing."

Kao just rolled his eyes and continued watching the movie. 

Pete on the other hand continued observing him, watching his every move.

"Thank you, Kao, for moving in with me."

"Tss. I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this because you left me with no choice."

"That doesn't really matter. What's important is that you're finally home with me."

***