Through the wall

XVI

The day of the mediation hearing arrived without incident. Gun was managing his emotions well, believing this was because he'd decided to keep his distance. That resolution gave his suffering an expiry date. He kept telling himself that soon it would all be over, and he could start a new life where his neighbour would no longer be a part of it.

Off, Gun, and Lia met at the courthouse entrance, where the meeting was scheduled. Upon arrival, they were informed that the hearing had been delayed by 45 minutes due to an issue with the official mediator. They decided to cross the street to a café to pass the time and escape the unbearable heat.

The café was one of those spacious places where customers could learn about coffee, grind beans, and even brew their own drinks. The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, combined with the minimalist décor and the cool blast of air conditioning, made the spot a magnet for people at that time of the morning. The place was lively, bustling with chatter and energy. Even so, Gun couldn't shake off his nerves. Despite Off staying close to him the entire time, constantly assuring him that everything would be fine, a restless tension lingered.

A few minutes later, Camila arrived, wanting to support him as well. With her arrival, Off excused himself to go to the bathroom. The others ordered orange juices to cool down and sat at a table by the large window overlooking the courthouse entrance they would soon need to walk through.

Off headed to the men's bathroom, washed his hands, and splashed some water on the back of his neck. He was nervous too. He knew Gun was about to face a challenging moment, seeing that man again, and he felt helpless knowing he wouldn't be allowed inside the hearing room.

He didn't want Gun to face it alone. Though Lia would be with him, and Off trusted her more than anyone for the role, he still wished he could be there—to hold Gun's hand and offer him some semblance of calm. Anxiety gnawed at him; he just wanted it all to be over. Leaning on the bathroom counter, he stared at himself in the mirror, took a deep breath, and turned towards the door to leave.

"Well, well, well... What a convenient surprise," Sing said, leaning against the doorway as he stepped inside.

Off ignored him. Sing was nothing more than a pest who fancied himself the villain of a drama series—though he'd scurried off to his car soon enough the day Off had confronted him with his bat. The last thing Off wanted now was trouble or to ruin everything with a pointless fight with someone so insignificant.

As Off attempted to sidestep him and leave, Sing grabbed his arm and leaned in close to his ear.

"I've no idea what he sees in you... but I do know your little secret," Sing murmured. "I think you're well aware of how much someone with money can uncover. Keep your little boyfriend—I don't want him anymore. He's just a gold digger who'll leave you high and dry..."

Off felt Sing's hot, humid breath grazing his skin. A storm of disgust and fury brewed within him as he tried to wrench himself free and get out before he gave in to the urge to punch him.

"Shh, calm down," Sing whispered mockingly. "There's just one thing left to say: just because I'm letting you have him like the cheap trinket he is, doesn't mean I won't get my revenge..."

Off broke free and stormed out. The word "trinket" had clouded his mind with rage, and he needed to get away before the situation escalated any further.

Sing stayed behind, smirking. He glanced at himself in the mirror and fixed his hair.

"What a shame," he said to his reflection. "He missed the grand finale of my performance. 'Expect visitors soon, Off Jumpol.'"