SWEET

CHAPTER 16

Kim was in the kitchen the next morning when Porchay came in.

He looked… normal.

Too normal.

He poured himself water. Sat down. Stared at the table.

Kim waited.

“…Phi,” Porchay said quietly.

“Yeah?”

“If…” He hesitated, then laughed weakly. “If someone loves you… can they still get bored of you?”

Kim’s hand stopped mid-movement.
“Why are you asking?”

Porchay shrugged. “Just… thinking.”

Kim sat across from him. “Chay. Did Pete talk to you?”

Porchay’s fingers tightened around the glass.

“…He said Vegas has a type.”

Kim didn’t speak.

“He said I’m not it.”

Silence.

“He said Vegas cheats. And that even if he doesn’t… he always leaves.”

Porchay’s voice cracked, just a little. “Is that true?”

Kim reached out and took his hand. “No.”

Porchay looked up. “You’re not just saying that?”

Kim shook his head. “Vegas is many things. But he didn’t cheat on Pete. And he’s not with you because you’re ‘convenient.’”

“…Then why does it feel like I’m waiting to be thrown away?”

That one hurt.

Kim squeezed his hand. “Because someone who lost him wants you to lose him too.”

Porchay swallowed. “…Should I ask Vegas?”

Kim didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

Vegas found Porchay in the bedroom that night sitting on the bed, hugging his knees.

“…Chay.”

Porchay didn’t look up. “Did you cheat on Pete?”

Straight. No warning.

Vegas froze.

“No,” he said immediately.

“Then why does he say you did?”

Vegas sat in front of him. “Because we were toxic. Because we hurt each other. Because when he left, he wanted a reason that made it my fault.”

“…Do you get bored of people?”

Vegas’ chest tightened. “No. I get scared.”

Porchay looked at him.

“I get scared,” Vegas repeated. “And when I’m scared, I become stupid. Controlling. Suffocating. I push until people can’t breathe.”

“…So you’ll do that to me too?”

Vegas shook his head. “I’m trying not to. Every day.”

Porchay’s eyes were red now. “He said I’m just something soft you’ll get tired of. That Kim is what you really want.”

Vegas’ heart dropped.

He grabbed Porchay’s face gently. “Listen to me. I love you. Not because you’re soft. Not because you’re easy. But because you’re you.”

“And Kim?”

“I love him too,” Vegas said honestly.

“Differently. But not more.”

Porchay’s tears finally fell.

“…I don’t want to be left.”

Vegas pulled him into his chest. “Then don’t go. And don’t let anyone else tell our story for me.”

Big was finally discharged and he had broken his arm , again. He hissed as he carried his medicine. "What kinda boss is that? He didn't even come to see me. What if I died?"

He was about to hail a taxi when a sleek black Mercedes pulled over infront of him.

The driver's window rolled down and revealed no other than Ken."Get in , princess."

Princess?He was too mascular to be called a princess.

"How did you ---"

"I know everything about you."

Big was still unsure but opened the door and sat on the passenger seat.

Ken started the engine and drove off.

Ken dropped Big at Kim's house and before he could drive off, Big stopped him. "Ken, can I have your LINE? "
Ken tilted his head, studying him."Why?"

Ken watched Big fidgeting with the hem of his coat, like he always did when he was nervous. For some reason, the quiet of the evening felt heavier than usual, and Big realized he didn’t want to waste another second.

“Ken,” he said softly, stepping closer, “I---I like you. I’ve liked you for a while now.”

Ken froze, then blinked slowly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I like you too, Big. I just wasn't sure if you felt the same.”

Without another word, Big leaned in and pressed a gentle, warm kiss to Ken’s lips, slow and soft, filled with all the affection he had been holding back. Ken’s hands found Big’s shoulders, holding on, and when they pulled back slightly, their foreheads touched.

“So… does this mean we’re… dating?” Ken whispered, still smiling shyly.

Big chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Ken’s face. “Yes. We are.”

And just like that, they found their happiness.

Ken finally gave him his LINE and drove off to Kinn's mansion.

Kim found Pete two days later.

Same bar.

Same corner.

He sat down without asking.

“You talked to Porchay,” Kim said calmly.

Pete smirked. “Oh, did I?”

“You don’t get to touch my family,” Kim said.

Pete laughed. “Family? Please. You think Vegas stays?”

Kim leaned in. His voice was quiet. Sharp. Dangerous.

“He didn’t cheat on you.”

Pete’s smile shook.

“You left him,” Kim continued. “And you couldn’t stand that he didn’t break down.”

Silence.

“So you’re trying to poison what he has now.”

Pete’s eyes darkened. “I know him better than you ever will.”

Kim stood. “Maybe.”

He looked down at him. “But he chose us. And that’s what you can’t forgive.”

Then, cold:
“Stay away from Porchay. While I'm still being polite.” With that, Kim walked away, leaving Pete annoyed.