Coming Undone

Chapter 2 : Thick as Thieves

Bai Luo Yin was exceptionally exhausted when he got home that day. It is why he went straight to bed right after dinner. During dinner he lazily mumbled some responses to his family's inquiries about his new school. Though he hated having to attend this school, he masked it quite well so as to ensure that his father would not somehow feel guilty. As he was starting to doze off, suddenly his phone on the nightstand started ringing. In his half asleep state he reached out, grabbed it and pressed the answer button without even taking a glance at it.

"Bal Luo Yin" said that all too familiar voice which belonged to his mother.

"Yes..?" he uttered still not caring to open his eyes.

"I'm just calling to ask how your first day went" said her annoyingly cheerful voice. "Did you meet your step brother Gu Hai?"

Bai Luo Yin was barely paying attention. After a pause he responded without much interest "who..?"

"Gu Hai. I called him as well but he never answers my calls and I haven't met him in days since he moved into an apartment that his father got him." She elaborated.

'Why the hell does that name sound familiar' Bai Luo Yin wondered. It only took a few more seconds before it dawned on him.

That ridiculous handwriting! That arrogant tone. That smug posture. Gu Hai. Of course he could remember!

'That moron is her step-son?' He let it sink in internally.

"Are you still there Bal Luo Yin?"

"umm.. yes I was just about to sleep, I'm tired. Talk to you later." He hung up still lost in thought.

'That asshole probably already knew who I was and wanted to mess with me on purpose.' He pondered angrily. "..or could this be a different Gu Hai.." Then he scoffed. "Yeah right. Like being placed in the same class as her new son could be a coincidence. Who am I kidding."

Suddenly a look of determination made its way to his facial features. "Gu Hai. You better stay the hell away from me., or else I'll make you wish you never met me"

For so long he had hated the man his mother adored so much after leaving his beloved father. Then she married him making Bai Luo Yin detest that family even more. Though it is ridiculous to hate people you have never even met, Bai Luo Yin could not help how he felt. It stemmed from a heartache of betrayal deep within.

Although he had not given any thought as to what this new son of hers could be like, now that he had met him, he realized it is exactly the type of a person he would have imagined him to be. 'How predictable' he thought before giving into his weariness.

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The next day, Bai Luo Yin came to the class 10 minutes late. The teacher had already arrived.

"You.." He said disapprovingly studying Bai Luo Yin. "How nice of you to be so punctual"

Bai Luo Yin guiltily smiled and made his way to his seat.

The lessons kept Bai Luo Yin interested enough to not fall asleep. Unlike in his old school, here they barely got a break between periods. So when the lunch break finally arrived, he instantly rushed out to the cafeteria. As he sat down with his tray of food, a book suddenly landed on the table with a thud.

He turned around.

Gu Hai stood staring down at him with his imposing height.

Bai Luo Yin stared back down at the book. It belonged to him.