Chances on Love

Discharged

"The test results came back negative."
"You're free to go young man."
The Doctor said smiling after reading through the documents on his hand.

The old woman felt like a heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders after hearing his son was alright and sighed in relief.

Even after leaving the Doctor's Office with the wonderful news that everything is normal,
She still continued to fuss over Ae's condition and wanted to act as a crutch to support him in standing even if the other has no trouble in doing so.

"Mom, I can handle myself.."
"You don't need to worry too much about me."
Ae was laughing as his mom was overreacting already.

"No Ae.."
"You should be careful and You should stay at home."
"No one will watch over you and that will make me worry more.." She sternly said.

"I'm really okay mom, besides I have Pete to stay with me.." then Ae looked straight at the approaching man.

The old woman paused and tried to hide her disagreement..

Pete smiled sweetly at his lover so he won't notice the tension between him and the older woman then gave his greetings, "Aunt.. Good Afternoon.."

Ae's mom nodded then continued to convince his son to stay with her while he is on a vacation..

Mei will be taking over for a while and Ae was instructed to rest as long as he wants and even Mei reiterated that he can just instruct his people to manage the construction so he can hibernate.

Pete was in the backseat of the car, as Ae's mom immediately sat in the front when they arrived at the parking area.

Pete sighed..
This is really awkward, he said to himself.

He seated there in silence looking outside the window while listening to them..

Ae's mom has been convincing the other to stay over as it's just a few days away and it'll be Christmas.

Ae kept on declining and said that he was alright and he will stay with Pete but will definitely visit their family during the holidays..

Pete eyed them secretly...
He saw Ae's mother staring hard at him through the corner of her eyes..

Eyes asking him to tell Ae to stay with his family and not with someone like him.

Pete avoided her gaze and slowly exhaled...
Maybe Ae should really stay with them.
That's what the holiday is for right..

"Ae.. Aunt.."
"I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation.."
"I'm afraid that I need to go back during the holidays as it is a really busy time of the year.. So, I won't be able to stay here for the holidays.." Pete rebutted.

Ae's mom smirked and felt she won.
"See son, Pete is not staying here for the holidays, he needs to work.. so like it or not.. you will stay with us.."

"Pete, you never told me anything about leaving this holiday.." his eyes showing annoyance.

"When will you be back?" Ae added.

"He hasn't left yet son."
"Why are you asking him when he will be back?!"
his mom teasing.

"Ma...." Ae said irritated..

"I'm sorry Ae.. This is a really busy season for the company so I needed to go back for a while.."
Pete tried to sound convincing...

And that is true..
He needed to work on some promotions and he was required to personally sign some docs, but he doesn't really need to spend his holidays there..

Of course, he really wanted to be with Ae..
but, he deserves to be with his family..

Ae sighed, "Let's talk at home Pete.."

They sat in silence and dropped his mom off the mall they passed by as she needed to do some shopping the  she will meet Oh's wife there.

Pete moved to the passenger seat and looked at Ae..

He still has a bandage on.. "I'm sorry Ae.."

Ae's eyes furrowed.. "What are you apologizing for?"

"You just got off the hospital and yet you had to drive.. I'm sorry, if I can't drive.." Pete said sadly.

Ae looked at Pete and took his hand then kissed it,
"It doesn't matter Pete.. I'm okay you don't have to worry. This is only a scratch.."

Then an awkward silence took over..

Pete cleared his throat..
"I really need to go back Ae.. But I'll come back as fast as I can.. I promise.." Pete looked down trying to avoid his lover's gaze.

"Then.. I'll just go with you.."
Ae said with determination while his eyes are fixed on the road.

Pete looked at the person driving with wide eyes..
"Y... ou.. ca... n't,"

Ae suprised responded, "and why not Pete?"

"I... m not saying you can't Ae... It's just that..."
Pete said trying to find the correct words to use.

"You just said.. I can't Pete.." Ae said lips thinning.

"It's just that... you were just... discharged from the hospital.. you need to rest.. It's the holidays, I won't have mu..ch time.. and.. you should be with your family.." Pete said slightly stammering.

"I have been with them every year Pete, and we haven't spent our holidays together.. I want to be with you.."
Ae said final.

"I'm sorry Ae.. but you cannot.." Pete answered back..

All the way home they argued about it.

Upon reaching the parking lot Ae went outside and closed the car's door angrily..

Pete sighed and followed..
"Ae.. Let's be reasonable here.."
"Even if you go with me, we won't be able to spend our time together.. besides, I have stayed here for while, I just need to go back there for the holidays then I'll come back after.. I'm not staying there for good.."

Ae still did not answer.. and continued to walk ahead..

"Ae!" Pete shouted..
then stopped as he bumped to someone..

"I'm sorry" he said and looked up..
the other person he bumped to was fast enough to hold him steady, his large hands grabbing Pete's shoulder..

The other smiled, "Sorry, Did I hurt you?"

"Tuk?!" he said suprised..

"The one and only.." He answered..

Ae saw what happened and turned back towards the two..

He grabbed Pete possesively by the waist away from Tuk..

"Don't touch him" he snarled at Tuk.

"Woaaahh easy man.. I'm just helping Pete"
then he smiled sweetly at the two.

"Thank you again.. Tuk.."
Pete said embarrased with Ae's action.

Ae pulled Pete.. "Let's go"

"See you around..." Tuk said.. and then the smile on his face disappeared..