Something Happened over Christmas [COMPLETED]

Part 7

The sky was bleak and gray when Dome woke up, reflecting the heaviness in his chest. He's all alone in the room.

Last night Pavel asked him if he'd wait for him.

And his answer was no.

Why would he? So he could keep breaking his heart whenever he sees Pavel beside his girlfriend?

He wasn't that desperate, and he still has self respect, so no.

Pavel stayed until Dome fell asleep, but then left afterwards.

And now Dome's all alone in the world.

His body feels as if weighed down by a big chunk of metal. He didn't want to move. All he wanted was to stay curled up in his bed until he's not hurting anymore. But more than anything else, he couldn't stay here now, otherwise he'll go crazy.

There's only one place to go. Whenever he feels sad or down, he'd go to his grandparents' place in Ban Nam Peung, in the house where he grew up.

No time to lose, Dome quickly showered and then packed an overnight bag. He texted his parents and David so they wouldn't worry, but he didn't tell anyone where he was going. He also purposely left his cellphone in the condo so he wouldn't be tempted to check any message or social media post from Pavel.

When Dome arrived in the house, he was greeted by Chati, the old caretaker. It's a six-hundred-meter traditional Thai house surrounded by trees and shrubs and different kinds of tropical flowers. The nearest neighbor is almost half a kilometer away.

'Sir,' said Chati, 'sorry, I didn't realize you were coming today.'

Dome tried to smile. 'It's alright, don't worry. I just decided this morning. Do you have anything to eat?'

'Of course, sir. You can wait in your room while Lawan prepares the dining table. We'll call you when it's ready.'

'Khob-kun-krub,' said Dome, 'and sorry for the inconvenience.'

Dome passed by his grandparents' bedroom and stood at the door, touching the wood. They both died a few years ago, but up to this day, Dome still misses them a lot. They took care of him when he was little, and when they died, they left him this house. Chati and his family takes care of the place, but Dome tries to come here if he has free time because it's the only space where he truly feels relaxed and at home.

After lunch, Dome brought a mug of black coffee and walked into the woods. The rain has stopped but the plants and the ground were still wet. On one side of the property was a narrow brook, where Dome used to catch tiny crabs and dragonflies when he was younger. He sat on a big rock and dipped his feet in the cold water.

This used to bring him comfort, but now there's an emptiness in him and a hand seems to be squeezing his heart every few minutes. In his mind there's only one word that keeps repeating:

Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel Pavel

Earlier while driving, his favourite song played on the radio (Perhaps Love, the OST of the old Korean drama, Princess Hours), and he just burst into tears. He had to stop the car on the side of the highway because he couldn't see properly.

Now, sitting in the woods, he imagined himself as the commoner, and a tall, handsome guy as the prince that was promised—not Pavel, because he shouldn't think of Pavel anymore. It should be anyone but Pavel, who's going to be his knight in shining armour and save him from this misery.

Let Pavel's girlfriend have him. It's none of his business anymore.

'Dome.'

Dome almost jumped in surprise. 'What are you doing here?!'

Joss smiled.

Joss Wayar, David's younger brother. The handsome actor being linked to Nine. The guy Joong hated the most.

'I thought it was your car that passed by our house, so I came here to check. And Chati told me where you are, so here I am! Hey—hey, why are you crying?'

Dome shook his head. 'Nothing... I... I...'

Joss sat beside Dome. Dome rested his head on Joss's shoulder. 'What happened?' Joss asked.

Normally Dome would keep things to himself, but now it's just too much, so he told Joss everything, from beginning to end. To Pavel leaving him last night.

Joss caressed Dome's back. He didn't say anything. He's pissed at Pavel for doing this to his friend, but he understood that right now what Dome needed is simply someone to listen. He held his friend until he stopped crying.

After calming down, Dome straightened himself and wiped his tears. 'Sorry...'

'Hey, that's what I'm here for. Are you feeling better now?'

Dome nodded.

'You know what's gonna make you feel better? My mom's chocolate mousse.'

Dome laughed. It's his weakness. 'Okay, let's go.'

They walked back to the house and in the garage took the scooter. Joss drove while Dome sat behind him. They went to Bangkok Tree House, the hotel and restaurant owned by Joss's family. Joss's mom gave them a plate full of her famous dark chocolate mousse.

Unbeknownst to them, a fan was able to capture photos of them riding the motorbike, and a video of them smiling and talking to each other while eating in the restaurant (and sharing just one plate!!!). Within just an hour, #JossDome was trending on Twitter and Instagram.

Pavel almost had a heart attack when he saw the photos and the clip.

Pavel saw red.

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