Love in the Time of Corona

24

[TRIGGER WARNING: There is a part of this chapter that might seem triggering. If you think you won't be able to handle the specific part, please skip it. I wouldn't want to cause anyone anxiety or any other negative emotion. I'm just following the plot I've created. Do yourself afaveor and skip the part. I'll be putting the trigger warning right before it.]

That day, Kio's back to how he was when I first got back here. Sweet, annoying, brotherly. A part of me almost wanted the way we were yesterday.

"So. You and Caden." He exclaimed. With a very strange amount of interest in his expression.

"Well, I told him everything... and I guess we're friends?" I don't know if I'm in the position to say that but that's how it is for me.

"I don't think so. Do you think it'll be that easy?"

"Of course not. I'll respect whatever he decides on, but looking from my perspective, he's become one of the people I can turn to... just like before." I casually replied. Kio looked like he was about to say something but held back.

"What? I know the conversation's not yet done. Tell me, please?" I asked him to.

He sighed. "Is it usual for you to kiss your friends on the cheek? Or hold hands with? Cause as far as I know, which is since birth, you're not the clingy type."

"Yes. I'm not." I paused and lowered my head. "But everything's different with him. I don't know, that's how it feels."

He just sighed and patted my shoulder. I'm so messed up... but whatever I did that day, I can feel no regret, and I'd do it again.



"Don't you think it's too unfair for him? I mean, yes, you told him the truth. You let him through your walls... but that doesn't really matter anymore." He explained.


"Why does it not, Kio? Isn't truth much better than lying? It saves people from more pain."

"If it was immediately served, Krystal. In your case, it took you years to explain why you did what you have to do." He paused, considering if he should continue.


"Speak. Why did you stop? I know you still have something to drop."

He exhaled sharply. "I'm not in the position to tell you this but fine... I hope once you hear me out, you'll think through before engaging with him again."

[3rd Person's POV]
(Flashback: A week after Krystal left for Korea.)


Kio still carries the guilt of how things ended between his sister and Caden. Of course, they're friends after all. Even if things are over between the fire mentioned, it never changed the fact that he cares about his friend. He's worried that he might take it too deep. He started to consider if he should pay him a visit.


"Dad, random question. Don't think of me as your son for a minute. If I let something horrible happen to you, would you still forgive me?" The teenager asked.


Marc was critical of the situation. He is aware of what's going on... and he lets his kids explore, he wanted them to learn. It didn't took him a long time to respond, "Of course. Hatred leads us nowhere, son."

The teenager scratched his head, "D-do you think it'll be fine if I check up on Caden? I'm getting worried sick."


Marc just nodded. "You do you, just don't expect a lot... If he need more time, give it to him." The teen finally eased up and smiled.


"Well then, can I borrow the keys?"


Marc laughed heartily. "Nice try, kiddo."

And so he proceeded to the Stoane's Residence. As soon as he knocked the door, the curtain from the second floor quickly closed. He felt discouraged. It almost felt like Caden already slammed the door in his face... but he shrugged off the bad thought. He knocked.


"Mrs. Stoane? Hellooo?"


After a few more knocks, a middle aged woman, wearing Hanbok or Korean clothing, welcomed him.


"Cyron! I thought you were somebody else. Come in." She greeted warmly.


As he stepped inside, he immediately asked, "Is Caden okay?", to which, the lady answered with a vey swift smile.


Lara Stoane is a very sensible person. Even if she knows nothing about the situation, she knows that her son is hurting... but she chooses not to judge.


"See for yourself." She walked pass Kio.


Kio hesitantly walks behind her. When she finally points Caden's door, he sincerely smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Stoane, and I'm very sorry for not stepping in between my sister and him. I shouldn't have let it happen."