Until the Meet Cute!

Part 4

"How is pa doing?" Tee asked. He had been overseas for a couple of weeks due to work. He did not let Zhao accompany him as he wanted to ensure Thorn has a reliable person he could look up to in need. Thorn had been doing quite well, and Zhao had been taking care of his work. Meanwhile, Lhong kept him updated on Tharn and Thanya.

"He is well. He misses Tharn a lot." Zhao affirmed. Tee sighed. He is well aware that Mr. Tadeo is very much concerned about Tharn as he chose to go astray from their family business. He's taken over his mother and chose to live a simple life. Due to rivalry, they could not let Tharn's security low. Lhong was efficient as he was personally trained by his father, nevertheless, Tadeo was still worried. It would be unfair to say he loved Tharn the most, the reason being his innocence and his fantasy-filled stories. Ever since little, Tharn had been telling his grandpa bedtime stories full of his innocent imagination.

It so happened that one unfortunate day Mr. Tadeo got a heart stroke while traveling. His doctors advised him to rest for a month or so. Because his work was demanding, he could not overcome his stress due to which he failed to get a good sleep. And if he didn't rest well, his health could worsen. So, little Tharn decided to tell his grandpa stories to put him to sleep. His mother used to do the same and he thought that would work with his grandpa as well. And that's how Mr. Tadeo was able to connect with his grandchild. Tanya was just a little baby and needed her mother's attention and Thorn was studying in a boarding school. So, Tharn was left along with his grandpa. He would sometimes sing him lullabies and sometimes he would narrate some stories.

Now, with Tharn being busy with his studies and Mr. Tadeo retired from his business, he missed little Tharn more so ever. However, Tharn would find time to at least call his grandpa once in a while.

"Keep a tab on him. If he needs anything, just ensure it's available." Tee said seriously. Zhao nodded. Looking at him, they've aged together, regardless of the feelings they had for each other, Tee could never find anyone being so honest and responsible as Zhao had been. Tee was only 15 when he met Zhao first time. Zhao had been trained well and was a national champion in defense strategies. Mr. Tadeo was impressed by him and hired Zhao as Tee's security guard. He wanted Tee to get along with someone as Tee had been a very shy boy and hardly spoke to people around. Zhao was two years elder to him, yet he had been very obedient to him. He did not realize when he had fallen in love with him. Not until his marriage, when he saw Zhao crying in a corner. Tee tried to confront him several times, but Zhao remained stern.

Akira was a smart woman. She often noticed the disappointment in Tee's eyes when Zhao became neutral towards him. He was not the same jovial, friendly guy any more. He only followed orders, nothing more. She also noticed that despite three children, Tee's eyes never warmed up to her the way they did when he saw Zhao. She decided to confront them. She called them into a room and asked them straight forward. Tee was confused but Zhao was affected by it. She tricked Zhao by continuously belittling him. Tee could not take it, they ended up fighting each other. He had never raised his voice on her, but the way she was humiliating Zhao was uncalled for. Looking at Tee's expressions, she said, "Open your eyes, Tee. Stop deceiving yourself." And walked out of the room.

She picked Tharn and Tanya and left for her mom's house. Meanwhile, Zhao was very shocked at the turn of events. He never wanted this to happen. Mr.Tadeo would be very upset with him. He tried to convince Tee to bring her back. But Tee held him and asked directly.

"Do you love me?" Zhao was speechless. He did not say anything. He just stood looking at the ground. Tee shook him and asked again. There was no response. He pulled Zhao and kissed him. It was not a romantic kiss; it was a forced touch. Zhao did not respond. This infuriated Tee further.

"If you don't tell me, Zhao...I will never speak to you again." Tee warned him.

When Zhao looked up, he was in tears. "I do." He whispered. Tee was crying and laughing. He pulled Zhao in an embrace. "Why didn't you tell me before, you buffoon..." Zhao hugged him back and cried.

In no time the news of Mrs. Akira leaving the house reached Mr. Tadeo and he immediately left to confront her. She told him the truth. Mr. Tadeo was unmoved.

"You knew?" Akira asked.

Mr. Tadeo was silent. Akira could not believe it.

"Forgive me." Mr. Tadeo finally spoke. "I did not think this would happen."

"No...you couldn't" Akira was quite upset. "Why did you destroy our lives? And these children?" Akira asked.

"I am not against this. He did not object, so I did not inquire further. Moreover, I thought he would be better off with his family." Mr. Tadeo responded.

Akira sighed. "It's over, Pa."

Mr. Tadeo tried to convince her to come back. If this news leaked outside, it would be very bad for the business. And the children needed their father and they should remain in the security of the family. They were no normal people. Their lives could be in danger. It's no easy being a family of the mafia. Mrs. Akira was concerned about them as well. After a long discussion, she decided to go back. Only for the sake of her children. She freed Tee from the marriage. Mr. Tadeo accepted that as long as his family was together and safe.

When he came back, he spoke to Tee and Zhao and told them of the deal with Akira. They did as she asked. Akira engrossed herself in raising her kids and took care of the NGOs she had been working for. On the other hand, Zhao blamed himself for all this chaos and submitted his resignation to Mr.Tadeo. He denied it and asked him to take care of Tadashi. He said he would not come between them as long as their relationship remained within the walls. Zhao was concerned if Mr.Tadeo would ignore him or not talk to him after this. He was mistaken. Mr. Tadeo showed him the same affection as before. Gradually, things eased, and they went on with their lives as nothing ever happened.

Coming back to the current scenario, it had been a month since Tharn and Type were roommates, however, their relationship did not progress from mere hellos and good nights. Tharn wasn't desperate either as he still wanted to know more about Type, unaware of the rival he was yet to face.

It was one of the Saturdays when Tharn decided to stay in the room to finish some assignments. Also, he wanted to spend some time with Type, talk to him, know him. He returned from breakfast with Lhong when he found Ivar searching Type's cupboard.

He got immediately irritated, but controlled himself and asked.
"What are you doing?"

Ivar stood up hearing Tharn's voice.

"Hi...I was looking for some project papers. Type and I are working on an assignment."

Tharn nodded. "He keeps his papers in that drawer by the study table." Although he was still pissed, he informed Ivar calmly.

Ivar moved to the study table and found the papers. He smiled and thanked Tharn.

Tharn was pissed and realized that he cannot wait and he needs to start acting upon it. But how? Type is busy all the time. Maybe he should visit his cafe from now onwards.

After Ivar left, Lhong could feel the change in the air. He felt heavy and was ready for the consequence. He kept his hand on Tharn's shoulders.

"Maybe it's not what you are thinking..." He said slowly.

"How do you know what I am thinking?" Tharn huffed.

Lhong sighed. "What should I do?"

"Keep an eye on him." Tharn ordered. Lhong nodded and sat on the chair upon Tharn's insistence. Tharn picked his book for reading and Lhong continued with his own assignment.