Brute

Part 42 (Finale)

3 months later

Nine

That sweet smile that greeted me at the school gate, was a little surprising. Although him coming to see me was usual occurrences in these past months, usually he arrived home at night. Every weekends, Joong came after work on Friday and went back to the city at dawn on Monday, before work started. He ignored my request, that he didn't have to come every week that way, because it would tire him out. He still treated me the same; fussing over, spoiling too much and worrying for my health. I understood his anxiousness, because I still put him in a limbo. He wanted to know, what state that we were in right now, but was too afraid to ask. Maybe, he didn't want to lose the comfort of friendship, to nothing at all.

"Are you running away from work? Tsk, tsk...what will your people say about this?".

"No, love. I've taken a month of unpaid leave...for personal reason. The vice will cover for me in the mean time...the school holiday has started, so I need to make the most of this chance". Yeah right, unpaid leave...yet he would still be as rich as croesus. I just shook my head in disbelief. 

"Make the most of it, for what? By the way, why did you come? Not that I'm not happy, just a little surprised. Didn't I already tell you that I'll be home, in another week?".

"Wooing...I wanted to woo you till you feel overwhelm, and left you...err, breathless, until your heart...can't take it anymore", Joong said the words with so much discomfort in his face. He memorized this?. 

I took out my phone from my pocket, and made a call, "Jay, did you give him any love advice? ...No?...Then, how come he turned cheesy out of sudden?... Really? Oh, if he spent too much time with your loving parents, it's possible that he might have asked for their advice on this, too...What? You're abandoned? Jay! That was too dramatic, for goodness sake!", I laughed listening to Jay, whining about his parents giving more attention to Joong, "Don't worry, I know how you feel... Yes, you're right...my parents spoiled him too! Gosh, he basked in it, not even feeling any guilt of making us be the second son now. Err, alright, he is making a sour face in front of me right now...goodbye Jay...yes, sent my regard to your parents".

"Did I just fail?", Joong said with a defeated face, "It did sound awkward...", he sighed, shoulders down. 

"Hmm, it is a little bit, err, old fashion...", I said and smiled, "Where's your car?". Joong shook his head. "No car. My driver sent me here and went back to the city". I nodded and we started to walk home, embracing the nice weather, windy air and a sense of comfort. Joong kept his hand at his back; politely trying not to hold my hand; brows furrowed, and bit his lips; I guessed, he was thinking about how to start a conversation that was not from any script or line he'd practiced from. I kept my laughter from slipping out. Slowly, I reached out and took hold of his hand. Joong was surprised, but still letting me laced our fingers together.

"Jay is sulking you know... ", I started.

"Uh, Jay is being petty; it's only dinnertime, just two hours a day!". 

I laughed and shook my head, "He had lived as an only child, and suddenly the attention is divided. Besides, he just got to be with his dad after so long. Give him a little space. You are also being petty, Joong, going there every night, means purposely tickling his nerves, isn't it?"

"No! Isn't it a form of respect to pay a visit to your elders?", Joong said in confidence, defending his action. 

"Both of you are being such a kid! Parents could love both sons at the same time", I could see the pout that had started to show, "God, help me! First Jay and now you...Alright, don't be sulky too. So, how are you? I missed you, you know. You did not call me for almost a week. Too much work?".