-Preston's POV-
Why don’t they just leave me alone?! My body throbbed with all this ugly pressure. I finally understood why my brother left us. I thought he was just making a huge mistake, but now I get it. Tonight I am leaving my parents…for good. I'm fed up with my parents planning my entire future without even considering my input. I dialed my brother’s number and waited for the signal to connect.
“Jungsoon?”
“Preston?”
“I’m coming out front.”
“I’m already at the gate.”
“Okay." I grabbed my bag of belongings and headed to the front door.
"Leaving already?" My father was leaning against the threshold of the hallway door. "What? Your own parents not good enough for you?"
"Moose, please honey. Stop," said my mother, intervening. "Preston, please. Don't go. Things will work out."
I looked hopelessly and shook my head no. I finally left. The moment I came out, I spotted Jungsoon in the car, and got in. He took me to his house without asking a single question.
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- Jungsoon's POV -
I took my brother to my house. I knew the day would come when he too would leave my parents…no…my father. He doesn’t care…he only cares about what's in his self- interest. Does he hate us? I pondered that question for a long time. After taking Preston inside and telling him to make himself comfortable, I went back to work. I logged on to the computer and checked my email. "My, my. I’ve made quite a name for myself…" I muttered.
The next morning was slow, but I still managed to make it to my office. The moment I stepped through the doors, I greeted Aiden with a nod.
“Where the heck were you?" he asked, standing in the middle of my office glaring at me.
“I had some business to take care of,” I said, walking past him.
“And what business was that?” he asked, still glaring.
“My brother left my parents house. So he’ll be staying with us for a while.”
“Can’t you get him his own place or something?”
“Why?"
“I need my space?” he said in an obvious manner.
“We live in a six-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion. How much more space could you possibly need?” I took out a cigarette and lit it.
“Well, actually I was planning on using a spare room. I’m running out of space for my clothes.” That’s bull****! I thought—he’s just mad.
“You already have two rooms full of clothes. Plus you have your own room. So get off my back and deal with the changes. I'm in charge," I said and blew a ring of smoke in his face. He growled and rolled his eyes at me.
“…Fine. Take the damn room. You just better not complain anymore. Besides," I said, blowing out smoke, "you remind me of this girl I use to date."
“F****** retard," he mumbled.
I let out a small chuckle, trying not to release all the laugher I was holding back. From the corner of my eye, I could see Aiden packing up. “Where are you going?” I said, discarding my cigarette in the ash tray.
“Home.”
“Don’t do anything to my brother,” I said firmly.
“Whatever," he said, then left. I looked at my desk and realized that Aiden had already done all the paper work on his own. No wonder he had an attitude when I walked in. This means I’m free for the rest of the day. Maybe I'll go visit an old friend of mine. I'm hungry anyway.
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- Ashton POV -
“Number 4! Number 4! Order up! Ashton, take this to number 4.” I grabbed the plate full of greasy fries and an overstuffed hamburger and delivered it to our customer.
“Hey! What the f*** is this sh**?” The man poked at his burger, then began looking for something on the plate. “I asked for fu**ing coleslaw—where is it?” I hesitated to answer. I was startled.
“Sir, I’ll get you a cup of coleslaw and—”
“No, no, no, no, no, no! I asked for coleslaw!” he exclaimed, slamming the table.
“I know,” I replied firmly. “All I have to do is get—“
“I don’t have time to wait,” he said icily. “Forget it.” He reached into his back pocket for his wallet. He pulled out a twenty and left. I cursed under my breath, as I began cleaning the table.
“ Ashton! Number 21! Order up!”
“In a minute…” I snapped.
“ Ashton ! Number 21!” I slammed down the tray and rushed over to my uncle. “Number 21: Large cup of black tea,” he said, sliding me the tray before rushing back to the kitchen. I searched around for a table that had the order number 21.
“Here is your black tea,” I said, placing the tea and condiments on the table. “Please enjoy.”
“You look like a girl,” the customer said as he looked ahead, sipping his tea.
“Mind your damn business,” I snapped, at the same time making my voice sound deeper.
The man looked at me sternly. I felt uneasy under his stare. No--a glare! His greenish-blue eyes were fixated on mine. His eyes didn’t move or blink. I quickly looked away, and he snickered at me. Why the hell is everybody so mean here?
“Uncle, I’m taking my break now. Rei’s coming with me,” I said, taking my apron off. My uncle simply nodded his head, and I quickly headed for the back door. I felt someone staring at me, and when I turned around, it was the same guy who called me a girl. I shrugged it off and left.
“Fool, what took you so long?!” shouted Rei.
“Take those damn earphones out and talk normally!” I roared.
“Alright, geez! What got you so moody?”
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- Jungsoon's POV -
So that’s the “Aston" Tony was always talking about. I watched him as he walked out the door. He turned and glared at me. I laughed to myself. Tony was right; he really did look like a girl. I sat and looked at the scenery around me as I drank my black tea. This place sure did bring back memories. This is where I first started my new life after I completely cut myself off from my parents.
“Hey, Jungsoon, I thought I saw you over there,” said a familiar voice, which caused me to break my thoughts. I looked and smiled.
“Hey, Tony. How’s it going?”
“Pretty good,” he said. He gave me a true and warm smile, but he looked so tired.
“Why don’t you have a seat?” I asked, trying not to let him notice the concern in my voice. He’s very stubborn, so if he felt that I was worried about him, then he would try to play it off as if it was nothing.
“Why don’t you come with me? I need to talk with you,” he said. I followed him to the back of the restaurant where his office was located. He never went here unless it was serious. We sat on the chairs near his desk, and I leaned forward, eagerly waiting for him to explain.
“What is that you need to tell me?” I said, not able to hide the concern in my voice. He looked at me with sad eyes.
“Things aren't looking up to well for the Itis these days.”
“Do you need help around here?”
“The government is taking it…”
“What...!”
“I don’t understand why. I pay all that needs to be paid and never complain, although there’s a lot to complain about.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“I need you to—" he was cut off by a nasty cough, then cleared his throat. "Excuse me. I need you to—" Uncle coughed again, but this time it looked painful.
“Are you Ok?” I ask, but he didn't answer. He just continued to cough. It got so bad to the point he was coughing up blood, lots of blood. My insides churned as I ran over to him.
“What's wrong?!” My voice became distorted. Uncle fell out of his seat, but I caught him before he hit the ground. He coughed up blood all over my suit, but I really didn’t give a sh***. I just wanted him to be all right. I quickly took out my cell phone and dialed 911. The lady on the other end of the line said she would send help right away. Thankfully, he finally stopped coughing and looked up at me, reaching out for me to take his hand. I took his hand in a firm, tight grip.
“Help is on the way, so just hold on.” I said to him.
“I need…. you… to take… care of …him. Take care of Ashton …for me. Do it.”
His grip loosened in my hand, and his body lay lifelessly in my tight embrace. A moment later I heard the paramedics enter the room, but they were too late…he was already gone. _______________________________________________________________________
- Rei's POV -
“What’s wrong?” I asked as I saw Ashton fuming over something. He looked at me and gave a fake smile.
“Nothing’s wrong! Why do you ask?”
I snickered and said, “You’re making that ‘some b**** called me a girl’ face."
Ashton quickly turned to me and yelled, “It was that entirely that guy’s fault!”
I laughed at Ashton ’s angry face. “Don’t take it the wrong way. He’s just stating the truth,” I said as I got a playful punch from Ashton .
“I wear baggy clothes! How can people still mistake me as a girl?!”
We finally reached the park where we usually hang out at. We sat by the fountain and Ashton was still mad.
“Come on, Ashton. Cheer up. I brought your favorite snack,” I said. He looked at me, and I saw the happiness back in his eyes.
“Really? You bought a cream puff for me?” I smiled and pulled out a small white box with floral décor imprinted on it.
“Yep. I actually bought two so you can have one all by yourself.”
Ashton looked at me sternly. “You’re making it sound like I’m greedy or something.” I laughed and opened the white box and handed Ashton his cream puff. The delectable treat has custard whipped in the middle, garnished with chocolate, and to top it all off, it has a small swirl of whipped cream on top. Ashton smiled and took a bite of it. I could tell he loved it. Before I could take a bite of mine, I heard a catchy little ringtone go off. I looked at Aston, and he smiled bashfully.
“Sorry, I’ll answer it quick,” he said as he put his cell phone to his ear and said “Hello.” I nodded and turned my attention to the delicious cream puff.
“What? Are you serious?” I heard Ashton say, and turn my attention toward him.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, and I saw the panicked look in Ashton's face. He quickly got up and ran off toward the street’s busy intersection. “Ashton!" Wait!” I yelled as I followed suit, completely forgetting about cream puff, which was lying broken in the grass.
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- Ashton's POV-
“Who are you? Where’s my Uncle?” I said, holding the cell phone steady to my ear as I ran.
“This is your attorney. Come to the hospital now!” he ordered. I hung up and ran back to the restaurant. Rei finally caught up with me.
“We need to go to the hospital. I’ll drive.” Rei looked at me as if to say are-you-kidding.
“Psh, I’m taking my bike.”
“The hell? We’re going on a freeway!”
“I know. That’s why I’m taking my bike.”
He left before I could object. I jumped in the van and started the ignition. Rei came out with his bike and said he will follow behind me.
I honked at him, but he was adamant about his decision. I drove off, heading to the nearest freeway and Rei was having trouble keeping up with me. People were honking, driving past him, cutting him off and cursing at him. “Get off the road, you jack***!”
Once I got on the freeway, I pulled over in the shoulder lane. Rei pedaled up to the driver’s side and tapped on my window.
“Stop this crap and get in!” I yelled.
“No way! We’re almost there anyway.”
“Ugh, I don’t have time!” I said, and maneuvered my way into a lane. Rei followed intently and tried to merge along with me, but a car blocked him off, and the driver got out. I looked in the side-view mirrors and could see a skirmish arise.
“Don’t worry about me, Ash! I’ll be fine. Just keep going!” he shouted.
I looked at him like what-the-hell. What’s wrong with him!? Putting that aside, I hurried to the hospital. Once I arrived, my attorney ushered me to the third floor rather quickly, not saying a word.
“Is he okay?” I asked, breaking the silence. “Will he be fine?”
“Your uncle is dead due—“
“What?”
“Listen! He fell over from a—“
“When?!”
“Shut up!” he said, tightening his grip around my arm. “He’s dead because he had cardiac disease, and we need to discuss the will he left.”
We both rushed to my uncle’s hospital bed, and I saw the same guy who glared at me.
“Who are you?” I said, pointing at the mysterious man. “Who is he?”
“Anyway!” said my attorney, rushing things along. “Your uncle’s last words were for him,” he said, pointing at the mysterious person, “to take care of you.” He pointed at me this time.
“No! I don’t even know him!”
“This is not this not an objection! You will live with him. Also, he stated in his will that will you take over the restaurant and you have the option of turning it into a bakery so—“
“No! I don’t want to! Let me live with one of my friends!”
“I said,” he began, icily. “This is not… this is not… this is not an objection!!”
The next morning was slow for me; it's as if I was viewing the world from the outside. I just couldn't connect. Perhaps I was breathing without my knowing; though, is that even possible? Why do I keep getting the butt end of life? Why didn’t my Uncle tell me? Why didn’t he take medicine or go for checkups? Why didn’t he let me help him? Damn it! I slammed my fist against the wall and cursed loudly. At that point I wanted everyone with nice, perfect lives to just die. Stop living. Feel the pain as I do—anguish! I took a deep breath because I build up so much emotion in my body; it was SO overwhelming that I cried.
"Hurry up, Ashton. We need to get a move on."
I snapped out of my dull, insane world to see my attorney rushing in and out of the house, hurriedly moving things along.
"So, um, what do I do now?"
"Eat," he replied, without so much as a glance to check if I was recovering. "Wait." My attorney seemed lost in thought. "Never mind, hurry up."
I dragged myself to the bathroom and locked myself in. Now I had to predict how the rest of the day's plan will go. What if the mystery man is mean still? I sighed. That bastard…calls me a girl. I slouched down in the shower and calmed myself in the hot, humid air just thinking.
Suddenly someone burst through the door! Rei?
"Rei," I called out.
"Oooh! Yeah…my baby feelin' becaaause of fake kisses all night. Waooh!"Rei grooved to the song as his urine kept missing the toilet.
"Rei!!" I screamed. The damn bastard still couldn’t hear me. I turned off the shower and poked my head out. "Reiii!!!!!"
"Oh yeahh!!!! Maybe if I was fourteen I could get wit chuu…"
He flushed the toilet and left. How could he not hear me? No! How did he get in?
Three hours later, I arrived at my destination. Rei came with me for moral support. My attorney rang the door bell, turned around and left. "Good luck, kiddo."
I was nervous, even with Rei with me. The same mysterious man opened the door and greeted me.
"Alright," said Rei, pushing in front of me. “He’ll be living here with you now, so no more calling him a girl. Vabene? ( alright?)" He said in his native, Italian tongue.
"Oh, you must mean Jungsoon. I'm his twin brother, Preston. Nice to meet you," he said with a full smile.
"Oh! I see how it is. So, you're gonna team up on him!? I'm warning you too then! Non accenni nulla femminile—(Don’t mention anything feminine—)"
"Rei! I'll be fine," I said.
"You sure?"Rei asked, looking ready to tell Preston off again. I nodded my head.
"Come in," Preston said hesitantly. We both walked inside taking in a new aroma and style of the house.
"My brother will be down soon. Ashton Baker was it?" he said, turning his attention on me.
"Yes."
"I'm deeply sorry about your loss, I kind of know what it feels like to lose a parent...kind of," he stressed. "And you are," he said looking at Rei eagerly.
"The name's Rei Moretto."
"Reh More-reh-toe?"
"No, Ray Mo-leh-toe. Let the "L" roll off your tongue."
"Oh, I see."
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-Aiden's POV-
Jungsoon had the nerve to bring another guy to live with us. Yet, he expects me to stay calm. Didn’t we just go though the same thing with his brother now he brings more people to live here? I
"What the heck is this? Didn’t I say I wanted my space? I want my freaking closet! What is he doing here? Is this a charity house now! No! No! No! He can’t stay. I was outraged at the sight of this man. Who was he and what was he doing here? I stared at him with confusion. Was he a she?"
"He has to," Jungsoon responded.
"Why?"
"He’s Tony's nephew, he asked me to take care of him…Tony … he… is dead."
"What…? Tony is dead!" I was baffled. Sure, the man was old, but I at least expected him to live a couple of more years.
"Fine..." I said with an annoyed sigh, “but I get half of his closet!"
"What?! You really want to start this again? He's staying and he gets to keep his closet and that's final!" Jungsoon said in a harsh tone.
I went into my room without a word and slammed the door behind me. I was resting on my bed, when I heard someone yell for an Ashton. Ah, so his name was Ashton. Ha! Wait…! Another one? Just how many men was Jungsoon trying to bring into this house?!
I walked into the living room to kick this new guy out. I was not going to let another guy take my closet! There was two men standing in the living room, one of them was this Italian-looking dude. I could not help but stare at him. Who was he? Ashton? No, couldn’t be His Uncle doesn’t have Italian features. Was he Ashton's friend? Boyfriend? No! He can't be his boyfriend! Wait. Why am I thinking like this? Am I jealous? I don’t even know this guy!
I got to admit, he is gorgeous: those brown eyes, his smile, his glowing hair. This man is absolute perfection!
Why am I in such a daze? He's just a guy!
That reminds me....
Where's Jungsoon?
Probably checking up on Preston.
I left the living room to look for Jungsoon in Preston's room.
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-Preston’s POV-
I’m glad I left my parents. They were just getting on my last nerves! ARG!! Darn them! For some odd reason, I want to cut myself for disobeying them, especially my father. But I’m better than that. I am lying on the bed reading a few of my favorite humorous novels, until Jungsoon came in.
“Hey bro, how do you feel?” Jungsoon asked me.
“I’m okay. Just feel a little guilty leaving our parents and then trying to invade your space…”
“Oh Preppy, don’t stress about it,” Jungsoon interrupted me but gave me a slight smile, “You don’t have to worry about anything one bit…”
Suddenly the door slammed open.
“Jungsoon! What is the meaning of all this?!” I guess that’s Aiden, that snobby b**** of a diva. “Why do we need all of these people in our house?!”
“This is not your house! You don’t even pay the rent for my dwelling!” Jungsoon exclaimed with pure anger.
“But…”
“Look, Aiden. Be a darling and leave me and my brother alone for a minute. He and I have some business to take care of.”
“Maybe this isn’t the best idea. I should just go back to our parent's house and leave you two be.” I said.
“Preston, you are staying here and that’s final. Aiden, I can’t deal with you right now and you’re whining complaining, groaning and moaning! I wish you stop being so conceited and think about other people for a change!”
“Don’t use that tone with me!” Aiden said with his hands elegantly placed on his hips. “You know I bust my butt working for you. Though, you should really wear low-cut jeans that are just below your sixth ab. It gives you more of defined shape for your firm butt…Anyways, what were we talking about?”
“Just leave,” Jungsoon gave a huge sigh. Aiden looked so pissed and walked out the bedroom door.
I feel like I’m the cause of this whole mess between my brother and Aiden. I’m so ashamed. Anyways, my brother and I are discussing about him offering me a position at his company. He knew I was the artistic type and always wanted to be an artist. I told him I want to work as his publicist since I will be able to test my graphic design skills and be able to use my connections to other people to bump up his business. Once we closed the deal, I felt so relieved and thankful that I made one of the best decisions of my life. I am finally able to pursue my artistic dreams. One word: satisfied.
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-Ashton’s POV-
Once I convinced Rei to leave, I waited a while. What am I supposed to do here? There’s nothing for me. Zipping my bag open, I pulled out my anti-depressant pills and took two. Suddenly Preston came down stairs, stepping lightly. Or was it Jungsoon? Not sure.
“Follow me. I need to take you to your room,” he said.
“Which one am I talking to?” I asked.
“What?”
“Which one…?”
“Oh, that.” He cleared his throat. “Jungsoon,” he answered with a half-smile.
I followed three feet behind him and he guided me to one of the rooms in the east hall. This is place is definitely a mansion—it’s so big!
“Here it is,” he said as he opened the door and stood aside for me. “Well I guess I will leave you alone for now,” Jungsoon said, interrupting my thoughts. “If you need anything I’ll be in my room. It’s right across from here.” he added.
I lay on the huge bed and let out a deep sigh. I was still depressed. The pills should have kicked in by now. I reached for my bag once more and read the symptoms’ in case of overdose. It read: Coma; seizures; hallucinations; stroke; arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat); edema; weight gain or loss; etc. Maybe I wanted all that. When you’re dead you don’t feel a thing…maybe that will help sooth my pain. I studied the pill container. I stalled. Should I do this? Do I just give up? Without giving the situation a second thought, I unfastened the cap, scooped out ten to fifteen pills, and devoured them all. I wasn’t feeling anything…yet. I took five more, then seven, then eight. The pill container was now empty and I sat on my bed anticipating the events to come. I began to count to pass time. “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, elven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two…twenty…twenty-three…four….five…
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- Jungsoon’s POV-
After I introduced Ashton to his new room, I sat on my bed and picked up the envelopes on the side of my dresser that were left in Tony's will. I looked at both of the envelopes. One was for me, the other for Ashton. I sat Ashton's mail back on the dresser, and opened mine. The letter read:
Dear Jungsoon,
If you are reading this letter, then most likely I am dead. My doctor told me I didn’t have much more time to live so I need to prepare myself and my family. But I didn’t want you guys to pity me so I didn’t tell you. There was nothing that you or anyone else could have done, but before I leave, there is one thing that I ask of you. Take care of my nephew Ashton for me. You always ask me how you can pay me back for all I’ve done for you, well taking care of him, and helping him is what you can do for me. Take care and don't over work yourself. I am proud of how much you’ve grown, you were always like a son to me.
With love, Tony.
I felt the hot tears fall down my face. To me he will always be the father I always wanted. After sitting for a few moments I wiped the tears away from my eyes, I gathered the other envelope that was for Ashton and headed to his room. I hope Ashton and I become friends. I heard a lot about him from Tony when I visited him. He sounded like a good kid, just a good kid with a sad past. Once I walked into the room, I was horrified. Ashton’s body was leaning weakly against the headboard of the bed, his eyes dazed. He was holding some sort of medication.
“Ashton!” I heard myself cry out as I ran to him. As I got closer, I could hear that he was counting. I grabbed the bottle out his hands and examined it. It was an antidepressant. I let out a deep sigh. I was relieved on the fact that he would be fine, but I don’t know about emotionally. All I could do was stare at him as he drifted off to sleep.
I was filled with nothing but sadness and confusion. There was no need to ask the question ‘why was he so depressed?’ the answer was quite obvious. This boy had been through so much. How am I supposed to help someone that’s in so much pain? I sat for hours trying to figure out a way to help him feel better. Then suddenly he started to wake up.
“Ashton?” I shook him gently. His eyes widened and he shot straight up. He looked at me confused. I looked in his eyes, and all I could see is sadness. He looked at the bottle that was in my hand and tears started to fill his eyes. I pulled him into a hug. He tried to push me off, but I just held him tighter and he soon gave up and began sobbing into my chest.
“That really was a stupid thing to do. Killing yourself won’t bring you any happiness. You might make the pain go away in your heart, but in reality you'll only hurt others.” I said softly.
“W-why do… you c-care? You d-don’t even… know… me!” He said in between sobs, “you're just looking after me because you have to. I just want the pain to go away!” he moaned.
“Do you honestly believe that death will solve that? If you were to die now, all the things your Uncle ever did for you would be for nothing. Do you think it would please him in any way, if you killed yourself.” He became silent and looked up at me.
“He’s put so much effort into giving you a better life, so don’t give it up. Your parents' and Uncle may not be here anymore, but you are, so why not just live for them."
I then released him from my grip and he just stared at me.
“Here," I said handing him the envelope. "Your uncle left this for you.”
After he finished reading the letter a light smile spread across his face.
“You have a beautiful smile, you should do it more often.” I said to him and he blushed. How cute!
“About my Uncle's funeral," he said, looking concerned. "How—”
“Don’t worry about any of that. Leave it up to me.”
“Thank you,” he replied. I stayed with him for the rest of the night, I was afraid to leave him alone. I helped him get his room organized, as we talked and got to know each other. He was really a good person. He had a beautiful personality to match his smile. He was kind of clumsy too; he kept tripping over things, which made him blush out of embarrassment. Tomorrow was the day for the funeral.
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-Aiden's POV-
The funeral day was sad, people were crying, and rainy weather. Despite all of this, we were surrounded by beautiful scenery. Green hills paved their way for miles. Trees took their stance in different location. Tony would have like to be buried in a place like this. Surrounding me were people all wearing black; men in suits, women in dresses. No children though, they always mess with the corpse those brats! Don't they know how to show respect?
Beside the casket stood his nephew, Ashton. He cried a lot. I mean a lot. He was the closest to his Uncle. I can see why, but man! Why did he have to be so clumsy? He slipped on a rock, almost knocking over uncle’s casket. It’s a good thing Jungsoon was right behind him to catch him before he fell.
Is it wrong to be distracted at a funeral oration? Oh well, I could not help it. I am weak when it comes to Rei. He was comforting Ashton through his tears. He is a good friend. Are they more than friends? No, I doubt it. He would be more affectionate in a situation like this. Unless…. No! I can’t think that way? Ah! This man. Something about him makes me crazy, but what is it? My heart aches to find out.
That settles it. After the funeral oration, I have to get to know him.
Two hours have gone by.
Tiān le! (Darn!) That wait was unbearable! I miss you Tony, but that man kept talking. My feet were tired on the first hour. Still, I had to keep my composure. I am one of his relatives after all.
Now it's time for the confrontation. Ah! Why am I so nervous? This does not happen, not to me. Yet here I am as nervous as a man could ever be. I am not shaking though, so that’s good. Wow. Who knew walking towards him would be so hard. The air is thicker. Yet, I feel lucky to finally be this close to him.
I offered my hand he shook it. Ashton had a 'what-the-f***’ expression on his face. I guess I should stop welcoming new people to the house. Hey, wait a minute. He shouldn’t have come in and taken my closet in the first place! I asked if I could have some time alone with Rei. Ashton didn’t mind. He was also pulled away by Preston and Jungsoon.
What did I get myself into? Here we are on a bench. The walk here was silent and awkward. Now that I’m here I don’t know what’s next. Do I put my arm around him? Nah. I would be creeped out if someone did that to me.
Here goes nothing.
“Rei. I am going to be straightforward with this. Do you like me?”
“Yes, you seem like you’re a good friend to Jungsoon, despite your personality.”
So I am just a friend in his eyes.
“But…”
But what!
“I don’t think that’s the real reason why you bought me here.”
“You’re right.” I responded. “The truth is that when I am around you, my head goes crazy. I feel suffocated by my emotions. I don’t know how to fight it. I am falling for you and I want to know if you feel the same way about me.”
“Aiden, you are an attractive guy, but I cannot feel the same way about you. I don’t know you that well yet.”
“Yet?… Does that mean you’re willing to give me a chance?”
“Yes.”
I turned to look at him. He was blushing. He’s so adorable when he blushes. I couldn’t resist it, I had to hug him. I got closer to him and reached out to hug him from behind, but he turned around.
Oh s***! I’m this close to him!
His face is even cuter close up. He looks so nervous. The hug is not helping him. What do I do? Hmmm. What would the Titanic guy do?
I leaned in to kiss him.
He froze, but didn’t struggle against my actions. Did he want me to kiss him? Only one way to find out.
His lips were soft.
His breath was warm.
He was perfect.
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---Preston’s POV---
It was nice for Jungsoon to arrange this funeral for Ashton. Uncle Tony will certainly be missed. My brother and I comforted Ashton in this time of grief. He cried so much that he ran out of tears in his eyes. His eyes were damp yet swollen in blushing red. Luckily he doesn’t have pinkeye. As soon as I hugged Ashton, I saw a strange, yet handsome fellow staring hard at me from the corner of my eye. He seems familiar, but I cannot put my finger on it. Anyways, my brother and I hugged Ashton as hard as we could to make him feel better.
“Ashton, everything will be alright.” Jungsoon told him softly.
“Really?” Ashton said hopefully.
“I promise you,” He said with a soft grin.
“Excuse me,” a deep voice tapped me on the shoulder. Who is this person trying to interrupt this moment? Ugh. I turned around and I…GASP...it’s Maxwell! What in the world is he doing here?! Now I suddenly have a headache. I accidently pushed Ashton towards Jungsoon and they both fell to the ground. I was filled with so much anger that I punched Maxwell in his privates, making him fall to ground in sharp pain.
“Preppy, what are you doing?!” Jungsoon exclaimed, “Why did you hit this poor man?”
“This poor man?!” I shouted, “This desperate slime ball is my arch nemesis, Maxwell, back in college. This bastard tried to ruin my business when we were working as accountants in our rivaling companies.”
“But I’m an attorney now,” Maxwell still in excruciating pain, “I was…”
“Shut up you good-for-nothing dream crusher!” Jungsoon tried to pull me back, but I kicked Maxwell in the face as hard as I could. I struggled around Jungsoon’s grip and I wanted to beat Maxwell up so bad to cover my pain over what he did to me at college, but I was in too much pain to beat him up anymore. I fell on my knees, sobbing. I crawled up to Maxwell and grabbed him from his collar. I saw the fear, yet anger in his eyes, I wanted to finish his sorry face, but I forced a kiss on his vulnerable succulent lips. I couldn’t resist him, and I know he couldn’t resist my lovely charm.
“Why…did u have…to…cheat on me?” I asked between each kiss, “I loved you before…when we were in college. Why did you have to put haste on me?”
“You were cheating on me with a girl.” Maxwell still catching his breath, “I was going to tell how much I felt about you.” He forced a kiss on me, but I pushed him back.
“I didn’t cheat on you; we were still friends back at college, and besides, that girl kissed me and I was trying to push her away from me. You were the one that kissed a girl at the college party. I never felt so hurt in my life.” I sobbed even more, “Max, I loved you then and no matter how much I hate you right now…I…I…still love you.”
“I’m so sorry I hurt you. I didn’t mean to. I felt so crushed then…misunderstood…used and betrayed. I still love you too.” We kissed each other and Maxwell pinched my butt just to add the extra touch. Everyone was staring at this entire situation…frozen. It was all quiet, until Rei Mor-interrupt-o broke the silence..
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-Rei’s POV-
I know it was a funeral, but Preston was in an awkward situation and I had to help him! The band starting to play and boy, did they rock out! I recognize the song beat and grinned. It was Smooth Criminal by MJ! One of my favorite songs! I smirked to myself and decided to sing the song in Italian.
“Come egli entrò nella finestra
Era un suono di un crescendo
Egli è venuto nel suo appartamento
Ha lasciato le macchie di sangue sul tappeto
Era seduta al tavolo
Si vedeva che non era in grado
Quindi corse in camera da letto
E 'stata colpita
Era il suo destino”
Everybody started to dance and I smile to myself. I glanced at Aiden and he blew a kiss at me. I caught it as I finished up the song
The crowd cheered and I saw Aiden motioned me to come with him. I followed and found myself behind the funeral home. Aiden kissed my cheek.
“Hey, love the way you sang up there,” said Aiden. I grinned as I grabbed Aiden’s hand and let him to my bike.
“Save the smooching for later! Let’s take this somewhere private!” I said in my sing-a-long voice.
“What about the funeral?” asked Aiden.
“Pfff, they won’t know. We’ll just make this a quickie,” I said with a seductive smile. Aiden started to blush and climbed on the bike with me.
“Why the hell do you not have a car?” asked Aiden as we pedaled down the intersection.
I laughed and said, “It’s more fun! Better than just sitting in your car!” Aiden laughed with me.
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One month later
Third Person POV
Life at Jungsoon’s house was going great. Everyone was getting along well and Aiden even gave up one of his closets so that Rei could move in. They were such a cute couple! Preston and Maxwell were also doing well. They spent most of their time together. After Tony’s funeral, Ashton found himself growing closer and closer to Jungsoon. He really liked him because to him Jungsoon was a great person. It was a good idea for Tony to ask Jungsoon to look after Ashton. Ashton was deep in thought, when Jungsoon approached him.
“Ashton!” Jungsoon called out.
“Oh! Hey Jungsoon!” Ashton responded. Jungsoon looked a little nervous as he sat next to Ashton on the couch.
“Um… I.. wanted to ask you something.” Jungsoon said looking deep into Ashton‘s eyes.
“What is it?”
“I was wondering if you’d like to go on a date…. With me?” Jungsoon asked.
Ashton blushed to Jungsoon’s question.
“Y…you want to go on a date …with me? Why?” Ashton responded with a curious expression on his face.
“Because I think I might be falling in love with you.”
With that remark from Jungsoon, Ashton’s face turned as red a tomato.
“That’s good because I think I might be falling in love with you to.” Ashton answered.
Jungsoon smiled at Ashton and held his hand. Jungsoon then moved Ashton’s hand up to his chest. Jungsoon leaned in to kiss Ashton.
“That makes me so happy.” Jungsoon said and the pulled Ashton into a hug. Ashton had never been so happy. He was glad that his uncle left him in Jungsoon’s hands. Ashton was glad he didn’t die that day Jungsoon saved him.
“If I had died then, I wouldn’t have felt the happiness I feel now. Thank you for saving me.”
