The One

Chapter 15

Next morning, as Gulf stirred awake, he realized that he was alone in his bed. His heart started racing as he tried to recollect the events of last night. He and P'Mew had a big fight, and he was scared that it turned out to be the final straw. His mind started brewing with negative thoughts.

Gulf got out of bed, his eyes still puffy and red from all the crying he had done last night. He went to the living room, hoping to find Mew, but he wasn't there. Gulf wandered around the house, searching every corner for any evidence that Mew was still in the house.
His heart was sinking. Gulf sat down on the couch and clutched his phone tightly. He started typing and re typing text messages but couldn't muster enough courage to hit the send button.
He decided to wait for Mew. Every second felt like an hour to Gulf as he waited. The anxiousness and fear inside him grew as he contemplated the possibility of Mew leaving him for good. His anxiety was getting worse. He waited all day without food, without water and without his P'Mew. Tired, he fell asleep on the couch.

The next morning, Gulf woke up, immediately searching for his P'Mew. Alas, still no trace of him. But he did have his favourite blanket on him. He smelled coffee. He leaped to kitchen to look for his P'Mew. All he found was breakfast, neatly placed on a tray along with coffee and a note
'I am on a business trip with father. will see you in couple of days. I may not be available on phone. Call Tul in case of emergency.
Don't skip meals, Eat well and Take care of yourself
- Mew '

Gulf looked at breakfast and then the note. Re reading it couple of times, trying to gauge P'Mew's mood. Is he angry? has he forgiven me? Gulf decided to be at his best behaviour while waiting for P'Mew so that he would be forgiven.

On the other hand, Mew was fighting his own battle. Joining his father in the mafia world was hitting him pretty hard. The person who was against violence, had to kill someone. Mew had died with that person. His pleading eyes haunting Mew every second. He tried to drown himself in alcohol but it did not help.
That day he came past midnight reeking of alcohol. As he entered his home, he found Gulf sleeping soundly on the couch. Watching his angelic, innocent face lifted off some burden from his chest. He went closer, scouting in front of Gulf's sleeping face. He saw dried tear stains. Gulf probably cried himself to sleep. Mew raised his hands to wipe the dried tears but couldn't touch Gulf. His hands had blood. Mew snapped them back as if they burnt. Touching such a pure soul with these hands was sinful.
Under the shower, Mew scrubbed his hands hard, trying to wash away the blood. But all his attempts seemed futile. After almost an hour of scrubbing and hurting himself, Mew gave up. He was not able to look into the mirror, how was he supposed to face Gulf. But he had to endure it, he had to live this life, to protect Gulf, to save Gulf from being sucked into this hellhole. However, he did not want Gulf to see him in that state. He thought it best to stay away from Gulf for sometime and so he left leaving a note to Gulf.

After almost a 2 weeks, Gulf found him in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Gulf couldn't hold back his emotions any longer and ran into Mew's arms, breaking down in tears.
"I am sorry,P'Mew. I won't ever give you trouble please don't leave me"
Mew patted his head gently and comforted him in his hug.
"You know I cannot be angry with you. I was just busy with work Nong." Mew tried his best to console Gulf.
But Gulf was not ready to believe his words, until Mew decided to spend the weekend with him. Besides Mew needed it much more than Gulf, to keep his sanity. Somehow seeing Gulf safe and sound gave him some inner peace and strength to carry on.

They spent the entire weekend, cooking together, playing games, and snuggling up against each other on the couch while watching movies. Both of them were being clingy to each other without even realising it. Gulf finally seemed to relax.

"Phi can we do this more often?" He asked while snuggling closer to Mew.
Mew sniff kissed him on his head. "Anything you want sweetheart" Mew said casually still focusing on the movie.
It wasn't as casual for Gulf though. His heart was feeling warm again. Was he starting to fall in love with P'Mew? Mew was always there for him, no matter what. Even when he had been acting out, Mew had never stopped caring for him.
Gulf leaned his head on Mew's shoulder, snuggling closer into him.

As days passed, Gulf tried to please Mew in every way. Cooking his favourite dishes, cleaning the house, focusing on studies and being the best version of himself.  But Mew never looked at him like a lover or husband. On the contrary, Gulf felt that Mew was trying to distance himself. When he hugged P' Mew, he would subtly detach himself. Whenever he tried to get closer, P'Mew would get away making an excuse. Does P'Mew hate him so much that he can't stand being near him anymore?

"Are you alright Mew?" Tul asked when Mew kept spacing out in a meeting.
Mew had graduated and had asked Tul and Lhong to help him in his business. Mew was determined to keep Gulf out of dirty business and so he was making plans to establish clean, white collared businesses for Gulf. Tul helped him develop all the clean businesses. But at the same time he could not let his guard down with mafia. Lhong helped him on that front.

Mew took a deep breath,"I think Gulf is falling in love with me" Mew shared with Tul
Tul was stunned but not surprised.
"Did he confess ?"
"Yes. Actually no. He thought I was asleep but I heard him say that he loves me and that he would do anything to make me fall in love with him"
"So... you don't love him?"
"Stop talking nonsense Tul.. you know I am not gay"Mew raised his voice
"I didn't ask you if you are gay or not. I asked you if you love him" Tul reiterated calmly
"Stop playing with words Tul. Even if I did love him, I can't give him a future. I will never want him to have someone like me. He is too precious, too innocent. I can only protect him not have his heart." Mew was in deep thoughts when Tul questioned yet again
"You still did not answer me Mew. Do you love him?"

Mew stayed silent, afraid of his own words.

AN: Hi there! Starting the week with our favourite MewGulf☺️☺️