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Chapter Text

Pete

The conflict between the major family and the minor family took place five months ago. It was a horrible day, but everyone seems to have learned a lesson from it. Both parties have now discovered and comprehended the true meaning of family. As a result of the resolution of the fight, the distinction between the major and minor clans is now only made by their names. They swear not to compete with one another ever again, to work together in business to uphold the family's legacy, and just to be one big happy family. 

Speaking of family, it is a long story to share but I am now part of the minor family, Vegas' husband to be precise and I am currently raising our child, Venice. Venice is Vegas' little brother from his stepmother who just run away and abandoned the baby. Being the one that has the softest heart, I decided to adopt the child, even though at first Vegas was opposing it, he doesn't like him, so I made him choose, we will adopt Venice as our own, or I will run away with Venice. You probably already knew what was his answer.

It is okay for me that Vegas can't fully accept the child, I told him that I will give him a chance to adjust and cool his head whenever Venice is around. I don't know, it seems like magic that he agreed to it without having a second thought.

I spend most of my days being with Venice, there are times that I and Vegas played with him so they get along and have a special relationship as father and son But then, Vegas is now fully recovered from his accident, he became so busy with his family business, along with Khun Kinn and Porsche, at the same time he wants to continue his studies. From the morning until afternoon, he is at the university, while during the night, he's having a meeting at the main family's house and came home late. I know he is tired that I let his weekends spend for himself, he was with his friends and sometimes continue doing business and school works.

Now, I seldom talk to him, I couldn't remember when was the last time that I had a long conversation with him, and what was the topic we had talked about that is not about business matters or school. 

I felt lonely, even though he is working at his office, and I am here in our room, playing with Venice. 

I am not blaming the baby, or anyone and anything, I just missed him. 

I miss my Vegas. 

"P' are you alright?" it was Macau, I was about to make some milk for Venice and I didn't realize that the water from his baby bottle is already flowing, some milk powder are a mess on the table as well. I guess, my mind was really wandering somewhere else. 

"I am sorry, it's just that..." I shook my head then showed him a pleasing smile. 

"Are you and my brother had a fight?" he asked, which makes my eyes a little bit watery.

"No, we didn't, we are ... okay, I guess?" 

"I've been observing you for almost three days now. Is there anything I can help you with?"

I don't really want to bother anyone, especially Macau but I think if this loneliness inside me will stay, something worst might happen that I don't want to happen. I want to fix this with Vegas.

"Good morning," I greeted him as his alarm rang, meaning that he needs to ready himself to go to campus again. 

"Good morning, you woke up earlier than me today. Where's Venice?" he was rubbing his eyes, it's so cute so I smiled at him, from ear to ear.

"Venice is with Macau, they're staying at the main family's house for hmm, days?" 

"What's going on? I can't believe that you agreed to that. The child's been glued with you for 24/7, I bet they can't even make Venice put to sleep in peace," he stood up and help himself go to the bathroom. 

I gritted my teeth for not giving me a morning kiss before he vanished out of my sight. Keep calm, Pete, you can do this. You prepared a lot of things for him today. 

While he was showering, I brought the breakfast I made for him a while ago in our room and placed it on the table beside our bed. I sat on the comforter again and wait for him.

"You're still here?" he asked the moment when our eyes met. 

"Yes? Where am I supposed to go, Vegas?" 

"To pick up Venice and save him from the main family? From brother Khun?" he shook his head and dried his hair using a towel.

"I prepared you a breakfast," I plainly introduce to him my creation.

"I already brushed my teeth, I probably eat at school—"

"Wait for me and I will pack the food, I will drive you to your university." I quickly went to the kitchen and do what I need to do, he was left with his mouth hanging open with bewildered eyes. 

I can feel that he was looking at me from head to toe when we got inside his car, I don't know why am I so nervous, I think my arms are shaking if I land my hands on his precious steering wheel. 

"Pete, what is with you today?" he asked, I felt his hand planted on my shoulder. I don't have any idea why I flinched when he do that.

"I just want to send you off to your university because I am just curious about it. And I know that you are tired so I want to take care of you," my lips painted a faint smile this time when I looked at him, he cups both of my cheeks and lands a peck on my nose.

"Why you didn't tell me? Are you going to fetch me when the class is over too?" 

"You were already asleep last night so making you surprised is not a bad idea, you know, surprise!" we both let out a soft chortle. "And why not? It is my day off from taking care of Venice, so I have a lot of time to spend it with you today!"

"Alright, Pete, fasten your seatbelt first before you start the engine," he is the one who fastened it, I kissed him on his cheek for that.

We arrived at our destination, safely. It is the first time that I drove for him so that is why I am so nervous, probably having a trauma from his accident that I am so careful. I don't want to lose him again, not under my hands. 

"We are here!" I pushed the hazard button on before looking at him. 

"Thank you so much! You know you can visit inside the building, I can lend you my library card," he offered. 

"Really? How's that possible? I want to sit beside you in the classroom! Can I do that?" I felt excited for some reason. 

"No, you can't, love. I am friends with the librarian, I can talk to her then you can stay there. I know you love reading," Is he making fun of me?

"Excuse me? Anyways, you have classes remember? Get off the car now, I will go there on my own. I need to park the car," I snatched his library ID and lightly pushed him. 

"How about my kiss?" I looked at him for a couple of seconds and in just a blink of an eye, his lips meets mine. 

I parked his car somewhere near the building before proceeding to have a walk. It is nice to be in college, I said in my mind. I never finished mine because I need to work for the main family at that time, saving my grandparents and my hometown from a crisis. 

I passed through a lot of students, and finally, meet the building's entrance. I am hesitant to enter because I am not even a student here. I came back to my senses when someone bumped me and his things are scattered on the floor, I panicked so I help him immediately. 

"I am so sorry," I pardon because it is clearly my fault for standing at the entrance. 

"It's alright, I am in a hurry too that I didn't notice you," he replied, I finally saw his face after we both stand up. We have the same height and he has fine features. I hand him the last envelope dropped. "Are you a new student here?"

"Huh? Ah! No, uhm... I am actually looking for the library," I smiled at him, I feel so embarrassed.

"Come with me, it is on the third floor," he pulled me by my wrist, I don't know why but I just followed him. 

It is indeed on the third floor, it has huge signage saying, the library. I will look like a fool to Vegas if he knew that I didn't find this place on my own.

"I am Shu, if we see each other again, I can give you a tour here," he lends his hand for a handshake.

I accepted his hand before replying, "You can call me, Pete. And I am not a stu-"

"Nice to meet you, Pete. I really have to go now!" and he just left me in front of the library's door, confused and dumbfounded.

I moved on from the thoughts fighting inside my head and eventually got inside the room. It has an immense space than I thought, and it smells like strawberries in here. I look for the information desk just like Vegas told me to do. I showed her the library card and she examined me from head to toe. 

"So it's you?" what me? "It is an honor to finally meet you, welcome to our humble library. Just a few reminders that since you are not a student here, you can't borrow the book and take them home, you will read them only here. And if you feel hungry or sleepy, his spot is on table 13, near isle 6, shelve 12." 

"Yes," is the only thing that came out of my mouth because of too much information. I just realized that I am no longer good at remembering numbers and directions! What just happened to me?

Maybe because my mind has been too occupied with Venice and Vegas lately, hehehe.

I wander and find a book that hooked my interest, another philosophy book. I have a lot of memories from philosophy books, I might create more from here.

"Pete," someone is calling my name. It feels like a whisper like someone is near me, breathing near my ear. "Pete, wake up, we are going home."

"AHH!" I screamed with all my might because I thought I am in danger. When I got up from having a nap, I just realized that I am still in a library, fell asleep while reading.

"Shhh! It's me, the love of your life," he bowed at the students looking at us, did I disturb them? I feel bad, I am so sorry. "How's your sleep? You can continue your nap on our way home," he caresses my cheeks.

"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to shout," I apologized as I stand up, clinging my arms around his'. We are heading out of the library now. It is weird that the librarian is waving at us.

"I am the one who will drive," Vegas said as he open the passenger seat's door for me. "You look tired, did you have fun reading your Philosophy books?"

"Tch," is my only response before helping myself to get inside.

"When will Venice and Macau will be back home again?" Vegas asked as he fastened both our seatbelts. 

"They will be there for a week, Macau was the one who volunteered to stay for that long," I answered while yawning. "Why did you ask?"

Vegas didn't reply, he just intertwined his free hand with mine and kissed it. I don't know why but I felt happy when I saw him smiling, I expressed it with a smile too.

Chapter Text

Pete

The next morning, Vegas woke me up. He said that my alarm was too loud and he is the one who turned it off, asking why I didn't even hear it. I don't know, maybe I am really tired and this is the only time to sleep for this long again. 

I somehow miss my baby, Venice. I think he will understand. 

"Go ahead, I will park this first. I don't want you to be late," I told him as we finally reached the university again. 

"My kiss?" I smiled as I gave him a peck on his lips. He was waving his hands after he got out of the car. 

I followed him with my eyes, saw someone tap his back, and immediately put an arm around Vegas' shoulder. That someone seems familiar to me. 

After I parked the car, I once again stood in front of the librarian named Fon, I managed to have a glimpse of her nametag. I logged in my name and went to the aisle where she said me to stay. I will be reading books for today. 

"Do you mind if I sit here?" it's Vegas. 

"What are you doing here? I thought you have classes?" I asked and pushed him using the book I am holding.

"Our professor is absent, I want to be with you, Pete," he looked at me like he was like a puppy, pleading for his owner. That is right, Vegas is my puppy. 

"I want to be with you too, Vegas," I answered and pat his head. I looked around because someone might hear or see us here. This library is a place to study, not a place to be lovey-dovey. "Can we go somewhere?" 

"Hmm," Vegas checked his wristwatch, "My next class is around 1 pm, we should head back by 12, is that okay with you?"

"As long as I am with you," I giggled.

"Alright, let's go!" 

We didn't go far away, we just visited the other colleges' campuses. We just lurk around the university as if it is like a theme park. Vegas was my tour guide, he told me a lot of trivia and stories about his experience here as a student. 

I realized that Vegas want to live a normal life. It is been months since we officially became a couple and it is the second day I spent with him alone, I learned a lot of things more about my lover. 

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I came back to my senses, I stared at him for how long now? How embarrassing you are, Pete.

"Ah! Who is looking at you?" I rolled my eyes and walked faster than him. We are now heading back to their college.

"Wait, Pete!" I know he's running after me. 

"Pete?" 

"Shu?" 

"How come you guys know each other?" Vegas asked and hold my right hand.

"Shu is the one who helped me find the library yesterday," I explained. I also observed how Vegas changed his facial expressions. 

"Ahh, okay," Vegas respond.

"And how come you know each other too?" Shu asked. I don't know why but before his eyes land on our holding hands, I let go of Vegas'. 

"I am his... ahh, friend!" I am out of my mind, why did I answer that?

"What?" Vegas confusedly asked and probably he will be mad about it. 

I don't know. I still don't want other people to know that I am his lover, I think, I am not worth it as Vegas' boyfriend or husband.

"I didn't know Vegas has friends," Shu commented and looked at me, and then Vegas.

"Ahahaha... he does have a friend, it is me," I can't even look at Vegas but I can feel his sharp gazes on mine. I am so sorry. I don't want anyone will look down at him again because of me. 

"Wait, Vegas where are you going?" Shu called him because Vegas left us without saying anything. "Pete, we'll talk again, it is our next class now." Shu waved at me and run after Vegas. 

I just gave him a bitter smile that faded immediately when I can't any longer see their backs. They went inside the campus while I was left alone in the middle of the road. 

It is obvious that I did something wrong. If Vegas is mad or got angry with me later, he has the reasons to, I am the one to blame. 

I went back to the library with a gloomy face. 

"Pete! Pete! Come here!" Fon called me to sit beside her on her station. It seems like no students are in here except us. "It is not that I am barging into someone's life but it is you, right? Khun Vegas' husband?"

I make myself comfortable and smiled at her. The smile that I don't want anyone to know that I am sad. "I am his husband?"

"Yes, you are! He always mentioned you when he wanted to borrow some books in here," Fon seems so excited unfolding things about Vegas to me, "But a while ago, it just happened that heard him with his classmate, I guess, that he asked to stay away from you. Did something happen earlier?"

"I denied him as my husband, Fon. I told that classmate that I am Vegas' friend," I started to sniff. Fon seems to give me a comfortable feeling that I can freely tell her my problem just now.

"What? Why did you do that?" she asked, her mouth creeping into a sad one. I felt worse about what I did.

"I don't want anyone looked down on him again, so I don't want anyone to be disappointed at Vegas because he has a husband that has nothing achieved like him," Vegas is intelligent and all I know is how to knock someone down. 

"Aww, Pete. Stop thinking like that, I don't think Khun Vegas will care about what other people say about the both of you. Just remember that you know Khun Vegas more than I do, he knows you more than anyone, including me. I believe that you have been through a lot of things with him that you both surpass together, am I right?"

I just nodded my head and cried. As in I cried in front of Fon, a complete stranger to me but because of what she said, it makes me realize what I did was really wrong, and also want Vegas to hug right now, so bad. To apologize and told him that I love him so much.

As time flies, students are started to come again. Fon said that it is okay for me to stay with her at the front desk, and I helped her too. I had a great time telling her stories about Vegas to her, it is the first time that I had a friend who is of the opposite gender. Geez, I've been with guys for a long time. Fon helped me to become optimistic again. 

"Pete, is Khun Vegas will go here to fetch you? It is almost 8 pm and the library needs to close now," Fon asked as I checked my phone notifications too. He hasn't sent anything until now. 

"Hm, I guess I will wait for him. If you really need to go I will wait for him in the parking lot," I answered. I am worried too.

"I will close by 9, let's wait for him." 

"Thank you," I also sent Vegas a message that I am still here in the library. 

I just make myself busy again by arranging the books and bringing them to their respective shelves. My phone vibrates nonstop so it may be a call.  

It is Vegas' calling id. Before answering it, I gathered all my courage to talk to him. 

"Hello, Vegas-"

"Pete? This is Shu, Vegas said you are the one who will pick him up," Shu answered from the other line. It made my eyebrows meet. 

"What? Where is he? I thought he was still in his class?" I managed not to make my voice loud, I am still in the library with some students. 

"Our class already ends around 4 pm. One of our classmates invited us to join them for a dinner and ended up also having a couple of drinks," yeah, I can hear noises like they are in a club or what.

"Send me the location and I'll be there in a minute," I don't know what to feel right now. Both agitated and annoyed for some reason. 

Chapter Text

Pete

I immediately get off the car and entered the club. My mind seems not to function and still can't comprehend the things happening straight right through my eyes. 

"Pete, glad you are here," I looked at Shu with a displeased one, why? Vegas is leaning on him and Shu's arm is around Vegas' waist. How am I supposed to calm down?

"We're going home," I exclaimed, pulling Vegas into my arms. When I looked at him, I had never seen him drunk like this. Does Vegas become a light drinker or does he not really drink that much? Ugh! Irritation and furiousness are the things that only flow in my nerves right now. 

"Where are you going to take him?" Shu grabs the hem of my shirt, the bitterness sends negative electric charges feels like on my brain. 

"To his- our house, of course? Why did you even call me for? I am here to pick him up!" I totally lost it.

"Oh yeah right, Pete. Don't be shy to introduce yourself to us as his bodyguard next time. Me and our classmates would understand that Vegas is from a wealthy family and probably surrounded by bodyguards like you," Shu smiled at me like he really knows what he is saying.

I looked around and stared at Vegas' said classmates in their eyes, I am the only one who is standing up but it feels like they are looking down at me like low trash- oh whatever! 

"Hello, nice to meet you, I am Vegas' bodyguard and I think I should suspect you all as the suspicious person that will harm my boss so..." Vegas still in my arms, I stood in front of Shu and smacked his face.

Ah great, that feels so good. I think all my frustrations have been gone in just one punch. I want to add more but I really need to bring my drunk husband home. 

I still need to apologize for what I said earlier and ... probably for punching someone without a concrete reason to, hehehe.

I drove home, glad that some of the minor's clan bodyguards helped me to carry Vegas into our room. They also bring me some warm towels and medicine, for headaches and so on. After thanking them, I smiled and waved at them before finally leaving us two in the room. 

I currently only hear silence and Vegas' snoring. Wait, does Vegas really sleep this loudly? Even though we have been in their safe house previously, I have never heard him! Why have I only just learned this about him now? I want to see all that he does first and I don't want to miss anything!

I am busy observing Vegas and found his vibrating phone in his pocket, it has a lot of notifications from Khun Kinn, from Fon, from me, and from I don't want to even mention his name. 

Vegas hasn't seen my messages then? Was he really that occupied by having so much fun with his classmates? Why did he drink so much? Does he want to forget about me? 

I am still wondering why 'that guy' thought that I am Vegas' bodyguard. That is even more hurtful than being his friend, for some reason. Even though I want to protect Vegas and this family, and the fact that I am a bodyguard once... 

Pete! Stop degrading yourself! 

"Pete..." Vegas calling my name makes me jump out of surprise, I thought he was already asleep.

"Vegas?" I scoot near him, I was about to change his clothes. I am tired but I don't want to sleep beside someone who reeked of alcohol, given that it is Vegas. Maybe some smell of Shu is also still there, geez, definitely going to rid of that.

"Water, please..." I hand him the glass of water that the guards also brought, I help Vegas to sit and place a pillow on his back for him to lean. 

"Are you alright? A-are you still mad? I am so sorry, Vegas. I didn't mean to say it. Tomorrow, I will tell Shu that I am your boyfriend- no wait, your husband!" I grip his school uniform. 

"Pete, calm down," said he, while pulling my hands off him, it makes me sadder.

"No! Vegas, I love you so much, I don't want us to break up!" I feel the water flowing down my cheeks. I am now crying out loud.

"Pete! Will you please calm yourself down? And please, let me speak first! We are not breaking up because I love you so much too!" he wiped my tears and cupped both of my cheeks. His eyes seems tired, but I find them cute so I finally flashed a smile.

"I am sorry-"

"Shh! I just said that you should let me talk to you first," I nod and looked at him with full of adoration, "I admit, I felt mad about you telling Shu that you are my friend, and because of that he didn't stop bugging me the whole day. I agreed to tag along with my classmates and I will leave after an hour to fetch you but, I didn't know that some of the drinks has drugs so... I was about to call you and Shu steal the phone from me," Vegas bit his lower lip, "He is the one who concluded that you are my bodyguard because of your contact name... ahh, 'my slave'- anyways I am going to change that later. What I am going to say is that Pete, you did a great job right there."

"Great job? When? Where? Telling the world that I am your bodyguard?" I sniff once more.

"Not that, of course. When you smack Shu down! I really can't move my limbs and I feel so dizzy earlier. Now, having you here by my side makes me at least... okay."

Without a second thought, I hugged him tightly but immediately withdraw because he still smells like alcohol, and... Shu's hands still lingers on my man. Grr.

I told Fon everything that occurred the previous evening the following day. I apologized to her for leaving without saying anything, and she accepted my forgiveness after learning that Vegas and I have already cleared and talked things up.

"I will avenge the both of you next time that I will saw that Shu's face inside this room-"

"Pete?" 

"Vegas? and... Shu?" another day to make my mood drop. Vegas is in front of us with Shu, who has a patch on his right eye. Not sorry at all. Blep.

"Why are you at the front desk? Beside the librarian?..." Vegas asked, oh no, I haven't told him that I am now closed with Fon.

"I ahh-"

"He applied as my temporary assistant!" Fon just bumped my shoulder with hers.

"Yeah! Yeah!" I agreed and nod awkwardly.

"We are going home now, but I have a collaboration assignment with this guy so he will be joining the ride."

"What?!" too much loud that I startled some students, "I mean why does he need to- ugh, fine!" Vegas' looked at me so unamused. I wonder if I did something wrong again. "Bye, Fon! See you again tomorrow!" 

Fon waved back at me. I am now sitting beside Vegas, who is in charge of the steering wheel. Shu is at the back. The three of us didn't even dare to talk about things. What is happening?

"You stay inside the room, we will be working and finish the assignment as fast as we can in the office," he commanded. Why does he seem so not interested in me at all?

I thought we are already on good terms. I thought he hated Shu too. Why is that guy stepping his filthy foot inside our house? I walk in a circle inside the room for a couple of minutes and peek at them through the door that connects to Vegas' office. 

I feel shit. Why is Vegas is sitting next to him? They also talked about things that I can't even understand. Wait, why are they laughing as if nothing happened? 

"Okay, I can't stand it anymore!" I went to the kitchen and ready a tray with snacks and refreshments. I marched proudly inside Vegas' office. 

I almost dropped what I am holding when I caught them up that they are about to kiss. 

Chapter Text

Vegas

How strange. I am just being silent but I can feel that Pete is acting strange. Since the day that I decided to continue the family business and my studies, I became alienated from everything about Pete. I can no longer have a long and casual conversation with him. I didn’t expect things to be like this, I really thought I would no longer have a problem because I am living a peaceful life with him now, with Macau and Venice too.

But that is just all I thought, I’ve been thinking about Pete 24/7, what is bothering him. He is just centimeters away from me but it feels like he is kilometers distant away. 

I want to know about it immediately so I asked Macau to look after him and observe what is going on with Pete. 

Probably you are asking me why should I just ask him about it myself. I would love to, but I am too busy to do it. I wake up every morning and Pete is still asleep, and I know he is too tired because Venice is crying in the middle of the night. 

When the night comes, actually I came home late most of the time, from a business meeting with Kinn. All I want is to lay myself down because I am also too tired. 

I miss my Pete, but I am not blaming Venice or anyone and anything. Just his presence and his beautiful smile, I am longing for it. Venice is so lucky that Pete's time and attention were given to him. I sometimes wonder if Pete misses me too. 

"Oh? P'?"

One night, I came home around two in the morning again and I caught Macau playing a video game in our living room. I have no energy to scold him, I also don't want to bother everyone who is sleeping now. 

"What do you think you are doing? Don't you have classes tomorrow— I mean later?" I asked him, I am somehow irritated from the fact that when I was the same age as him, I never stayed up for this long. 

"I am waiting for you," I raised an eyebrow, I am completely confused, "I am also waiting for the main family's service so to keep myself awake, I am just playing a little bit."

"What?" I almost shouted when I heard his answer, Macau didn't ever dare look at me, "Why are waiting for the main family's service around this hour?"

"Just thank me later, P'. Don't you have classes later as well? Go to bed," I clicked my tongue in frustration. 

"Just don't let me catch you doing something bad behind my back, Macau," I warned him before helping myself walk towards our room.

I see Pete sleeping so soundly as always, it makes me feel at ease. Glad that Venice is sleeping silently beside him too, I kissed Pete and Venice's forehead before proceeding my mind to dreamland.

I heard my alarm and crawl my hands on the table beside our bed, about to turn it off when Pete greeted me with a "Good morning."

I hope I am not dreaming, I asked him a couple of questions, and his answers make him more suspicious, and I don't want to ask anymore. Him, telling me that he wants to take care of me is enough for me to believe and trust him, that everything is alright.

"How about my kiss?" I asked him while searching for the Pete that I love so much in his eyes. It feels like heaven, I love this feeling. After our kiss, I finally got out of the car.

While walking up the stairs, I can't stop smiling because Pete's lips still linger on mine. I am wishing that tomorrow will be like this again. Probably this is the feeling of being a teenager being blinded by so much love. 

"What's up, Vegas?" it is Shu, my friend, given the fact that he admitted before that he likes me. I rejected him, of course, but he insisted we should still be friends, but I am not emotionally attached as friends to him at all. I still don't trust anyone.

"I feel great," I plainly answered. 

"You seem like you are in love."

"Shut the hell up," I don't want to ruin this day, Pete made this day special so I will let Shu slide this time, I am completely positive about everything.

After a couple of hours, classes are finally over. I can't wait to be with Pete again. I sent him a message and tried to call him but he is not answering at all. I really hope he is in the library.

Shu is asking me to grab a coffee with him but when he is away to go to the restrooms, I ditched at him. I already told him that I have plans after class but he said that he will join so I need to get out of there before he comes back. 

The same cold breeze embraces my skin when I entered the library. Fon, the librarian is smiling so wide at me and waving her hands nonstop. She is really something but she is nice to me.

I walk towards my favorite spot, where I see Pete sleeping with books around him. I smiled when I saw his face, it is so cute. I sat beside him and stared at him for a minute, I am capturing every single moment with him. 

"AHH!" he screamed, I bit my lower lip to stop myself to laugh at his reaction. 

"Shhh! It's me, the love of your life," his cheeks are red and puffy from sleeping, "How's your sleep? You can continue your nap on our way home," I recommend, because I can see that he is really tired.

If Pete planned this to take care of me, I think he also deserved this week's rest for himself. Pete had done so much to me, to Venice, and to everyone. Pete should be rewarded an eight-hour sleep.

The next morning, Pete's alarm can be heard all over the room. I am the one who turned it off because he is not really waking up. I decide to fix myself earlier today and do the breakfast for the two of us. 

"My kiss?" he smiled at me, the smile that never disappoint to made my day. I am so in love with this man. He gave me a peck and I finally got out of the car. 

I really can't erase the smile on my face again, not until someone just wrapped an arm on my shoulders. I felt irritated, I already know whose arm this was.

"Vegas!" this guy can't leave me alone for just a day, really? 

"What do you want from me? And get off your filthy hands off me will you?" I turned around to look for Pete, I wonder if he sees that. I hope he didn't.

If I were Pete, I don't want anyone even breathing near my beloved. So, I don't want to do things that make me feel jealous of Pete. I am loyal to him, I love him more than he knows.

"I just wondered why you got off from the passenger seat of your car, is someone with you?"

I don't want to waste my fully charged self in answering questions that don't benefit me.

What a wonderful day, our professor is absent. I went straight to the library and meet Pete. I take him on a school date, he seems to enjoy it. We went from college to college and told him everything I know. I feel so great and light when he is really with me. I want to skip class just to spend this whole day with him but I am sure he will get mad if I did that. 

"How come you guys know each other?" what a great timing, it is Shu. I suddenly felt uncomfortable that he and Pete know each other, I hold Pete's right hand.

"Shu is the one who helped me find the library yesterday," he explained, I am not amused at all. I wonder if they talked about anything too, thinking that makes my mood drop. 

"Ahh, okay," I plainly respond, I hate their enthusiasm while conversing, I held Pete's hand tightly. 

"And how come you know each other too?" Shu asked. I was about to pull Pete and leave Shu but, Pete just let go of mine. I was too shocked that I can't put my emotions into words.

"I am his... ahh, friend!" Pete avoided my gaze.

"What?" I totally lost it, there were a lot of questions suddenly running to my mind. As they continue talking, I remembered Pete once telling me what to do if I feel mad, sad, or any emotions that overwhelmed me. 

Pete says that I am bad at controlling my temper so all I need is, 'do the ten-second rule, Vegas. If you are angry with your bodyguards, if you remember your father and you felt sad, if you are drowning from all the love you are receiving from mw, instead of letting out all the words you wanted to say, inhale and exhale for ten seconds and everything will be okay!'

But I don't think that the ten-second rule will apply to this situation, instead of saying anything, I leave them. I am so sorry Pete, it is not enough for me to calm myself down, I need hours or days for this.

"Who is Pete, Vegas? He seems familiar to me," we are now walking up the stairs, he is running after me, and continues to get on my nerves.

"Stop bugging me, Shu," I gritted my teeth, and I got a glimpse of Fon who is walking her way up behind us. 

"I am just asking, he is cute," that's it, I won't let this slide off.

"Stay away from Pete," I walk faster this time. Leaving Shu behind. He is really pissing me off.

When I got to the classroom, I sat far away from him. I am now praying to the heaven above that I hope Pete is okay, I hope is not mad at me for walking away without saying a word.

The class ended early than I expected, I was about to go when my classmates asked me to grab a meal with them, I agreed and told them that I will leave after an hour. I still need to fetch Pete in the library who is probably still sleeping, will make his world at peace for now. 

I am eating with my classmates now, little did I know that Shu is with us too, also sitting beside me. I still can't move on from the negative feeling I have because of him.

I didn't talk to him and just ignore everyone who is planning to have a conversation with me, and just compose a message on how I will tell Pete that I understand why he did tell Shu that he was just a friend. Probably, he is plotting something so I analyzed everything now, I will tag along with him, I trust Pete so much. My mind seems not to function what words I should type. I wonder if Pete thinks of me too.

And speaking of my mind that is not cooperating with me, I just realized that I am now drinking an alcoholic drink. The more that I looked at it, the more I feel so nauseous. I shook my head and didn't expect to get dizzy and start to feel numb. I concluded that our drinks have drugs, what the hell?

"Shu..." I called him, and my eyes wanted to shut but I am still fighting for my life, I managed to talk to this jerk.

"Vegas? What's wrong?" shit, the guy is completely sober. Is this his plan or what? If I didn't makeup with Pete tonight I will kill every single person inside this room.

"Why is my drink have drugs?" I asked angrily, and I accidentally leaned on him. F*ck, I can't feel my legs and limbs.

"What? Didn't our classmate ask if you want some? And you agreed to it," I can't believe myself that I didn't hear them asking me, I am too occupied with what and how should I clear things with Pete. 

"My phone..." I hand Shu my phone, glad that Pete's contact is on the screen already, "Call..." and after that, I don't know what happened next.

Everything is blackout but I suddenly felt a familiar arms around me, I am one hundred percent sure that this is Pete. I am somehow at ease that he is here. I hope they didn't do something to me, for sure Pete will be mad and will probably do a rampage, he is arguing with my classmates.

"Hello, nice to meet you, I am Vegas' bodyguard and I think I should suspect you all as the suspicious person that will harm my boss so..." I heard Pete says that, I really can't move my body or even open my eyes to at least see what is happening. 

Next, I heard a loud tud and a Shu groaning in pain, did Pete punch him? D*mn, I hope to see how he did that. I am so proud of my lover right now but I can still feel that my head is spinning around, I will rest for now. I already know that I am safe. 

'Vegas, why did you do that?' it is Pete, crying while holding Venice, luggage in his other hand. What is happening?

'Didn't I tell you that the next time you hurt Pete, I will kill you?' it is Porsche, pointing a gun at me. Before I managed to open my mouth to talk, he pulled the trigger to shoot me.

I came to the realization that all of it was just a dream. Now all I see is Pete sitting next to me, he seems thinking about something deep that he didn't notice that I am now awake. 

"Pete," I reached for him to come near me. Pete crying makes my heart ache so bad, that it becomes more painful because the responsible for those tears is me. I really hate myself right now. I promised Pete and everyone not to hurt him like this again. 

Pete is my weakness. I told him what really happened earlier, we finally made up things clearly between us. The night passed so peacefully and calmly. 

The next morning, I am so confused why my classmates didn't dare to even look me in the eye. I sat next to Shu, who is silent the whole day. Does Pete really scare them that much? I really wish to see how he managed to do it. 

"Shu, I need to tell you something," I started, he also flinched when I asked about his eye patch. 

"Why did you choose me to be your partner, Vegas? I won't bother you again anymore—"

"Pete is my lover," Shu froze in shock, "No wait, he is my husband."

"I really thought that he is your bodyguard, I am really sorry. I didn't mean to intrigue someone's love life. Why are you telling this to me now?"

"It is alright. I just realized that as my friend, you should know about those things about me, right?" I smirked at Shu and do the draft of our assignment. 

Kinn just called that we will be having a meeting so I asked Shu to rehearse our part at my house. The man can't do anything about it, we will finish our assignment today if he still wants to pass. Now we are in the library, I am confused about why Pete is with the librarian, Fon.

"What?!" I told him that Shu will be with us, and his reaction is priceless but I have big respect for this library, "I mean why does he need to- ugh, fine!" I glanced at him because we are disturbing other students, "Bye, Fon! See you again tomorrow!" bidding his goodbye to the librarian who is smiling wide at us. Fon is really weird.

Pete is quiet while on our way home, I am too embarrassed to talk about the assignment with Shu as well. I know that I am not good at acting, setting aside the acting that my father ordered me before. That is completely different!

The given task is to re-enact a certain scene of the melodrama that we discussed earlier. It is a serious part, the critical one. It is about two brothers, the older one is almost dying, telling his last will to the little brother to take over the kingdom. Just imagining how I will put it in acting, I don't want Pete to see it. 

I requested him to stay in our room, and while rehearsing, we are now in that part where the older brother is whispering so the little brother, which is my role, needs to lean my ear near his mouth. 

Pete saw us in that position and I know, based on how he reacted, he misunderstood it. 

"I think you should run after him, now," Shu advised, "I haven't apologized to him yet, he probably thinks that we are doing something wrong here, Vegas."

"Wow, afraid that he will smack your other eye?" I asked sarcastically, "Just come to school early tomorrow to rehearse," I told him after taking my leave in my office.

I checked our room and everywhere if Pete is still there, I also asked my bodyguards if they see him leave the house. They said that he run away using one of my cars. I think I already know where did he go. 

I reached the main family's compound and saw my car that Pete used. I went straight to Kinn's office where he and Porsche automatically stood up when I entered the room.

"How dare you show your face here?" I raised both my arms up as a sign of retreat. I already picture this would happen when I dreamed about Porsche also aiming his gun at me.

"Where is Pete? I need to explain everything to him," I wander my eyes around the room and didn't find even his shadow around.

"Didn't I tell you that you will be a lump of dead meat if you hurt Pete again?" Porsche is really mad, I understand that. He really cares for his best friend. 

"Porsche, I am telling you to calm yourself down," Kinn is the opposite, I observed how we really changed when it comes to our temper and anger issues. I wonder how Pete and Porsche tamed us like this.

"Should I beg on my knees for you to let me see him and talk to him? Let me at least explain everything to him first," I am not afraid of anything they can do to me, what I am more scared of is not seeing Pete before I left this world. 

"How are you so sure that what you will be telling him is true?" Porsche asked, gritting his teeth. Kinn, hold his arms down, he is in a panic that the safety lever is off, "Tell us what happened, if it didn't match what Pete told us, you're dead."

I kneeled down in front of them, my arms still raised, "I am just rehearsing a re-enactment assignment for our drama subject," I bit my lower lip, I can't believe that I need to say this to them. I am disconcerted telling this to Pete but now I am telling them as well. "About two brothers," I added.

"But Pete said that you two are about to kiss?!" Porsche is about to hit me but Kinn holds him and moved far away from me.

"That was part of the act!"

"I don't believe this guy! Kinn, let me go!" Porsche is resisting Kinn's grip. 

"What do you want from me? Show the acting?"

The couple stopped, they looked at each other before bringing back their gazes that is full of the suspicious plan at me. "Why not?" Kinn said.

"Why not, what?" I asked in frustration, they are wasting my time. I badly want to see Pete, so I keep on reminding myself about the ten-second rule.

"Why don't you show us your acting? The exact scene where you think Pete misunderstood?" Porsche challenged me.

If looking at them with sharp gazes can already kill, they are both facing their death now. 

"See you can't even do the acting. I told you, Kinn, he is not telling the truth—"

"Oh brother!" sh/t, what was the script again? I haven't memorized my lines yet, "I can't! I can't do what you are asking me." The two attentively watched me so I leaned downward, pretending that I am holding someone in my arms, "I am not the right one to replace you, the throne was given to you by our father—" I cut off, I can sense something is wrong.

When I lift my head up, I see Kinn tapping Porsche back, who is laughing out loud. I rolled my eyes because I am starting to get mad, they are clearly making fun of me. 

"Oh gosh, that was funny. Pete, take your husband home and teach him how to do acting, okay?" Porsche can't even stand properly, Kinn is just grinning at me.

They are humiliating me! How dare them! 

I stood up and was about to land a fist on Porsche when I saw Pete standing at the office's entrance, placing a hand on his mouth. Pete is really here. He does see me doing the lame act, right? 

"How long you've been standing behind my back without saying anything? Did you just watched embarrassed myself?" Pete is now holding me too, pulling me away from the couple. I am still pissed off.

"I just visited Venice in Khun's room, I didn't know that you are already here. You were kneeling down and uttering some words so I just watched you are doing for a minute," Pete chuckled. 

"Seriously? You're teaming up with these two?" 

"I am not. I also received a call from Shu that you are just practicing some act. I am telling you, I just went down to see Venice and will bid my goodbye to Khun Kinn and Porsche before going home," his explanation makes me calm down, somehow. I dare to look at the two and throw them sharp gazes again. 

"Come on, let's go home then," I pulled Pete by his wrist, I can't stand with the main clans' guts here. I don't want to see them laughing at me. I feel so degraded.

When Pete and I finally got inside the car, I did his ten-second rule before opening my mouth to ask him and told him everything. I was taken aback when I felt his arms around mine while I am still counting inside my head. 

"You are doing great, Vegas," I leaned on him and hugged him back. What a nice feeling, his warmth never disappointed me when I am like this. 

"I miss you so much, Pete," I managed to whisper at him between the hug. "Please believe in me that I am not having an affair with Shu. I never liked him," I sniffed Pete's smell to calm down. I can't believe I am embracing him now. I thought that I almost lost him a while ago.

"I miss you so much too, Vegas," his soothing voice sends butterflies in my stomach feeling like. Like a teenager who is in deep love. "Macau volunteered talk to the main family to let him and Venice stay for a week, for me to take care of you while they are here. Now it is all ruined and misunderstandings and problems arise instead."

I withdraw from the hug and cup both of his cheeks, so I can clearly see those adorable eyes that I am wishing to look at every single day that the Gods gave me. I admire every part of Pete’s face, telling myself that this is the guy, the reason I chose to live my life meaningfully. 

“You are staring too much, you are making me shy,” those tears again, I wiped them off from his eyes and kissed him, tenderly. Pete is so cute, I can’t help myself.

“Shh, everything is okay now. Don’t apologize about it, those misunderstandings and problems make us and our relationship stronger. Every single moment that I am with you is special to me, Pete. I will treasure this all, how I cherish you yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” Pete finally smiled at me. The smile that saved me from my darkest days and brought me to seek and enlightened me what happiness really means. “I love you so much, Pete. Don’t you ever forget about it?”

“I love you so much too, Vegas. I will stay with you forever,” we both giggled and wrap our arms around each other for the second time.

“E-ehem! Too much cheese in here, I am cringing, why did I even see this,” Pete let go of the hug, Tankhun was standing beside the driver’s seat, behind me. Why is the main family always interrupting like a villain in my life and love story?

“Oh, there you are, Venice!” Pete waves his hand. I turn around to see our child too. 

“Hi, beloved,” I waved at him too, I chuckled when I realized that his drool is all over his mouth. 

“Please go home and spend the remaining days that I need to take care of this small guy, Macau is doing his homework so I decided to take Venice for a walk and I still saw the two of you here, being lovey-dovey, ugh! I have goosebumps!” I flashed a pleasing smile to Tankhun and Pete just bowing his head nonstop, still waving at Venice.

I fastened both of our seatbelts before starting the engine. I gave Tankhun and Venice a salute, Tankhun waved Venice’s little hand on us and we finally departed.

“You will not going to sleep tonight,” Pete said and intertwined his fingers with my free hand.

“Oh, someone is being naughty, huh?” I teased back.

“I will teach you how to act naturally, of course! Me, Pol, and Arm did a roleplay once with Tankhun before! What are you thinking that we’re going to do, huh?”

End.