Chapter Text
He's tired.
Tired of everything.
The badmouthing, his facade, his own life.
What's the point of living if he can't cherish every single thing of it?
The only thing he wanted to do is to rest.
For good.
But he can't.
He sadly can't.
Why?
Because he promised his mother to live.
To live a good life.
But is his life good?
No, it's not.
Letting out a suffering sigh, Cale is laying on his bed just staring at the ceiling, contemplating his life so far.
Morning has broken, and the sun's light passes through his windows but he shows no sign of getting out of bed, Cale just wants to stay on his bed and do absolutely nothing but contemplate.
A moment later, a knock on the door was heard.
After a few seconds, the door opened and revealed a benign old man.
"Good Morning Young Master Cale, It is time for you to go to school."
Instead of getting a reply, Cale just ignored the old man and continued staring at the ceiling.
Seeing this, Ron (Cale's personal servant) made a benign yet vicious smile making Cale shiver at the sight of it.
"Young Master, you don't want to be late on your first day of school, do you now?"
Hearing the sinister voice of his old servant, Cale got goosebumps and decided to obey before Ron gets scarier, He clicked his tongue and reluctantly got out of bed to touch the cold hard floor.
Cale didn't care about school at all, to him it was just a place to go to, stay there for hours and go back home, even if he did his best, he has no one to present his efforts to.
The teen went to the bathroom and got ready quickly. He didn't care if his hair or uniform was unkempt, Cale went to get his bag and then stepped out of his room.
"Would you like to eat breakfast, Young Master Cale?."
"No need."
"Understood, I'll inform Hilsman to get the car ready for you."
"Whatever."
Cale walked down the halls of his home but said home feels so empty and cold .
Clicking his tongue he sped up his walking pace and passed by some maids who were working.
The maids all gave the same look, fear, scorn lastly disappointment, and Cale is used to this.
'Tsk'
Cale hates it.
He hates those looks but what can he do?
Everyone in his "home" considers him a trash. A disrespectful and rude Young Master, that was how they see him, they all avoided him. His family treats him as a stranger, they have a very awkward relationship, that's all.
His steps were stopped when his reddish-brown eyes accidentally caught the giant picture frame hanging on the hallway wall. A family picture. Everyone in his family has brown hair , even his stepmother and stepsiblings have similar hair. It was only him with fiery red hair, showing the contrast that he was different from the rest.
He truly looks like an outsider.
An anomaly amongst the brunette family .
'If I ran away from home I bet no one will notice. Hell! No one will care...'
'Heh, I bet the servants will be so happy when I'm gone.'
Cale stopped his negative thoughts when he arrived at the front gate of his home
Continuing his steps while also trying his best not to care about his thoughts, in front of him was a man and a limousine waiting for him, he went inside without saying a word.
Hilsman, his personal driver, then proceeded to drive to school
__________
Like the previous years of his old school, the stares of everyone there disgusted him. Cale came late after the opening ceremony was over. He did it on purpose. Well, after all, no one would question the behavior of a trash.
All the seats in his class were full, except for one empty seat in the back corner of the classroom. Ignoring the whispers that were directed at him, he stepped over to the empty chair and sat there.
'Tsk, so annoying.'
He stared out the window, resting his cheek on the palm of his hand. Cale tried to ignore all the whispers and insults that were directed at him, even so, did they realize that their voices were too loud for him to hear?
'I just want to graduate already'
Cale really wanted to graduate soon, then leave here, from this city, start a new page of life in a place far from all of this, and finally be at peace. He will let Basen, his stepbrother, take over his father's company.
'And all I need to do is hold on til then'
A woman entered the classroom, introducing herself as their homeroom teacher. She then asked the students one by one to introduce themselves.
Cale hated self-introductions like this. Ask students to say their names out loud. Can't he just skip it? After all, he was sure that everyone in this class already knew him, more precisely knowing his identity as trash.
"Cale Henituse, 17 years old."
He only briefly mentioned his name and age, before finally returning to his seat. Cale didn't bother to mention his hobbies and goals like the others. It's not like anyone's interested in knowing it.
The black-haired boy sitting next to him stood up as soon as Cale finished his introduction. His reddish-brown eyes looked sleepy.
"Kim Rok Soo, 18 years old. My hobby is sleeping, and my dream is to be a rich slacker. Nice to meet you all."
Cale looked at the teen who had now returned to his seat with a dumbfounded expression.
'What the hell did he just say?'
For the first time in his life, he felt that someone was crazier than him.
The other students laughed at the words of the teen named Kim Rok Soo, finding it funny. However, Kim Rok Soo's face looked serious when he said it as if he really meant it.
Not much to do on the first day of school. Just knowing and introducing each other to the school environment. The homeroom teacher re-explains the rules at the school that had been conveyed during the opening ceremony. Her eyes glanced over at Cale as if observing his reaction.
Of course, Cale realized it, but he pretended not to know and just stared out the window.
__________
Every day is the same. He wakes up, goes to school, deals with all those shits, then go home, and repeat. Cale stared at his phone calendar, counting how many days left were until the weekend. At least he could lock himself inside his room, less dealing with all those annoying people.
A week already passed since the first semester started. There's nothing interesting—
The teen who sat beside Cale was yawning.
...Maybe there is.
If there's something, or someone, that stole Cale's interest, it was the raven-haired boy who sat next to him. Kim Rok Soo, if he wasn't mistaken. He always has those sleepy eyes and comes as late as Cale did—a couple of seconds before the bell rings. But that's not it. Cale for some reason feels a little at ease around him.
It was because of his attitude.
Kim Rok Soo never stare at him with a judging gaze, nor talked behind his back. Why is he really sure about it? Well, there's a time when Kim Rok Soo's friend, whose name is Choi Jung Soo and is a grade above them came to him.
"Ya! Rok Soo!"
The brown-haired male loudly called at the other male who in return shot back an annoyed expression.
"Aw Dongsaeng! how could you stare at your Hyung like that?"
"Who the hell is your dongsaeng?"
"You! of course!"
"We have the same age, Jung Soo-"
"Yeah! But! I was born at sunrise so technically I'm older!"
An exasperated sigh escaped Rok Soo's mouth in which Jung Soo smiled triumphantly at it.
Now noticing the teen who looks a bit annoyed beside his best friend's seat, Jung Soo initiated a conversation.
"Oh! ah sorry for being loud!"
Realizing that the man called Jung Soo was talking to him, he respond back.
"Whatever."
"..."
"Wow am I seeing things? Cuz I'm seeing another Rok Soo here!"
"Ha?"
Cale looked at Jung Soo with disbelief the same with Rok Soo.
"How is he another me?"
"Well his attitude reminds me of you, and you guys have the same eye color!"
Hearing what the brown-haired male said, Cale looked at Rok Soo and wow they did have the same eye color. How come he didn't notice it? Is it because he didn't know? Or is it because he didn't care at all? Then Jung Soo suddenly remembered that he didn't even ask the redhead's name!
"Oh! I forgot to ask your name!"
Upon hearing that Cale flinched slightly and it did not go unnoticed by the teen beside him, he contemplated about telling the other male but what if...
'If I tell him my name...'
If Cale told the brown-haired male his name... will he become just like the others?
Scorn him? Mock him? Avoid him?
Seeing the redhead not responding, Rok Soo told Jung Soo his name.
"Cale Henituse, His name is Cale Henituse."
Upon hearing his name Cale snapped out of his stupor and glared at Rok Soo who wasn't even bothered by it for telling.
The redhead then became nervous at what Jung Soo will have to say.
"Oh! Well nice to meet you, Cale! My name is Choi Jung Soo this punk's Hyung."
He pointed at Rok Soo who sighed then he reached out his hand to Cale who looked at it dumbfoundedly.
"Um... is there something wrong Cale?"
"...Don't you know who I am...?"
"Huh?"
"...It's nothing, Nice to meet you."
With a look of relief, he reached out and give Jung Soo a handshake while the brown-haired male stared at the redhead confusingly while Rok Soo secretly understood what Cale meant.
Jung soo was about to talk to Cale more but got cut off by an annoyed Rok Soo.
"Shouldn't you go back to your class by now? I bet Soo Hyuk is finding you right now to drag your sorry ass back."
Hearing that Jung Soo paled a bit and started to run out of Rok Soo and Cale's classroom but stopped by the door, he turned around and looked at Cale with a smile.
"Let's hang out sometime Cale!"
And with that, he left before Soo Hyuk gets him.
Remembering that time, Cale unconsciously made a soft smile. That teen... Choi Jung Soo, he treated Cale like a normal human being instead of how others would always treat him.
It felt... good...
He hasn't felt Warmth in so long, it felt... very foreign to him. Cale hasn't received warmth in a long time ever since his Mother, Jour Thames, died when he was 8 years old. His father, Deruth Henituse, at that time, was working in his office drowning his sorrows and grieving for his late wife, leaving Cale all alone without having anyone to comfort him.
Cale too was grieving at that time.
But no one was there for him. Except for his personal servant, Ron.
Ron was there since his childhood, he was there to look after him but could not comfort him, after all, they only have a "Master and Servant" relationship.
*Snore*
Snapping out of his thoughts he traced to the source of the noise only to find his seatmate, Kim Rok Soo, sleeping.
'The hell...? Instead of eating, he chose to sleep?'
It was lunchtime, Cale and Rok Soo were the only ones in the classroom, all of their classmates were at the Cafeteria, well Cale didn't eat too but that's different. He can go to the Cafeteria to eat but chose not to, because.
1) His classmates and the other students despise him.
2) He will only get those disgusting stares in the Cafeteria.
And 3) He doesn't want to hear those so-called "Whispers"
Feeling someone's stare, Rok Soo reluctantly woke up and looked towards the source of that said stare only to see his seatmate, Cale Henituse, looking at him.
Once their eyes locked onto each other the redhead quickly looked away to the window causing the other to be confused but ignored it and went back to sleep.
__________
Time flew by quickly and it was time to go home, The only people in the classroom left were Cale and Rok Soo, The redhead stared at the raven-haired boy in absolute disbelief.
'This guy... Really likes to sleep huh.'
Cale stood up and picked up his bag then went for the door of his classroom, he opened up the door only to see two males standing outside, one with brown hair who he met at that time which is Choi Jung Soo, and one with raven hair (who seems to be older than the other) who he doesn't recognize.
"Oh hey, Cale!"
"Hm? so he's the other Rok Soo you're talking about?"
"Ya! Soo Hyuk Hyung! He's the one!"
The moment when Jung Soo got back to his classroom, he ecstatically told his Hyung, Lee Soo Hyuk, about Cale and how he reminded him of their Dongsaeng, Kim Rok Soo. And when it comes to Jung Soo finding something interesting, Lee Soo Hyuk can't help but get interested as well.
'Hmm another Dongsaeng eh?'
And the typical man Soo Hyuk is, He'll make Cale call him Hyung.
Cale just stood there unmoving, thinking of what to do. Should he say Hi?, Storm out of the classroom?, Ignore them? Damn never in his life had he felt so awkward. Eventually, he chose the first option.
"Uh hey... Jung Soo was it?"
"So you remembered me!"
"Uh yeah... and this is...?"
His gaze went to the smiling raven-haired teen who was looking at him with full interest and curiosity.
"Oh! This is Lee Soo Hyuk!"
"Nice to meet you, Cale."
Soo Hyuk extended his hand for a handshake to the redhead and Cale took it with a bit of qualm.
"Jung Soo told me a lot about you."
"Huh?"
Cale was shocked. No more than that, Who the hell would talk about someone they just met? Plus! They were strangers! Well, Not technically if someone tells you their names but still-
"So Cale can I ask you for a favor?"
"..."
Upon hearing that Cale's mood went sour.
'...So in the end they're just like the others huh.'
Cale who was about to refuse the raven-haired teen was shocked to hear what he had to say.
"Sorry but-"
"Call me Hyung."
"I'll have to... Ha?"
Processing the words, Cale looked at Soo Hyuk with disbelief while Jung Soo started cackling as if he was expecting that from his Hyung. And from the loud cackling, Kim Rok Soo woke up annoyed and glared at Jung Soo. The brown-haired youth ignored his Dongsaeng's glare and called out to him.
"Wakey wakey eggs 'n bakey Rok Soo-ya! It's time to go home!"
Kim Rok Soo grumbled something about disturbing his sleep then reluctantly stood up and picked up his bag walking towards the three who were at the door. Once he was near the three of them Jung Soo wrapped his arm around Rok Soo's neck who shot an annoyed look in return.
"Why do you always have to be so noisy Jung Soo?"
"It's who I am Rok Soo-ya!"
"More like a curse."
Soo Hyuk playfully let out an exaggerated gasp and joined in the conversation.
"How could you say that to your Hyung, Rok Soo!"
"You two are not my Hyungs."
Cale stood at the door watching their interactions, he can't help but look at them with envy, it did not go unnoticed by the older male, Soo Hyuk looked at Jung Soo who noticed his stare and motioned his eyes at Cale. Seeing what Soo Hyuk meant, Jung Soo let out an 'Oh' and then nodded.
"Wait, Cale!"
"Hm?"
Cale who was about to leave stopped in his tracks and looked at Jung Soo with a questioning gaze.
"Are by chance free tomorrow?"
"...Yeah?
"Cool! So wanna hang out tomorrow?"
"...Huh?"
"Yeah! Me, Soo Hyuk, Rok Soo, and you!"
"Can I refuse?"
"Shut it, Rok Soo"
Cale looked at Jung Soo with wide eyes. Did he hear that right? Did Jung Soo invite him to hang out?
Seeing Cale being silent and his eyes glinting up, Jung Soo didn't wait for him to answer and took that as a yes, he asked the redhead's number so he can message him the meeting place and time and surprisingly Cale complied and gave him his number. And with that, the three waved goodbye to Cale.
__________
Back at home in his room, It was night, Cale was laying on his bed looking at Jung Soo's number. To him, what happened still felt too surreal. What if they're toying with him? What if they'll use him as their wallet? What if...
Cale slapped both of his cheeks, snapping out of his negative thoughts. He wants to believe and trust the trio, because.
1) There's a chance that they don't know about his trash title.
2) He could never forget that Rok Soo didn't judge him, how Jung Soo casually talked to him and how Soo Hyuk asked Cale to simply call him Hyung.
And 3) ...Those three make him feel warm.
Those three see him as a human, an actual human being instead of his trash title, and because of that, he can't but feel happy.
*Ding*
The sudden notification startled Cale making him nearly drop his phone onto his jaw, which luckily didn't. Looking at his phone it was a message from Jung Soo.
Choi Jung Soo: Hey Cale!
Choi Jung Soo: How you doing? :D
...Shit
Okay Cale calm down this is your first message and the obvious thing to do is reply yeah?
...
......
.........
Choi Jung Soo: Um Cale?
Snapping out of his daze, Cale quickly typed a reply.
Cale Henituse: Oh uh sorry I was doing something.
A.N. | Yeah, staring at ur phone for, IDK, some time now? (ಠ∀ಠ)
Choi Jung Soo: Oh! No worries!
Choi Jung Soo: Anyway about tomorrow.
Choi Jung Soo: At 10 am let's hang out at the newly built mall near our school!
Cale Henituse: Mall? I don't think I heard of a mall being built?
Choi Jung Soo: Oh haven't you heard? The Crossmans built a mall near our school because there's a lot of complaints about other malls being so far away. Mainly it was Alberu Crossman's idea for it.
Cale Henituse : Alberu Crossman? That barbie looking, prince?
A.N. | IT'S A JOKE DON'T ATTACK ME ALBERU SIMPS
Choi Jung Soo: LMFAO
Choi Jung Soo: Well now that I think about it, he does look like one. XD
Cale Henituse : See?
Choi Jung Soo: Haha well I got to go now. Don't forget about tomorrow or ya gonna get an earful from me ya!?
Choi Jung Soo is offline
...Did Jung Soo just threaten him? No no no think logically, Jung Soo isn't the kind of guy who would do that! Hell! He looks very harmless!
...Or is he now...
'Fucks sakes! Cale! Stop being paranoid!'
'...Let's just go to sleep.'
Getting up from his bed, Cale stepped into the bathroom to brush his teeth, then changed into his sleepwear. He picked up his phone and set up an alarm just in case he didn't oversleep. Turning off the lights and then laying on the bed, he shuts his eyes, ready to sleep.
...
......
.........
'Why can't I sleep!? I was feeling sleepy a while ago! What the hell!?'
Little did Cale know, was that he was excited for tomorrow.
And eventually, he slept past midnight.
__________
*Ring Ring*
"Mm..."
*Ring Ring*
Groggily reaching out to his phone, Cale turned off the alarm and stood up from his laying position. Letting out a big yawn and stretch. He forced himself to get off the bed and head to the bathroom to take a bath. Coming out of the bathroom, water still dripping from his hair and a towel covering his lower half, Cale went to his wardrobe and took out a brown coat, a white shirt, and blue jeans, then laid them out on his bed.
A.N. | What it actually looks like just in case and the jeans don't have holes. I hate describing clothing :/
Source: Pinterest
Putting on the laid-out clothes, Cale was ready. Taking out his phone he turned it on and it was now 9:30 am.
A knock on the door was heard.
"Come in."
The door opened and revealed Ron... who brought a cup of lemon tea.
"Good Morning Young Master, I brought you lemon tea"
"Ugh again?"
"It is good for you, Young Master."
"I- Ugh fine"
Picking the cup of tea, Cale hurriedly drank it all and gave the cup back to Ron before grimacing. Leaving Ron astonished but quickly recomposed himself.
'Ho, the puppy young master drank the tea he detests the most. I wonder what made him do it? ...Or does he know something?'
Contrary to Ron's thoughts, Cale was just in a good mood today.
"Ron, tell Hilsman to get the car ready."
"Are you going somewhere, Young Master?"
"None of your business, Ron."
"I understand Young Master, would you like to have breakfast before you go?"
"No need."
"I understand, I'll inform Hilsman to get ready."
"Good."
Like the excellent servant Ron is, he left the room swiftly to pass on his young master's orders. Cale left soon after. Arriving at the front gate, Hilsman noticed Cale and opened the door for his young master, who went in silently. Entering the driver's seat, Hilsman then turns on the limousine.
"Where will we be going, Young Master?"
"The newly built mall near my school."
"Understood."
With that Hilsman drove off to the place.
__________
"Wow, there's really a mall here huh?"
Cale stood at the entrance of the said mall. The mall was massive, beautiful, spacious, and crowded. The architecture was stunning. Hell! The place looks like a monument!
"You can leave now."
"Excuse me? Don't I need to accompany you, Young Master?"
"No need, I'm meeting with someone."
"Oh! Um, I hope you have fun with that said someone Young Master!"
'...Why does it feel like he misunderstood me?'
Hilsman went back into the limousine and drove off, leaving Cale at the entrance of the mall. The redhead went and sat on a bench, looking through his phone. It is now 9:53 am.
Cale Henituse: Hey, I'm at the mall.
Choi Jung Soo: EH!? You're there already!?
Cale Henituse: Yeah, I just arrived, Where are you guys?
Choi Jung Soo : We're crossing the road.
Cale Henituse: Oh ok, I'm at the entrance sitting on a bench somewhere.
Choi Jung Soo: Good to know!
Choi Jung Soo is offline
Placing his phone back into his pocket, Cale patiently waited for the three.
__________
Jung Soo almost thought that this was a disaster! All because Rok Soo didn't want to get up and Soo Hyuk was still picking on what to wear! Resulting in almost getting late. But luckily they were near the mall. Once the three arrived, they split up and started searching for the redhead. Since Soo Hyuk is the tallest among them, he easily spotted Cale.
"Hey, Cale!"
"Hm?"
Turning his gaze away from the crowd, He glanced toward the source of the voice and saw Soo Hyuk. Standing up, Cale walked towards the raven-haired male and greeted him.
"Hey... Soo Hyuk right?"
"Hm! You remembered me."
Cale nodded and noticed that Jung Soo and Rok Soo aren't with him.
"So... Soo Hyuk, where's Jung Soo and Rok Soo? Weren't you guys together?"
"Oh, we split up searching for you."
"I see."
"Why don't we go search for them now?"
"Sure."
The two went on their way to find Jung Soo and Rok Soo. Cale kept stealing glances at the older male beside him and can't help but feel...
'I feel short!'
He felt small compared to the raven-haired male! Cale's height reached Soo Hyuk's ear, although it doesn't seem that much. But to Cale it definitely is.
'...Why does he keep glancing at me?'
Lee Soo Hyuk, who eventually noticed Cale's stare, can't help but feel more awkward.
'Is it my clothes? They look normal though?'
He was wearing a black shirt, light-bluish pants, with a wristwatch.
A.N. | IGNORE THE GUCCI SHOES
With the atmosphere getting more awkward, Soo Hyuk cleared his throat and decided to speak up.
"So! How was your first semester at school?"
"...It wasn't bad."
"I see. Was Rok Soo sleeping in class?"
"Only in Recess, Lunch, and at Dismissal."
"Aigoo... That punk never change. He prioritizes sleep and his so-called "Slacker Life" I tell you."
"Wait... he's really serious about that?"
"Yup! But me and Jung Soo respect his dream"
"Seriously? I bet he won't be getting his dream-"
"Which one of you is berating my slacker life?"
"WHAT THE FUCK!?"
Getting spooked was the last thing Cale fucking wanted. Looking behind him was Rok Soo and his typical stoic face. And it did NOT help that Soo Hyuk was cackling uncontrollably. Jung Soo who found the three was confused at the sight. Rok Soo being Rok Soo, a glaring Cale with a hand on his chest, and a cackling Soo Hyuk. Seriously what happened when he was gone?
"Okay! Now that we're all here, how about we go have fun?"
"Can I-"
"No Rok Soo, just no."
"I-"
"Alright, kids! Enough bickering more fun time."
Wrapping his arms around his two Dongsaengs, Soo Hyuk then trudge forward into the mall with Cale who followed silently. Unbeknownst to them there was someone watching the four teens.
"...So he made some friends. That's good."
It was the chef and Ron's son, Beacrox.
He watched the four teen's retreating backs with a small smile. When Cale was little he would always play with Beacrox. In which Beacrox started to treat Cale as his little brother. But it changed when he started acting spoiled at the tender age of 8 years old, then it got worse at the age of 10. Cale who used to enjoy Beacrox's food the most started saying it tasted like garbage. Sometimes he can't help but wonder, what made Cale act like this? He has a feeling that it's more than it meets the eye. So seeing Cale making friends gave him a sense of relief.
'I should tell father.'
With that, Beacrox swiftly left the scene.
__________
Time flew by quickly. The sun began to set. It's been so long since Cale had fun, and it was thanks to the trio. But mostly he got to know the three teens, especially Rok Soo, and suprisingly the two get along very well. They are now ordering food at a korean barbeque restaurant. Cale was positioned on the right seat with Rok Soo beside him while Jung Soo is in front of Cale and Soo Hyuk is in front of Rok Soo. After telling the staff their orders, Cale looked around the restaurant and can't help but feel astounded. The place looks neat and tidy! And! You get to cook your own food! Cale doesn't know how to cook but this is gonna be a new experience for him! But theres one problem though.
"Um... Is there any utensils here?"
"..."
The three stared at Cale with desbelief but quickly gave out an 'Oh' when they understood the situation the redhead is in.
'He doesn't know how to use chopsticks.'
The trio then taught Cale how to use chopsticks. The three learned that Cale was a fast learner, so it wasn't a suprise to see him already using the chopsticks with ease. Once their orders arrived, they now dined in. The four enjoyed their meal while occasionally talking and laughing. (Mostly at Cale's scared expression whenever the flame rises)
"So, Cale about our first meeting. Why did you hesitate when I asked for your name?"
"Oh uh that..."
Seeing the redhead looking away and fumbling up the words. Rok Soo decided to help.
"It's because he didn't want you to know that he's trash.
Hearing the word "trash", Cale stilled and slowly stared at the three people in front of him.
"Oh, so that's why?"
"Mm."
Seeing the three people in front him act as if the revelation was normal, Cale couldn't help but be surprised.
"Aren't you all... supposed to be disgusted...?"
Hearing what the redhead said, the three frowned and stopped eating then looked at him.
"And why would we do that?"
"Huh?"
"Ya! Just because you're "trash" doesn't mean we should avoid you for it!"
"But-"
"Cale, instead of believing the rumours, it's better to learn and believe in the person themselves."
"Ya! What Rok Soo said!"
"That's true."
Cale... did not expect that from them. He was prepared for the sudden change but... Instead of scorning him like the others. They choose to learn more about him than believing in the rumours. Something threatened to fall from his eyes, he tried to prevent it, but sadly he cannot contain the tears that fell from his eyes. He has never felt so... Happy and grateful. Grateful for meeting the three. Grateful for their kindness. Grateful for Rok Soo's words.
Seeing Cale tear up, the three stared at each other before they started comforting the crying redhead. Rok Soo patted his back, Jung Soo took some tissues and handed them to Cale, And Soo Hyuk leaned forward to pat his head. Cale calmed down after a few minutes, he murmured a 'Thank you' then continued eating. Upon hearing the soft 'Thank you' from the redhead, Rok Soo hummed in acknowledgment, Jung Soo smiled brightly and Soo Hyuk gave a soft smile.
__________
After they were finished eating, night came, the trio waved goodbye to the redhead. Cale took out his phone and called Hilsman to come pick him up. In a few minutes Hilsman arrived and opened the limousine door for Cale who went in silently and closed the door, he then leaned onto the car's window, with a palm on his cheek. Sitting on the driver's seat, Hilsman turned the limousine on and drove off. Hilsman stopped the car due to the traffic light showing a red light, glancing over his young master through the rear view mirror, and finally mustering up the courage, he asked his young master.
"So did you have fun, Young Master?"
Cale only hummed in acknowledgment. Though to Hilsman, it seemed like his young master didn't have fun at all. But he sooned relinquish the thought when he saw his young master smiling softly. It baffled Hilsman greatly but quickly recomposed himself when the traffic light turned green.
'So the Young Master finally found someone he cherishes huh. Don't worry, Young Master! I'll support your ongoing relationship!'
Cale felt iffy but decided to ignore it.
Cale finally arrived back home, he exited the limousine and was greeted by Ron who seemed to be smiling... gently?
"Welcome Home, Young Master. Allow me to take your coat."
The redhead complied and gave his coat to Ron.
"I have prepared the bath for you, Young Master."
Cale who was about to reply with a 'Whatever' refrained from doing so. During the drive back home, Cale was contemplating whether he should treat his personal servant the same way as before when he was little. With his decision made, he spoke.
"Mm, thanks Ron."
Cale went ahead passed Ron who flinched, which the redhead didn't noticed. And Hilsman on the other hand, was extremely bewildered. Leaving the two outside.
Inside his room, Cale finished taking a bath and layed on the bed with his sleepwear on.
A knock on the door was heard.
'Hm? Who could be up this late?'
"Come in."
The door opened and it revealed Ron with a cup of tea.
"Huh? Tea before bed?"
"Yes, Young Master, I believe you might need it."
"Ok?"
Taking the tea from Ron's hands, he took a sip and was surprise that the tea is sweet.
"This is...?"
"Candyleaf tea, Young Master"
"Yeah, but why?"
"May I be frank, Young Master?"
"Sure?"
"Truth be told Young Master, I saw your eyes appear to be red and puffy."
"Kek... You saw that...?"
Ron answered with a hum and was surprise to see that his puppy young master admit it. Normally his puppy young master would deny it, but this? This was somewhat surreal. But back to the topic at hand, Ron was worried when he saw his young master's eyes to be red and puffy. Thinking that maybe his young master's friends (Courtesy of Beacrox for telling him) bullied him made Ron's blood boil. But it was contrary to what Cale will say.
"Well... I made some new friends... And I can't help but cry?"
"Ho... Did they perhaps?"
"No! No, Ron that's not what happened."
"Then?"
"I-"
Putting down the cup of tea, Cale looked away from Ron and scratched his cheek.
"I... was so happy that I made some friends... To the point I cried..."
Cale wants to die right now. He feels so embarassed telling this to Ron! Ron on the other hand was genuinely surprised. His puppy young master was so happy that he cried! And! It made Ron feel at ease. His puppy young master hasn't felt this happy in a very long time.
'It seems I was worried for nothing.'
"Ho ho is that so, Young Master?"
"Don't laugh at me Ron."
Cale's face became hot and is very red, he covered his face using both of his hands and looked away from Ron who seemed to be amused. Once he stopped being embarassed, Cale finished the Candyleaf tea and handed it back to Ron.
"Thank you for the tea, Ron."
"It is my pleasure, have good night's rest, Young Master"
"Mm you too, Ron."
With that, Ron left Cale's room and went towards the kitchen his son is assigned to. Upon entering the kitchen, Ron saw his son sharpening some knives. Noticing a presence, Beacrox stopped and look towards his father.
"So?"
"He was not bullied, Beacrox."
Upon hearing what Ron said, Beacrox started to relax a bit.
"Then?"
"He was just very happy to have some friends to the point he started crying."
"I see."
Seeing that his son still cared for Cale, made Ron feel warm. He hopes that his puppy young master's friends would stay with for a long time.
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Once again thank you vara_user! For allowing me to take inspiration on your fic: "Goobye" Is Another Way To Say "I Love You" in Ao3!