Chapter 9
1153 Words
Saifah POV
Even those of us closest to P'Venice know he carries secrets he has never revealed. I know there must be a reason behind it, yet I can't help but wish he would share them with us. If he cannot tell others, perhaps he could at least confide in me-or even in me and our cousins. But no... even now, Phi still cannot bring himself to speak.
Maybe what Phi needs isn't comfort, nor love-no, we've already given him that a long time ago. What he truly needs is strength, light, a reason to live-him.
We may be his family, and we've stood by his side for so long, yet we are not the people he needs right now.
So, I beg you...
I know he won't hear this, and he doesn't even know me. Still, my only wish is for these words to reach him.
I walked toward the window and pushed it open. A rush of cold air swept in, brushing against his skin. He gazed at the night sky, his voice soft but certain.
"We don't know what you and Phi went through during the times we weren't there," he said, a small smile forming on his lips. "But one thing is certain-it was you who brought joy back to him. Please... come back to Phi."
And in that moment, I couldn't help but wonder... what kind of person are you?
---
The next day, in the meeting room, adult member of the Theerapanyakul family was present, gathered to discuss the events of yesterday.
Vegas pressed his hands to his temples and began massaging them. "Them again? They really won't stop until they see us fall."
Khun responded, his tone firm. "That's always been their move. But they never succeed with their plans."
Porsche let out a sarcastic laugh. "Good thing Venice was safe. Otherwise, today would have turned into a sea of blood."
"There's no need to give this too much attention," Kinn said calmly. "But starting today, we must be more careful. And if there are any newcomers applying, make sure to check their background thoroughly before sending them to Venice for an interview."
"I'll tell that to Venice," Pete volunteered, earning nods of agreement from everyone around the room.
""Hey, have you thought about what Dad and Uncle said?" Kim finally spoke, his voice breaking the silence. He was leaning against the wall beside his husband, Chay.
Dr. Top adjusted his glasses, thoughtful. "Do you think that kid would actually help Venice?"
"None of us really know what happened before Dad and Uncle found them," Vegas said, shaking his head. "If we want answers, I suggest we investigate."
"We could give you one."
The deep voice drew everyone's attention as Gun and Korn entered the room.
---
On the side of a quiet road stood a small flower shop, once lovingly cared for by an elderly couple. Age eventually caught up to them, and with no choice but to retire, they entrusted the shop they had nurtured for so long to someone they trusted the most.
Rain, the chosen successor, felt both grateful and uncertain. He didn't oppose the couple's decision out of refusal, but because he wasn't sure if he could truly handle the responsibility. Still, his friend Jin stood beside him, ready to help him run the flower shop the couple had cherished.
One afternoon, an angry customer stormed in. He had just bought a bouquet of flowers, but dissatisfaction wasn't the real reason for his fury- he simply hated the shop's new owner.
"I want a refund!" the man demanded, slamming the bouquet down. "These flowers aren't fresh at all!" With a violent toss, the petals scattered across the floor.
"You-!" Rain's friend snapped, pointing a finger at him. "I know you're angry, but don't drag these flowers into it!"
"Oh yeah? Am I wrong then?" the man shouted back, storming toward a shelf of flowers. "These aren't even that fresh!" One by one, he began knocking the arrangements to the ground.
"Hey!" Jin yelled, trying to stop him as the man continued destroying the displays.
Then, the sound of the door creaking open broke through the chaos. Silent footsteps had gone unheard until now.
"Hah! The weak, blind owner finally shows up," the man sneered.
Rain, the new owner, entered calmly. The elderly couple had trusted him with this shop, and he intended to honor that trust. His voice was steady, unwavering. "Do you think crushing innocent flowers will calm you down?"
The man cracked his jaw and smirked sarcastically. "Definitely not. but giving me this flower shop will."
Rain let out a short laugh. "No. I won't let you have this flower shop." His words were sharp, firm, unshakable.
"Okay then," the man spat, glaring at him. "I'll bring some friends next time. Maybe then you'll hand it over." With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him.
Jin rushed to Rain's side, worry etched across his face. "Are you okay?"
Rain gave him a reassuring smile. "He didn't hurt me," he said, tapping Jin's hand gently. Jin sighed in relief.
"We won't give up this shop because of someone like him," Rain continued firmly.
Jin hesitated. "Are you sure you won't give up, Rain? I'm worried that holding onto this shop will only get you"
Rain's gaze hardened with determination. "No, Jin. Mrs. Rose entrusted me with this shop. And, I won't break it."
Jin sighed, defeated, though a trace of warmth lingered in his voice. "Fine. But if that jerk shows up again, call me, alright? I can't always be here, you know."
"I know, I know," Rain replied with a small laugh. Their tension eased, the two sharing a lighter moment after the heated encounter.
"Let's close up early today," Jin suggested, wiggling his brows playfully. "I'm taking you somewhere."
Rain chuckled softly. "Fine."
---
A white van pulled up in front of the orphanage. Both sliding doors opened, and the Theerapanyakuls stepped out. At the gate, an elderly woman was already waiting, her posture composed yet respectful.
"Good afternoon, Khun Gun, Khun Korn," she greeted warmly. She was the head of the orphanage. Without further delay, she guided them inside, leading them through quiet hallways until they reached a modest room furnished with a few couches and chairs.
Everyone took their seats, the air heavy with unspoken tension, before Korn finally broke the silence.
"We heard you know something about him and Venice," Korn began carefully. "If you don't mind, would you share it with us?"
The headmistress folded her hands in her lap. "I can, Khun. But I don't know everything-only bits and pieces."
"That's no problem," Tankhun interjected, shifting restlessly in his seat. "Just tell us what you know about Venice and that boy named Rain."
The headmistress gave a small nod, followed by a faint, wistful smile.
- Writer
