Magic Shop

25 | THE ONE WHO’S ALWAYS OBEDIENT

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Dawn was quiet in the whole ride after he suggested of imprisoning River’s parents. Honestly, he was still contemplating if what he did was actually the right thing. Dawn knew that even though River hated his parents to the core of his being, it was different for his brothers and sister. In Dawn’s perspective, they are still their parents.

However, after mulling over the matter many times, Dawn decided not to worry about it and let the plan escalate. He was not a hero to begin with. In the first place he was here because of his greed and selfishness. The only thing that matter to Dawn was the lives of his friends. If River’s parents was the cause of his problems, then, he needed to take action and remove them.

Besides, Dawn also need to investigate Mr. Anderson. Dawn wasn’t sure if what he said back then was the truth or just a sentence with poetic meaning but it won’t hurt to be cautious enough. And if he did something wrong, Dawn knew the time would return back to normal again after seven days.

Dawn was worried back then when the first time rest happened, however, now, he was considering how convenient it was. For him it felt like he had an ultimate undo machine.

After driving for a while, Sejin parked at the parking lot where River usually work. The store was now close since it’s already five in the morning and the second shift would be seven am later. The place was quiet. The sun was beginning to rise making the place a little brighter. However, inside the car Dawn and River was quiet but it was different for Sejin.

As Sejin unbuckled his seat belt, he adjusted his seat and looked at River and Dawn. “Since we already considered Dawn’s plan on imprisoning your parents, how are we going to catch them?” Sejin asked.

River nodded as he consider the situation while Dawn was still keeping his mouth shut. In Dawn’s mind, he had already came up with different methods on subduing River’s parents. Those knowledge came from novels, movies, anime and books he read over the past. Plus the things he had experience.

When Sejin asked the question, he was prepared to say his suggestion however, he had considered River’s feelings since his parents are the one they were talking about.

River leaned back as he sit leisurely thinking about the matter. At the same time, he had enumerate the detective novels he had read in the past thinking of the best way to imprison his good for nothing parents.

If people heard what they were talking about right now, they would probably think how heartless they were or how ungrateful River was. Still, River doesn’t care about what those people would tell nor he doesn’t care if rumors would start after their plan.

In River’s mind, Dawn’s plan was the best since if he would think of anything, all he could think was murder and blood. And he also doesn’t know when his patience will last. He need to act.

“Let’s set a trap for them.” River suggested. Meanwhile, Sejin blinked as he think of River’s suggestion.

“What do you mean by that?” Sejin asked. Dawn was still keeping his mouth shut.

River heaved his breath as he fixed his posture and opened his mouth. “Since they might fight back, let us create a scenario where they can’t make any excuses and the best possible way was to caught them in the act.”

“Then, if you’re suggesting that, it means to say the one must be willing to be a punching bag for them.” Finally, Dawn opened his mouth.

River’s gaze went to Dawn and then to Sejin, “Yes, I understand that.” River already considered the facts about his suggestion. “That’s why I am telling you, I will act as a bait.”

“You mean?” Sejin asked however, he basically got the whole concept of River’s plan.

“I am willing to be beaten to death by them if it means that they will rot in jail for the rest of their lives.”

“Then, when are we going to escalate the plan?” Dawn asked considering the options they have in his mind. “Since I am the one who suggested this plan, I am also responsible for the outcome and the consequences. So, River listen to me.”

River’s gaze met Dawn’s eyes. River was taken back at first. Dawn’s eyes was determined as if he was trying to prevent something. “How old are your siblings?”

River was confused but he answered anyway, “Reo’s eleven years old, Rintan’s seven years old while Reika’s five.”

“Then they’re all under age. They need a guardian. You’re just sixteen River, are you capable of bearing such responsibility?”

“Yes.” River answered without any hesitation. He was basically the parents of his siblings. Dawn nodded. He knew the fact of how determined and unfazed River was right now. “then, if you go to school or go to work, who will take care of your siblings if you’re gone?”

“they’re all responsible of their own.” River said considering how mature his siblings was. “Reika is an example. She knew how to cook basic foods already. It’s also the same for Reo now that he is the eldest among the two. He can take care Rintan and Reika. Besides, they also go to school all I need to do is to accompany them every time they go to school and fetch them after they are done.”

“Okay,” Dawn said. This time he looked at Sejin. “However, since you’re still underage, the court or the police might send you to some orphanage.”

River was speechless for a moment. He was surprised of Dawn’s actions and words. It seemed like he was already an adult and he had experienced such things as this. River smiled from the bottom of his heart. He already know how reliable his friends was but he never knew it was to this extent.

Honestly saying, River never considered those facts and consequences. It was was a good thing that Dawn brought it up so they can think of ways how to prevent it.

“If that’s the case, I can use my power.” Sejin finally said. He was still hesitant however, he knew it was for the sake of his friends and for that little girl.

Dawn lips curled up as his question was really meant for Sejin since he had the power to influence authority. He knew all these since he had already experienced it back in the future. The time he was helpless and went to prison. The time he suffered in the mental hospital and how he looked up to his mother because she just came out of nowhere and decided to set him free from the hell he was in.

In that time, Dawn considered becoming a lawyer to help people in need, however, it doesn’t suit him. In the first place, he doesn’t see himself as someone who stands in the name of justice. If something was convenient for him he would go there.

“Then, our plan is almost set, when are we going to do it?” Dawn asked once again. River nodded and he looked at Sejin. River and Dawn only need to follow the plan however, if they want to make everything run smoothly, they need Sejin’s approval.

Sejin nodded as he understood what Dawn and River’s gazes was. He was not innocent to this kinds of things since his parents always used their money to buy power and influence. It was an easy thing to do for him.

“I will both contact you once it’s all done. It’s a good thing we don’t have class tomorrow. I need to talk to one of my friends at the police department.”

Sejin said with determination making River happy. In his mind, he already considered the fact that he need to endure more years of this hell since he doesn’t want to go to jail. However, after Dawn’s suggestion and Sejin’s influence on the matter, he finally had the chance to imprison his good for nothing parents. He was happy as if he had received the best birthday present he could ever had.

In that moment, he felt something warm spreading inside of him. His mind was playing the disgusting memories of his parents and he was relieved that they will soon rot in prison. Having this in mind, River can’t help but shed a little bit of tears as he looked at to his friends.

He was really thankful. From the bottom of his heart. He doesn’t care how unlucky he was because of his parents. Thankfully, God bestowed him good friends that has his back always.

Dawn and Sejin was astounded by River’s sudden tears. They looked at each other not knowing what to say or how to act. But River was not thinking of that. He smiled again. This time it was genuine as he was really thankful.

“Thank you so much” He mumbled. It was soft spoken as he was till feeling a little embarrassed. Dawn and Sejin’s lips curled up as they heard this. They also felt goosebumps all over their body since they are not familiar of River’s affection at all. River was the one who’s always the mature one and he doesn’t show his affection to people at all. He was the calm and composed one. Who would have thought.

In the end, they both laughed and teased their crying friend.

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Half past five, Sejin and Dawn returned home. Dawn was still living in Sejin’s house. He was feeling embarrassed at first, but considering how many days it has been and he hasn’t seen Sejin’s parents, he doesn’t care about it now.

Both of them entered Sejin’s room. They’re not sharing the bed for they both found it too creepy and disgusting so Sejin bought a new foam for Dawn to sleep on the floor. Feeling exhausted, Dawn flopped on his bed the moment they got in however, it was not the same for Sejin.

He went back to the kitchen and prepared some coffee and bread. He was feeling tired but right now his mind was loud.

He was not new to River’s situation since he found it out a long time ago. He had accepted his friend’s problem and at the same time he was feeling so overwhelmed of River’s determination on putting his parents to jail.

Sejin also had issues of his parents but it was a little different from River. River wanted his parents out of their life but for Sejin he was begging for his parents love and approval. That’s the reason why he was always obedient to them. He never did something to disappoint their parents and never did something that would make them mad.

Sipping his coffee, he closed his eyes as he considered of different ways how to deal with this situation quietly. He’s an obedient child in front of his parents however, he was also the manipulative and vicious one.

His friends and parents don’t realized that.

Since he needed these two words to act properly in front of his parents. He sighed and sipped his coffee again. Just like what he had said back then, this was easy.