My Forbidden Lover

Backstory of Chapter 1 They say that when you fall in love at a young age, it’s called puppy love. But when I saw him, it was as if the world stopped—everything went silent, and it felt like only his voice could be heard. Every time he smiled, it lightened my heart, especially whenever he visited the orphanage. Even though he looked tired from all his responsibilities, whenever he and his parents came to our home, the exhaustion faded. “Lord, it’s not bad, right?” “If I say I’ve fallen for someone of the same gender? Even though I once said I would never love, because it only brings pain… I don’t want to end up like Mama, who couldn’t bear love, and ended her life because of it.” — Written by Juen, in his diary. “Children, the guests are here! Let’s go and welcome them,” said Mother Freya. “Yes, Mother, we’re coming,” replied the children. “Juen, prepare some drinks for the guests and bring them to my office,” said Mother Freya. “Yes, Mother,” replied Juen. While walking down the hallway, he noticed a tall teenage boy who smiled sweetly at him and bowed his head. “He must be kind,” Juen whispered to himself. He smiled back politely, as a gesture of respect and welcome to the visitors of the orphanage. At that time, Juen had no idea who the people visiting their home were. “Madam, Sir, your son didn’t come with you?” asked Mother Freya. “He’s studying abroad. He’ll be there from grade 7 until senior high school, but he’ll study here for college,” said the woman who often visited the orphanage. Juen often noticed that they would talk about him, but he would just ignore it because they were taught not to interfere in adult conversations. Nine years later, the same couple who always visited the orphanage came again and called for Juen. “Juen, this is Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes—your new parents,” said Mother Freya. Juen was shocked by what he heard. He couldn’t believe that at his age—18 years old—someone would still want to adopt him. “Actually, Juen, we’ve wanted to adopt you for a long time,” said Mrs. Fuentes gently. “But we waited for Zackarya to return home so we could bring you with us and introduce you to him.” “Yes, Juen. Are you ready to go home?” asked Mr. Fuentes. “…” “Juen?” said Mrs. Fuentes softly. “Y-yes! Yes, ma’am. I’m excited!” Juen answered happily. He packed his clothes and went with them to their mansion. “You’ll stay here tonight, Juen,” said Mrs. Fuentes, “and tomorrow we’ll go to our real home. There’s a lot to prepare for.” While exploring the house, Juen saw a large family picture hanging on the wall. In it was a handsome young man—the couple’s only child. He stared at it for a while until the couple approached him. “That’s Zackarya, your older brother. Sometimes he has a sharp tongue, so please be patient with him,” said Mrs. Fuentes kindly. “It’s alright,” Juen replied with a gentle smile that nearly made his eyes disappear. “Zackarya, why were you acting like that toward that girl earlier? I know there’s someone you still can’t forget from nine years ago—but man, you i***t,” said Kaoro. “Say whatever you want,” Zackarya replied coldly. “I’m not in the mood. I heard that Mom and Dad adopted someone from the orphanage.” “Damn, man… what if it’s him?” said Kaoro, surprised. “Impossible. I heard all the kids from that orphanage were adopted six years ago. It’s unlikely that it’s him,” Zackarya said. “Tomorrow’s your birthday… let’s see,” Kaoro replied. Juen was brought to the mansion, where many guests turned their eyes toward him. Zackarya’s POV: “Damn, he looks like an angel,” said Kaoro. “So many years have passed,” Zackarya thought, “but the brightness in his eyes hasn’t changed. His smile—it’s the same as before. Every time he laughs, his eyes disappear into crescents. I’m sure it’s him… but I have to make sure.” As Juen entered the mansion, he saw a man standing near the swimming pool. He looked exactly like the one in the photo he saw earlier. While walking, Juen couldn’t help but stare—there was something intimidating about him, as if anger radiated from his face. “I’m starting to feel scared,” Juen thought. “Maybe what Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes said was true—their son really does seem to have a demonic side.” “Should I talk to him? No, what if he yells at me? But… hmm… never mind,” Juen whispered to himself. As he explored the mansion, he saw Zackarya walking toward him. Juen quickly bowed his head to show respect. But Zackarya only smirked, turned away, and walked off as if teasing him. “What’s his problem?” Juen muttered to himself. Juen continued walking and noticed that the house helpers were busy. Out of kindness, he decided to help. “Let me carry that for you, sir,” Juen said to an old man struggling with a heavy box. “Oh no, young man! If the boss sees this, I’ll get scolded!” the man said nervously. “But that’s too heavy for you. At your age, you should be doing lighter work,” Juen insisted. “Leave it be, son. That’s just how it is. I’ll take it to the boss,” the old man replied kindly. Still, Juen picked up one of the wine cases and carried it to Zackarya’s area, setting it down near him. “Ohooooo!” “What the hell—he looks ethereal, man,” one guest said. “Yeah, bro, even more beautiful than the girls we’ve met,” another added. “Hey, little boy, come sit with me,” one teased. But Juen didn’t reply. He turned around and walked away. “You jerk—but cute,” Zackarya muttered to himself with a grin. *** The years that have passed still linger, as their paths converge, and the love they left behind becomes a tragedy, forgotten and buried in their past, along with their perceived forbidden love. Before Juen left, he left behind a letter filled with hope, yet painful, hoping that when time and fate permit, they can continue their love story. Juen returned, not for their love, but for Zackarya's wedding, which was against Zackarya's wishes, as his heart belongs only to Juen, no matter how many years have passed. Despite Juen's desire to distance himself and forget Zack, he couldn't, and as the years went by, his feelings only deepened, only to be reignited by this unexpected return. "Wake up please" "Juen" "Please, don't leave me" "I can't live without you" "No! Please! "I love you!" "I love you more than my life" - Zackarya