The sun went down, and the restaurant was full of students for dinner. Bank came and sat with the group quietly. His lip was still bruised, but he looked calm. He looked at his friends and said, "I finished it."
Suddenly, the restaurant doors opened with a loud noise. Earth ran inside with full of madness. He looked very messy, and his face was red from the volleyball hits. He was holding a broken laptop. "Who broke my computer!" he shouted. Everyone stopped eating and looked at him with confusion.
When Moon, Sun, and the others started giggling, Earth ran to their table. He threw the broken laptop in the middle of the table, near the plates.
"You did this, right?" Earth shouted. He was shaking with anger. "Everything I did with that computer is gone! Who did it?"
In the middle of the restaurant, Earth was trembling with anger. The group watched him with a smile. Earth looked at his broken computer on the table. "You did this, right?" he shouted.
Sun leaned back in his chair. He looked into Earth's eyes. "So what if we did, Earth? What can you do?" Sun said with a cold, calm voice.
Earth took a step forward. "I will report all of you! How did you take my computer from my room? This is stealing!" he yelled. All the other students were watching them now.
Wee took a sip of his juice and smiled. "Stealing? That is a big word," he said mockingly. And then Earth added onto it with fuming eyes.
"Who could ever steal my laptop from my room? Only I have the keycard!"
"Maybe you just dropped the keycard from your bag somewhere? Like when we bumped into each other in the hallway..."
Earth did not know what to say. Then, Bank suddenly raised his hand. He was shaking a black USB drive. Bank looked at Earth with very cold eyes.
"You should pray, Earth."
Bank said, holding the USB up.
"Don't report us, so we don't report you. Because I have a copy of your 'special' archive here. And another copy is going to the school office right now. It is your choice: leave now, or spend the rest of your life in court."
Earth started laughing with a poker face on him. He rolled his eyes and stood closer to Bank. Then he stared at First with a fake grin.
"You really think I don't have any cloud data to reach for the archived documents? You are all stupid for a computer engineer somehow."
After the bold move and words that Earth made, First got infront of Bank and took him behind his back.
"And you are dumb enough to think that we won't hack into your cloud data. It is too late for you now Earth, not only my brothers, but also every other victims documents are gone forever now."
Earth's demonic face turned white in a split second. He looked at the USB and couldn't breathe as he thought about everything he had built brick by brick. He knew he lost all his power at this exact moment.
As Earth felt his life slipping away, his eyes turned red with madness. His helplessness turned into a blind rage as his eyes locked onto Moon, who was shaking under the weight of his past, standing behind his friends.
"This is all your fault, you little prick!" Earth screamed. In a crazy rage, he jumped over the table and threw himself onto Moon.
His dirty hands grabbed Moon's shoulders, shaking him violently, while he shouted wildly: "I am not finished with you! I will drag you to hell with me, do you hear me!"
Moon froze with terror, feeling like that helpless schoolboy from years ago, his breath caught in his throat. But the moment those dirty hands touched Moon's skin, the protective rage inside Sun woke up.
With a roar, Sun stepped in. He ripped Earth away from Moon in a single move, as if he was a piece of paper.
His fingers gripped Earth's shirt collar so hard that the fabric got loosen. The pure hatred and deadly rage in Sun's eyes made everyone in the restaurant hold their breath.
Sun shook Earth and pulled his face close; his veins on his temples were about to burst from anger.
"You come with me..." he whispered.
His voice was low like the silence before a storm, but cold enough to freeze souls.
Sun started dragging Earth by his collar toward the exit, into the dim hallway that opened into the darkness of the night. Even though Earth tried to dig his feet into the floor, he was dragged helplessly against Sun's brutal strength.
Moon was terrified when he saw Sun lose control like that. He was scared that Sun would ruin his own life or ruin his hands just to protect him.
His heart beat hard against his chest, and with tears in his eyes, he ran after them while trying to catch a breath.
"Sun! Stop, I beg you, don't go! Let him go, he is not worth it! Please don't do anything!" he cried.
But Sun stopped at the edge of the hallway. He did not turn around… he could not dare to, because he knew if he looked back, Moon's tears would weaken his firm steps.
He just raised his hand to stop Moon's steps. When he spoke, his cold voice was gone, replaced by that familiar warmth that gently wrapped around Moon's soul:
"Don't come any closer, Moon..." he said, his voice like a deep sigh.
"Don't worry, we will be fine. I will just make sure that this piece of shit never touches you again, then I will come back. You just stay here, stay safe and wait."
Sun dragged Earth into the darkness at the end of the hallway and disappeared like a thin air. Moon stood there, pressing his hand against his heart, watching helplessly.
~~~
Sun dragged Earth away from the restaurant lights and threw him into the dark, empty garden behind the hotel. The cold wind from the sea shook the trees with the cute wind chimes.
Sun jumped on Earth with a wild, unstoppable rage. Without thinking, he grabbed Earth's throat tightly with both hands and pinned him hard against the stone wall.
Sun's fingers were wrapped around Earth's neck like handcuffs. He squeezed so hard and brutally that Earth's breath stopped instantly, and his eyes widened in terror.
The pure hatred in Sun's eyes was shining even in the dark night. The veins on his forehead and neck were popping out from anger like a psycopath.
"Look at me!" Sun roared. His voice was low but powerful like a tornado. He pulled his face very close to Earth's face, which was turning purple from losing air.
"If you mention his name anywhere, or even think of him one more time... If you ever look at Moon again, I swear to God I will erase you from this world!"
Earth tried to grab Sun's wrists with all his strength, trying to escape his deadly grip, but Sun was like a stone wall and did not move an inch. He squeezed his fingers even tighter on the veins, as if to take revenge for every tear Moon had cried for years.
"Do you think I will let you go to the police or court safely?" Sun whispered. This time his voice was shaking with deep hatred.
"If you dare get close to Moon ever again, I will make your life worse than hell. You cannot even imagine the pain. This is your last warning. Stay away from him, or I will destroy you with my own hands!"
For the first time, there was no pride in Earth's eyes. He was completely filled with the fear of death, shaking helplessly in Sun's arms.
Sun threw Earth against the wall one last time and let go of his throat as Earth was tapping his arm, signaling him to let it go.
Earth fell to the ground, coughing in pain. Sun did not even look back with any guilt in him. Leaving his massive madness to the wind, he started walking through the dark to return to Moon, the boy that desperately waits for him.
~~~
Sun walked back to the restaurant. His heart was still beating fast, and his hands were shaking from anger. But he stopped at the door before going in. He took a deep breath to hide his dangerous anger.
He knew Moon was waiting for him with scared eyes and sweaty palms, the same Moon who made his heart lose its control every single time.
He relaxed his tempered up face to protect the intense, secret worries they hadn't even named infront of everyone yet.
The moment he opened the door, Moon jumped from the table. The invisible attraction between them pulled him toward Sun. Even though he knew he shouldn't show it infront of everyone, he couldn't stop himself.
He stood right in front of Sun, his eyes red and puffy from crying. His hands stayed in the air, not daring to touch him, but his eyes searched Sun's face and shoulders desperately for any wounds that he might got.
"Sun... Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Moon whispered. His voice was so low and helpless, like a secret message meant only for Sun.
Sun felt something melt in his heart as he watched Moon's pure panic. With everyone watching, he slowly caught Moon's trembling hands.
As if afraid to hurt him, he wrapped his fingers around Moon's wrists, gently stroking his skin with his thumb.
"I am okay." Sun said, his voice turning into that deep, gentle tone meant only for Moon.
He looked straight into Moon's eyes and added "I promised you. He is done for. Everything is over now. He can never dare to touch you again."
The moment the warmth of Sun's fingers touched his skin, Moon felt like he could finally breathe.
This secret, intense touch made everyone else and the whispers at the table disappear instantly. They were not lovers, they hadn't whispered a single word of love confession to each other yet…
but at that moment, under the dim lights, they both knew their souls were locked in together after all they have been through.
Ten immediately stepped in to break the intense and electric air at the table. Putting a cute, childish smile on his face, he clapped his hands.
"Well, since our 'hero' is back safely, I think we can close the first act of this dramatic movie."
"Come on, we are also on a holiday! We are going to the pub tonight to scatter this gloomy air, and everyone's first drink is on me!"
Wee narrowed his eyes and smiled mischievously at Ten's cute behavior. Leaning forward slightly in his chair, he teased him with a hint of hidden affection.
"Wow, little one... your generosity brings tears to my eyes. But be careful not to collapse on me again after those 'first' drinks. I have to carry you to your room, and I must admit, you are not light at all."
Ten's cheeks blushed instantly. "You annoying thing, that only happened once, okay!" he mumbled.
This sweet bickering lightened the heavy mood at the table. The group left the restaurant and went to the dimly lit, lively pub on the lower floor of the hotel.
As they were choosing a large table amidst the music and chatter, First suddenly caught Sun's arm from behind and stopped him.
When Sun turned around with questioning eyes, he saw that the arrogant anger from this morning was gone from First's face, replaced only by deep embarrassment.
First took a deep breath. "Sun... I am really sorry about this morning." he said, his voice sincere despite the loud music.
"I moved without thinking, without knowing what was happening. I acted like a total fool."
Sun calmed down at First's honest confession and nodded.
"It's okay, First. I understand your reaction after seeing that photo. It's in the past."
Just as First felt relieved, his eyes drifted toward Moon, who was walking toward the table with hesitant steps.
Then he looked back at Sun, lowering his voice to ask the question on his mind:
"So... what is really going on between you and Moon? I mean, is there something serious between you two? It feels like it."
Sun paused for a second. He was not someone who shared his feelings openly, but seeing the genuine curiosity in First's eyes, he decided to be honest.
Fixing his eyes on Moon as he sat at the table, he smiled softly. "I like him, First." he admitted with a deep warmth in his voice that he couldn't hide.
"But I… won't make a move right now. Moon needs to throw off this heavy burden he has been carrying since high school, recover, and put his life in order. I don't want to be selfish and force him into anything during this fragile time. I will wait for the right time."
First was stunned for a moment, he hadn't guessed that Sun had such deep and thoughtful feelings for Moon this way.
After studying Sun's face for a few seconds, he smiled gently and put his hand on Sun's shoulder, showing his approval.
"I see... That is a really mature thing to do."
First said. But then his face grew serious, looking into Sun's eyes as if he had learned from his own regrets.
"But still, don't be too late for your turn, Sun.
If you miss the right time, that boy will find peace in loneliness, not in you. And once he gets used to being alone, it will be much harder to pull him out of there."
Sun took a deep, heavy sigh after hearing First's wise words. He looked at Moon, who was trying to talk to his friends under the dim lights of the table, but whose mind was clearly elsewhere. Sun put his hand over First's hand that was on his shoulder and squeezed it slightly.
"You are right." Sun said with a firm resolution in his voice.
"I won't be too late, I promise you. I care about him too much to let him run away into loneliness."
With the ice completely broken between them, the two young men walked back to the table and took their seats.
The lively rhythm of the pub, Ten and Wee's endless playful bickering, and Bee's laughter finally brought the fun back to the table, just like the good old times. Everyone felt relieved, shaking off the dark clouds.
But at the very corner of the table, sitting quietly amidst all the noise, there was Bank. He was staring at his glass, smiling weakly from time to time to hide his real mood.
First was watching him from the other end of the table, never taking his eyes off him for a second. His regret grew bigger and squeezed his heart every time he saw Bank's sad posture.
Just then, Mint slowly walked over to First, holding her glass. She followed First's fixed gaze toward Bank and then spoke in a tone that only First could hear:
"If you were really a bad person, believe me, I would have gouged your eyes out by now, First." Mint said. Her voice started sharp but softened toward the end.
"But luckily, I can see that your intentions are pure, and you just messed up while trying to protect him. I know my friends well."
First startled and turned to Mint, a helpless guilt evident in his eyes. Mint gave his shoulder a gentle tap and offered a friendly smile after it.
"Don't you dare hurt my friend ever again." she warned him, narrowing her eyes.
"And instead of sitting here starving yourself with guilt, go and win his heart back. He needs you right now more than anything."
Mint's words finally moved the heavy rock in First's chest. Just as he was about to stand up, he saw Bank slowly get up from his chair.
Trying not to make it obvious to the others, Bank mumbled "I'm going to get some fresh air" and walked out of the noisy, crowded pub.
Without thinking for a second, First pushed his chair back. As Mint nodded to encourage him, First quickened his steps and followed Bank.
The moment he stepped out of the pub, the cool night wind hit his face. Bank was walking on the dimly lit path by the hotel beach, his hands in his pockets and his head down. He exhaled the crusty air that was hinted with full of sea and sand.
The sound of the sea waves completely drowned out the pub's music. First closed the distance between them, feeling his heart beating in his throat.
"Bank!" he called out, his voice shaking slightly in the wind.
Bank stopped walking but did not turn around. His shoulders were slumped, and the wind was blowing his hair.
First stood right behind him, there were only a few steps between them, but it felt like they were miles apart.
"Please listen to me." First said, his voice pleading.
"I can't let you go, I can't let you put distance between us. I know I have no right to ask for forgiveness after breaking you last night and hurting you this morning. I know that. But Mint is right... I was so driven mad by the fear of losing you that while trying to protect you, I caused the biggest damage with my own hands."
Bank slowly turned around. In the darkness of the night, the bruise on his lip and the hurt, tired look in his eyes pierced First's heart once again.
"First..." Bank said, his voice so low and sad it almost got lost in the sound of the waves.
"It's not just about my face getting hurt and you know that. It's about your anger bringing us to the edge every single time. I am just tired of being like this with you."
First took a step forward, his hands shaking. This time, he didn't dare to touch Bank's face, but he looked into his eyes with pure honesty.
"You have every right to be tired. But I swear I will change. I will never hurt your beautiful soul like this ever again. Please... don't pull yourself away from me."
He said as a single tear slipped down his cheek.
Bank stood still in the middle of the dark, windy beach. He fixed his eyes on First's tearful eyes; for a few long, endless seconds, he gave no reaction.
He didn't speak a word, nor did he change the hurt expression on his face. As he remained silent, time turned into a brutal torture for First. First held his breath, waiting with a terrible anxiety that squeezed his chest.
He was scared to death that Bank would turn around and walk away forever, breaking their bond completely.
Just as First was about to lose all hope, Bank suddenly took a step forward.
Without any warning, as if leaving all his hurt and exhaustion behind, he wrapped his arms tightly around First's neck and hugged him desperately. He held him with such deep need, as if the beach would slip away from under his feet if he let go.
He buried his head into First's neck; the moment his warm breath touched First's skin, Bank's body, which had been trying so hard to stay strong, shook slightly. The storm he had been keeping inside could finally rest in that safe place.
After a moment of shock, First immediately wrapped his arms around Bank's waist, pressing him even closer to his chest. As he rested his nose against Bank's hair, his heart, which had been beating with fear just moments ago, was now filled with pure gratitude and the familiar scent of him.
First closed his eyes, pressing Bank's body even tighter against his chest. He buried his nose into the crook of Bank's neck and hair, taking a deep breath to draw that much missed, soothing scent into his lungs.
It felt as though with every breath of that scent, the terrible ache in his heart was melting away into a warm relief.
"Thank you..." First whispered, his voice trembling with pure gratitude.
"Thank you so much for not giving up on me, for still being right here."
Bank couldn't help but smile at how fiercely protective yet suddenly boyish First became in his embrace.
Feeling the muffled sound of First's voice against his neck, his chest shook slightly, and he let out a soft, gentle giggle into the dim darkness. Gently lifting his head from First's neck, he looked up at his face with mischievous yet affectionate eyes.
"My, aren't you quick to relax!" Bank said, the hurt in his voice completely replaced by a sweet, teasing pout.
"I haven't said I've completely forgiven you yet, tiger. I just... couldn't bear to see you looking so terribly guilty, that's all."
The sound of the harsh waves mixed with their little laughs as they headed to the pub.
~~~
Everyone had returned to their rooms, and the hotel was completely quiet. Moon and Sun were lying in bed, settling into their sleeping positions in the dark. The only sound in the room was the soft washing of the waves from the outside.
Moon turned his head slightly toward Sun on the pillow. Looking at him with eyes that shine even in the darkness, he whispered, unable to hide the intense emotion inside him any longer:
"Sun... Thank you for everything. No matter what, even in my darkest moments, I am so grateful that you are always by my side."
Sun felt his heart race at this sincere confession. A bitter yet proud, affectionate smile appeared on his face.
"You're welcome." he said, his voice as soft as a melody.
"You know I would do anything for you."
At that moment, the pull between them was so strong that it felt as if the room had shrunk and their breaths were tangling together.
Their faces were incredibly close. Caught up in the spell of the intense feelings and the safe warmth radiating from Sun, Moon leaned forward slightly.
He moved closer to Sun's pale lips, their skin felt warm against each other, and even their noses brushed gently with each other.
Sun's eyes widened, and he was just about to respond to Moon's staggering closeness, to surrender to those lips, when...
His promise that he made next to First from theway to the pub echoed in his mind:
"Moon needs to put his life in order first, to recover... I don't want to force him during this fragile time."
Terrified of selfishly hurting Moon during such a vulnerable moment, Sun pulled his face back quickly in a sudden reflex of his.
Moon was left in total shock by this sudden and sharp rejection. His lips were left parted in the air, and his heart froze with hurt, thinking what he did wrong.
Sun swallowed hard, trying to hide the lump in his throat, and said in a strained voice,
"Good night, Moon."
He quickly turned his back and lay toward the other edge of the bed. His back was like a brutal wall protecting Moon against himself, but inside, his heart was pounding like crazy.
Moon was left frozen in the darkness. His chest squeezed with pain, and in a low, trembling voice, he asked, "Why...?" No answer came.
Sun kept his eyes squeezed shut, waiting in silence. Moon's eyes got glossy every second he was left unanswered, his eyelashes growing wet.
With a deep sense of heartbreak, he cleared his throat and mumbled.
"Never mind..." He turned his back as well, staring into the darkness with a heavy ache in his heart across the wide distance between them. This time, he also did not know what was waiting for him in the future.
End of Chapter 13.