𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱, 𝓜𝔂 𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓮 《 𝓜𝓮𝔀𝓖𝓾𝓵𝓯 》

『 Chapter 5 』

"during the last few months I spent in Japan, I went through terrible things that did hurt me lot which is why I decided to come back to Thailand yet I couldn't help thinking about all the bad things all day... however, since I started helping you, I found myself feeling better only focusing on my current life with you and the twins, but I also really want to help you to become better" I saw a genuine sad look and dejected expression, I didn't know what to say

"was I a bother to you? Did I do smth wrong?" he asked looking worried

"no, I should be thanking you, I'm grateful that you are understanding and doing this much for someone like"

"don't say that! It's not your fault, it's all because of the phobia that you had to leave alone and push people away from you, right now, you are doing great and I'm sure you will be fine in no time" he looked so serious while I was so speechless, somehow he just made me feel so hopeful and that I will really be cured

"it's Haphephobia" I uttered watching him getting confused

"huh? Ha-haphe what?"

"I have Haphephobia, the fear of being touched or touching other people, it's not OCD nor Germophobia so stop exhausting yourself with cleaning all day for me" he was stunned starring at me for a while, I was expecting him to ask me how I got it

"I'm sure you will be fine, you already took the first step and started to have more contact with others more than before, you even started greeting other neighbors, it's already a huge change for you" he smiled widely encouraging me

"you are very weird"

"I prefer to be called unique, anyway, I should go back to work, thank you for being honest with me, good night" he said and walked out, it's the first time I told someone about my phobia and he just smiled and didn't ask anything, my father's words were true, having Gulf as my housemate is a golden chance for me to change, I didn't even notice that I started greeting other neighbors, I always hated myself for having this phobia, of course, trusting people is another subject but at least I want to enjoy a normal life without being hated by everyone and stopping my father from being worried all the time

"I wish I could touch Gulf" for the first time in so many years I wished to be able to touch someone, I at least want shake hands with him and really thank him for encouraging me and helping all this time.

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One day, just as I went out of my office, the front door opened as Gulf and the twins came in, it was around 5:30 pm, I noticed that Nit was crying and Gulf was a bit angry while Nin was looking sad and worried staring at them

"I'm sorry uncle!" Nit said

"don't even do that again! Look at your sister, she was so worried about you and even cried and tried to ran after you" Gulf half-yelled on him, it's my first time seeing him angry

"I'm sorry uncle, Nin" the sister hugged her brother

"what's going on?" I asked walking toward them

"Nit sneaked out of the kindergarten and went in a dangerous place of the near forest, the place was full of insects and bugs not to mention that there was a small cliff up ahead, luckily I arrived early and Nin told me where he went"

"that was dangerous Nit, the near forest also have big scary bears and snakes too"

"bears and snakes?" he looked shocked

"yes, if you go there alone, you will never see Nin or your uncle again"

"I don't want that" he looked really scared holding his sister's hand