Finding Solace

✨ Chapter 8 ✨

"Yea, by giving them alternate dinner options and serving yourself," Jiew added as he remembered how Yong became a target for the bullies after saving him.

Yong stopped smiling, and Jiew immediately thought he crossed the line with that joke.

"Hey, I was just joking. Sorry, I..." Jiew stopped when he realized Yong wasn't even listening. He was looking at something behind him.

Jiew followed his gaze to a young boy crying for his parents, across the street.

Jiew contemplated whether he should go and help, until the child's father came running, apologizing and consoling the kid.

"Why do they bother having kids if they can't  fucking care for them properly," Yong said coldly.

Jiew stilled as he sensed the deep hatred and seriousness in Yong's tone.

Jiew turned to look at Yong and was speechless. He was baffled to see how Yong's expression changed. He found himself looking at a person that seemed completely different from the guy who was sporting a toothy smile with his signature dimples a few minutes ago.

Jiew wasn't sure how to respond, so he continued eating his lunch quietly.

Neither of them said anything as they walked to Jiew's house after having lunch.

"You're not staying today?" Jiew asked when they reached Jiew's house.

Yong seemed a bit more tense and stiff after they left the restaurant.

"Nah, I don't feel like staying today. I'll see you tomorrow, chick," Yong said as he turned to leave, not even waiting for Jiew to respond.

I wonder if this is related to his parents, Jiew thought.

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"Your call has been forwarded to the voicemail. No one is available to take your call. At the tone, please record your message. When you've finished recording, you may hang up or press the # key for more options."

Jiew was used to hearing the voicemail greeting for the umpteenth time. He was trying to call Yong since he left his house.

"Yong, it's me. Just wanted to know if you're okay. Please call me back when you're free." Jiew was sure this was the 10th voicemail he left since Yong dropped him at his house.

It's 10:30.... He must've reached home by now. Maybe I'm overthinking. He probably already went to bed. I should hit the bed too, Jiew thought.

Jiew made his bed and laid down.

"But he could have at least messaged me when he got home. Ugh this guy," Jiew murmured as he tightly hugged his teddy bear and tried to sleep.

Jiew tossed and turned, and yet he couldn't fall asleep.

Past midnight, he heard the text message notification sound from his phone.

Jiew quickly got up from his bed and ran to check his text messages.

Yong: Did you sleep?

Not wasting a second, Jiew replied.

Jiew: No. Where were you?

Jiew waited for the reply. After a few minutes, he heard the notification sound.

Yong: My dad kicked me out of the house.

Jiew quickly called Yong.

"What do you mean your dad kicked you out of the house?"

Jiew heard no response.

"Where are you now?" Jiew asked.

"At the lake," Yong answered.

"Yong, are you out of your mind? Come to my house, you idiot! I can't believe you're at the lake at this time."

"No, it's—," Yong started, but Jiew cut him off.

"I'm serious. Get your ass here, or I'm coming there," Jiew threatened, knowing very well Yong would obey.

Jiew didn't hear anything for a few minutes.

"Okay, I'm coming. Don't come here!"

"Good. If I don't see you here within 30 minutes, I'm deadass coming." Jiew hung up and looked outside his window.

Man, it just had to rain. I hope he has an umbrella, Jiew thought.

After 20 minutes, he heard his doorbell.

Jiew immediately got up and ran to open the door to a shivering Yong.

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In the upcoming chapters, we'll get to know more about Yong's family. See you guys in the next update! Thanks a million for all the likes, comments, and views!🥰 Please take care of your health and stay happy 💙