Finding Solace

✨ Chapter 9 ✨

DISCLAIMER: CONTAINS SADNESS 

I'm sorry, I really don't know the appropriate disclaimer for this chapter. 

I linked the song I listened to while writing this chapter, in case anyone wants to listen to it while reading the chapter.

Note: I Do Not Own The Rights To This Music Or Video.

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Third POV

"Yong, here's a towel and my dad's clothes. I think they'll fit you. You could change in there," Jiew said as he pointed at the bathroom.

Completely lost in his thoughts, Yong stood there motionless.

"Yong?"

"Hmm?" Yong faintly responded as he struggled to come out of his reverie.

Jiew's eyes softened as he took in the current state of the man in front of him. The face that occasionally adorned his playful smile was replaced with distress. He looks so lost. Even though he wasn't crying, Jiew could sense the pain and fear he was enduring. He never saw Yong so vulnerable, and he never wanted to either.

Jiew stepped forward and reached for his hands.

"Yong, everything will get better. Even if it doesn't, I'm here for you. We will face it together," Jiew reassured as he gently squeezed his hands. His hands were cold under Jiew's hold.

Gently pushing Yong to the bathroom, Jiew said, "Now go change, or you'll get sick."

When he saw the door close, Jiew quickly turned around to cook egg-fried rice for Yong. He was sure that Yong didn't eat anything after having lunch together.

After a while, he heard the bathroom door open. He turned to see Yong in his dad's clothes. The pajama pants ran a bit above his ankles, and the t-shirt was a bit tight around the shoulders, but somehow he managed to wear them.

"Yong, sit down. I just need to plate the egg-fried rice," Jiew chirped as he rushed to grab a plate. Jiew knew he was pushing his luck by trying to brighten up the mood, but he can't see Yong like this.

"I know I'm not the greatest cook, but I think I did a pretty good job with this. See, the egg is so perf—" Jiew turned around to find Yong blankly stare at the wall. His face, void of any emotion.

Jiew placed the food on the dining table and touched Yong's shoulder, "Yong."

Yong turned to face Jiew, and for the first time, Jiew saw the unshed tears threatening to fall any second.

"It's okay to cry," Jiew assured as he gently reached to pat his messy hair.

Not before long, Yong gave up trying to suppress his emotions. He didn't want to break down in front of Jiew, but he held in his tears for too long. So long that he fell into a pit of negative thoughts that consumed his sanity little by little.

Yong never shared anything about his family with anyone, and neither did he intend to. But just once, he wanted to let his guard down, and let everything out.

As if was the most natural thing to do, Jiew wrapped his arms around the taller man and held him tight while whispering, "I'm here for you. It will be okay."

Yong sought more warmth, as he tightly embraced Jiew. Yong could feel Jiew's dainty hands gently pat his back as he tried to stop crying. As fatigue took over his body, Yong subconsciously rested his head on Jiew's shoulder, silently seeking solace.

Surrendering himself to the embrace, Jiew closed his eyes as he continued whispering words of assurance. He desperately wanted to ask what happened, but he knew that Yong needed time. So he surrendered himself to just be there for the man in front of him as he silently prayed for things to get better for Yong.

They stayed like that for minutes till Jiew felt Yong gradually calm down. Jiew looked up and wiped Yong's tears.

Lightly nudging Yong to sit down, Jiew said,"Eat a little and then go to bed. You had a long day."

Obediently Yong sat down and ate. When he finished, Jiew took his plate and washed it.

"Yong, you could stay in my parent's bedroom. Why don't you go inside and rest? I'll bring you water once I finish cleaning up."

Yong nodded as he got up and went to the room.

Soon after, Jiew finished cleaning up and took the jug of water to the room.

He was startled when he found the room dark with the little light coming from the curtained windows. Jiew looked over at the bed and found it completely untouched. He glanced around the room until he found Yong crouched against the wall, sobbing.

Jiew placed the water on the table beside the bed and went to Yong. He held Yong by his shoulders and pulled him up.

They both walked over to the bed as he gestured to Yong to lay down. When Jiew got up to leave, Yong held onto his hand, silently asking him to stay.

Jiew nodded as he laid down beside Yong and turned to face him.

Yong was still silently crying. Jiew moved closer to Yong and continued patting his hair.

"It will be fine. Everything will be fine," Jiew whispered repeatedly.

Slowly, he found Yong's eyes slightly closing. Not before long, Jiew watched Yong doze off.

Jiew quietly covered him with the blanket and laid next to him.

Whatever that happened, I hope you find your happy place, Yong. I'll be here for you, Jiew thought.

Jiew raised his hand to wipe Yong's tears and continued patting his hair. Soon after, he found himself fall into a deep slumber.

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Not gonna lie, I kind of struggled writing this chapter. I realized I'm not good at describing emotions. But hope you guys got the gist. 

Thanks again for reading, commenting, and liking this story. 💙

Hope you guys find your own happy place ☺️