Saint wiped sweat from his brow, balancing two steaming bowls of noodles on a tray as he maneuvered through the cramped dining area of his father’s noodle shop. The evening rush was in full swing, and every table was packed with customers. His father worked silently in the open kitchen, moving with practiced efficiency despite the heat.
“Order up!” Saint called, sliding the bowls onto a table before rushing back to grab another.
It was exhausting work, but Saint didn’t complain. He’d grown up here, after all, and the shop was as much a part of him as his quiet, hardworking father.
By the time the last customer left, it was nearly midnight. Saint slumped into a chair, his muscles aching.
“You should get some rest,” his father said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Saint shook his head. “I still have schoolwork to finish.”
His father frowned but said nothing. Saint knew the look—concern mixed with guilt. He hated seeing it.
---
Meanwhile, across town, Shin was sprawled on the couch in his living room, flipping through TV channels while ChingChing braided his hair.
“Be careful!” Shin yelped as his nine-year-old sister tugged a little too hard.
“You’re such a baby,” ChingChing teased, her small hands working deftly. “You can take a tackle on the field, but you can’t handle this?”
Shin rolled his eyes but didn’t protest. Their mother walked in, carrying a tray of snacks.
“ChingChing, don’t torment your brother,” she said, setting the tray down. “He has practice early tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Ma,” Shin said, grabbing a handful of chips.
His mother smiled, brushing his hair affectionately. “You’re doing great, Shin. Just don’t forget to rest, okay?”
“Don’t worry, Ma. I’ve got this,” Shin replied confidently, though a flicker of doubt crossed his face.
---
Saint arrived at Shin’s house the next morning, bleary-eyed but determined.
“You look like you’ve been run over by a truck,” Shin remarked as he opened the door.
“Good morning to you too,” Saint said dryly, stepping inside.
Chingching ran up to greet him, her face lighting up. “Saint! You’re here!”
“Hey, kiddo,” Saint said, ruffling her hair. He handed her a small box of pastries he’d picked up on the way.
“You spoil her,” Shin muttered, though there was no real annoyance in his voice.
Saint shrugged. “Someone has to.”
As Chingching dragged him off to play, Shin watched them with a mixture of fondness and frustration. It was moments like this that reminded him why he couldn’t stay mad at Saint, no matter how much the guy infuriated him.
Saint often found himself at Shin’s house, not just because it was closer to school but because it felt like a second home. Shin’s mom, warm and maternal, treated Saint like her own son. She often packed extra food for him, knowing he’d skip meals to save money.
Saint sat at the dining table helping ChingChing with her homework, Shin’s mom placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of him.
“You’re a big boy.,” she chided gently. “Eat more, or how will you have the strength to keep up with everything ?”
Saint smiled sheepishly, touched by her concern. ChingChing giggled, leaning against him. “Don’t worry, Mama! I’ll make sure he eats everything!”
Shin walked in, rolling his eyes at the sight. “You’re spoiling him,” he teased, though his tone was affectionate.
YOU ARE READING
Highschool Frenemy : Afterstory (Saintshin)
FanfictionWhat happens to Saint and Shin as they grow up? I was just wondering, and thought you would like to know. (I took some help from ai to help me correct the grammatical errors and write it faster.) I hope you will enjoy the story. Disclaimer : I don...
