Secretly Loving Him [MewGulf]

twenty two

The Jongcheveevats came to know about the big problem that the Traipipattanapongs are facing now. They are more than willing to help them if it is just investments we are talking. But the other shareholders are telling them that they are going to pull back their investments as well if the Sripothongs are gonna do so. They have been so loyal to the Sriphothong that they are willing to follow them. And if that happens, it will hurt the company so bad. 

"We are not going to force you, son, if you are not willing to. I promise." dad said to try convincing his son that everything will be fine. "I worked hard so I can give you everything you need. I don't want it to be the reason for you to suffer with things you don't like. Trust me, I will find a way to fix this." He was desperate but he means everything he said.

"And what if you didn't find a way, dad? What will happen? What will happen to us?" Gulf queried but he already know what are the answers to his questions. The deep sighs of both his parents confirmed it. 

"I will do it." said Gulf faintly. 

Everyone looked at the expressionless Gulf. They are in stupefaction, especially Mew.

"Do you even realize what you are saying, Gulf?" Mew retorted but Gulf only flashed a weak smile at him. He knows that this decision will change his whole life, including the plans he had made prior to this day. The plans he made with Mew. But he can't think of any way to help his parents. He doesn't want them to lose the company they worked hard for so many years. This is the least he can do. 

"Tell me, you are kidding. Don't you hear your dad? He said he'll find a way. We will find a way...." Mew's voice cracked. "... What about us? What about me?"

Everyone is confused. They don't know why Mew is overreacting like that. Like, he can show his concern for the family but they this expect it to be this way.

"We are dating. Mom and dad, I am dating Gulf. And I won't let Gulf marry that fucking bastard. If he is going to marry anyone, it should be me. Not Podd. BUT ME."

Mew held Gulf's hand. He knows Gulf is only acting on impulse. That he didn't mean what he said earlier. That he also wants to be married to him, and not to Podd. But he isn't replying nor looking back at him. He stayed emotionless and speechless. 

His parents are flustered to know about their relationship but they are more concern about Gulf. They told him that he doesn't need to do this but it looks like the lad has already decided. He will do it.

"Hey, Gulf. Let's talk about this first, please?" 

Gulf was silent. 

Mew looked at everyone and he cued them out. When everybody has left the room except for them, Mew faced Gulf. He noticed that he is shaking. And so what he did, he hugged Gulf from behind until he was calm. 

"I am sorry, Phi. I know what I said hurt you and I didn't think about it. You are right. I acted on impulse. I'm sorry, Phi." His hands squeezed into fists. "But I will not change my mind. I will still do it."

Gulf freed himself from the hands wrapped around him. He faced Mew and looked at him with a straight face. "My family needs me, P'Mew. They need me. I guess this is all for us. Fate has decided---"

"Fate? Fuck that, Gulf. Fate doesn't get to decide for our lives, it is us. Stop acting like a teenager, stop acting all tough. I know you're screaming for help deep inside you. So, please." He was pleading, begging. But the expression on Gulf's face didn't change. It stayed blank and empty, expressionless. Making him hard to read what's on his mind. He wanted to snap him out of what he is thinking. To shake everything off his head. But Gulf has really already decided and there's no turning back. 

"You know I love you, right? And you love me, too, right?" Mew nodded yes at the guy in front of him, cupping  his face with his warm and soft hands. He felt a little warmth in his chest when the other lad did that but what he said next shattered his heart into pieces.

"Then, let me go."

And then, Gulf left the room. Mew's hands lifelessly fell on both his sides as Gulf's words keep replaying in his head. He couldn't believe that in just one snap, everything flipped over. They were just so happy earlier. As they were exchanging love to each other. Feeling every ounce of their feelings. But what happened? It is now all messed up. He fell on his knees. He felt the world collapsing on him. And his eyes leaked as he stares into the nothingness.

The next morning was totally awkward. They are now all gathered for breakfast. No one is initiating a conversation and this isn't how they usually spend their mornings. 

Mew is just observing Gulf from his seat, tongue tied. The other lad may not be spilling any word  but his eyes are obviously swollen.

"Did he cry?"  Mew queried in his mind. And yes, he's right. Gulf cried all night for it is what only he can do, now that they are in a messed up situation.

Both his parents have no choice but to accept the decision their son has made. He convinced them of pursuing the deal, to save the company. They warned him about the consequences he may face once he said yes to this but he is already aware of that. When they asked about his relationship with Mew, he just said they have already talked. They can't help but to feel sorry. Honestly, they don't know what feel. Happy that the company will be saved? Or sad that their son gave up his love for their company? And it hurts them, as parents.

"Son, I am afraid you have to absent for the meeting later." 

At first, his dad is reluctant. But he needs to say it anyway even if Mew will hear it.

"Alright, dad." said Gulf and smiled faintly. 

But everyone on that table knows that he is faking his smile, There's no way that he is happy about it. 

"I'm finished. I'll go get dressed."

Gulf rose from his seat with everyone's eyes on him. They can't help but to worry about him. The cheerful Gulf has now turned into a dull Gulf. He is no longer himself. 

Mew rose from his seat, as well, and followed Gulf. But Gulf has already reached his room and the door has just bang shut right in front of his face. He wanted to open the door, or even break it if it's locked but he chose not to. He chose to respect Gulf's decision even if it breaks him. 

Sure it's a lot different now that Mew's going to school without his other half. Many of the students have noticed it and have been flooding him with questions of where Gulf is. But he answered no one. He just continued walking the path he used to walk on with Gulf. And he can't help himself but to imagine that the guy is just right beside him, wearing the same smile he wears everyday. But it was as if a cold bucket of ice splashed on him when he realized that he is just an imagination of his. He really is not there. But with someone else. And the hardest part is that, he's with Podd. Of all people, why Podd?

When he had entered the room, Mild jumps right in front of him, just like the others, asking him why is Gulf not with him. He doesn't want to answer but soon, he will know. 

He eyes are fixed at the two vacant seats on his left. He is fully aware that those seats will be empty for today. 

He huffed and puffed. He hates himself for thinking that any minute by now they would be already arranging their marriage. And it is the worst feeling ever. He never imagined that this will happen to their perfect relationship— almost perfect relationship. And who would've known that the guy that Gulf was defending from Mew before has caused this mess.

"Are you really sure, son?"

Gulf and his parents are now in the company. All they have to do is open the door to the CEO's office— his dad's office where the Sriphothongs are waiting, and everything will be fine. That this company will finally be saved. But before that, his dad asked him once again if he really is sure about this. Because if not, they can just tell the Sriphothong to call everything off. But Gulf is very firm of his decision. 

"Let's go, dad."

***

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