Akita Inu

*hear me out. I'm not confident with this chapter.*

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"Say what?" Man and Boss stared at Bright.

"Wait..did auntie really say that?" Man was doubtful. Is the world ending? Bright's mother inviting a stranger over the mansion?

"Have your ears checked. Would I lie about these things? Tsk." Bright said frustratingly.

He almost thought he was dreaming the moment his mom asked him to invite Win over this weekend.

Mother must be joking. She had tons of sweets all her life a box of hand made cookies magically moved her to the core?

Should he complain about it? No.

Boss touches his chin and said to Bright. "Isn't that a good thing? Just invite him over. How difficult could it be?"

"Boss is right. Why the fuss bro? It's not like you're asking him for marriage." Man and Boss laughed high-fiving each other.

Bright rolled one of his notebook hitting their heads with it. "Damn you! Who said about marriage?"

"Yeah, who said about marriage?" Man answered touching his head. "That's a whole different plotline hehe." He added sillily.

Bright dismissed Man and Boss, a headache coming on. How would he say it?

Have Fong tell it for him? Nah, too cowardly.

Send him a message? Nah, too informal. Win might think it's a joke.

Have Man and Boss---never mind. These idiots would blabber nonsense. My reputation would be scarred.

Err.. look for him inside the campus and personally invite him...maybe?? Uh...

Even a brave man like me has weaknesses.

Seeing their friend deep in thought Man sighed. "Bro, it's lunch time. Why don't we look for him in the cafeteria? Just make up an excuse why auntie invited him over."

Right on cue a loud stomach growling was heard. Boss laughed sheepishly at them.

"Sigh. Let's go get lunch."

School Common Cafeteria:

Win had not yet asked Bright feedbacks regarding those cookies he'd given him. I mean he can ask him but Win is a bit hesitant, Green and Fong said it was delicious Win can only put his trust on their statements.

Lunch time has always been chaotic. Fong and Win planned on eating at the magazine club room today.

The first photoshoot is done, because of that magazine club members started working on the 1st layout.

Fong is sulking, Pear is so busy they barely had time together. Win suggested to bring lunch for them so his friend won't pester him about being heartbroken.

Like, Bruh, Pear isn't even your girlfriend yet Ai Fong!

"Lend me some money Win, you won't need extras right? Prince charming paid a years worth of drinks for you so it's fine."

Fong said politely presenting an open palm for Win's money.

"Can't you be louder? If his fans knew about this do you think I won't be mobbed?"

With the packed lunch in their left and drinks on the right Win and Fong was just about to leave the drink stall when a group of girls blocked their path.

The group leader, a senior girl crosses her arms. "We have business with your friend here."

Win was surprised. "Me?" Pointing dumbly at himself.

"At first, seeing you being linked with Bright seems like a joke the admins had created to gain page popularity. But the next thing we knew you and your friend was accepted as members of the magazine club and gossip spread about you always sticking to Bright during the recent photoshoot." The senior girl said in an accusing tone.

"Hah. So what if he is? Just say it. If you speak ill about Win I'm not afraid to fight you even if you're a girl." Fong answered them back.

"Whatever. I want you to leave Bright alone. Just coz he's a nice person your friend can take advantage of him."

"Don't mind them Fong. Let them think what they want to think. No use arguing with them."

Win consoled Fong urging him to continue walking.

They went past the senior who's boiling in anger. She felt insulted by Win's attitude. A hand suddenly swats the drink Win was holding.

It fell hard on the floor. Win stared at the wasted drink, the sticky note was soaked with blue liquid it's writing already ruined.

"Oops. My bad." The guy said unapologetically. "Why so cocky? My girlfriend isn't finish talking to you yet or are you this confident because Bright is backing you up?"

"Sticking like parasites to an idol like Bright. How desperate." Added by a girl beside the senior.

The students started whispering to each other. Voicing their thoughts silently about the situation.

"Ohho. You're the cocky one. She's your girlfriend? No wonder. Birds of the same feather flock together." Fong answered mockingly.

"Why you!!" The boyfriend lifted his fist, about to punch Fong in the face.

Win went in between them. If they entered into a fight the outcome could affect not only their records but Fong's football membership.

Bracing himself for impact, Win closes his eyes. Shit! This will hurt!

"! ! !"

Everyone gasps, some even stood up from their chairs. No punch landed on Win as the senior's hand was gripped with force.

The senior girls went white. A panic expression on all their faces as they stared at the person in front of them.

"What are you trying to do just now P?" Bright asked in a serious tone not letting go of the senior's hand.

The boyfriend started sweating struggling to answer Bright.

Fong pointed at the boyfriend. "This guy tried to hit Win! Everyone saw it."

Then Fong points at the senior girl. "His girlfriend mocked us. She said we're like leeches sticking to you. What relationship goals!"

With an unreadable expression Bright exerted more force on his grip.

The senior suffers in silence. They're doomed. It's over. Even if he tried to reason out Bright had seen everything.

"Br--Bright..I--we can explain." His girlfriend interjected. The haughtiness she had earlier now gone.

Bright releases his grip, immediately the guy held his hands in pain. Man kicked one of his legs making him kneel in front of everyone.

Fong smiled happily watching while Win felt pity towards the guy.

"I know what you're thinking Win. Don't ever feel pity for these kind of people." Fong whispered to Win.

Aish, this friend of mine has a heart of gold. Protect him.

Bright ignores the senior girl.

Man and Boss stood both sides of the kneeling senior. "What a man you are, letting your girlfriend fawn over other men! What a disgrace. You can never compare to our bro." Man said.

"Yeah, Bright is possessive as hell. He will stick to you like glue. When he loves someone that person is the only one Bright can see everyone else is air. If you dare mess with his lover you'd end up in a hospital instantly!" Boss proudly added.

Man face palmed.

Bright wants to smack him hard.

They can see it. Headlining over CUP this week: "Prince Bright a possessive boyfriend?!"

Another topic of debate for the whole school population.

Everybody say "thank you Boss!" Damn him.

Bright cleared his throat facing the crowd of students talking in a loud voice.

"Listen, the rumors even the pictures posted I always kept silent. I'm being considerate to everyone but this time let me be clear, Win is my assistant. He did not pull any strings to become one, I choose him to be my assistant. If you have problems with that tell it straight to my face don't involve Win in it."

Turning his gaze to the seniors Bright added. "If anyone dares to hurt him, regardless of gender, I won't be forgiving."

Man and Boss gestured a thumbs up. Fong scanned the crowds reaction, some squealed, some whispering excitedly, some went straight at their laptops typing furiously.

Ahh, a fanfic will be born.

The rest took tons of pictures.

Yes, yes, the fandom is now growing.

Win can't believe what's happening. Did...did Bright just threatened his fans..for him?

I'm a little dumb. If you keep doing this I might misunderstand Bright.

"Okay, okay, nothing to see here anymore. Being nosy is well appreciated. Go back to eating lunch everybody!"

Man waves his hand around dispersing the crowd.

"I'm sure the discipline committee would love to have a chat with all of you. My dear seniors kindly scram."

Bright said it politely but his expression says otherwise.

With that, lunch time in the cafeteria resumed.

"Ahem. By the way what made you guys visit this humble Cafeteria of ours?" Fong distracted. Bumping into them during lunch time is rare.

I mean, the first time was Fong's fault so..

Man turned to Boss, eyes widening as if he had remembered something important. "There is! There is!" Man elbows Bright urgently. "Bright you have something to tell Win right? Right?"

Bright scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. "I do? What--"

"Auntie. House. Visit. Sunday." Man whispered. They began whispering back and forth Boss even chimed in on their conversation.

Fong shakes his head. He can never understand rich people. Win takes this as an opportunity to ask Bright about the cookies.

"Err, by the way, the cookies..did you like them?" I hope to god they do!

The three arguing men turned their heads to Win blinking. "Cookies! It's exactly about the cookies. Win do you know--hmff.."

"We love it. It's freaking delicious!!" Bright answered covering Man's mouth. The poor guy is struggling to breathe.

Does Bright intend to kill him?

We will never know.

"I'm glad you liked it. I made a simple dessert so I was worried. It was not as expensive as the chocolate you gave me. I'm really happy." Win smiled warmly.

After baking the cookies Win searched up varieties of easy to make desserts he had planned on making for his friends and the entire magazine club.

Most definitely not because he wanted to keep giving food to Bright. No gurl, nuh-uh. Where did you get that idea from?

Man inhaled deeply as Bright removed his hand from covering his mouth. He stared daggers at his friend who's subtly shy and happy seeing Win smile replying to him "If it's from Win it's most especially delicious."

This lovelorn Prince of ours is evil. Boss and I didn't even had a bite of the damn thing!

How can we relate to this huh?

"Tell him. Tell him now or Boss and I will tell it for you!" Man threatened.

No bros today I almost died.

They all stared at Bright expectantly awaiting what he was about to say. Just looking at Man Bright knew his friend is serious.

Nervousness grows inside him as he faced Win who's equally curious as Fong.

"I..."

"Go on bro. Be a man." Boss cheered.

"..Well..I..."

Bright turns to Man and Boss, hesitation evident on his face. They gestured for him to continue and be confident. Bright nodded inhaling deeply before opening his mouth.

"I---Bye!!"

Leaving the scene like he was on fire they watched Bright in surprise.

Bright paused mid-way returning to Win. "Here you can have mine Win."

Bright handed his own drink to Win. The second Win accepted it Bright fled the scene.

Fong scratched his head before pointing to the now half running half walking Bright. "Did he just??" Asking Man and Boss.

"AHAHAHA. Adios!!" Man and Boss gave a salute idiotically catching up to Bright who is now far from them.

Coward! Coward! I will change your chat name to "Coward" tonight! Man promised.

"Let's pretend we did not just saw that okay? Let's go, Pear is hungry."

Fong said blandly Win thought it was funny and laughed along the way.

"Don't speak to me I'm tired." Man slumps his head at the table his back to Bright. Boss gulps down a large bottle of water before sitting across Man.

Running from building to building is exhausting, by the time they catched up on Bright they were desperate for water. Bright felt guilty. It was the perfect time to ask Win but his nerves got the better of him even Man is angry at him now.

Bright joins them in sitting clasping his hands together he said weakly. "I messed up."

"Sure you did." Man reacted face down on the table.

"I know, I know. Foods on me tonight okay? It's just...there must be some other way to tell him right?" Man unstuck his face from the table together with Boss they positioned their hands under their chin shaking their heads. Bright imitated them.

Three fully grown men having the most uneventful brain storming of their lives.

"Oh! Hehe." A message notification on Boss's phone sounded. He excitedly clicked on it and smiled from ear to ear. Replying to the text as quickly as possible.

Man leans in to see the senders name.

"Earn?! The girl from the magazine club with Fong's girlfriend?  You and her texting now? Wow Boss you're sly as I expected you to be." Man proudly pats Boss shoulder.

Boss wiggles his eyebrows up and down.

Magazine club? Wait, that could work!

"You two come closer I have a plan." The three of them huddled up listening to Bright's idea.

It was a tiring Friday afternoon for the magazine club members. The layout, editing and finishing touch had to be done perfectly otherwise P'Dim will scold them for losing face against Pam's council.

The two President rarely come face to face with each other but when they do all hell break loose. It's like being in a middle of a category 5 storm.

No one is spared. Even worst, Pam's council despite P'Dim reassuring them Bright would be taken care of kept on sending some of their people to  blatantly spy and report to their President.

Making P'Dim's blood boil, Green had to be called in to calm his lover everytime.

"I dare say I've never put so much effort on something before, even a school project at most." Fong said tiredly.

"Except courting Pear of course." He whispered to Win.

Pear, Earn and the two of them had just finished tidying the place up before leaving when the door bolted open it scared them for a second before realizing it was the President approaching them with a wide smile.

"Omo! What a coincidence to find my favorite members here!"

P'Dim dragged a chair closer to them and sat on it.

". . . . ."

There was silence. They were too perplexed to answer him.

"I'm in dire need of help and just so happen you guys are here what luck!" P'Dim continued on putting a wide smile.

A very obvious fake one at that.

"You're saying that but you just kicked the door just now." Earn answered.

"P'Dim you do realize this is the Magazine club right? Where else could we be. You said to finish the first draft or nobody's going home. No coincidence at all."

Fong said straightforwardly to P'Dim. The president let out an "oh." before dismissing Fong.

"This is an emergency meeting! As I said I'm in need of help. This weekend I have a very very important errand given to me. The thing is, I already have prior commitments which means I need someone to do it for me."

"Sure P'Dim, Earn and I are free this weekend. What can we do to help?" Pear offered.

P'Dim laid back on his chair. "Well, I have this letter from the higher ups that they want me to personally deliver to, you know, Bright's mom. Like, visiting their mansion this Sunday preferably."

They were flabbergasted. Only a select people had visited that mansion. No pictures were ever posted about it on the school pages.

Win pictured it just like the ones he sees on the internet. Would be nice if he ever sets foot on one in the future though.

P'Dim judged their reactions continuing nonchalantly. " Sooo... who is it gonna be hmm? Pear? Earn? Or.."

"Ah! Pear you silly girl how can you forget we have cheerleading practice this weekend!" Earn spoke frantically.

"Omg. You're right Earn. How did I forget. Guess we can't help P'Dim."

Pear acted like she was sorry Earn at her side bobbing her head in determination.

"Aww. That's sad." P'Dim acted disappointed.

"That's settles it! Win will go visit Bright's mom this Sunday. Okay, here's the letter Win. Don't let us down. I'll expect an update on Monday. Make the council proud! Bye!"

P'Dim waved, leaving the room in haste not looking back.

"Why me!? P'Dim you just skipped Fong!? P'Dim!!" Win shouted too late not even a shadow of the president is seen.

My heart. This Sunday? What do I do? How should I face his mom!! Send help!

"You're going with me Fong." Win puts his hand on his friend's shoulder staring at him like a brave bunny. "Whaa--nevermind."

Fong resigned to his fate. He has nothing to do this weekend anyways plus he gets to visit a mansion. Not a bad deal.

Pear and Earn subtly high-fived each other for a job well done.

In a flash it was a sunny Sunday morning. The weather was nice with no dark clouds in sight. No reason for Win to cancel his visit today. Even mother nature approves it.

Together with Fong they hop on a cab taking them to Bright's mansion. Win's heart isn't calm the least opposite of Fong who's missing Pear already.

"My dear what time is he arriving again?" Bright's mother asked fixing herself in the mirror.

"He said they'll arrive a bit late due to traffic mom." Bright answered scheming through his phone reading Win's reply.

"I told you dear you should've just picked him up earlier. I did raised you to be a gentleman right?" His mom scolded looking a little disappointed.

The doorbell rang prompting his mother to opened the door quickly.

"Welc---oh."

"G-good day madam."

"H-how are you madam? Hehe." Man and Boss greeted politely to her.

"I'm disappointed. It's just you two. Come inside now." Man and Boss laughed weakly. Their families were close to each other, from being business partners to forming a long lasting friendship between three large companies.

Man, Boss and Bright practically grew up as brothers. Auntie was always the one reprimanding Man and Boss for dragging his son to all sorts of trouble. They like Bright's mom though, even if she's strict she genuinely cares for them.

But for the years worth of headache the three of them had given her she forbids Man and Boss to call him Auntie and just "Madam" so she can scold them without feeling sorry about it.

"Bro, where are they? Are we too early here?" Man whispered to Bright.

"Traffic. They'll be arriving any minute now. Mother's too excited it makes me nervous." Bright whispered back. Her mother woke up early to prepare everything.

For just a cookie she's too energetic!! It makes one uneasy.

"Madam, the guess have arrived." The head maid announced.

"Let them in. The two of you be a dear and fetch them at the gate. Don't let the guest waiting."

Hearing the command Man and Boss were quick on their feet getting outside.

". . . ."

"Damn."

Fong rubbed his eyes one more time making sure this is not a dream. The gates were so high it would take a lot of effort climbing them.

A guard post on the left, CCTVs everywhere and a grand garden surrounding the most beautiful mansion he had ever seen.

This is, like, a place from storybooks.

Win's heartbeat doubled the minute they set foot in front of the gate. His knees may give out any minute now.

I wanna go home! There's still time to call a cab home right?

The gate automatically opened wide. Man and Boss happily waving at them as they approached Win and Fong.

The four of them walked towards the mansion's front door.

"Don't worry, Bright's mom maybe strict but she's the nicest person to the people she likes." Boss reminded.

"Why does that remind me of someone." Fong thought.

So Bright takes after his mom huh.

The door was pulled open. Bright stands at a distance wearing a comfortable casual clothing. Anyone could tell it's not cheap at all.

Win was stunned, even at home Bright still looked like a Prince. His heartbeat now tripled Win can't even open his mouth to speak.

They sat comfortably at the living room couch. The maids serving them pastries with tea or juice as options to drink.

Man, Boss and Fong grabbed two pastries each and started munching like crazy.

"Welcome! So happy to have guest's today. My son's assistant is..?" Turning to his son Bright's mom inquired.

Bright quickly introduced them to each other. "Mom meet Win..err, my assistant. Win..uh, this is my mother."

Bright wanted to drink tea so bad. This is so nerve-wracking.

"G--good morning Madam. I'm Win Bright's assistant. It's a privilege to finally meet you."

Win greeted politely gesturing a wai to Bright's mom.

"Gosh! What a cute assistant! Don't call me madam okay." His mom clasped her hands together.

"Call me mom instead."

Fong almost dropped the cup he was holding.

Man coughed hard choking from his drink Boss patting his back helping him recover.

Bright needs two sets of tea now.

A.S.A.P.

"Uhh, I...I" Win stuttered turning to Bright for help. Mom?! She wants me to call her mom!?

Bright say something!

"Come dear I'll show you the kitchen. The rest of you keep yourselves occupied okay? Win dear we have so many things to talk about. Mom wants..."

His mom guided Win towards the kitchen chattering non-stop ignoring not only his son but also the three guests with him.

"Bruh, mom? Seriously?" Man felt cheated.

They can't call her "auntie" but Win can call her "mom"?

The unfairness!! Man felt like crying.

Fong continued eating the pastries too tired to care anymore.

Bright slugged down his third cup of tea. He need loads of it now.

Win feels shy and hesitant talking with Bright's mom. Ever more when the lady forbids him from calling her anything other than "mom".

This was Win's first visit, Bright and him aren't that close yet(?) calling his mom like that needs a lot of getting used to.

Bunny you're way more closer than you think.

"He kept the cookies inside the fridge for a week. Not eating a single piece of it. If it hadn't for me that son of mine won't eat those cookies till he's old.

Not sorry though, Bright was stingy hiding such a desert gem from his own mother. Win, my dear, would you bake mom those cookies again please?"

Spreading her arms she presented a long table full of tools and ingredients.

"Shall we start?"

Handing Win an apron Bright's mom swirled the spatula in a fairy godmother-like way.

Basically saying "No" is not an option.

Win gathered his confidence picking up a large bowl to start with.

The two of them spent an hour in the kitchen while Bright and his friends amused themselves either playing online games or watching a movie.

The scent of cookies Win was baking assaulted their noses making them impatient. They can finally have a bite of the legendary cookies that tamed even the fiercest woman, Bright's Mom.

After awhile his mom brought them a tray of newly baked cookies. Colorfully appetizing and satisfying to look at.

"Bright be a gentleman and help Win carry the rest of the tray dear. Go go."

His mom urged him. Bright got up and proceeded to the kitchen.

"Ouch!"

"Are you okay?"

Bright grabbed Win's fingers checking them. The skin showed redness from getting in contact to a hot object. Luckily it's not hot enough to burn some skin.

Bright dragged Win to the kitchen sink letting the running water soothe the pain on his fingers.

"Oh dear what happened to him? I came as soon as I heard a noise." Bright's mom asked worryingly.

"He's fine. I can take care of him." Bright carefully blows on Win's fingers to ease the burn. Win is horrified. Madam seemed stunned by his son's words.

She might misunderstood them. He tugged on his hand free but Bright isn't loosening his hold on his hand as much as Win wishes him to.

"Of course! Of course, I'll just go get the cameras---I mean the medical kit somewhere. You're doing good my son. I'll be right back!"

Madam slowly backed away from the kitchen door taking one last look at them. "Win you're in good hands dear. Stay there and don't move okay!"

Bright's mother sounded more happier now than she was an hour ago.

"You're too nice to her. Reject her next time when she asks you favors. This mansion hired cooks for a reason." Bright scolded out of concern.

"Sorry. It's just..your mom reminds me of mine. A chatterbox, always sweet and energetic. Our moms would probably vibe from the get-go. Pfft." Win joked lightheartedly.

Bright paused. "...Really? You think so?" Saying it a bit enthusiastically.

"Mhm." They both smiled. No joke was said but their mouths won't stop stretching.

The atmosphere lightened up unexpectedly.

Woof! Woof!

They were interrupted by a loud bark coming from an adult size dog with thick orange faint furs and pure black doll like eyes wagging it's tail as it approached Win and Bright.

*Isn't it the cutest thing ever? I like dogs. Especially this kind.lol.*



"Sorry sir he started a ruckus outside, knocking down vases and garden pots. We tried catching him but the little thing's sly. He keeps escaping."

A gardener said with him were two maids and one butler out of breath from chasing the dog.

Woof! Woof!

The dog launches itself to Bright's leg making a pleading sound wagging it's tail. Bright bends on one knee gently caressing the dog.

"Inu. I told you to behave remember? I'll play with you later okay?"

The dog starts circling Bright barking energetically.

"You have a pet dog??" Eye's sparkling Win extends his hand towards the dog in an attempt to pet it. It's been a long time since he had interacted on one.

Except Bright, all of them panicked. The dog is known to only be docile towards Bright even to his parents the dog is wary.

When Bright's not home the dog would run around the mansion biting anyone who tries to touch him only sleeping next to Bright's bed at night.

A small door flap was specifically attached unto Bright's door for it's convenience.

"Sir..the dog..he might.."

"Shh." Bright cuts her off. He watched as the dog stared at Win's face and extended hand. It stood up from sitting, it's tail no longer wagging.

Win softly calling out for him at a distance. The dog inclines it's head left to right as if questioning.

"Call him by his name, Inu." Bright suggested.

Knowing the dog's name Win became more eager to call it. "Inu! Inu, come here boy. Come here cutie!"

Woof! Woof! Woof! After hearing it's name being called by Win Inu wagged his tail vigorously licking Win's hand in semi-whine as if crying with joy.



*sorry..I just had to slip in one more pic. ;-)*

Barking and circling Win alternatively.

All that had witnessed it was gobsmacked. Including Bright's mom who had just arrived holding the medical kit on her hand.

She looked at her son, Bright looked at her mom meaningfully before softly smiling at Inu and Win.

His mom drew the medical kit close to her side clenching it hard. She was such in deep thought Bright had to wave his hand in front of her to get her attention.

"You okay mom?" Bright asked with concern.

"I'm fine son. Mom's just thinking of something. Inu is.. I've never seen him this gentle to anyone before." Bright looked at his mom once more. His mom nodding at him in silent understanding.

Their deep connection as mother and son proves that sometimes, one doesn't need words to convey what they're really thinking.

Everyone had their share of cookies. The housemaids and keepers were moved, Win saved a portion of it for them to eat. They're not familiar with him yet but they definitely love for Win to keep visiting the mansion more often.

Inu stayed at Win's side the whole day fully enjoying being dote on by Win. Bright's mom chatted with them half of the day but left to attend a virtual meeting at the mansion's private room. She promised to join them for dinner.

When the cat is away the mouse will play they say.

Man called out Boss and Fong to come play outside the garden. They borrowed one of Bright's soccer ball and dashed sillily at the front door.

"Should we invite team captain over?" Boss asked. Currently they're playing a one on one soccer match against each other.

Their eyes sweep over the left side, Bright is busy showing off dog tricks he had taught Inu to an amused Win.

"Pfft. Forget it. Can't you see? We are non-existent at the moment." Fong said twirling the ball with his pointing finger.

Man narrowed his eyes at Fong. "Aren't you going to ask us?"

"Ask you what?"

"Ai Fong don't play dumb."

Fong shakes his head smirking at Man and Boss.

"I was nicknamed Fox for a reason. Win might have no idea what you guys did but I do. You shouldn't have use P'Dim on your plans, his acting was awful. I knew something was up the minute he shoved the so-called 'letter' to Win. The thing that you wanted Bright to tell Win at the cafeteria is this right?"

Man and Boss were speechless, Fong could pass as an amazing detective in the future.

"Wanna know how I figured it out?" Fong gestures for them to come close.

"It's soo easy." Man and Boss leans more closer to Fong waiting patiently.

"It's coz you're idiots! Catch! HAHAHAHA."

Tossing the ball to them Fong darted away laughing loudly.

"You're dead meat!!!"

Man and Boss shouted in anger trying to catch Fong.

Inside the mansion's private room Bright's mom peaked at them from the glass window. Their loud voices and laughs filled the boring and silent mansion.

She stared at them endearingly. She was worried for nothing.

Her son have great friends.

Her son is happy and that's all that matters.

"How come nobody knew you have a dog? I don't see some dogs around. Where are they?" Win asked.

They sat by one of the garden bench. Inu playing his favorite toy ball in front of them.

"We don't. I only have Inu."

"He's special to you huh?"

"Yes." Bright tilts his head to look at Win.

"Inu is a faithful dog, it was really a struggle taking care of him at first since I've never had dogs before..."

*These are some facts and characteristics about an Akita Inu dog. I suck at describing what it's really like so..hehe*



"Even after several years..he still remains faithful." Win noticed Bright's pensive expression.

Inu rested his paw unto Bright's lap as if saying it's alright. Bright gently rubs on Inu's fur in return.

Win felt like he shouldn't ask more. He stood up reminding the three crazy men actively bullying each other to return inside for dinner time.

"Let's go back inside Bright madam must be waiting for us now."

"Sigh. If mother heard that she would be saddened."

Win halted from walking, with a confused expression he turned to Bright.

"Heard what?"

"Madam.." They're now standing shoulder to shoulder.

Win is super confused now. Huhh? What's wrong with that?

"You should call her Mom Win." Bright teased.

Win turned red on his ears completely embarrassed.

"None--nonsense!" Averting his eyes to Bright Win picks up speed leaving Bright behind. At a distance Boss's voice was heard questioning why Win's face was red.

He was answered with a strong "shut up!" by Win Bright had to cover his mouth from snickering shamelessly.

All of them were now sitting at the dinner table. Man, Boss and Fong could not wait to eat.

They spent so much energy being competitive their stomach's growling with hunger.

Steaks? Lobster? Clams? Anything is fine. They can even eat plain rice with gusto.

"Now now, I know we're all hungry but as this is a sunday evening and I have no more work to do I'm thinking of cooking my son's favorite dish tonight, Thai chicken green curry."

*Sarawat's favorite food. Check this video tutorial if you feel like cooking some. :-) This one's easy to follow.*



Tapping on her phone Bright's mom opened Google search.

"Let me just look it up real quick. Let's see.."

"Madam don't worry Win can cook it for us. He got it down to a Z when it comes to that dish."

Fong can't take it anymore. He needs to act fast or his stomach won't last much longer.

Win stared at his friend wanting to stabbed him. It was their secret! How could you Fong!

"Really now? You know how to cook green curry too? It's Bright's favorite dish."

Oh my! My son's assistant never ceases to amaze me.

Bright, my son, let Win visit more often okay nah?

"Since he was young he really loved it. Pam attempted to cook curry once it was absolutely inedible. She took cooking classes after that. I bet She is now..."

His mom trailed of realizing what she had just said.

There was silence.

"Ah.. I'm sure Pam's excellent at cooking now. She's really talented." Win said timidly.

Of course, how could Win forget Bright's family have chefs serving them delicious food and Pam...

They're families are close. She could visit here anytime.

Does...does she also call her "mom"?

I bet she do.

"Well, She--Pam--that girl rarely visits here anymore. It's been a year really and I like for it to continue that way. Hehe."

Madam tried to redeem herself unsuccessfully.

Fong wanted to voice out his thoughts to them. Looking at Win he can't help but recall the hardship his friend had just for that.

Win had band-aids all over his fingers from clumsily cutting himself several times.

A person who had no talent for cooking like him trying his hardest to make a complicated dish just for Bright was admirable.

Everyday was a struggle.

Fong witnessed it all.

Tasting every failed dish..

Buying the ingredients with Win..

Cheering for him..

Win patiently following every video tutorial...

How happy Fong was when his friend finally perfected it.

And how sad he was when the semester ended and Win failed to give the gift he poured so much effort into to that person.

This secret..Fong badly wants Bright to know. But he won't, coz he knows Win won't like that.

"He can do it." Fong smiles at his friend in encouragement. "My friend cooks the best thai chicken curry in the world."

Thanks for the encouragement my dear friend Fong.

Dinner ended in a flash. Win checks the time on his phone, 7:30 in the evening. Man and Boss offered to drive Win and Fong home since it was getting late. Madam hugged Win goodbye, such a pity he has to leave too soon.

If it wasn't Monday tomorrow his mom would've offered for them to spend the night at the mansion. The guestrooms getting dusty from being uninhabited. It's a waste not to use them.

Bright walked with them till they reach the entrance gate.

"I'm so full I'm gonna hit the sheets as soon as I arrive home." Boss rubbed on his belly feeling satisfied Fong nods in agreement.

"The curry was so delicious I could kiss you Win!" Man exclaimed making Win laugh at his joke.

Bright on the other hand emits murder.

"But I don't wanna die yet so I won't. Hehe. Let me get inside the car before I get killed. Guys hurry!"

Man left Win and Bright hastily dragging Boss and Fong with him.

Win recalled about the letter he was supposed to give to Bright's mother. He fished the letter out from his sling bag handing it to Bright.

"I almost forgot about the letter. Here, P'Dim said the school head wanted this delivered to your mom. Please give it to her for me Bright." Win said in an awkward smile.

Bright scratches the back of his head opening and closing his mouth.

Debating to himself whether to ask Win or not.

"Pfft. You look funny Bright. What is it? You can tell me." Win said nodging Bright.

Bright chuckled bitting his lip nervously.

"Err, how should I say this? Uh, if by any chance you're free next weekend can I--can I invite you to come visit a garden park with me?"

"You...me?? P--park?" A blush slowly rises from Win's face.

Bright and Him...only the two of them next weekend?!

No Man. No Boss. No Fong?

No way. Calm down. Let him finish Win there must be a valid reason for this. Don't assume!

"With Inu! I mean, Inu's with us. He--coz he likes visiting Parks and he seems to like you and...maybe, just maybe you kinda want to, err, sort of, you know, visit one. Only if you want..to.."

Ladies and gentlemen may I present to you the stuttering Prince Bright!

If Bright's mom witness him being like this she will definitely have a heart attack.

His adoring fans would think their idol was possessed.

"Okay let me just shut up. I'm rambling too much."

"There, there. I'm just teasing you Bright. Hehe. I would love to." Win motioned to turn his back from Bright.

Man's car honking at the gate calling out to Win. "I should go now. Have a good night Bright. Bye2."

Win shyly waved his hands goodbye. Bright waves back tucking his hands inside his pocket jeans glad with Win's answer.

"Guys do you smell that?"

Man asked from the driver seat Boss beside him Fong and Win at the back.

"Smell what?" Boss and Fong questioned sniffing through the air.

"Smell love. LOVE IS IN THE AIR." Man declared loudly. Boss and Fong made an exaggerated "Oooh".

"Good one Man! That's a good one!" Cracking up to Man's words.

Man salutes at his friend before turning on the car engine.

Bright waited for their car to be a safe distance away from them before walking back inside the mansion.

He might have lowkey skipped on his steps mouthing a strong "Yes!" with his hands punching the air mid-walk.

Bright was surprised to see his dog Inu sleeping peacefully curled up at the bottom of the couch next to his mom's feet.

Inu must be so tired from playing the whole day with them.

"School's early tomorrow dear you better retire for the night mother will just finish this book she's reading." Madam said flipping the next page of the book on her hand.

Bright tenderly tickles Inu's ears to wake him up, commanding Inu to go up to their room. Inu's one intelligent dog, he risen up and started walking up the stairs Bright just right behind him.

"Mom."

Bright turned to his mom with hesitation.

"Yes dear?" Madam answered. Eyes focused on the book she had her back facing his son.

Bright pauses for a minute feeling conflicted.

Sensing his son's distress, Madam laid the book atop the living room table.

She got up, approached Bright and stared at him eye to eye.

"It's fine Bright Mother understands. You don't have to force yourself to tell me okay?." Madam squeezed his son's shoulders to comfort him.

"I'm so proud of you Bright always remember that." Madam hugged his son softly rubbing Bright's back.

She heard a faint "thank you" from him.

Aigoo. My baby Bright is finally a grown up.

"The promise I made in the past I manage to keep it Mom."

"I know Bright. I know."

After all, nobody knows you better than your mom.

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