Beneath the Surface

Later that evening, as Huan approached June's table in the dimly lit bar, he couldn't help but feel a sense of irritation at being summoned by his boss.

"Why did you call me here?" Huan questioned, his tone laced with impatience.

"I am your boss, I can do anything," June replied, a hint of pride in his voice.

"I didn't come because you're my boss. I came because you mentioned it's related to Sushi. So, what's the deal? Make it quick. I don't want to spend any more time than necessary in your company," Huan retorted, clearly unimpressed by June's bravado.

"By the way, why do you despise me when I'm providing you bread and butter? Shouldn't you be appreciative of me?" June asked Huan as he offering a drink.

Huan's frustration was palpable as he sank into the seat beside June, reaching for his drink with a heavy sigh. "You're so clueless. You've never really cared about Sushi, have you? You don't even know where she is," Huan exclaimed, his voice rising with intensity as he fixed June with an accusing glare.

"You love her?" June asked, his tone cutting through the air.

Hesitation flickered across Huan's face before he responded, "No, but I do care for her. She's my only best friend, and I can't bear to see her suffer alone," Huan admitted, taking another sip of his drink.

"How did you guys know each other?" June questioned again, his curiosity evident.

Huan glanced at June with a knowing look. "Ah, now I understand why you called me here. You're curious about Sushi," he remarked.

"If you've figured that out, shouldn't you be providing answers instead of interrogating me?" June retorted, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.

"Sushi and I are neighbors in Smalltown; we attended the same college and school. Since the day I met her, we have spent our entire lives together". Huan recalled his time spent with Sushi.

"Uh, you both are childhood sweethearts. You love her," June teasing Huan again.

"Don't you have a conscience, making jokes about your wife like that?" Huan's voice was tinged with disdain.

"This is exactly why I can't stand you. Don't you dare talk about Sushi like that. She's never overstepped any boundaries with me. She's always treated me as a friend," he replied firmly.

"Why would you even know? You've never actually cared for her. You have no idea how much pain she's in," Huan continued, his words sharp with frustration.

"What's the story with her mom? Why did Sushi grow up in SmallTown instead of with her parents here?" June inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Why don't you ask her directly instead of bothering me?" Huan replied, a hint of annoyance in his tone.

"I wanted to, but I'm worried it might hurt her. That's why I'm asking you," June replied, his voice tinged with concern.

"It seems like you're finally showing pity on her," Huan remarked sarcastically.

"Enough of that. Answer my question first," June demanded.

With a heavy sigh, Huan began, "I truly don't want to say this in place of Sushi, but since you're so concerned about asking her, I'll tell you."

He continued, "Though Sushi and Chloe are twins, they grew up in different places due to an unfortunate incident.

Sushi's mom and my family, we were neighbors. She is a godmother to me, I was friends with her sons, and the three of us were like the Three Musketeers in the neighborhood, always together, sleeping at one home.

But suddenly one day, I lost both of them in an accident. Godmother lost her entire family in a single accident. All of us were heartbroken that day. Godfather used to treat me like his real son, but he was no more. My two friends were gone in a split moment."

June questioned, "But why is this related to sushi?"

"Godmother is the sister of Sushi's father and her aunt. And it's none other than Sushi's biological father who is driving that day. Fortunately, he survived, but he was held accountable for each of their deaths."

When June heard it, he looked shocked—his expression said it all.

Huan continued, "On the day of the funeral, godmother was so heartbroken. She yelled at her brother so much, blaming him, causing a huge scene.

That's when Uncle gave Sushi to godmother. He said that their family would never take Sushi back. He actually gave godmother a hope to live again. But that hope is Sushi.

I still remember the day when Sushi's parents left her at that unknown place. She was so small, not even understanding what was happening around her. But godmother was so kind. She never made Sushi cry; in fact, she loved and took care of Sushi more than her actual sons until the day she died due to health issues.

Sushi also loved her so much, even more than her real parents. Though she missed her real parents she never showed up becuase she doesn't want to upset her mom.

She slowly filled the emptiness in me and replaced my friends. At first, I never accepted her, but Sushi's kindness and her love eventually grew on me. That's how we became best friends.

Though I've moved on from that situation and treat her as my best friend, she still thinks she owes me something because of her father's mistake."

"I'm so sorry, I never knew all of this. I didn't know you both shared such a sad past," June conveyed his concern.

"I am fine but make sure to be there for Sushi. She shouldn't be let down. It's only been three years since she started staying with her real parents, but they quickly married her off and sent her to another home where there's no love," Huan glared angrily at June, referring to him.

"Sushi is still suffering from nightmares. She can't sleep when she's alone at home. I made a promise to myself that I'll always be there for her, but seeing her like this hurts me," Huan continued, his voice heavy with concern.

Huan said firmly, "So please, take care of her. If you continue to hurt her or if she suffers in any way, I swear this time, I'll take her away from you.

If you can't be there for her as a husband, atleast be there for her as a friend..."

As Huan stormed off in anger, June halted him and declared, "I'm not her friend, I'm her husband. Don't even entertain the idea of anything more. You need to reassess your feelings for her, because I won't let you steal her from me.

And last thing, don't tell her that I know all of this. I don't want her misunderstand my intentions with pity."