Presence

Some people live so deep into our hearts that they don't have to be physically present to let us know that they are always there when we need them.

    — Mehak Gupta *Magic Shop plays in bg*

Lying on the floor, Kyle stroked Asa's back, absorbed deep into his thoughts. He remembered each detail of older's face when he saw him for the first time. He hummed diverting all his attention to the older who tapped his shoulder with a gesture to let him up. As the two adults sat up, Asa rested his head on the younger's shoulder, sitting side by side. He sighed before speaking, "What should we do now? Do you think these people will suspect anything?".

"First thing first, we need to check upon Jamie and Vantae. Also, you know that whatever Tae was saying about the girl is true. He couldn't have survived that kind of torment on his own, plus there are moments in the past when you were able to see a split of someone else's persona. We can't keep it from him anymore", the younger spoke thoughtfully. Asa sighed, "I agree, but what do we know about any of it? We won't be able to explain it if he asks".

Kyle pressed his fingers into older's hair to soothe his nerves as they continued to stay in silence for a few more minutes. Being attentive as he is, Kyle picked up a few habits of the older boy. Older was a little short on confidence rather than being a shy bean, so he was hesitant to express most of his thoughts. Both the elders walked into the adjoining room which was given to the other two boys. Upon entering the room, they saw Vantae folding some clothes on the lower half of the bunk bed, looking much better than when he arrived. Jamie smiled at the two before continuing to unpack the clothes and neatly arrange them into the wardrobe. The two older ones helped them, making an oral note about doing the same.

After the four sat down, Vantae guiltily spoke, "I am really sorry hyungs and Mimi (Jamie). If not for my mistake, you would have been at home. I always mess up—". He was interrupted as Jamie threw a cushion right at his face.

"Can you not?! Jeez, how am I supposed to make you understand that I want to be here with you? Why you gotta blame yourself for every fucking thing?" the short boy fired back at his best friend. Asa pinched Jamie's arm at that, "No cursing in my presence". The said boy rubbed his arm as he complained, "Hyung!!! That's not the point!".

Kyle chuckled before taking Vantae's hand as he spoke softly, "Listen Tae, it's not your fault, okay? You were your hyung's only hope when he was sad. How is it our loss when you are the one who suffered the most?". The other two nodded in support and Vantae couldn't have felt luckier. Kyle continued, "Besides all this, what do you think you wanna do, now that we are here? How about going back to school?"

Jamie thought for a moment before he expressed, "But Hyung, there's no time left. How are we gonna do all that?". Before anyone could say anything, a knock sounded on the door. Mr. Jones revealed himself as he smiled at the boys. He leaned over the door frame a little as he spoke, "Let's have some lunch. Shall we?"

As they settled on the dining table, the older couple brought the dishes over to the table. In between the chatter and lunch, Mr. Jones cleared his throat, grabbing everyone's attention. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you boys talking about the school admissions", Mr. Jones spoke as he scratched his neck sheepishly.

Asa nervously grabbed Kyle's hoodie under the table. Vantae and Jamie shared eye contact before they looked at the elder man. Mr. Jones continued, "I just want to help you with that. I am the trustee of my son's school and can easily get that done by the end of the day".

Kyle gratefully replied, "You have already done so much, sir. It would be a trouble to you". Mrs. Jones waved her hands, dismissing whatever the boy was about to say. "It's already difficult enough to live on your own. Let us help you in the way we can", she let out with finality in her words.

Asa turned to the two young boys, "Well, what do you say?", he asked. Jamie widened his eyes, food stuffed in his mouth as he choked on it. Vantae burst into laughter, passing water to his friend as he spoke on the boy's behalf, "He means to say yes. And also, we are really thankful". "Drop the formalities, darling. By the way, how do you feel now?" Mrs. Jones smiled at Vantae.

"Oh boy! Your voice is heavier than I thought. Sounds really great", Mr. Jones chuckled as he noticed Vantae's cheeks turning red at the compliment. "You can rest up today and buy the basic stationery tomorrow. You can get the books from school according to your subjects. Plus, Timothy can walk with you guys to school since it's just a ten-minute walk", Mr. Jones informed as he typed something on his phone.

Mrs. Jones started gathering the dirty dishes as she smiled to herself. "Tim is our younger son. He and our older son are out to get some things done before the school starts", she told them as Asa helped her with the chore. Vantae paused at the familiar name, his heart stung with a dull ache. He climbed up the stairs to his room, tuning out the world with each step he took. His memories reeled back to the fateful moment when he came across the familiar name.

Flashback: (in the human world) A ten-year-old Vantae sat on the grass as he watched Asa and Kyle talking about everything and nothing. The young child was really fond of Kyle. His hyung seemed a lot happier ever since the other met him. Asa would never leave little Vantae at home whenever he sneaked out to meet his friend. Most of the time, Vantae went to Jamie's, but today the boy wasn't home. His attention was caught by a small boy who ran with a pup in his arms. Tbh, he looked scared, and the boy looked like he had tears in his eyes. And then a trio of seemingly a bully and his minions followed behind.

Vantae whipped his head to his hyungs, receiving a small nod from Kyle. The older boy seemed to have noticed everything along with the fire in smaller's eyes. Vantae ran off in the direction of the puppy boy, telling the older that he can handle it, doing some weird signs. Reaching the little secluded area, he found himself facing the sight of the bully holding the small boy by his collar. The pup hid inside the hoodie as the small boy held it protectively in his arms.

"Hand over the dog, Tim, or I'll have to paint your face." the bully spat, his minions snickering in the back. The little boy whimpered, "N-No. Y-You are m-making the p-puppy sad. I-It's b-bad". The bully laughed as he mocked, "Aww. Really? Let's see if you will be sad when I punch your eye black". "N-No!" the little boy shouted.

The bully raised his fist to land a punch over the smaller. Scared, the small boy closed his eyes, expecting a hurtful sting but instead, he felt the grip on his collar loosening with a faint groan sounding from some distance.

His eyes flew open as he bumped softly into what felt like someone's back. He opened his big shiny eyes to see Vantae's back, the taller boy shielding him. He rose to his tippy-toes, peeking above his savior's shoulder, and noticed the bully struggling to stand with a hand covering his eye. The other two looked terrified as they saw the blue dancing in Vantae's eyes with a scowl on his face.

The doe-eyed boy clutched the older's shirt from the back, oblivious to the older's eyes. He pushed the side of his face on Vantae's back as he muttered, "N-No! Hyung, don't hurt them. L-let's go". The older took a few deep breaths to calm himself before he turned around and smiled at the boy warmly.

He said softly, "I won't, bun. I just saw the pup's eomma. Let's return him, yeah". Vantae extended his hand and the younger grabbed onto it as he nodded. Walking by the bully, Vantae hissed out, "Scram!". To say that the bullies were scared shitless would be an understatement.

They walked to where Vantae saw the dog and let the family reunite. The doe-eyed boy waved the little pup goodbye before he turned towards the older. Looking down, the boy kicked the dirt as he shyly spoke, "Thank you so much, hyung". The younger extended his hand, "My name is Tim. Will you be my friend?". Vantae cooed, pinching his cheeks sweetly. He shook the small hand that was extended towards him, introducing himself, "Hello Tim! I am Vantae".

They both sat down on the grassy patch. Vantae took Tim's hands as he examined for any possible scratches. "Are you okay, Bun? They didn't hurt you, did they?" He asked gently. Tim shook his head as he flashed an adorable bunny smile, little teeth sticking out. "Tim, did you know those guys?" Vantae asked, remembering how the bully called his name.

Little Tim fiddled with his finger, nodding slowly, "Yes, the big boy was classmate's hyung, and two others were his friends". Vantae patted the little boy's head as he spoke, "It's okay, Tim. You are really brave, but you need to be strong too, okay. When facing that kind of people, you will have to fight for yourself". Tim looked up at the older with big sparkly eyes, asking innocently, "Really? You think Tim is a brave boy?".

"Yes little one, you are super brave." Asa's gentle voice sounded from behind them. Tim looked back at the two older boys approaching them and hid behind Vante, feeling shy for the compliment. He poked his head out from where he was, watching the two sit on the ground. Vantae chuckled as he put the small boy in front, introducing them. "Hyungs, this is Tim. And Tim, this is Asa hyung and Kyle hyung".

The two older boys smiled at the smaller one. Tim's mouth formed an 'o' when he noticed dimples appearing on Kyle's cheek. His small hand reached out as he poked the older boy's cheek, squealing with delight. "They are so cool. I wan' too", he cheerfully said, poking his own cheeks. Asa pouted with a complaining tone, "Why do you get all the attention from kids. I am jealous".

Tim covered his mouth as giggles escape his lips before he pats Asa's cheeks, "Hyung! You are so cute when you are like this. Tim likes you". Asa pouts a little more for the small boy, who giggled again. "You must be an Angel, hyungie!" Tim squished the older's cheeks. Asa panicked internally for a second. Not wanting to blow the cover, Vantae asked softly, "Why do you think so, Tim?"

"He's so beautiful, hyung. There are so many older boys here, but Asa hyung is the most beautiful person. And eomma says, only angels are this pretty", Tim answered innocently. Asa relaxed as his smile returned. He held the younger's bread cheeks as he cooed, "You are so young yet so sweet. I really want to take you home". Tim pressed his face against Asa, placing a small kiss on his cheek. The other two laughed as Kyle clicked a picture. Tim and Vantae played until it was time to go home. But, not before promising to see each other again.          ~ Flashback ends.

Vantae came back from his memory lane when Jamie tapped on his shoulder, taking a seat beside him. "The boy will acquire cold if you don't stop with that intense thinking.", Jamie teased. Vantae groaned falling back on the bed as he spoke sadly, "It's been two years since I last saw him. I miss him, Mimi."

**note: it's a belief in my place that if someone is thinking (good or bad) about another person, the one who's thought about, will get two sneezes in a row.**

Jamie made an unimpressed face as he let out in a bored voice, "Can you just not call me that! Jeez, that sounds like a baby!". Hearing a small laugh, the short boy continued with a much softer tone, "You used to talk about him so much and brag about him. Yet, I was never able to leave with you to see who he is. Bet! he misses you too".

"I hope he remembers me, Jim. I hope so", Vantae whispered as he laid his head on his best friend's leg. Jamie combed his fingers through the other's hair while looking out of the window. He silently prayed for everything to be as clear as the sky outside.

~~~×~~~

The door to the Minter house opened, revealing Sofia standing outside. She greeted everyone before Scarlet pulled her into her room. Sofia plopped down on the bed as she watched the girl busily searching for a dress through her closet. She sighed, asking her doubt, "Are you sure we should be doing this?". Scarlet turned to face the girl, nodding firmly, "You are well aware of the fact that he's gonna kill anyone who badmouths Nathan Oppa. That muscle pig, you know better than to let him be with Oppa, at times like these. It's already too complicated."

Sofia hummed sadly as she spoke, "But Scar, someone needs to be there for Nathan Oppa for what he has decided to do. We can't just let him be alone there with those people". Scarlet patted her friend's shoulder with a smile, "That's why Cody is coming with us. We have to bring Timothy back while Cody stays".

The phone in Sofia's pocket beeped with a text message, catching their attention. Sofia's eyebrows furrowed as she informed, "It's from Tim's mom. She asked us to bring him with us here to your house. Their paying guests have just arrived, and Tim would be uncomfortable around new people. She will be there with Nathan along with Cody Oppa."

Scarlet tied her hair, replying determinedly, "Great! That means we are having a sleepover". Outside the door, Cody knocked before telling them to hurry up. The three left the house, informing the elders about their plan for the sleepover. After a five minutes jog, they came in view with Nathan and Cody at a distance from them.

The three of them rushed towards the mansion which was on the verge of getting auctioned. The pair of siblings, they were trying to reach was standing right there. Nathan stared at the said place with a blank face but his hands shook visibly. The trance broke when the voice of his mother fell upon his ears.

Ami Jones, his loving eomma, rubbed both of his arms with a smile that never lost its warmth. "You don't need to do this if you feel afraid or burdened. Wanna go home, sweetie?", she asked gently. Nathan shook his head as he held his mother's hand, bringing them up to kiss her palms.

"I should have done this way earlier, eomma. You raised me strong and I'm going to prove to him that appa made the right decision", his voice cracked at the end. He turned to Timothy, hugging the boy as he said, "If not for you, I would have lost my chance to be loved. I promise to come back as your brother. Now go with Scar and Soph. I'll join you in some time. Cody hyung will be here".

Even though Timothy wanted to argue, he still nodded his head. He didn't want to add to his hyung's worries. He hugged his hyung one more time before he walked away with Sofia and Scarlet. Rather than directly going home, Scarlet took them to their favorite cafe. They sat down at their special table and ordered milkshakes for themselves. Timothy found this place when they were around eleven years old. He always used to tell them about a boy he made friends with.

The two girls never got to meet Timothy's (said) friend since the young boy often sneaked out and they couldn't. Cons of having either an overprotective older brother or strict parents. Timothy sipped silently on his banana milkshake, savoring the memories of a lost friendship. He had been waiting for the last two years and would wait as long as he could see his friend and hyungs again.

"Hey bun, what if you get to meet your friend on the first day of school?" Scarlet asked, trying to change the sad vibe. The said boy scoffed, glaring cutely at her, "You don't call me that. Only TaeTae hyung does. And if that happens, I would probably be crying happily for the next few days". Scarlet facepalmed, letting out a groan, "Can't you think of anything but crying? I swear, I'm gonna beat that shit out of you someday!"

Timothy smirked, flexing his muscles, "Try me!". Sofia laughed, choking on her coffee that made its way out of her nose. Scarlet snorted as she saw the boy taking up some tissues to help her. Sofia's face turned a nice shade of pink with embarrassment. It wasn't the first time for these kinds of accidents to happen, but it always amazed a part of her to see a completely different side of her lifelong friends. They would blush and get shy around each other. She grew up with the two and has seen them falling for each other little by little. Love is beautiful indeed.

Her thoughts were about to take a turn toward the boy that appeared in her dreams, but she shook her head. It wasn't the time to cry over a nightmare, so she smiled and joked. She did want to know everything about the mysterious boy but it wasn't the right time. As her mother said, "Everything has its own time", so she decided to wait. With the same thoughts, she left the cafe with the other two, watching the cute smiles they currently had.

Timothy sneezed multiple times in a row. Sofia handed him some wipes, contemplating if he caught a cold or if someone is thinking about him. Her thoughts disappeared as they talked about the sleepover and the new school session. That's when she heard Timothy say, "I hope what you said about Tae comes true". She smiled to herself before looking up at the sky. She wished for everything to be as clear as the sky above her.

~~~End~~~