Tales face remained stoic as he's sitting beside Raja who is so carefree in sitting. The blood that splattered on his face and shirt are already gone since he change clothes and clean his face. They were currently sitting on the passenger seat and he don't even know where will this man take him. He glance at the man only to met his eyes.
He immediately look forward. "If you're bothered by the man I kill. He deserves it since he's a traitor." after a moment of silence, Raja spoke. Tales keep his mouth shut. He don't want to know and it's not like knowing it would change the fact that he killed it with enjoyment on his face. After a moment, they arrive in a familiar place. Tales immediately look at Raja with a lot of questions plaster on his face. It's his apartment. "Oh?" Raja spoke. "Now that you're one of us, you shouldn't live in this garbage place. How can I let my favorite toy live in this cramped apartment, right? " he stated with such innocent tone that if anyone hears would really think that he meant it. Tales glared at him. " You! " 'I am not one of you. You don't own me.' is what he's supposed to say but choose not to. He's no match for him. "I am not going with you." Tales said in a monotonous voice. Raja raise his right eyebrow. "Do you think you have a say here?" "Huh." He scoffed. "I did say that I'll do whatever it takes to live but I still have a life. I still have my studies. And I don't want to give up on it. " Tales explained without having a hint of any emotions. " Just call me if you want me to kill someone." He stated and attempted to get out of the car but his hands immediately reach his hair and pulled towards his body. With his face hovering just above his assailant's, Tales realized he had to act quickly. "You seems to be mistaken here Tales." Raja's voice became cold that send shivers down to his spine. His eyes change from being dull to an eye of a predator ready to devour his prey. "Do I look like someone who would let his dog wander wherever he wants?" he asked sternly. "Seems like I've been to lenient on you! Should I teach you a lesson not to disobey your master, huh?! " Those words are strong enough to engrave fear on Tales. The vibe that he saw when he killed someone a while ago with enjoyment on his face is nothing compared on how he is right now. He seems like he only see Tales as a pet to be tamed. And he knows thousands of ways how tame a wild beast. "Let go." He stated and wince. "You're hurting me." "You're begging now?" "Fuck you!" "Ohh? Should I fuck you then?" "Let go!" His body wriggle and he attempted to break free from his hold. But it's no use. Without turning around, Tales quickly punched the man in the face with his free right hand, hoping to break free from the situation. Tales breaks free, jumps out of the car, and dashes away as fast as his legs can carry him. As Tales sprints away, he hears the man's agonized shouts of pain echoing behind him. Tales' heart races as he hears many footsteps getting closer from different directions. Panicking, he quickly runs into the nearby alleyway, hoping to run and hide, however all he see after awhile of running is a dead end. He spotted a bags of trashes and crouches behind the trash bins, waiting quietly, hoping the darkness will keep him safe from Raja's men. "Where is he?!" "That damn man!" "I don't see any reason why would Raja toy with him? He's all bones! And on top of it, he's a man!" "Shut it! You're dead if Raja hears you!" "But I am saying the truth!" "Even so---" "Are you done?" Raja's cold voice stop them from talking. Their heart beats loudly as they slowly turn to face the monster. "H-he's n-not h-here b-boss." The man who was complaining stuttered as he reported the situation. "Not here?" He asked a question once again. " Now I'm a little piss! Not only you didn't find the piece of shit but you dare to talk behind my back?" He ask and flick his tongue. He raise his left hand who's now holding a gun and rub the tip of it on his temple as if he's scratching something. "He's crazy." one of his men mutter as they gulp. No one would really do what Raja does hence one wrong move and it will cost your life. " Boss! " The man who was talking Raja behind his back immediately kneel. " Please don't kill me. I'm begging you. I'll be good. " " Huh, " Raja sigh. " You're putting me in a tight spot here Michael, you know that? I should really punish you for disrespecting me but now, you're begging?" He stated. " If I'll kill you here, It will make me seem like a bad guy." The man trembles as he saw the gun pointed at him. He couldn't move either. " Bang" Raja muttered and smirk. "But I'll give you a chance, bring me my toy and I'll spare your life. If you can't , then consider this as your last day. How is it?" " I'll find him boss. " He sounded so desperate. "I think he jump there." He stated. " I'll bring him back boss. " " Very well. " Raja said. " I'll be waiting in the car. " Tales can hear footsteps moving away from the scene and he can hear a loud thud expressing that someone jump over the wall. On the other hand, Raja nodded on one of his men to follow Michael in case it will plan to escape. But he's in no hurry to come out just to be safe. After a couple of minutes, when the surroundings are completely silent he slowly lift the lid of the trash bin, only to gasp when his eyes met with Raja's. He's on the other side, leaning on the wall, looking at him with no emotions. He then raised his left hand to point his gun towards Tales. And 'bang! ' was heard in the neighborhood as he shoot Tales who's eyes widen and tremble in fear. He could not move nor run. For a second, Tales thought he's a goner now but Raja intentionally miss the target and shot the wall near his right ear. His ear stings when it was slightly hit. "Now, now. The mouse have come out." Raja stated and slowly walk towards Tales. "Why don't you run?" He ask. However Tales was so shock that he couldn't mutter any single word. The monster is no joke. All he could do is to stare at it while his eyes slightly glisten with tears. After the monster arrive infront of him, he then once again raise his gun towards Tales forehead that made him gulp in nervousness and tremble in fear. A lot of images flash on Tales mind that made him so vulnerable. Raja looks like a man who's already resolved in killing him. "Don't get me wrong. You're nothing special. I just treated you like one because you're a tough to tame but if I can't tame you at all, then there's no reason for you to live." He stated. " Now choose, stay here forever or come with me. " When he said by forever, he meant to kill him there on the spot and Tales got no option. "I'll come with you." He stated with helplessness. His voice is trembling and a tear fell from his eyes. Studying is his life but now, it was taken away from him. He has no reason to live. 'No, I must find a reason to live. No matter what it is. I shall not die. I must live. Even if it means, I'll dance in rhythm with his music. 'They arrive in a glamorous mansion of the psychopath. It was grand and impressive blending itself to the other luxury buildings to avoid suspicion. Tales, move his gaze to different directions scanning the house. The house itself is big enough to host thousands of people. Despite the luxurious appearance it has a discreet and tight security, from the security cameras placed inside and outside the building to the armed securities dressed civilian to mix with commoners. They went inside and he was in awe at how extravagant it is. Though, his expression remains the same. Plain. Emotionless. He can't help but be amazed of the house. Big walls painted gray, with no frames or any designs, sunken seating in the middle of the room, two sleek armchairs and a modern coffee table featuring wooden and marble elements is sitting in front of the seat. The light colored marble floor and the chandelier hanging from the high ceiling designed in a multi circular gold-rimmed fixtures. There is an open
Raja entered his room, but what he found was Tales, shirtless and without any undergarments, standing in front of his bed. His forehead creased as he looked at him. He couldn’t believe it, knowing that Tales was always repulsed by the thought of showing his body to him, let alone having sxx. But the Tales standing before him now was in a trance-like state. His eyes were dazed, devoid of liveliness, and he had a grin on his face, as if being pleasured by something. Raja let out a small laugh. He wasn’t sure how to feel. “What are you doing here?” “Raja, don’t you want to fuck me?” Tales' words came out almost as a whisper. “Yeah, I do,” he answered without hesitation. “But I don’t get it—why would you willingly walk towards your predator?” Tales stepped closer towards him, the air between them creates an unspoken connection. His gaze directly locked onto Raja’s, and there was a teasing smirk on his lips as he knelt, his movements slow and deliberate. Raja’s breath caught, anticipat
In the cold, unclean and contaminated basement, where walls have splatter, Raja looked Tales like a predator while tapping his left foot on the floor as if he's analyzing something. The sound of his foot tapping echoing off the walls. Tales stood chained, wrists and ankles cuffed, his gaze is agitated but powerless. The faint bruises on his face are throbbing but he couldn't care less and it only fuel his defiance. “So,” Raja began, voice full of disdain, ,“are you going to keep your mouth shut forever, hm?” Tales smirked, his face seems like taunting him and even if he knows how stupid his idea was,he still don't want to give in. “I’m not going to grovel if that’s what you’re after. Just get it over with.” Raja’s eyebrows met, a cruel smile appeared on his lips. “Still so proud. I’ll enjoy breaking that out of you.” He then walk towards the right side of the wall pulling the lever, to tighten the chains holding Tales, forcing him to stand on his toes, straining under the weight.
Knock! Knock! Knock! Tales grimaced as he heard loud knocks coming from his door and opened his eyes. He had dozed off to sleep in the middle of planning his escape from this hellish situation. He immediately got out of bed and opened the door, not minding his bed hair and unkempt appearance. One of Raja's stern-looking men greeted him, holding a black box. "What?" he asked. "Get changed," the man said, handing him the box. "Boss is waiting outside. He ordered that you should be there by 7:30!" Then he left. 'What?' Tales didn't ask further questions and closed the door. He immediately looked at the wall clock and saw that it was already 7:25. He only had 5 minutes to prepare? Raja must think he has superpowers or something. Nonetheless, he shouldn't complain unless he has a perfect plan to kill that bastard. For now, he just needed to get on his good side. He was asked to get changed, so it must be clothes. He opened the box and saw a black suit, a gun, and a knife beside it.
Raja can smell the animosity of Tales base on its sharp gaze on his back. He cares no less. He knows that Tales wonders why he acts like that and may think that he is a lunatic but who fucking cares when it's true? And that old man is a traitor, and a traitor should be beheaded. He's merciful enough to gave that old man a short time to share the same air like him. How dare that old man, attempted to solicit his prostitutes with much wage than his? And one of his men even help with the plan! There's no way he could let it go. Raja discreetly glance at Tales who's maintaining his poker face but his body language says otherwise. Upon leaving the company, in the lobby, a lot of employees were shocked by how they were covered with blood but no one is fast enough to report them to the authorities. Of course, if someone is courageous enough to report them, he needs to spend some money to shut those personnels which will eventually increase his hatred towards Calder.When they arrive toward
Upon arriving at the estate, Tales frowned upon seeing two men in suits. They were muscular men who seemed to have the potential to be models. They were sitting on the couch as if waiting for someone. Tales' frown deepened when he noticed that the two men were trembling, their faces flushed red. Beads of sweat were also forming on their foreheads.Tales looked at Raja, but his expression was different. Raja seemed annoyed by what he saw."What the fxck are you doing here?"The two men were startled by the young man's outburst before they slowly replied."But it's Wednesday, Master."Master?!Raja smirked, then covered half of his face with his left hand and laughed."Right. It's Wednesday," he said, as if realizing something. "Glad you're here. I'm so pent up right now. Go to the red room first and get dressed."The two immediately obeyed and walked away. But Tales' frown deepened further when he saw that they seemed to have difficulty walking properly due to their trembling legs."Wh
The smell of sautéing onions followed by vegetables could be heard across the kitchen. Tales felt the pang of hunger again as he regained his senses from the events earlier. He went down to the kitchen and, to his relief, found lots of groceries. He didn't like processed foods, so he immediately started preparing a homemade meal. Fried fish and Sinigang.As he went downstairs, he could still hear the moans, sounding like cries of pleasure, coming from the room he had run away from a few minutes ago, but he ignored it. He should start acting docile, one step at a time. He should fool them into thinking he had submitted, but changing his behavior too quickly would arouse suspicion, so he would do it gradually.While he was cooking, Raja walked downstairs. Freshly showered, wearing a loose black tank top and black pajamas. He was still drying his hair when he heard the sounds of kitchen utensils and smelled the cooking. He frowned but still headed to the kitchen, knowing who was cooking.
Tales didn’t complain and simply changed clothes, and once again, a turtleneck paired with a coat. When he stepped out, Raja gave him a thorough head-to-toe look, clearly unimpressed. It was as if Tales hadn’t changed at all, as his outfit looked almost identical to what he usually wore, whether at home or out.“Don’t you really have anything else to wear?” Raja remarked sarcastically, crossing his arms. “What’s wrong with you, seriously?”Tales ignored the comment and sighed deeply. “What kind of work will we be doing tonight, sir?” he asked, bringing the conversation away from his outfit.“Hmm?” Raja raised an eyebrow, as if Tales had just asked something ridiculously obvious. “Of course, to punish Calder.”Tales just nodded slightly but didn't say any word.They got into yet another luxurious car and began the drive to their destination: which Tales don't know about. Throughout the ride, Tales pretended to nap to avoid Raja’s knack for getting on his nerves. He also didn’t want to
Two Years LaterIt was early morning, the sun only just beginning to spill its gold over the horizon, casting soft light on the water that glistened like starlights. Gentle waves rolled onto the smooth, pale shore with a hush-hush rhythm, as though the ocean itself was content, no longer raging.The scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the open windows of the small kitchen. A warm, golden glow filled the room as the sun streamed through the window, catching on the various plants that hung from the rafters. The air smelled like saltwater and fresh herbs, mingling together creating a very fragrant smell.Tales stood at the kitchen counter, his hands moving expertly as he kneaded dough, humming under his breath. The simple rhythm of the task was grounding for him, a reminder of how far he’d come from the chaos that had once filled his life.Behind him, Raja was leaning against the doorframe, watching with a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. His hair was ruffled becau
"I promise."Tales’ breath hitched, eyes searching Raja’s with raw desperation. His voice trembled, barely more than a whisper.It wasn't enough. He need more assurance. He needs to know that this is not just a dream.“Say that you love me.”Raja didn’t even pause. His answer came fast—like it had been sitting on the edge of his tongue for far too long. His eyes were shining from the faint street lights as he said those words.“I love you.”The air between them shifted—thick, electric, impossible to ignore. It feels like Tales' saw millions of stars in Raja's eyes. His heart beat fast and he can only clench his hands on Raja's chest before surged forward, clasping his hands on Raja's nape. This kiss wasn’t soft.It wasn’t hesitant.It was fire and hunger and every unspoken word finally released. Their mouths collided with much urgency, lips crashing together like they’d been starved—like they were desperate to claim, to prove, to feel. Hands tangled in hair, fingers fisted in clothes
"Are you out of your damn mind?!"Tales blinked because of the familiar voice. He rubbed his eyes to get a clear view of who it is and when he confirmed who it was, he immediately turned his face away. It's Raja!“Why are you... here…” Tales managed to rasp, his voice thick with the weight of everything unsaid, all the pain that had built up in his chest. "You should've just stayed hidden. You tormented me so much and now you appeared and act like a hero? If you don't love me anymore, then don't bother. Do you take me for a pushover?!"But even so... even if I am a pushover —I missed you.Raja’s gaze softened for just a second, but it was gone almost as quickly as it came. He shook his head, his voice dropping to a more dangerous tone. “You’re an idiot, you know that? You think drowning yourself in alcohol will bring me back? It won’t.”Tales stared at him, his breath coming in short gasps. His mind reeled, trying to process everything. Raja was here. Raja was standing in front of hi
Hah. Hah. Hah. Tales stopped running in the middle of the road as he put his two palms on his thighs. He was out of breath and his sweating buckets. His heart was pounding so much from running and the information he acquired. 'Oliver Ortega, even now, you're still hunting me and making me miserable.'Does Raja knew? Why? Why would he want me to know that Oliver is my father? When he could just bury it for the betterment of us. Even now, the taught of Raja's disappearance seems to bury the weight of the recent information he just acquire.Call... I should make a call—Oh.Tales crouch in frustration. He don't have a phone, and even if he had, be don't know Rajas personal number. Still, if he had, he could have ask his unanswered questions. Why hadn’t he called? He could’ve at least sent a message, some sign that he wasn’t lost to him forever. But he had vanished. Not just physically, but emotionally, disappearing without a trace, leaving him with nothing but the ache of abandonmen
Tales stand up and patted his pants before walking back inside the headquarters. He went into his room and find out that his belongings are still there. He clench his teeth. This hurts like hell. He may not want to admit it but Raja's disappearance leave a bitter taste. He packed his belongings but he stop midway when he heard that he's not alone. Who is it?Is it—It couldn't be him—The sound of footsteps echoed down the empty hallway of the headquarters. Tales immediately towards the terrace and looked down from above. His hand grips the rails tightly anticipating the person who's here but to his disappoinment it wasn't him but—“Tales?”He blinked, caught off guard by the familiar voice. Then his vision become clearer—“Ria?”She stood in the base of the staircase, a little out of breath, holding a paper bag in one hand and a curious look in her eyes. Her long black coat fluttered as she stepped inside. For a second, she didn’t move. Then she smiled.“Wow. You’re really here.”Ta
A Month Later.Tales had healed—physically, at least. The bruises had faded, the wounds had closed. He hadn't been discharged, he was just given pain meds and instructions to rest to avoid stress. But resting was impossible.Because Raja never came back.At first, Tales had understood. He told himself Raja was busy. That he was handling his men, making sure they had shelter, rebuilding what was lost.But a week turned into two. Then three. Then a full month.No visits.No calls.No messages.Tales tried to ignore it. Tried to pretend it didn’t hurt, that it didn’t eat away at him every time he glanced at his phone and saw nothing.But it did. It really did.He hated how much it affected him.How much Raja’s absence felt like a wound all on its own.Tales feels like waking up in the aftermath of a storm that only he remember—where the sky looks calm, but everything inside him is in ruins. It’s like carrying around a wave of silence in your chest, every breath echoing against his jumbl
The hospital was colder than Raja expected. Too white and too sterile. The scent of antiseptic seems to clung desperately to his skin, mixing with the dried blood in his body. He hadn’t moved from his spot beside the bed since the doctors had taken Tales in.He will not leave. Not until Tales opened his eyes.If Tales were to... No. That can't happen. It shouldn't happen or else he'll really follow him to hell.When he had first stormed into the emergency room, carrying Tales’ limp, bloody body in his arms, the entire hospital had gone silent as if the scene they're witnessing straight out of the movies. The nurses had frozen in place, their eyes widening as they took in his disheveled state."Get me a fucking doctor!" Raja had roared, his voice slicing through the silence like a blade."Sir—" one of them had started hesitantly."Put him into the bed. Now." One of the personnel that seems like a doctor shouted to gain the attention of the people who's in dazed and is hesitant to appro
Back to the present.The air smelled strongly of blood. It soaked the concrete of the building, pooling around the bodies of Jake’s men, their throats slit, skulls broken, guts spilling out onto the floor. Raja stood among the massacre with his chest heaving and sweat mixing with the splattered blood that coated his skin. His blade dripped, each drop of blood falling with a rhythmic pat against the ground.Jake on the other hand sighed after his long flashback of memories. He's irritated of why he remembered that now. He look at Raja who's attention is not on him but on Tales. “You really like him huh,” he mused, gazing towards Tales direction. “Didn't really know you like used products." He dissed.Raja flinches and his aura darkened, but after sometime, his facial expression is relax. "You can't get anything by saying such nonsense, Jake. You still have to die." He says while his focus was still on Tales. His body. His breathing even though it was shallow and faint. Too faint."Oh
Jake’s resentment festered like an untreated wound.For years, he swallowed the bitterness, forced himself to held his head high in front of Oliver, forced himself to play the loyal unambitious son, even as something in him curdled and rotted with every passing day.He should’ve given up. He should’ve accepted it. Raja became Oliver’s favorite. Raja became the chosen one. Raja was the one who mattered.But Jake wasn’t built to accept. He wasn’t built to be cast aside. He was trained for survival. So if Oliver didn’t see him as his son—Then Jake would make sure Oliver had nothing left to see at all. If he couldn’t be Oliver’s greatest creation, he would be his greatest failure.However, that alone wasn’t enough to burn Oliver’s empire to the ground. Being a disgrace would only give a little to no impact towards Oliver and the organization. No—Jake wanted to carve it apart, piece by piece, while Oliver was still alive to witness it crumble.And so, he planned.He started with Victor.