WHYARU, Chapter 06:
10:02 PM
A soft groan from someone woke Fighter, making him slowly open his eyes. He blinked two or three times to adjust his focus to the darkness of the room. His shoulder, which should’ve felt relaxed, was heavy. When Fighter turned to look, he found the reason for his shoulder ache.
The head of the other person stuck in the document room with him was resting on his shoulder. As he looked at the messy hair, he decided to reach out and pat it into place.
“Mmm,” another low groan sounded from the person’s throat. The slimmer figure tilted their head, following the rhythm of his hand, clearly comfortable. Fighter couldn’t help but think that Tutor was so like a cat.
A cat that hisses when annoyed, but also one that cuddles up to someone when it wants to be spoiled.
Fighter kept patting Tutor’s head for a while until it started to feel a bit weird. He finally lowered his hand, but instead of staying still, the younger guy shifted closer, pressing against him even more. The arms that had been hugging himself were now being rubbed up and down.
Fighter watched the scene for a moment before letting out a soft, incoherent curse. He thought for a long time before deciding to grab the jacket on his lap and drape it over Tutor, then looked away.
Shouldn’t being stuck with someone you don’t like feel more awkward than this?
But for some reason, it didn’t feel like that at all to him.
11:12 PM
Tutor and Fighter had been stuck in there for almost six hours. No one had come by, and the security guard didn’t seem to notice the library lights were still on. Maybe both of them would have to wait like this until morning.
“My body hurts,” a soft mumble broke the silence. The person sleeping on his shoulder was about to wake up soon. He shifted his head slightly before slowly opening his eyes, looking at Fighter with only half his senses intact.
Fighter was sure the younger guy wasn’t fully awake yet because Tutor rested his chin on his shoulder, their faces only a few centimeters apart. But as their eyes met, the sleepy expression seemed to gain some clarity.
“Comfy leaning on someone else’s shoulder, huh?”
“Not at all,” the responder said, rubbing his eyes. “You’re the one leaning, Phii.”
Tutor clearly remembered that before he fell asleep, the one leaning on his shoulder was none other than Phii Fai.
“You sure?”
“Mm-hmm,” Tutor nodded firmly, even though his chin was still resting on Fighter’s shoulder, prompting the latter to give him a look to snap him out of it.
“I’ll give you one more chance to make sure… who’s leaning on who?” Fighter raised an eyebrow as he asked again. Tutor glanced down at himself, now seeming fully awake.
“Uh… it’s me.”
“Is anyone in there?” A voice from outside immediately drew the attention of both of them, making them turn toward the sound.
“!!”
“Is anyone stuck in the document room?” Tutor and Fighter exchanged glances before banging on the door to signal whoever was out there to help open it.
“Phii!! Help us! We’re stuck in here, please help!!”
“Help!!”
Bang, bang, bang.
Tutor would never forget.
He’d never forget the day he got stuck in the document room, all because he forgot his phone outside.
As for Fighter, he’d never forget to stop playing on his phone until the battery completely died again.
Creak.
The door swung open, and a flashlight’s beam shone directly at their faces. They raised their hands to shield their eyes, and soon their vision began to adjust to the light.
A long sigh of relief was nothing compared to the relieved expression on the younger one’s face. Fighter noticed Tutor lowering his head, as if trying to suppress some kind of emotion.
He knew Tutor was trying to act tough, but sometimes, if you’re scared, just say you’re scared, damn it. No need to act like you’re fine for the whole world to see.
“Thank you, Phii,” Tutor looked up, flashing a wide smile and words of gratitude to the security guard who had opened the door.
“No problem. Good thing I passed by and saw the library light left on. Otherwise, you two would’ve been stuck here until morning.”
“Yes, sir. Oh, and here’s the library key. Could you return it to the professor for us?”
“Sure, I’ll take it to the professor. You two should head back now—it’s getting late.”
Both of them nodded in understanding to the security guard before heading down from the building. They thanked the guard one more time before walking out. Fighter had parked his car at the main academic building. He planned to grab it and drop off his junior before heading home, but it seemed like the junior didn’t need his help all that much, as he was already walking off in another direction.
“So… where are you headed?”
“Back to the dorm.”
“Come with me, I’ll give you a ride.”
“No need, Fai. I can walk back myself.”
“…”
“I don’t want to trouble you.”
“Trouble? It’s late, Tor. I said I’d take you, so I’m taking you. Follow me.” The older one spoke with a slightly threatening tone.
“But…”
“Or should I tell Hwa that you’re rejecting my kindness again?”
“…”
“So, what’s it gonna be?”
“Fine, take me.” Honestly, Hwahwa didn’t have that much influence over him. He was just being polite to his childhood friend and didn’t like it when Hwahwa nagged him.
But the main reason he gave in was because he didn’t want any trouble with his senior, Fai. He was already tired of hearing him complain.
Saturday might be a day when many people sleep in. Some choose to stay wrapped in their blankets until hunger forces them out for food. Others go out with family, hang out at a café, or read a favorite book in a cozy corner. But, of course, there are also those who have to wake up and work hard, getting up to face a life that might not be as easy as others’.
Tutor was no different. He’d been at Phii Kae’s shop since before 9 a.m., helping the staff prepare and serving the first customers by 10 a.m. He’d been at it all day, and now it was almost 9 p.m.
“This place is so cute, the cakes are delicious, and you don’t even have to walk down an alley to get here,” said two girls passing by Tutor, making him glance at the new shop that had opened just a few months ago. The vibe was trendy, perfect for modern tastes, and the place was packed, with nearly every seat taken.
Tutor knew people preferred convenience. They’d pick the shop that’s closer, like this one right at the alley’s entrance. That’s why most customers stopped here instead of walking another hundred meters down the alley to Phii Kae’s shop.
Tutor let out a resigned sigh. He tossed the trash in his hand into the bin, brushed his hands a couple of times, and headed back to the shop.
“When are you telling the kid, Phii Kae?”
“Soon, I think. But I just cut down Tor’s working days a few days ago.”
“If you don’t tell him, your partner will probably…”
“Yeah, besides getting scolded, I might have to…” Creak.
Tutor opened the door just as the shop owner and another employee were talking.
“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Nah, not at all. Did you finish taking out the trash, Tor?”
“Yes.”
“Then you can head home. It’s late. me and Bung will handle the rest.”
“Alright.” Tutor nodded, went to change his clothes, grabbed his bag, and turned to say goodbye to the other employees before heading out.
“Wait, Tor!” But Phii Kae called out to him before he could leave.
“Yes?”
“…” Silence and Phii Kae’s gaze made Tutor frown.
“Nothing, nothing. Just wanted to tell you to get home safely.”
“Oh… okay.” Tutor nodded again before walking out of the shop.
It was that moment—the moment of aimlessly walking through the darkness, with only the streetlights casting faint glows on either side. But none of it was as dark as the feeling inside him right now.
Yes… Tutor heard it.
He heard everything, even when Phii Kae was on the phone with the shop’s partner.
“I know, Phii. I understand. I’ll tell the kid myself that we’re not taking part-timers anymore… Yes… I’ll let him know. He’ll probably understand that the shop’s situation is really bad right now.”
Or even when Phii Kae was talking to the other employee.
“Yeah… it’ll be fine.”
Tutor stopped walking. He lowered his head and slowly closed his eyes. His tightly pressed lips clearly showed how he felt. He had tried so hard—tried to stay strong, tried to keep fighting.
But it seemed like everything he worked for was only getting worse. It all came crashing down on him, as if the heavens despised him so much they wanted to crush his heart into the ground.
But whatever. Tutor opened his eyes, his burning gaze forcing him to swallow hard, trying to push down those feelings. He didn’t want to cry. He didn’t want to shed tears over things so easily.
So, all Tutor could do now was take a deep breath, filling his lungs, before stepping forward once again.
Just keep fighting. As for the job, I’ll quit tomorrow.
Tutor muttered to himself. He had decided to resign since this burden could at least lighten the load for Phii Kae’s shop. He chose to do it.
To do it himself without making Phii Kae feel troubled.
The next day
5:25 PM
The atmosphere in the cake shop was quiet, with very few customers—almost countable on one hand. Honestly, Tutor didn’t want to quit, but the shop’s situation was dire. If something had to be cut to reduce expenses, his role was the most expendable.
“Are you sure about quitting, Tor?”
“I’m sure, Phii Kae.”
“But aren’t you struggling right now?” Phii Kae said with a worried expression. Even with the shop in this state, Phii Kae was still concerned for him.
“I’m not struggling at all, Phii Kae.”
“But…”
“The one who’s really struggling is you, Phii Kae.” Tutor gave a wide smile.
“W-Wait… You knew?”
“Yeah, I knew.” He knew full well that Phii Kae was struggling too, and that she was doing everything she could to help him.
“Honestly, I’ve been trying to find a part-time job for you,
“Tor. You could wait a bit, you know.”
“It’s fine, Phii Kae. I already got a job.” It was necessary, so he chose to lie.
“You sure you’re not lying to me?”
“Why would I lie, Phii Kae? Trust me, I really got a job.” Phii Kae went quiet, staring at Tutor’s face as if searching for something off. But the sincere smile he gave made her sigh in relief.
“Okay, I’ll trust you, Tor. I was secretly worried about this, but if you’ve got a job, I’m relieved.”
“Thanks, Phii Kae. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“So, when do you start your new job?”
“Actually, it starts today. I’ll be heading to work in less than an hour.” Tutor glanced at the clock on the wall, putting on a worried expression.
“Oh, shoot, will you make it in time?”
“Alright, I’m here on time, but I’ll have to head out now, okay?”
“Sure thing. I’ll transfer the final payment for your work by
Sunday, Tor.”
“Anytime’s fine, Phii. I’m not in a rush. I’ll get going now, alright?”
“Good luck, Tor. Come back and visit us sometime when you’re free.”
“Will do, for sure.” Tutor gave a final wave to Phii Kae and the others at the cake shop, their faces showing worry and guilt. He flashed a wide smile, as if to reassure them that he was okay.
And he really was okay. Even as he walked away, the good memories lingered. Maybe because this was his first side job, it gave him experiences he’d never had before—responsibility, socializing, talking to customers, even learning about coffee.
Sure, it felt a bit bittersweet, but what could he do? Everyone has to keep moving forward, and so did he.
Tutor didn’t know if the road ahead would be tougher, or if he’d find a new job soon. Maybe he’d have to wait weeks, maybe months. But there was no turning back now.
Because he wasn’t like others. Not like those who had everything and support in every way. He was just a guy who had to struggle a bit more than most. That’s all.
“Alright, Tutor,” he said, lightly slapping his own cheeks.
“Keep fighting and start from scratch again.”
Tutor gave himself a pep talk before rummaging through his bag for his job application folder, ready to start looking for work again. Last night, he’d browsed some job listings online, but most were full-time positions. Part-time jobs near the university or his dorm were rarely posted, and the ones listed were already filled. So, for now, all Tutor could do was check for job signs or walk into shops to ask in person.
Of course, finding a job in this economy was tough. He’d been wandering the street next to Phii Kae’s cake shop for a while now, but every place he went either asked him to leave his resume or said they were only hiring full-time. If things kept going like this, he’d have to look for jobs farther away. It’d be exhausting, but he hoped the heavens would stop messing with him for once.
Whoosh, whoosh.
The sound of heavy rain came out of nowhere. The sky, once bright and clear, suddenly unleashed a downpour like it had never rained before. Tutor dashed to take cover in front of a shop, staring at the rain with an empty feeling.
He didn’t know how he was supposed to feel anymore.
Did he need to feel even more discouraged? When had fate ever been on his side?
A long sigh escaped him. Tutor watched the rain pour down, his heart sinking deeper and deeper. He closed his eyes, silently praying once more that this would pass.
It’ll pass soon enough.
8:15 PM.
It’s raining again…
Fighter grumbled to himself. It was another dull day, stuck in traffic on the road under the drizzling rain.
The young man stared wearily at the dozens of taillights in front of him. He reached to turn on the radio, letting it hum along with the sound of the rain, then picked up his phone to play a game to kill time.
Drip, drip.
Though the rain pouring down wasn’t as heavy as it had been earlier, it was still enough to annoy someone like him on the road. Fighter glanced at the rearview mirror to shift his car to the left lane, but something reflected in the mirror made him turn to look with his own eyes.
Fighter saw someone walking through the misty rain.
Someone all too familiar. The height, the way they walked.
Someone he couldn’t fathom why they were walking in the rain at a time like this.
Just got off work, huh… or what?
The first thought that flashed in his mind was irritation. He watched the person getting closer to his car, debating whether to yell out and tell them to get in or just let them walk, soaking wet.
Of course, the latter thought came from Fighter’s annoyance. He didn’t get why the slimmer figure was walking in the rain like that. Sure, they were holding a small folder over their head, but how much could that tiny thing really help?
In the end, he chose to stay quiet, watching the person slowly pass his car. His fingers tapped the steering wheel in rhythm with the song playing, his eyes still following the figure about to walk by.
No need to call out.
Didn’t care anyway.
Let them freeze out there, right?
But…
“Hey, Tor!!” Finally, he rolled down the driver’s side window and shouted for Tutor at the top of his lungs.
“…”
“Tutor!!!!!” The person heard the call. He turned, squinting slightly at a car. It was Fighter, leaning toward the passengerside window, staring straight at him.
“Phii Fai.”
“Get in.”
“…”
“Hurry!” The car’s owner repeated, opening the passenger door to urge the younger one to get in. Tutor hesitated for a long moment but finally complied with Fighter’s order.
Tutor climbed into the car, letting out a long sigh as if exhausted, before slumping into the seat, completely drained.
The younger one didn’t say a thing, and Fighter didn’t dare ask either. At first, he wanted to scold him for walking in the rain like some kind of lunatic, but in the end, he chose silence and reached to turn up the car’s heater instead. Maybe it was the drenched state of the person who just got in that left him speechless.
Neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the music playing softly and the patter of rain, mixed with the traffic outside. In his mind, Fighter was debating whether to ask what Tutor was doing in this area.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he finally blurted it out.
“What the hell are you doing around here?”
“…” Not only did he get no answer, but all that came back was a heavy silence. When he turned to look, he realized the younger one wasn’t paying any attention to his question. Tutor had one hand propped against the passenger-side door, staring blankly out the window. His small face seemed burdened with a whirlwind of thoughts.
Fighter studied the person beside him, frowning in confusion.
The soaked clothes weren’t as suspicious as the folder on his lap, containing a copy of an ID card, crossed out with a note that it was for a job application.
Didn’t Hwahwa say he was working at a cake shop? So why was he still looking for another job?
The thought lingered in his mind. When he glanced up at the pale face again, he noticed Tutor had closed his eyes, lips pressed tightly together. At the corner of his eye… there was something. Not raindrops. Not sweat. But something more like tears.
Fighter wasn’t sure if his guess was right, but if those were tears, he couldn’t fathom what had happened to the person in front of him. What could be so bad that he was holding back his emotions this much?
What the hell happened to you, Tor?
What’s hurting you this much?
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