Chapter 58
Strange feelings
Kai and Sam return to the dormitory and immediately see flies swarming outside their relative's house. Sam is cheerful, his head isn't hot, but he still orders the crowd to clear the way. Everyone is surprised that the young buffalo guy suddenly becomes easy-going. No one dares to delay—aware of the dog-blooded guy—so they all step aside while taking pictures and videos.
The two enter the house, and many people stand on tiptoe, watching, holding up their phones to record videos and take photos until the door closes. A group of people who have eaten their fill and become flies swarm to the wall, pressing their ears against it to listen, but all they hear is the buzzing of mosquitoes. The flies sigh and leave to avoid being bitten and having their faces swollen.
Kai and Sam go to Hanna's room. They both stand still at the door, watching their acquaintance apply ice to Hanna and massage her swollen ankle. Kai bows solemnly:
- Yah, I say hello to aunt and uncle!
Sam and his family smile slightly at the familiar greeting. His manners are polite, and his posture is solemn—just like Hanna's. Observant people still notice the difference in sky: he is as respectful as his sister, but the strict etiquette of ethics isn't so serious.
The difference lies in the words of cherishing instead of words of thanks for everyone's company, care, and protection for his family. The difference is also in the deep and warm voice, just like talking to relatives.
The kind smile etches crow's feet at the corners of his eyes, but his tearful eyes shine with joy, bringing Kai warm emotions. For the first time, he experiences "familiar" emotions with ordinary people, but sadly, they feel "unfamiliar" to those who lack family affection.
Kai hopes that feeling will always stay with him.
The brother wants to share his joy with his sister.
Kai watches with amusement as Sam scratches his ears in confusion, acts aggressive toward everyone—even talks back to Huge—but doesn't dare argue with his mother, not even half a sentence, and just obeys her obediently. His mother frowns slightly, and Sam worries like a child who made a mistake and fears being spanked.
Kai's smile fades. Except for Hanna, no one understands why he was so cheerful just moments ago, yet has suddenly fallen silent like someone burdened with deep, unspoken feelings. Gathered around him are his sister's relatives and family. But the lonely person cannot express his longing for family affection to anyone yet. He silently expresses it to the mother. Sadness, hatred, love, and remembrance fill his contemplative eyes.
Kai's hidden thoughts seem to envy Sam's situation—a son who lost his birth mother at a young age, but fate gave him a second mother. The family quietly senses the unspeakable secrets of someone who lacks that family affection.
Little swallow is worried, turns toward sky, lowers her head to hide her red eyes, not wanting to make her family lose their joy. Kai remains motionless and silent. The mother has to remind him again before Kai realizes she is speaking to him. He is confused and laughs off the moment:
- I'm so sorry, I was distracted. I'm sorry, aunt!
A few minutes ago, they were absent-minded and lost in thought, but now the brother and sister talk to everyone calmly. Huge looks thoughtfully into Kai's sad eyes. The father vaguely recognizes the melancholy in this mood, like someone who has experienced the ups and downs of life. The brother and sister laugh and speak happily with others, but in truth, they are just trying to control their sensitivity.
Why do the two siblings see everyone as one of their own, yet still cannot open their hearts to their family? Sadness surrounds Thanh Hang's mind. She tells herself she must investigate, confide in each person, and understand the innermost feelings of her children so that a mother can empathize and touch the hearts of her family. She is carefree and intimate so her children don't feel the gap between generations.
- Kai, take care of your younger sister while I go to the market!
Huge scratches his nose, silently praising his older sister for her tactful behavior, which touches Kai's psychology of devoting all his emotions to his younger sister. The awkward situation becomes as natural as family life.
Kai responds submissively, holding the ice pack in his hand and gently rubbing his sister's ankle. Hanna purses her lips and tries to hold back a smile because her brother is so gentle with her every minute and every second.
Rose sits next to him and smiles slightly, glancing at her brother who dabs a few times, then stops, rubs a few times, then stops again—watching his younger sister's reaction before gently massaging her.
Sam—the one who worries most about his sister-in-law—has to suppress his giggles. Afraid of being careless, he finds an excuse to help his mother carry things.
Rose is afraid that if she stays even a few minutes longer, she'll burst out laughing at the way Kai takes care of the most thoughtful younger sister in the world, so the bestie asks to follow her aunt:
- Aunt, I know a place that sells delicious, nutritious, and cheap food, and I'd like to go with you.
Everyone smiles at this plausible reason and glances at Kai. The brother is taking care of his sister intently, focusing on the swelling, unaware that Rose and Sam are happily carrying the basket and following their mother to the nearest market.
The market immediately becomes chaotic to welcome the celebrity. Sam raises his hand, and the terrified crowd steps back a dozen steps. Rose is sure he will scream the familiar "Daddy breaks your teeth," but he just points at the ground repeatedly to make her lose interest.
People don't dare get close but still try to take pictures and videos. Sam doesn't stop them, even raises his mouth and smiles, then enters the market. Everyone feels at ease and follows closely to record clips and take photos.
Sam picks up fruit and chews it greedily, spraying seeds all over the place and showing his teeth to his mother. Mrs. Heng shakes her head and smiles at the naughty child.
Most people silently record video clips and take photos to keep as souvenirs, but don't post them online. Only a few are excited about the potential likes and shares.
After feasting on Sam and his mother, they move on to dessert—the girl in slashed ripped jeans, a white T-shirt underneath, and a leather jacket on top. She smiles and says to Thanh Hang that it's better to buy this one than the other, and suggests choosing delicious, nutritious, and cheap food from other stores.
- Who is that pretty sharp girl?
- Looks familiar!
Every girl likes to be praised for her beauty. Rose opens a slight smile and enjoys it. Sam laughs teasingly, as if to say: I thought you didn't like anyone sucking up to women.
Rose glances sidelong. He chuckles under his breath, deliberately making her right eye itch and her left eye red, which makes her furious.
The shrewish girl's blood boils even more when she hears a bunch of gossipers making random guesses:
- Don't tell me she's Sam's girlfriend?
- Undoubtedly! Going to the market with Sam and his mother, and seeing how close she is to them—it's 100% certain Sam has someone who ties his reins.
Thanh Hang presses her lips together to hold back a smile. The mother doesn't care that her son is angry and silences the gossiping crowd. She likes how the early evening dyes shyness pink on the rose.
But Rose doesn't bite her lips out of shyness or get angry like other normal girls. She calmly buys this, asks that, pretends not to hear the nonsense from the bullshitting crowd. She also ignores Sam cursing the crowd that creates drama and sucks fame:
- All your ancestors' grandmother, who's tying up who?! Daddy's not a horse, tie up the cage. Whoever's still barking, daddy will break their teeth!
Rose hears the scolding words that sound familiar to her ears, and she can't help but giggle. She's shocked and doesn't understand why she's so "careless."
The girl has never been embarrassed before, but now she secretly glances at Thanh Hang shyly. She's afraid the mother will misunderstand her lack of obnoxious laughter… as something delicate. The mother still buys things and pays, then hears the shopkeeper ask:
- Is she really Sam's girlfriend, aunt?
Thanh Hang smiles at the curious question:
- If my son has such a beautiful and lovely girlfriend, I'd like to thank my ancestors for blessing my family!
The mother bursts out laughing as Sam replies in an annoyed voice while being paired:
- I like Ha Dong lions?
Rose raises her eyes, lifts her eyebrows, and immediately stops him from speaking:
- Hey, hey, bend your tongue before you speak. Who's a lion, hah?
Sam opens his mouth happily and pouts in Pac-Man icon style:
- Hey, that lion with bristling hair—do you guys see it?
Rose raises her mouth, grits her teeth, and moves her lips:
- Go home, I'll kill you!
The crowd laughs, then listens to Sam's serious voice:
- It's just a joke! She's not my girlfriend, nor a Ha Dong lion! Sam turns to Rose. The smile on his lips flickers in her eyes. Rose still senses his deep gratitude toward her - She's the only best friend of my sister-in-law.
From childhood to adulthood, Rose has neither known nor cared who her parents are, and has remained carefree about her fate without a family. Ever since she has met Hanna, a person without relatives has begun hoping for a home. When sky has reunited with the little swallow, her wish has turned into a burning desire.
Now that Sam has mentioned "only best friend," the three years of joy and sorrow shared with a confidant... sequentially... have brought back the intimate image of being as close as biological sisters in her mind.
The three words "only best friend" are a tribute to the girl who shares joys and sorrows, loves and protects his relatives, and touches the hearts of those who long for family affection.
For those who hope friendship can turn into family affection, those warm words feel like congratulations to her—for no longer being a wild flower or weed. Rose silently turns to Sam, her face flushed purple, and her anger fading into a soft pink glow. This first taste of confusion in her life surprises her beyond belief. She becomes shy and evasive around the guy who stirs unfamiliar feelings within her.
Thanh Hang watches silently from beginning to end. The mother smiles to herself at her boisterous son — no one can match him when it comes to beating people and cursing the world, but in matters of love, no one is as clumsy as he is.
The girl clearly has feelings for him, but he remains completely unaware. He is rudely chewing snacks, smiling all the way home, teasing and joking, without noticing that Rose's mood has sunk to the bottom. She suddenly becomes angry and irritable:
- Stop talking nonsense! My head hurts, my brain aches!
She squirms petulantly and snatches the food container from his hand. Sam hoh hoh and watches Rose storm ahead. Thanh Hang laughs until tears stream down her face. She looks at her son, hands on her hips, and says in a baffled tone:
- I was helping you carry your things just now, and you said nothing. Why are you suddenly mad at me now? Women are really full of stories!
He covers his mouth, giggles, and apologizes to his mother:
- Except for the mother!
Thanh Hang knocks her son on the head and smiles meaningfully:
- Stupid guy!
Sam opens his mouth but can't close it. He stammers, confused by his mother suddenly calling him stupid. Women, he thinks, are not only hard to understand—but also impossible to please.
He clicks his tongue and runs toward the storage shop where customers leave their items, to pay for the one he dropped off a few days ago. A while later, he runs back to the dorm with the item in hand, hiding both hands behind his back. He tiptoes into the house, glancing around nervously—the living room is empty. He exhales sharply and bolts straight into the bathroom.
The troublemaker strolls into the kitchen and spots Rose, knife in one hand, cutting meat and slicing fish with practiced ease. Thanh Hang came in to help cook. Sam came in enthusiastically.
Rose thinks that the violent guy doesn't know how to cook. She imagines him with messy hair, black smoke stuck to his face, and food-stained clothes—just like a funny clip on the Internet. The girl covers her mouth and laughs secretly, eagerly waiting for a chance to tease him and calm her anger.
Sam turns his cap backward and grins at his mother. Thanh Hang hands him the kitchen utensils. Rose begins to feel that something is off. Her premonition turns into a scene that makes her eyes widen in surprise as she watches Sam twirl the knife between his fingers, the sharp blade spinning so fast it becomes invisible. He grips the handle and slices the beef fibers into sharp-edged square pieces. The meat is cut in just two minutes.
Sam moves on to chopping tubers and vegetables. The knife slides down at the speed of a sewing machine, and each click, click, click taps on the head of the girl who stares at him in a daze, not blinking once. Sam suddenly raises his eyes to look at Rose, sees her frowning and distorted expression, and immediately lifts the knife in front of her:
- Hey, hey, hey... What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen a man cook? Work with me. Is it that weird to watch?
It's just a normal urging, but Rose associates it with a subtle "meaning." She raises her eyebrows and glances up, only to find Sam's mother pursing her lips tightly. Rose quickly turns away in confusion, but her red face betrays her. The mother lowers her head and smiles at the sensitive girl who meets her silly son.
Thanh Hang scoops up the dregs from the bone soup pot, adds green onions, and dips the ingredients to sweeten the broth. As she does so, she quietly watches Rose. The girl occasionally sneaks glances at Sam cooking and quietly admires the way he marinates the food.
She doesn't understand how he marinates the meat, but it makes the meat shiny and smooth. She only has to look for a few seconds before she wants to eat it immediately. The dish looks incredibly delicious, exuding a gentle fragrance that toys with the sense of smell. He grins provocatively.
- Raw meat, but you're already drooling. Once it's grilled, no one will be able to compete with you in eating it!
Rose gets furious and embarrassed by the teasing; she doesn't know why she keeps feeling awkward and shy around that clownish guy today. The girl, eager to win, glances sideways at him:
- Obnoxious!
Sam hoh hoh, raises the skewer to his mouth, smacks his lips, and swallows his saliva:
- Tsk, you're so delicious, it's a pity I failed to eat you in time!
Sam laughs happily because Rose is angry but hasn't yet found a way to strike back. She stabs the knife into the fish and accidentally cuts her finger. Sam and Thanh Hang get startled by the scream.
Huge and Kai are talking nearby and run to see what's going on. Huge's right eye squints and flattens, and he raises his left eyebrow to look at his son who's shouting:
- Old man, get the first aid kit, quick!
Kai immediately runs to get it. Huge blinks repeatedly and stares at Sam, as if the guy holding Rose's hand isn't his son. The old man wants to smile but doesn't dare, so the corners of his mouth twitch and press down.
He leans against the door, scratches his nose, hiding a smile that would surely make his son's eyes itchy. The old father smiles as he watches Sam blow gently on the wound, yet still scolds the girl:
- The girl is already clumsy and has no charm. It's so simple, but you can't do it. Why are you crying? Isn't it too unfair, hah?
Rose endures the stinging pain in her skin and flesh, and gets scolded continuously. Strangely, her eyes are no longer watery but shining with a gentle amusement. Thanh Hang still tracks Rose, silently contemplating the lovely femininity that contrasts sharply with her usual shrewish personality.
She casts a delicate glance at Sam, who's holding medical supplies handed over by Kai. The violent son is now careful in every move—disinfecting, bandaging Rose gently, bit by bit—completely contrary to his rough attitude.
The parents' gaze keeps shifting, occasionally stealing glances at Sam, who's frowning with worry, and then at Rose, who quietly lets her gaze rest gently on Sam. The idiot guy doesn't understand the warm feeling. After finishing the first aid, he waves her away:
- Alright, just go back to your room so I can stop having a headache. Wasting energy on bandages everywhere—tired like bullets splattering!
Everyone bursts out laughing when Sam turns rude again. Rose suppresses a giggle, nearly embarrassing herself. Sam is too lazy to refute, dull-faced, showing a tired expression:
- Oh, you still don't want to leave yet? Your hand is scratched, not your leg. Or do you want me to carry you like a brother carries his sister-in-law?
Everyone giggles at the guy who's so stupid about emotions. Rose blushes shyly, and her feelings for him vanish without a trace. Caught between anger and amusement, she blurts out:
- Uncharming idiot!
Sam rolls his eyes, opens his mouth, and says loudly:
- Hey, stop it! I just finished helping you bandage it up, clumsy girl!
Rose turns around, sticks out her tongue, and says:
- It's for a man to talk about his achievements—no shame!
Sam can't refute, and immediately vents his frustration on a pile of peppers. He chops them so vigorously that the fumes make his eyes sting, forcing him to stop. Thanh Hang, Huge, and Kai laugh until their shoulders shake.
No one has been this happy for a long time. This is the ordinary, normal daily life that everyone longs for. Joy becomes a bridge that brings people closer.
Everyone has a different mood. Yet all feel that kinship and affection erase the invisible distance.