It had been four days since the fallout.
Four days since they walked out hand-in-hand.
Four days of silence from both families.
Until…
Pete's phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
Message:
> "Tell Mek... his father stood outside our gate last night. He didn't say anything. He just... stared at the house."
– Pete's Mom
Pete's breath caught.
He looked over at Mek—curled up on the couch, hoodie drowning his frame, headphones on, lost in a world far safer than reality.
Pete slid beside him.
"Mek," he said softly.
"Hm?"
"Your dad came to the house. Last night. He didn't knock. Didn't talk. Just… stood there."
Mek froze.
"…What?"
"He just stood outside. Like he wanted to say something but didn't know how."
Mek blinked, his voice trembling. "He used to do that… when I got sick as a kid. He'd sit by my door and never come in. Just… stayed near me."
Pete tucked a strand of hair behind Mek's ear. "I think… maybe he misses you. In his own broken way."
---
The Next Day – At a Café Nearby
Mek walked in first, nerves clinging to every step.
His dad was already there.
He didn't smile. Didn't wave. Just stared at the coffee in front of him like it held all the words he'd never said.
Mek sat down.
Silence.
Then—
"I saw your picture," his father finally muttered. "On that article. You looked… happy."
Mek swallowed hard. "I was."
Long pause.
"I was angry," his dad continued. "Not because you love a boy… but because I was afraid of what the world would do to you."
Mek blinked.
"You didn't say that."
"I didn't know how. I still don't. But I… I don't want to be like my father. Who buried my brother for loving someone he wasn't 'supposed to.' I couldn't protect him. I want to protect you. Even if I'm… late."
Mek's throat burned.
"Then just... stop fighting me. Love me. That's all I've ever needed."
His dad looked up. His voice cracked.
"I do."
---
Outside the Café
Pete was leaning on his car, sunglasses on, pretending to be cool but dying inside.
Mek walked out.
He didn't say anything—just ran into Pete's arms and buried his face in his chest.
"He tried," Mek whispered. "It's not perfect. But… he tried."
Pete kissed his forehead.
"That's all we can ask for."