Chapter 15

ANOTHER DAY without his presence. Angelo can't understand if Narae and Anurak have a lot of confidence in Charles' safety or if they just don't care.

“You worry too much, I’m sure he’s fine.” Angelo just shook his head when he remembered what Narae always said.

How am I not supposed to worry if it has been months since I last saw him? Even his sister, Wynter had no news of the man.

“Merry Christmas, Oppa!” Narae greeted him with a tight hug before letting him go.

He let out a low chuckle. “That's still next week, Narae.”

The lady pouted. “But I’m excited. It's our first time celebrating together, plus Dom called An this morning. He’s finally done with his work.” She slowly walked away.

Angelo stared at nothing. He’s coming back? Finally! He couldn't remove the smile on his face. For sure they will meet tomorrow for the Christmas Party.

ANGELO WOKE up early like he did not sleep late last night. He was so excited to be able to attend DAWN's Christmas Party. Well, that’s one of the reasons. Angelo sure looked forward to it since last week.

“Hermano, come on,” exclaimed Wynter.

“Take care, Wynter, Gabby!” aunt Summer shouted while waving her hand with a smile.

Even though Angelo doesn't like his stepmom that much, he hasn't lost his good mood since he woke up. So for the first time, he smiled and waved at the lady.

“Same to you, aunt Summer,” he shouted back.

Summer could not hide her shock at what she saw. That’s a first. The woman said to herself.

Even Wynter was stunned by her brother. Did he just talk to mom with a smile? Wynter had to blink numerous times before she came back to reality.

Angelo, on the other hand, remained smiling as he looked out the car window. He wasn’t even watching anything outside the window, he was just staring at it while on cloud nine.

I’ll get to see him today. The flight from the Philippines to Thailand only takes a few hours. Today also ensures the departure of Charles and Narae from their respective countries. Angelo automatically widened his smile at the thought of his name.

Wynter, on the other hand, worries about her brother. I think he needs a check-up. She just shook her head at that thought. Wynter lets out a sigh as she realizes that those two might meet later. She can’t tell her brother to stay away from Charles since she can’t give him the reason, so she’ll do her best to monitor her best friend’s movements.

It’s for your safety, Hermano.

They arrived at the airport in a few moments. Both didn’t want to waste their plane’s gas so they chose to ride a typical plane, first-class though. Wynter slept the whole trip, while Angelo kept on entertaining himself to stay awake.

When they landed in Thailand, Angelo tried his best to hide his excitement. Wynter was still the one driving so he can’t complain about the speed.

It feels like forever. Angelo said to himself.

But for Wynter, her speed was just right. Besides, it's not like she's desperately needed there. She even bets that Dom and Nar are late. Especially Dom, who's in the U.S., is yet to come. He'll probably be there at night.

But for Angelo, everything will be perfect. Now he also plans to confront the young man about what happened to them then. He even plans to confess all over again.

Finally, they reached the LUST DAWN. At the same time, they both took the gifts in the trunk of the car. There will be an exchange gift as will happen later but they will also know who they will give the gift to, later.

I hope Nick’s mine. Angelo grinned at that thought before he shook his head.

“Umm… Hermano.”

Angelo turned around to see his sister. “Yes, Emy?” She looked worried.

“Whatever happens tonight, promise me that you'll do your best to be okay, hmm?”

Angelo frowned. “What do you mean?”

Wynter showed a small smile. “Well, my friends are crazy and they might trick you into dares and such. You can always say no if you don't want to do it, okay?”

Angelo laughed softly. "I thought it was something else." He laughed even more. “I know your friends, Emy. In the few months I've been working here, they're the ones I talk to most of the time, so don't worry too much, okay? ”

Wynter smiled and nodded. Both of them went inside the club. And as per DAWN’s rule, since Angelo would be celebrating Christmas with them, they can’t be in the penthouse hence, they’ll be in the Lair.

Angelo was welcomed with Narae's warm hug, while Wynter received Anurak's. The newcomers immediately smiled at those two.

"It's good that you've arrived," Anurak said after he released Wynter from his embrace.

Narae gestured to the sofa for the two of them. “Come on, take a seat. We thought you'd come around nighttime, like Dom,” she commented as they sat down.

"Dad had an emergency meeting this morning so Hermano and I couldn't stay there long," Wynter explained.

“Well, at least you're here now. We're just gonna wait for Dom,” Anurak said.

Since it was his first time, Angelo wondered why there were no employees at LD, and so he asked the owners.

Narae was the one who answered. “We let the workers spend more time with their families.”

Angelo just keeps on nodding his head. And when the four started talking, Wynter became the center of attention because of the breakup that they just talked about.

His sister was willing to feed them with limited answers. His sister's point was that she still has respect for her ex-boyfriend. They also found out that the two lost communication after the breakup.

When the story about his sister's past relationship was over, Charles arrived just in time.

“D!” Narae gleefully shouted as she stood up and welcomed her friend with a hug. “Finally you're here. We missed you, y’know?”

Charles let out a small smile. “I missed you all too.” Narae guided him towards his sofa, right across Angelo’s. “I apologize for being late. Mom wouldn't let me go,” he said as he smiled again.

Angelo just silently stared at the newcomer. He was obviously happy with his presence since he couldn't hide his smile.

But slowly, he lost his smile. As time passes, Charles obviously ignores him. The guy wouldn't even throw him a glance, and because of it, Angelo lost his mood.

“Oppa!” Narae suddenly sat beside him. “You can stop worrying now. As you can see, he's perfectly fine, physically speaking.” The lady teasingly smiled. “You can go and have your ways with him now.”

Angelo just shook his head. He couldn't even match Narae's energy. “I don't think so. As you can see, he's avoiding me.” Angelo took a sip from his wine.

Narae sighed and smiled. “As much as I know what Dom is thinking, I can’t give you concrete advice to hold on to him.” She gave him a serious look. “But I do know for a fact that he feels something for you.”

“Yeah, anger,” Angelo snorted.

The lady chuckled. “It's up to you, Oppa. But just saying, I support you, okay?” Narae stood up and faced everyone. “Okay! Stop the chit-chat and let’s proceed to exchange gifts.”

“Who are you to order us?” Charles joked.

“Yeah. As far as I know, you're the youngest,” Wynter followed immediately.

“Technically, you can’t tell us what to do,” Anurak teased her as well.

Narae’s eyes squinted as she pouted and fell back next to him. “Oppa oh! Did you hear that? They’re bullying me. ” Narae wrapped her arms around Angelo’s right arm and looked like a child accusing them.

Angelo laughed softly at her attitude, then turned to face the others. "Unfortunately, I'm the oldest here so stop bullying my little girl," he said, trying to make himself look curious.

“Hey! I’m your little girl!” Wynter immediately complained. Narae let out her tongue as she teases her Unnie. “Hermano!”

Angelo just laughed and somehow felt better. He was finally back to his playful self when he suddenly looked at the person next to his sister. At last, he looked at me. My turn though. Angelo thought as he smirked.

“Exchange gift!” Anurak and Narae shouted at the same time.

Angelo didn't notice that Narae was no longer beside him so he laughed. For someone who wanted revenge, why is my attention focused on him? While laughing, he shook his head.

Wynter sat down beside him to exchange gifts. It was fun as he expected. He was a little surprised to see that the four prepared games. Minutes after the exchange of gifts, Charles stood up and excused himself to go to the comfort room. Angelo’s eyes followed him until he couldn’t stop himself and also stood up to follow it.

He deliberately waited for Charles to come out so he could pretend he didn't know about it. When the young man came out, Angelo executed his plan and without looking at the man he missed so much, he entered the restroom.

Angelo kept on hoping that Charles would stop him midway and inwardly smiled when it happened. Angelo’s emotionless eyes bored into Charles’.

“Need anything?” Angelo nonchalantly asked.

“Why are you still here?” Charles’ serious tone made him smile but automatically hid it.

“Such a silly question. Narae invited me.” Angelo’s face stayed serious but he let sarcasm leave his mouth.

He was about to remove Charles' grip on his arm but it tightened even more. “Get far away from me, Cortez.”

Angelo’s playful aura was gone. He was dead serious staring at Charles. “No, Nick. I’m done being pushed away. I gave you time. I let our friendship be ruined so that when I return to your life, you won’t consider me as a friend anymore.” Angelo moved closer to Charles, and the latter took a step back. “Wasn’t that your concern in the first place? Wasn’t that your rule number one, Nick?” Angelo stopped when Charles was already leaning on the wall. “I’m no longer your friend, Nick. You could finally let me in.”

“You don’t understand, Cortez—”

“Then make me, Nick.” Angelo moved his face closer to Charles as his hand caressed his cheek. “Make me understand, Dominique.”

Hindi makatingin ng maayos si Charles sa kaharap. “I—I don’t want you, Cortez—”

“Liar,” Angelo whispered. His thumb softly caressed Charles’ lower lip. “Look at me and say you don’t want me.”

Charles automatically faced him. “And what? What would you do if I did that?”

Angelo showed his sly smile. “Then I’ll do everything to make you want me.”

Charles hardened his face. “Get off me, Cortez. That will never happen.”

Angelo’s smile turned to a smirk. “Then you don’t know me that well, my dear Nick.” Angelo leaned closer to Charles’ ear and whispered, “I’ve already tasted you… and baby, I want more.”

Charles was obviously shocked and stiffened when Angelo gave him a quick French kiss before he let go and gave him a sweet smile. Angelo even chuckled when he saw him unmoving. What a cutie. He thought to himself before he softly tapped Charles’ cheek and left him in a daze.