Stranger's Dilemma

On this particular night as Nil returned to his room, Marry, ever inquisitive, resumed her persistent questioning.Mary's voice filled the room as she began, "I told you, he likes you... in my entire life, I've never heard his voice. I mean, I've heard his singing voice in songs, but never his natural voice. And you know what's even more surprising? We've never seen him smile."Nil, tired and yearning for rest, attempted to dispel Mary's curiosity. "It's just your imagination," he replied wearily. "Now, please, let's sleep. I have an early start tomorrow."Techno, offering a brief interjection, simply stated, "Nice one."With that, they allowed the night to envelop them in its embrace, seeking solace in the realm of dreams.As the sun began to cast its gentle glow upon a new day, Nil found himself summoned by the early hours. His responsibilities beckoned, and he needed to begin his work. Before the clock struck at 10:00 am, he had to be ready. In the quiet of the morning, Stranger reappeared at the café, seeking sustenance for the day. Nil, ever the gracious host, served him with a practiced ease.When the Stranger's meal neared its end and the prospect of parting loomed, he extended an unexpected invitation to Nil, suggesting breakfast together. Yet, Nil's duties called, and he reluctantly declined, pleading his busy schedule.Stranger, his gaze a puzzle of emotions, started to rise from his seat, a strange sense of disappointment clouding his features. Nil, noticing the unspoken tension, couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"Stranger's response was enigmatic, a mere, "Nothing."In response, Nil quipped, "Stranger, you're quite the stubborn one."Stranger, with a subtle smile playing on his lips, retorted, "Not more than you..."With a playful tone, Nil suddenly remembered something, saying, "Oops, I forgot to tell you. From today, you can call me Nil."Stranger, his curiosity piqued, inquired, "Why? What's happened to your name?""It's a long story," Nil replied, "One day at a time, I'll share it with you."Seated at the same table, their shared breakfast began, and Nil, with an inexplicable eagerness, dug into his meal.The café was filled with an air of shared moments and the unspoken connection between the Stranger and Nil. As their conversation continued, the Stranger's voice carried a note of concern as he uttered, "Be careful, Nil."Nil, his gaze locked onto the Stranger's eyes, was momentarily taken aback but couldn't conceal his pleased smile as he asked, "What did you call me?"Stranger, echoing the sentiment with a softness in his gaze, repeated, "Nil."With a pleased smile, Nil responded, "In just a few hours, so many have called me Nil. But for some reason, when you call me Nil, it feels like I've finally found my name."Stranger's silent acknowledgment held a weight of understanding as if they shared a connection that transcended mere words.Suddenly, Nil's expression changed, and he announced, "Stranger, I'm sorry, but I have to go somewhere urgently. It's very important."Stranger nodded, and Nil continued, "Aren't you going to ask where I'm going?"Looking at Nil, Stranger inquired, "Where are you going?"With a sense of determination, Nil explained, "You knew I wanted to become a BL series actor, and today, I have an audition."Stranger's response wavered with a hint of hesitation as he offered, "Nil, I can help."Nil, his gaze unwavering, responded, "No, it's my path, and I choose to walk it alone. Even Techno and Marry offered their help, but I refused them as well."With their unspoken agreement, they resumed their breakfast. A comfortable silence enveloped them, and after several minutes, Nil broke it, saying, "Stranger, hopefully, you don't mind."Stranger replied with a soft smile, "I understand..."Nil returned the smile, feeling as though he was encountering a new side of Stranger. They finished their meal, and as Nil collected the plates to leave, Stranger caught his arm, extending a heartfelt wish, "All the best."Nil, his smile unwilling but his heart racing, didn't allow Stranger to see his emotions. He swiftly turned and disappeared inside.In the quiet expanse of a modest office, Ms. Nin, the epitome of grace and refinement, cast a presence that demanded attention. Each movement, every gesture, bespoke an unwavering pride that seemed to permeate the very air around her. With a regal demeanor, she commanded respect effortlessly, her confidence unwavering, her authority unyielding.In an unexpected turn of events, Ms. Nin called upon Shian, her son's diligent assistant, with a gesture that brooked no argument. "Shian," she beckoned, her voice carrying the weight of her purpose, "go and inform Kao. I've come for a visit."Shian, beads of perspiration dotting his forehead, nervously replied, "Yes, Ma'am."With trepidation, he entered the room and addressed the Stranger, his voice quivering, "Kao, Ms. Nin has come to see you."The Stranger, his gaze fixed on some distant point, issued an abrupt command, "Tell her I'm busy right now."Shian hesitated for a moment, considering the weight of his words, and then relayed the message, "But, Kao, she's your mother..."With an air of authority, the Stranger insisted, "It's an order, Shian."Dutifully following his directive, Shian left the room and delivered the message to Ms. Nin, hoping to maintain a respectful distance from the unfolding situation.However, Ms. Nin, a woman of resolve and deep understanding, recognized the unspoken turmoil beneath the Stranger's command. Sensing his reluctance, she bypassed formalities and entered his cabin without awaiting an invitation. As she stepped inside, her eyes fell upon the Stranger, sitting alone, his gaze fixed on a severed hand. The room held an air of quiet contemplation.Ms. Nin, her concern etched upon her face, inquired with a mother's gentleness, "Kao, how did your hand get injured?"Startled by her presence and her question, Stranger instinctively concealed his injured hand and turned to face her. His response held a hint of defiance, "If one refuses to heed anyone's commands, there's no need for permission from hell."Ms. Nin, her eyes filled with maternal love, persisted, "Why do you always speak to me this way? I know you may not consider me your mother, but you'll always be my son, Kao. I care about you."After a brief, contemplative silence, Stranger relented, his tone softened, "Why are you here? We could talk at home. You shouldn't have to come to this place, Ms. Nin."Ms. Nin expressed her concern, her words filled with a mother's worry, "Whether you stay at home or anywhere else, you never spend a moment with us. Kao, please, if you have any problems, discuss them with us. We might be able to help you."Stranger, still preoccupied with his hand, replied, "The way you inquired about my injury is sufficient. Now I must attend a meeting with an important client. Please understand."Respecting his wishes, Ms. Nin departed from the room, leaving Stranger to his thoughts. He continued to gaze at his injured hand, the present moment merging with memories of the past.In the recesses of his memory, the Stranger recalled a day at the café, a moment that had left an indelible mark on his life. As he entered the café, he witnessed a scene that stirred a surge of jealousy within him: Mary embracing Nil by the payment center. Unable to contain his emotions, he lashed out, striking his hand against the glass, resulting in a painful injury. The sudden commotion left onlookers astounded, prompting them to usher him inside.Techno immediately sought Nil's assistance, and, with care, Nil attended to the Stranger's injured hand. He gently washed it with Savlon, applying soothing ointment. As Nil tended to him, the Stranger involuntarily winced, letting out an "ouch."Nil, undeterred by the pain he inadvertently caused, continued to tend to the injury. In the midst of the quiet moment, Stranger found himself lost in his thoughts. He silently confessed to himself, "You are my medicine, Nil."Startled by Nil's inquiry, Stranger quickly composed himself and replied, "No, I didn't say anything. Actually, I have to leave now. Excuse me..."With a mixture of emotions, he made his way back to his office cabin.In the dimly lit room, Stranger confronted the reflection staring back at him from the mirror. His thoughts swirled like a tempest, a relentless storm of emotions, as he delved into the complexities of his heart."Why can't I control my reactions when I see him with someone else?" he wondered aloud, his voice a whisper of vulnerability. "Why does he always have this effect on me? He's nothing to me."He furrowed his brow as if seeking an answer in the mirror itself and resolved, "From today, I won't go there. He's just another man; it's impossible. I must put an end to this. Are you listening, Kao Neptune? You have to stop yourself."Just as Stranger grappled with the turmoil of his emotions and his inner vow, the room's tranquility was abruptly shattered. Lava entered the room.