Living The Dream

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑨 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆'𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒚. 𝑨 𝒃𝒐𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒃𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅. 𝑯𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒘 𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚.

I woke up, heavily panting. My body is drenched with sweat. I could feel my heart pounding; I tried calming myself down, but my hands holding the blanket were shaking.

I'm still in the clinic. It was just a dream. Maybe I was watching too many gore films that I got right through my head. It's just my ordinary, mundane life. Everything is going to be alright. I'll see everyone at work, though I probably won't say the same thing to Duke Piggy. It's nice to see everyone.

The door opened, and the pink-haired psycho came in, holding a plate of pancakes in his hand.

"Damn, You live like this?" He said and observed my room with an amused expression.

Oh.

It's not a dream.

I took off the blanket, dropped it on the floor, and carefully looked at my ankle that had been wrapped in a bandage. My bloody work clothes are gone replaced with more comfortable clothes. My eyes went wide; I got out of the bed and went to grab the lamp from the nightstand. My injury last night reacted, causing me to fall on the wooden floor. I curse myself for being reckless.

His amused face turned into worry as he dropped the plate of food on the nightstand. He gently carried me into the bed, making me cry in shame. He put the lamp on the nearest side of the room, and he sat down in the bed next to me. I just want to pray a sinkhole will appear and swallow me alive because this is the most embarrassing thing ever. My man pride is being crushed once again.

"I know you are scared right now, but trust me with this. Last night was a terrible mistake. I'll try my best to explain everything soon. I only asked you to cooperate with us with Winter. I know you guys already had a bad start, but I'll protect you if that anything happens, okay?" I could only nod to answer.

"Not much of a talker, huh? You should meet my other buddy. He'll definitely like you. Not Winter, though. I mean, He did intentionally try to kill you. I mean, I'm not trying to excuse his shitty behavior. He is my friend, but the guy has a horrible temper. You can punch his dick if you want. I'll hold him off for you," He winked slyly. My eyes almost rolled out from the floor from this guy's shameless action.

"The names Anthony Carabello, What's your name, girl? "

Girl??

"I'm a man, " Feeling a prick of annoyance, I almost wanted to yell at his face for calling me a girl.

"You have a fucking penis?"

"You wanna see it, dude?" I said, mocking a tone of douche jock.

"Woah," Anthony got up, looking at me from head to toe, both hands in the air like he's guilty of a charge or something. "First of all, I didn't take off your clothes. It was a guy named Pete who helped you, not me. My bad for calling you, girl. But you sure you don't wanna try it with me," He purred.

My hand automatically threw the fork from the plate, which he smoothly catches it.

"Woah, Woah, Easy there, tiger, You sprained your ankle last night. I'm afraid being reckless won't get you anywhere. Eat your breakfast now."

It was one of those fat fluffy pancakes I saw on food blogs. Topped with fruits and maple syrup on top. The smell of Canadian syrup almost made me calm down. My stomach is growling fiercely. My mouth is salivating at this point. I had no choice but to accept the food, hoping it wasn't poison. I grabbed the fork from his hands and began to devour the pancakes.

Those bastards barge into my home and cook me delicious food; I curse at those delicious pancakes because they sink softly into my mouth.

A phone ring made my body jerk up from the sudden sound, with my mouth full and bulging cheeks. I looked at Anthony, who was talking to someone on the phone, with a hushed tone.

I continue eating and savor the pancake. Anthony is still talking to someone on the phone, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Anthony seems like a decent guy. He is shady and seeing he is 'buddies' with Winter speaks a lot. I can only assume he might have connections with someone from the mafia or higher upper class. Only rich people can afford the last name because they are rich. Maybe I should t̶a̶k̶e̶ ̶a̶d̶v̶a̶n̶t̶a̶g̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶k̶i̶n̶d̶n̶e̶s̶s̶ trust this guy to protect me. Since I barely know someone in this city, mainly everyone I know left this city without coming back, having connections with Anthony will be good for me.

Anthony sighed, "My boss likes taking his time to nag my ears off."He turned to look at me, smirking. He took a picture with my mouth full.

"Wait, what--?! Delete that, Anthony!" I tried reaching for his phone, but he brought the phone up to his head instead.

"No way, tiger, I need this piece of evidence." He pushed my head away, typing something in his phone.

"Give me the phone, Anthony!" I cried,

"Are you seriously this loud in the afternoon?" The two of us turned and saw Winter in the doorway. The door was left open, and I saw the bag of groceries on the kitchen counter. He looked a lot better than last night. He is wearing a business suit which oddly looks good on him, not that I'll ever admit that to his face. I can be sexy and broody, too, while wearing a suit.

"You sure that bastard won't touch a single hair from me?" I look at Anthony for reassurance.

"Rest assured!" He saluted. He looked so serious that I'm not sure if I should laugh or weird out.

I took a step forward, holding Anthony's sleeve like it's some sort of protection charm to ward the evil spirit (Winter). The red-haired man doesn't seem to notice, more like he doesn't give a shit about anything. They always say that gingers don't have souls.

"So, who are you guys? Are you guys serial killers?" I asked slowly. Oh gosh. I'm sweating. I noticed I was blinking more than usual. I pray to all of the Gods that they don't throw my body away.

However, Anthony took those words as offensive. "Me? A killer? Ryan, Do you think someone like me can categorize as a serial killer? I'm fucking Anthony Carabello, the sexiest playboy here in the city. Look at this tattoo, Ryan." I screamed and covered my eyes the moment he started unbuttoning his shirt. I don't wanna do this! Please don't do this to me. I don't want to be touched by a man either!

"Oi, are you seriously covering your eyes right now? You should be happy!" Anthony pry my eyes away. Unfourtanely, he managed to succeed and pushed his body forward to see his tattoos. To my dismay, My man ego is crushed once again after seeing his 6 packs and his mermaid line. His body is something that a man could envy. I looked down at his shoulder, and my face started to pale as I noticed a tattoo with a picture of a sun and moon collide. A symbol that anyone cowers in fear. Mafias. They are the people who had absolute power in this city. They are called Helios. They depict themselves as the protector in this city, but they only protect those who have money. In order words, they don't care if people like me die as long as they bathed in their million-dollar bathtub. They abuse their power and kill anyone they don't like. They are simply the scumbag among scumbaggery.

"Anthony! What the fuck are you doing!" Winter let out. It was loud and angry that made me yelp. Now that Anthony is part of the biggest crime syndicate in this city, It's not shocking that Winter is part of it since he has his looks and his dangerous weapon to back it up.

Winter tried to butt in, assumably trying to hide the tattoo, but the damage had already been done. Now, I'm being sandwiched between Anthony and Winter. Anthony persistently wanted to show me his numerous tattoo. He doesn't seem to care that I know his true identity while Winter is yelling behind my back, trying to tell Anthony to button his shirt like a nagging mother.

We heard a loud bang on the other side. The three of us turned slowly and saw my little helper in the clinic, who was standing in the doorway, dramatically dropping his backpack, shakingly pointing towards us in this scandalous position.

Trying to fix whatever misunderstandings his head. "Pete, It's not what it looks like!" I cried out loud, pushing Anthony and Winter away, who both watched us in silences.

Pete, who I raised like my own son, looked at me like I'm sort of a shitty father who had been caught cheating. "Mr. Ryan...I didn't know you're a homosexual..."

"NO, I'M NOT! LET ME EXPLAIN; THIS IS ALL JUST A MISUNDERSTANDING!"

"Mr. Ryan, I didn't care if you love someone from the same sex, but..." He looked at Winter and Anthony with scorn. "I feel like you do much better than this"

"Really, it's just a misunderstanding!"

"There seem to be problems with consent in your relationship. The teacher always said that you should ask consent of the other party before copulation."

I glance at Winter and Anthony for help. Not to my surprise, Anthony ended up recording everything while holding his laugh, Winter, who was watching the whole thing with a blank stare.

Those bastards aren't even trying to clear up the misunderstanding! My reputation is now ruined!

"I watched everything from the start. The pink-haired man was taking off his shirt and was forcing himself on you. Am I right, Mr. Ryan?" No, you are dead wrong! Can you stop talking like a relationship counselor!

He continued lecturing us about safe sex and consent for a few minutes. It's embarrassing that those bastards are just standing there while I'm the one being preached. Shouldn't it be reversed?

"Thank you for bringing Mr. Ryan home. Mr. Anthony and Mr. Winter. I'll make sure to lecture him once again for his excessive drinking" Pete thanked both of them after the lecture. I rest my head on the table, thinking about what the fuck just happened while wringing out some curse words towards Winter and Anthony. After being karate chopped by Winter, I learned that he dragged me back home, and Pete was too shocked to see me pass out in Winter's arms. I guess they made some elaborate lie that I ended up injuring myself after arguing with the bartender.

Now that I finally knew their secret. What will Anthony and Winter do?

Anthony just gave me his usual smile, like he knew what was going on in my mind, and started petting my head. I can feel his warm palm sinking to my scalp. "I should probably go now. My boss is going to chop my dick if I'm 2 minutes late."

A card was suddenly smacked right through my face. I glared at the perpetrator, who examined me silently. He unexpectedly went closer and whispered in my ear.

"You should be lucky that you are alive at this point. I was sure that I could kill you. Just because Anthony trust you don't mean I don't. Now that you know our identity don't run away unless you want to be killed? I'll be keeping an eye on you, Doc" Winter walked away after he threatened to kill me. Wow. Words hit hard like a brick being thrown in my skull. I shouldn't have crushed his balls when I have the chance.

I examined the card. It was an expensive-looking card with a sun symbol covered in gold. I could swear I could be rich just by smelling the card. I run my hands through the phone number. I flipped the card and saw another name on it. "Made by C47CH-22"

I assume It's just an ordinary card-making company. I glimpsed at Anthony, who was arranging the groceries in the fridge. Pete is sitting in the living room, watching a movie.

"Thanks for cooking me and buying groceries, by the way. I mean, you don't have to, really."

When Anthony was done placing some instant ramen in the upper cupboard, He said, "Well, Ryan. I wished I could say that it was my pleasure to help you, but it wasn't me. "

"Huh? So who did it?" I have a terrible feeling I won't like the answer.

"Do you even ask if you already know the answer?" He gave me a broad smile, grabbing his stuff. "Stay safe and feisty, tiger." Giving me his farewell winked and walked away.

It's Winter. It's fucking Winter.

"So, who's exactly your boyfriend?" I whipped my head at Pete, who was eating his brand new cereal.

"Pete, not this again," I moaned as I lay down on the couch. I plunge my head on the pillow.

Mafia. Winter. Anthony. Helios. The mysterious deaths of my co-workers. What exactly is happening in this world.

· - -

"You seen the picture, right? Right, ~?" Anthony gushed as he pointed his screen in Winter's face.

They're currently riding on Anthony's expensive car after he insists he'll drive since Anthony rather eat someone's shit than ride on Winter's highly dangerous motorcycle.

"Eyes on the fucking road, dumbass!" Winter yelped, holding the seatbelt in his dear life,

The car took a massive left turn, almost crashing the other cars. Anthony managed not to kill their own lives, laughing like nothing happened, like they weren't almost being welcomed by the grim reaper. Winter desired he could kill this guy right now.

Anthony wiped the tears in his eyes, "Chill out, bro. It's not like we are gonna be dead anyway. I rather have a double suicide with a sexy lady rather than a grumpy man." He jokingly told, giggling at his jokes as Winter grimaced at him. If looks could kill, Anthony would be dead at the moment.

"So, did you tell him already?" Winter initiated,

Knowing what Winter was talking about, Anthony didn't want to talk about it. Since he genuinely liked Ryan. He set his eyes on the road. "I'm not sure we should be doing this. He's just a harmless bystander, Win. I promised that I'd protect him."

Winter scrutinized Anthony, "You must be gullible, Anthony. It's kinda absurd that you think he's innocent as he looks, but you're dead wrong."

The atmosphere felt heavy. The sound of the engine could only be heard. Anthony tightens his grip on the stirring wheel. Anthony bared his teeth at Winter, letting out a peal of laughter that sounded so forced.

"What are you trying to say, Winter? You know I'm not a patient man." Winter knows that one of those rare moments that he can actually aggravate Anthony. That man is always two-faced who mask everything with a smile. Feeling a sense of satisfaction, He let out his own predator smile.

"He's the killer that boss has been looking for."

- - -

"Mr. Ryan, when will you open the clinic?" Pete asked, flipping the magazine. It's currently Lazy Sunday. Since both of us had nothing to do, we ended up lying lazily on the couch.

"When I have enough money, Pete."

"Since when do you have money anyway."

My lazy body rolled around, and I looked Pete in the eye.

"I will. You just have to be patient."

Money is everything here. That's why I envy people like Winter, Anthony, and Duke Piggy. They must have enough pocket filled with money. I'm hungry and selfish. That's how people around me showed me. They are living the dream that we don't have. Thinking about money is making me sleepy.

Pete, kneeling next to the couch, poked me once again. "What do you want, Pete?" I whine and turn to dodge my poor stomach being jabbed.

"We ran out of milk."

"Huh?" I got up and rubbed my tired eyes. "Where is the milk yesterday, Pete?"

"I drank all of them."

We ended up walking together in the street, holding Pete's hand while walking past people. The travel to our local convenience store is 1 block away. I remember picking him up in the streets and raising him after running away from his enslaver. I manage to save him and hide him in my clinic. Since then, he has helped me out in the clinic. He used to be so cute and polite, but he drank all of my milk and called me broke. Is this when his teenage phase started?

We landed at our destination, greeted by the hideous store's mascot. Mr. Cheese. The rat mascot. I don't like this cartoon-ish monster. It looked like a hobo on drugs with his bulging red-shot eyes and evil grin, but Pete seems to like them.

I immediately march to the store's back at their dairy section. I grabbed two gallons of milk, and Pete also followed the same. I paid for the goods and walked away with heavy bags while holding Pete's hands.

"Mr. Ryan..." I felt a tug on my sleeve. I stopped walking and glanced at Pete, who was looking down for an odd reason. He beckons me to come closer. I kneeled down a bit, and he whispered.

"I feel like someone is following us."

I felt a chill in my spine without looking back. I hold Pete's hand tightly, I hasten our speed. Trying not to alert their attention, I tried to ask Pete.

"Since when did you notice?"

"In the dairy section, A man keeps looking in your direction, I assumed he might know you, but he kept following us."

I noticed a familiar area started popping up. We were almost there. I took a deep breath, "What does the man look like, Pete?"

"No. The man was wearing a black hoodie, so I couldn't see his face."

I bit my lips and witnessed something was wrong. I felt a sense of deja vu. Tasting the metallic liquid, I nibbled my lips too hard. My palms are shaking. Pete is trying to ask me what's wrong. I don' like this feeling, but I chose to ignore my gut feelings screaming at my face to stop. I unlocked the door and saw someone standing in the hallway, holding my journal while smoking a cigarette.

The man stands 6 feet tall. He was wearing a blank tank top and a black Hawaiian shirt paired with jogger pants and white sneakers. What stands out the most from this stranger is his white hair and red and blue steampunk sunglasses.

"Pete, go to the rooftop and lock the door. Don't open it until I let out the secret code." Pete nods and heads upstairs without looking back. Leaving me alone with our home invader.

"I shouldn't have drunk that shit." The man in sunglasses groaned and held his throbbing head. He stomped the cigarette on the floor, glimpsed at me, and let out a sly smile like he had a source of entertainment.

"You kept me waiting. I almost wanted to obliterate this place if you weren't coming, but good for you, right? Lady luck must have blessed you today." I sensed my soul just escaped my body as I saw the crazy home intruder had a weapon. It wasn't just any weapon but a katana. A weapon you have seen in movies and t.v shows. And this white-haired psycho is the one wielding it.

He took off his sunglasses. I almost bawled my eyes out because he ended up being good-looking. Why do handsome men are always weird and crazy? This world is truly unfair. It's fucking unfair! Give me that face. I'll take care of it better than the original owner!

Psycho number 3, Aka Home Intruder, unsheathed the sword and pointed it towards my neck. My breath hitched as I could feel the blade poking through my skin. Good-looking people who threatened to kill me are getting old now.

"Let's play a game. I asked you questions, and you'll answer them. I'll let you live if you give an interesting response, lucky boy." He showed me a gentle smile.