Warmth In My Soul

Dean gulped unknowingly and stared at Roman's approaching figure. He doesn't know why; he feels like he did something wrong. Even though he helped the cops with their work, shouldn't he be praised for that?Sabastian was still digesting the fact that Dean bore down a fully grown man with his left leg. What would have happened if he threw his fists or used both hands and feet? That man would have definitely gone to the hospital rather than the police station.Eyes focused on the injury Roman sighed, looking away. "Who asked you to do that?" Roman asked, placing Ayan on the ground, who embraced a blue whale plushie that had a tag on it.His big eyes looked at his teacher with shock. He gasped, looking at the blood seeping from the jeans. "Teacher wound." He whispered, pointing at his leg."It's nothing; I can-" Dean paused when Roman kneeled in front of him and wrapped his kerchief around it. "Manage," he belatedly added."Let's go; we need to give proper treatment before it worsens," Roman said quietly, taking a step back and locking eyes with Dean.Dean shook his head. "I will--" An assertive glare from Roman—"I'm following"—changed his tone and he motioned for Roman to begin walking."Teacher, paining?" Ayan's soft voice reached his ears. "No, I'm strong," Dean replied, but Ayan didn't look like he agreed. He instead looked at his father and wrapped his fingers around his dad's index finger."Papa, the teacher is in pain," Ayan mutters, looking at his teacher with worry."Don't worry," Roman gave a warm smile to his son, who finally looked convinced, if his papa was saying not to worry, then there was nothing to fear. His teacher will get better, just like his papa did."Ye-yeah, let's go," Sabastian said, walking to the end of the road to hail a taxi."I'm so sorry, Dean. It's all because of me." Sabastian apologized while glancing at Dean.Dean shook his head and muttered, "It was unexpected, and it was my decision. Don't feel guilty. In turn, I reckon we will always remember this trip and this moment." Sabastian nodded without looking at them."Yeah, I'll push you under the truck next time to remember that trip." Roman spat with sarcasm. Dean looks at him with shock. He wasn't prepared for this punch."We'll have a trip again?" Ayan asked, looking at his dad with happiness. This boy sure loves traveling. Roman merely patted his head as a silent request to remain silent."I did not mean it like that," Dean said, even though he doesn't think what he said was right. But he doesn't want anyone to feel guilty about his actions."Kindly elaborate on your previous words then, Mr. Dean Rayden," Roman said with a calm temper."Hey, you love fighting or what?" Sabastian asked with raised eyebrows. Roman looked away, ignoring the question.They arrived at the hospital with an air of awkwardness that even the driver could detect. They played a song on the radio to lighten the mood.Ayan was in his world, playing games on his dad's phone, unaware that Sabastian and his father maintaining a staring competition.Whenever Dean moved his leg, he could feel a burning sensation. Thanks to his skinny jeans, he didn't dare pull the fabric, scared of the pain. He is thankful for Roman acting quickly with the thought of wrapping a cloth to intercept the blood flow.He looks at the front, where Roman is sitting with Ayan. His lips stretched upward when he remembered the counterattack on his words. Now, if he thinks it sounds funny to imagine a serious man saying something like that,His smile caught the attention of the man sitting in the front, whose eyes glanced at the rearview mirror. Roman noticed the smile. Later, it turned into a chuckle, and he saw a hand cover his mouth to refrain from laughing. Now he is confused as to what Dean remembered to laugh at."Sir, we have reached the hospital." The driver spoke, gaining Roman's attention, who nodded dumbly."He'll pay." Roman points at Sabastian, who was getting out of the cab. He looked offended at Roman. "You asked for the cab, right?""It's ok. I'll pay. After all, it's for me." Dean said so and took his wallet."No, no. Sir is correct." Sabastian pushed Dean's hand away from paying the amount. "I'll pay." He said it through gritted teeth and smiled at Dean, who halfheartedly nodded."Let's go," Roman said after putting Ayan on the ground. Ayan quickly ran towards his teacher's door.Dean inhaled and stepped out with gritted teeth. Roman was quick to pull the model's arm over his shoulder."Hold tight." He whispered while holding Dean's waist. "Don't put pressure on the foot." Dean nodded as he skipped steps. He can't risk opening the wound and letting blood flow out. By now, he presumed it might have stopped.Sabastian saw Roman's help and rolled his eyes. "Why are you holding him like that and asking not to put pressure on his foot? How will he balance? Obviously-""Can we get a wheelchair?" Roman asked as they stepped inside the hospital. A nurse quickly nodded.⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　Roman helps Dean sit on the bed. Dean looked at him, hoping the man would talk with him as he had kept quiet all along the way and even here.Sabastian quickly sat next to Dean. "Is it hurting?" He asked for the nth time, and his crush gave him a shake of the head."These are painkillers," Roman said, slamming them on the table. "A water bottle too." He bangs it next to the medicines. "Help yourself." He gave a warm smile, and Dean knew it was fake.Dean closed his eyes and sighed, thinking, F*K, he's upset."What's his problem?" Sabastian mumbled, watching Roman sit on his bed with Ayan next to him. However, the boy's eyes were on his teacher.Sabastian's phone rang. He has a hunch about the caller. "I'll check on you tomorrow, alright?" Dean nodded with a smile.The door closed behind Sabastian. Roman continued to read a book. Ayan was blinking, not understanding what to do. Dean sighed, hiding inside the blanket.The knife had dug so deeply into his muscles that doctors had to stitch it. The pain is still throbbing, and he's afraid to move much.The main problem is how he will tell his parents. How will he explain the situation? What if they think that he's still the same? Will his dad hate him again?⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　

[PAST]

A teenage Dean had finally stepped into the phase of adulthood. He's grown up now. Not a mama's boy anymore. He'll be independent now and forever.When he looked at his college board, his eyes shone with joy. Holding the bag filled with art supplies, he stepped inside.His curious eyes scanned the interior of the building. He planned to take inspiration and use it in his future comics. He wants to be an animator, and a photographer can be added. All in all, he has lots of expectations for his future self.The bright soul who wishes to use his imagination and talent to brighten up people's lives with his positivity.He looks at the tall building far from the large stones present for students to relax and enjoy the pond filled with fish."Hey, newcomer." Dean looks to his left.A boy chewed bubble gum and looked at Dean through his brown eyes. The wind brushed his black hair. Two friends are present on either side. They wore famous-brand jackets and shoes."Me?" Dean looks around, noticing students avoiding his gaze and some walking away."Yeah," the front boy stepped towards him and glanced at the pencil sketch of the area."Artist?" Dean quickly nods his head with a bright smile."Yeah, I love sketching. Drawing from my imagination makes me happy. I love pouring out my emotions and thoughts." Dean was interrupted by the laughter of sidekicks.Dean gave a confused smile. He is convinced that he did not make a joke and that his passion is not a joke."Well, you love pouring out your emotions?" The bubblegum boy asked, spitting it on paper and wrapping it.Dean nodded. "What do you feel when you see me?" The boy asked, keeping his hands inside his pocket.Dean looks keenly at his face for a few seconds. "Someone who is deprived of love."The boy widens his eyes and looks away, listening to the snickers of his friends. He didn't expect the newcomer would see through his façade."You sure are an idiot." One of his friends stepped forward.Dean looks at them with confusion. He believes it is his instinct and gut feeling. He isn't wrong."His name is Nathan. He's the heartthrob of many girls. You're saying he is deprived of love?" His second friend continued."FYI, many girls are head over heels for him." The first friend said this while slinging his arm over Nathan's shoulder."Those things don't make you happy, right?" Dean asked, looking straight into Nathan's eyes. However, the boy avoided his gaze."We should go back," Nathan whispered, walking away from the new boy, who could see through him. He glanced over his shoulder, widening his eyes at the boy's bright smile. Averting his eyes, he shuffled away from there.His friends raised their eyebrows and looked at Dean, who picked up his bag and stuffed his sketchbook in it."Hey, wanna be friends?"⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　Dean opened his eyes and groaned, fisting his pillow and stretching his leg. A sharp pain shot up his leg. He yelps, sitting upright and holding his leg. His eyes fell on a man on the floor, pausing his movement of push-ups because of the sweat-covered face."Shit! Are you ok?" Roman was quick to rush toward Dean. Ayan followed his father and fisted the bedsheets on Dean's bed in an attempt to climb too. However, he gave up and ran to get a stool."Is it hurting too much?" Roman carefully held Dean's foot. Dean shook his head. However, his painful expression didn't convince Roman."Yesterday you fell asleep without taking medicine," Roman whispered, not understanding how to help the man."It's ok, I can manage. It's just--""You got two stitches." Roman interrupts him. Knowing the ending of Dean's words."Still..." Dean tries to add."You still need to rest and take your medicine with a proper meal." Roman stops him again, sweat trickling down his forehead."No, we have a shot in the afternoon.""I know that's why you're resting until then. I will talk with others.""No, I can manage. It's just a small cut.""Which is deep, and just yesterday you showed your heroic act." Dean pursed his lips and turned away from Roman's response."Teacher, don't do that," Ayan whispered with wobbling lips. The boy somehow refrained from crying yesterday. But now he couldn't, not after witnessing his teacher's painful face."I'm sorry." Dean apologized, gesturing for the boy to get closer. Ayan was quick to compile with a worried gaze.Dean hugged the boy and said, "I did what anyone would do.""Yet, nobody did." Roman was quick to inject."No interference when I'm talking with my student," Dean said, patting the boy's back lovingly."Your student is my son."Ayan shook his head. "No, I'm with my teacher.""You didn't just betray your father?"⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　Dean's mom hummed a tune while walking through the supermarket. Her husband walked next to her.Until he came to a halt because something piqued his interest. His feet took him automatically to the shelf of scented products. There he saw Le Scenté. A local brand portrays a picture of his younger son."Since when did you start looking through scents? It's always-"His wife paused while looking at a scent bottle with a smiling Dean."Is that..." She felt at a loss for words as she glanced at her husband, who held a small smile. He could just nod his head, caressing the picture of his son.She smiled softly, noticing the fond look on her husband's face. She searches the rack for more of the same bottle."I'm going to try using this one." She picks up one bottle and keeps it in the trolley."I'll buy this one for Ethan. That boy has no taste." She says, taking another one."One for my husband too." She says, peeking at her husband, who held her hand to keep her from dropping it on the cart."It's more than enough." He spoke with a strict voice, walking away from there after keeping the one holding back in its place.She pressed her lips and sighed. "When will you forgive him completely? Didn't he repent enough already?"They continued with the shopping while keeping silence between them. When they reached for self-checking. Mrs. Rayden noticed two more scents added to the ones she bought. Her gaze was drawn to her husband's evasive gaze."You forgot to buy for the second son." He whispered about keeping the items in a bag."Yeah," she smiled while shaking her head.They saw posters for the brand around the city. Surely the marketing team is doing its very best to reach every nook and cranny of the city. This is a teaser for a new set of winter perfumes. A poster of Dean holding perfume close to his face Another poster of Sabastian in a similar pose is followed by Freya and another face of the company.Mrs. Rayden quickly clicks pictures on her phone with a wide smile."He's so handsome." She saw a group of girls pointing at Dean's poster. She got an idea and planned to march toward the girls. Mr. Rayden, on the other hand, held her arm while shaking his head."Don't ask them to date, Dean. He has become the face of the company. We should ask his opinion before you take any steps."Mrs. Rayden couldn't stop herself from smiling widely. She nodded her head. Surely he has forgiven Dean, but he's in denial."Maybe we should try the perfume. It'll be launched on the fourth week of this month." The girls talked among themselves.⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　Dean stepped inside the room after completing his shift. The pain did subside with time. It'll probably take another few days for the injury to heal completely.Throughout the photoshoot, he was sitting in different poses. He can't stand for too long without support, so the director came up with this plan. Although they primarily desired Dean to rest, the young man assured me that he would do his best.He was eating lunch with his subordinates at the time. Roman placed the medicine on the table and walked away to help Liam with the work. Of course, this gesture brought a smile to Dean's face, who quickly looked back at the figure walking away. He took those pills with his regular ones.He was now in the middle of the room when he noticed a tall figure sitting on the balcony with a tiny figure."Teacher!" He heard it and saw the curtain fluttering, with Ayan running towards him."How are you?" Ayan asked, hugging his waist."I'm feeling much better," Dean said quietly before turning to face the figure sitting on the balcony and shouting. "Thanks to someone who reminded me to take the medicine." He looked down at the boy and patted his head. "They sure are awful to take.""Ayan, ask your teacher to freshen up and sit with us," Roman shouts, earning a giggle from the duo inside the room. He smiles to himself, looking at the sky.A large cloud passed over the crescent moon. Dean sat next to Roman, with Ayan jumping into his arms immediately."Ask whether your dad ate something," Dean said to Ayan while pointing at Roman."Hey, did we fight?" Roman inquired, trying to recall if they had fought or argued."You are angry about my heroic act." Dean reminds the man.Roman sighed, looking at the man. "I was kind of shocked. But, that was expected from you." He shrugged his shoulders. "You will do anything possible to help someone out." He looks back at Dean. "By now, I know at least this much about you."Dean felt his ears warming up. Ayan noticed it and spoke. "The teacher is shy." Dean gave the boy a playful look as he hugged his student."Teacher!" Ayan calls suddenly and stands up. He turns around, looking at the sky.Dean looks at the boy with confusion. "What happened?""My maa," Ayan whispered, having confusion over so many stars and which one was it. Roman widens his eyes, looking at his son. He thought that his son might have forgotten about it, and soon he will forget about his mom's leaving for a secret mission."Papa. I forgot the star." Ayan pouts, glancing at his father and then back at the stars. Roman couldn't find words to weave another lie. He probably doesn't want to lie any longer. However, he doesn't want to break his son's heart either. He sat in a dilemma without replying to his son.Dean forced himself to smile after noticing the conflict in Roman's eyes."Where did you see that star?" Dean asked, gaining the attention of both males."At home teacher. From the window of the room, right, papa?""Well, that star is still there waiting for you.""Oh," Ayan said quietly, nodding in agreement. "Teacher." He leans forward while looking around. "Maa is on a secret mission.""And you're telling everyone you meet about it. I don't know whether it's still a secret." Roman deadpanned, gaining a stare from Dean."Shush." Ayan placed his finger over his lips, asking his father to hush and look around for any suspicious activity."It's a secret between us," Dean replied quietly and tangled his little finger with his tiny chubby finger. Ayan sat comfortably on Dean's lap."Papa showed me a picture of Maa holding me," Ayan whispered, playing with Dean's fingers.Roman looked keenly at his son and didn't feel like interrupting them. Dean has surely made a space in Ayan's life. His son is far too comfortable with his teacher, which he will most likely never understand."You know, teacher, I was so small." Ayan made a gesture with an egg. "But I'm big now." He stretched his arms wide enough to hold the stars in the sky, which reflected in his innocent eyes.Dean caressed the boy's hair. "Of course, Ayan is a big boy now." Ayan smiles as he looks over his shoulder at his teacher."Will maa think the same?" Ayan looks at the sky and leans back on Dean's chest. His eyes fall on a star. "Maa will return after I grow up, Papa said.""Didn't I grow up?" Ayan's question brought shock to both adults. They can't comprehend how to reply. "I can say the same now.""Teacher, maa loves me, right?"Before Roman could say anything in a desperate attempt to make the boy understand and know how much his mother truly loved him.Dean curls his arms around the boy and cradles him while whispering. "She loves you more than herself. That mission was for you. But your mother is a brave and kind woman. She wanted to protect you. So she took up the task to finish it.""Really, maa loves me?""Of course she does. Children are the reason for a mother's existence." Dean's eyes fall on Roman, who was looking the other way. Probably to hide his tears. "Even Papa's too. They work hard for you to get all the things they once wished for themselves."Roman turns around with teary eyes, as he didn't expect Dean's words. He thought the man was trying to comfort the boy, who knew he was applying ointment to his bleeding wound too.When Dean saw the teary eyes, he was quick to bring Ayan close to his chest and wipe Roman's tears, just like the man had done earlier.Roman's eyes followed Dean's hand, which he held, and Dean blinked his eyes as an assurance."Maa really loves me." They heard Ayan's giddy voice."Of course she does," Roman replied, carefully caressing the boy's hair. Ayan tilts his head and looks at his father.Roman smiled and kissed his forehead. "Even Papa loves you.""I love papa too." Ayan grinned from ear to ear."Teacher loves you." Ayan turned to jelly with shyness. He could not meet Dean's eyes."Look at him getting all shy in front of his teacher," Roman said with a chuckle while watching his son turn mushy.They heard a knock on the door, "Room service.""Food, food. Eating food is too good. Food is food." Ayan sing-songs while walking inside the room. More likely to avoid his dad's tease.Dean looks at the boy with amusement. "I didn't teach that."Roman smiled and said, "I know, sometimes he just sings whatever gets in his mind."Suddenly, Roman remembers his words and says "You talked about the mission as though you knew it beforehand. What will you do when Ayan asks about it?"Dean shrugged. "He's a small boy, why will he notice such—""How do you know about the mission, teacher?"Dean looks at the boy with a forced chuckle. Probably need to tell another lie now to cover up the previous one.Roman's chuckle didn't give him any help. He glared at the walking figure inside the room. His gaze is drawn to Ayan, and he waits for his response.