Chapter 1

"Hello 'Ma?"

“Why, son? Is there a problem? Let me guess, you got some issues on the boarding house?”

"Nothing big, actually. I have a small problem I want to discuss to you. Mom, there’s someone like ‘that person’ who wants to occupy of our rooms here.”

“Oh, son. Didn't I told you to let go of your anger towards people like him? Maybe he’s different, they are different from each other. Not all of them are like the trans woman your Daddy chose over us. Son, why don't you get to know that new boarder of yours so you can see that they are different, kind, good, and not what you think they are—disgusting, promiscuous, and not doing anything good. Just try it. I already forgive your dad for doing that to us. I hope you also find that within you”

“I'll think about it, Mom."

"But son..”

"Alright then. But just one. I mean, just him. And I won't accept anyone like him anymore."

“Okay, child. Just call me if there's a problem again.”

"Okay, mom. Bye!"

After hanging up the call with his mom, Kianne went back and faced the new boarder.

"Fine, you can stay in my boarding house. But I have some conditions”, he said angrily to the new boarder. “I don't want you to get too close to me”

"Thank you very much. I promise I'll behave and I will not do anything against you and your conditions.” Rence replied, bowing his head. He’s intimidated with how Kianne is behaving towards him.

"But I want to tell you my rules!" Kianne said angrily. The truth is, he doesn’t really have any rules in his boarding house. But to make sure Rence wouldn't do anything that would upset him, he made some rules, on the spot, only for Rence.

"Oh, okay then."

"First, I don't want to hear any noise. You might disturb me and my other boarders here, if it happens." Kianne warned Rence.

"Yes sir!”

“Secondly, I don't like untidiness. If I see even a single mess of yours, I'll kick you out of here.”

"Noted on that."

"Third, I absolutely do not want to see you inviting.. ummm.. outside people inside the boarding house. I'll drag you out if I see your flirting with someone here.” he told Rence, which he didn’t replied.

"And finally, stay 5 meters away from me. If you're okay with all my rules, here is the key to your room. You're in room 6. Now get out of my sight!" Kianne shouted, so Rence immediately took the key and left.

Kianne already felt suffocated. He’s even questioning himself why did he even accepted Rence. He then remembered the reason behind his hatred to LGBT people. His father left him and his mom for a trans woman. He can still remember the pain and suffering his father gave them. And that specific thing is the main reason he’s still mad to his father, and to someone like those his father cheated with.

He can admit to himself, that he has a bad attitude, and he wanted everything to be perfect, but still, he does have compassion. Maybe he’s just overpowered with the guilt towards his father and his mistress.

At a young age, Kianne wanted to help his mom with their businesses. One of which is their boardinghouse. With this, he can learn and prepare himself for when he will inherit their properties, including their beach resort, but his mom handed over the management of their boarding house to him. He’s stressed out at the beginning, but he’s okay now.

It is a tiring day. It’s already passed 9 pm, and he went to his room here in the boarding house. His room number is 7, which happens to be next to Rence’s room. He just shrugged it off and took a bath.