Theron's eyebrow arched in surprise, a subtle indication of his curiosity. However, he swiftly composed himself, adopting a formal demeanor as the waiter approached their table, carrying their order. As the waiter departed, leaving them alone, their argument resumed its fervent course.
"Let's add a touch of theatrics, Theron," Kith proposed, his tone suggesting a hint of mischief. "I crave the excitement, so you needn't worry about a thing. I'll take care of all the details. Imagine this – a daring abduction, but with a twist. I'll willingly spend my nights and days with you, becoming your gentle captor, and-"
"You're absolutely mad," Theron interrupted, his voice laced with exasperation.
"Kidnap me, Ther, for a billion pesos."
The words hung in the air, leaving him dumbfounded. He realized that this was no jest; the earnestness etched on Kith's face betrayed his sincerity. Yet, deep down, he knew this proposition was inherently wrong, for Kith's audacity knew no bounds – even the prospect of sexual involvement sent a chill down his spine. He recoiled at the thought, realizing that he could never bear such an experience.
"Don't worry about your dad's debt to PPB. One of my intentions in this plan is to restore our former bond," Kith lied. That wasn't truly his objective. He desired for Theron to fall in love with him. He believed he could make the impossible possible.
"What if I refuse?" Theron asked, his question sounding almost treacherous, as he continued to eat.
"And why is that?" Kith countered, also eating.
"There are many things that could go wrong, Kith," he softly uttered. It didn't prompt any response from Kith. Consequently, he had no intention of engaging in further conversation. He focused on his meal, wishing to drive Kith to frustration due to his disapproval of the plan.
To his surprise, Kith stood up and walked towards the counter. He paid their bill and exited Drawbridge.
Despite his lingering hunger, he abandoned his half-eaten food and followed after him.
It was likely that Kith felt the rejection. Offering him such a foolish proposition was a mistake, and kidnapping Kith was a terrible idea. Hell, Theron couldn't even fathom the thought of taking Kith, his former best friend and now a billionaire, away and having Kith take advantage of him. What a jerk.
"W-wait, where are you going?" Theron shouted, following after Kith. They had already passed where their car was parked.
It seemed like Kith didn't hear anything and continued walking.
"Okay, I'm sorry for hurting your feelings. But Kith, please understand that I really don't want to do this. This time, try to understand me."
Kith kept walking, not listening to him. They were already far away. Theron let out a sigh and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
As Theron grew increasingly frustrated, he quickened his pace and intercepted Kith's path. "What on earth is your problem?"
Kith kept his head lowered, leaving Theron uncertain as to whether tears were streaming down his face. However, he chose not to delve into it.
Drawing nearer to him, Theron asserted, "Kith, this isn't who you are."
"What am I supposed to do then? Who was I? Who was the person I used to be? The one who loved you despite knowing I had no chance?" Kith's voice wavered with emotion.
No words came to Theron in response to Kith's heartfelt confession.
"Isn't it true, Theron? I'm nothing more than a mere individual hopelessly in love with you. I don't know any other way to be with you except to resort to kidnapping myself. Take it or leave it?"
The world of the affluent showcased an entirely different set of rules. Happiness could be bought and paid for. However, Theron couldn't allow himself to succumb to that notion. It wasn't merely about wealth. He despised Kith, for this wasn't the person he had once known—a person who exploited others for personal gain through their financial prowess. Was Kith doing the same to others? Hell, Theron couldn't care less.
"I can't."
Kith shook his head, a look of resignation in his eyes. "You can never truly love me, can you, Theron?"
Theron's heart sank, and he reluctantly nodded in agreement. The truth of Kith's words weighed heavily upon him.
Without warning, Kith suddenly pulled Theron into his embrace and captured his lips in a passionate kiss. Theron was taken aback, his mind racing to comprehend the unexpected turn of events. The taste of alcohol lingered on Kith's lips, a bitter reminder of their earlier indulgence. Theron struggled, attempting to protest, but Kith's fervent kissing and tight embrace overwhelmed him.
As their lips finally parted, Theron's instinctive reaction took hold, and he pushed Kith away, delivering a forceful punch that landed squarely on Kith's right cheek.
The impact sent Kith stumbling backward, his hand instinctively reaching up to wipe his lips, now stained with blood. He winced, his lower lip bearing the mark of Theron's blow. In that moment, Theron snapped back to reality, realizing the impulsive and violent nature of his actions.
Regret washed over him, and he wanted nothing more than to approach Kith, to apologize and seek forgiveness. But his pride held him back, fueling a mix of conflicting emotions. And why had Kith kissed him, something Theron had vehemently despised?
Caught in a whirlwind of confusion, Theron stood there, silently grappling with the aftermath of their unexpected encounter.
Kith gave him a quick glance and move towards him, hitting Theron on his shoulder to have his way. Kith walked away.
Theron followed him again until Kith stopped in front of a pub and went inside. Theron sighed and followed him inside. Kith headed straight to the counter and ordered his drink.
Theron cleared his throat and sat next to him. Kith didn't acknowledge his presence, as Theron had expected.
When the bartender served Kith a glass full of whiskey, he quickly downed it in one gulp, down to the last drop.
"Please, that's not even good for you, Kith." Suddenly, Theron saw himself in the past. The Theron who was always willing to protect Kith. The Theron who was constantly concerned for Kith's well-being. He missed that side of himself somehow. "Please, that's enough." He pleaded, watching Kith pour himself another shot. "Kith, please, can you do it for me?"
Kith turned to face him, but he continued to drink from the shot glass. Theron wanted to snatch it away, but he worried it would only lead to a scene.
Resigned to the fact that Kith wouldn't listen to him, Theron let him be. After all, who was he, just an ordinary guy, to expect the attention of a billionaire playboy like Kith? Theron was merely someone whom Kith had unexpectedly fallen in love with.
Theron placed his own order at the bar, opting for a drink that wasn't as strong. As his focus remained on the bartender, he noticed Kith leaving his previous seat, causing a flicker of surprise to cross his face.
To Theron amazement, Kith joined the dance floor, fearlessly engaging with unfamiliar faces - both women and men. With a shot glass of whiskey in hand, he danced and shouted as if there were no consequences, his actions mirroring a carefree abandon.
Theron couldn't help but watch, a mix of concern and admiration swirling within him. Part of him longed to intervene, to pull Kith away from the reckless path he seemed to be on. However, another part of him hesitated, fearing that any interference might only escalate the situation into a public spectacle.
He sighed in resignation. He didn't want to intervene and try to stop Kith from his reckless behavior. For now, he decided to let him have his fun and deal with the consequences later.
Deep down, he knew that Kith was hurting. But he couldn't bring himself to accept Kith's offer and fulfill his desires.
The idea of kidnapping someone, even though he used to be a bad boy, was completely foreign and unacceptable to him. He couldn't cross that line, no matter how much Kith tempted him.
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Thanks for giving a shot for this chapter