While walking around confusedly, August nudged a man near the market who was covered almost entirely—beanie pulled low over his forehead, large glasses that obscured half his face, a nose mask, and long sleeves that hid every inch of skin.
"I'm sorry," August apologized.
But the man's lips curled into a smile, and he said one word, "Papi."
August had heard someone call him that before.
His eyes widened in recognition. That voice... he knew that voice too.
"Day?" August whispered, his voice barely audible.
The man, now smiling fully, peeled off his glasses and then the beanie, revealing a head of plush, pink hair that caught the light in a soft halo. His eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth as he looked up at August.
"Papi!" the man—Day—exclaimed, his voice rich and familiar. He grinned at August like he was seeing an old friend after years apart.
August felt his knees go weak, his mind racing back to the photo shoot where he'd first met this vibrant, unforgettable character.
Day, the one who'd handed him hot tea through his just-a-week secretary, the one who grinned so lovably at him, offering him—a man— a sanitary pad as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
"Papi!" Day called out again, spreading his arms wide.
August, still frozen, stared at him not knowing how to react. No one aside a woman (Celine) has been this cozy and playful with him for no reason.
Day didn't wait. Without a word, he pulled August into a hug—a tight, warm embrace that took August completely by surprise.
At first, August stiffened, caught off guard by the sudden contact. But as the seconds ticked by, he felt something inside him crack, then crumble.
The walls he'd built up, the weight he'd been carrying, it all seemed to melt away in that moment. He could feel his own breath hitch as emotions welled up within him.
'God, I needed this,' he realized, feeling the sting of tears behind his eyes. He wanted to let go, to lose himself in that hug, to just cry it all out—everything he'd been holding in.
But before he could, Day broke the hug, stepping back with that same bright smile.
"Let's get out of here," Day said.
They finally reached a secluded area where a black van was waiting. Day pushed the door open, and they both climbed in. The door slid shut with a satisfying *thunk*, muffling the noise from outside.
Day grinned at him. "What about you, Papi? What's the man from Vogue doing in a place like that?"
August sighed..
August told him all about the bank's issue and how he's just being rejected by everyone for no reason.
Day leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he thought, not saying anything for a moment. He glanced out the window, his eyes narrowing slightly as if deep in thought. "Hmm," he muttered to himself, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his knee.
'No wonder I haven't seen him around. I've been searching for him, wondering where he went after that time. Not as a model, not working in any entertainment industry…'
August watched him, a knot of anxiety tightening in his chest. He couldn't quite read Day's expression, and that made him nervous. He wasn't sure if Day was going to offer help or simply brush him off like others.
But then Day spoke up. "I know someone who might accept you, even if everyone else rejects you."
"He's like… you know how the motherboard is to a computer? He's like the motherboard of the whole system when it comes to business and entertainment. Any type of business, not just entertainment."
August blinked, disbelief coloring his voice. "And you think I'm capable of going to meet such a person?"
Day leaned in closer. "Listen to me, okay?" he said, his tone serious. "Have you heard of the Von family?"
The name sent a shiver down August's spine even though it was weird and strange.. no, not entirely strange.
"The Von family?" he repeated.
Day nodded. "Yeah. They're powerful, August. And if anyone can help you… it's them."
Day began outlining the power structure in Country X, Country Y and Country Z.
"The Von family has been in charge for years, not as the visible rulers, but as the behind-the-scenes cabals. If you want any political position or influence in this country, you need their support. They're like the fraternity fathers of the place."
"Oh?" August asked.
Day nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly. Now, this Von family is linked with a big player in the business world. He's famously known to be called King. Not just any King—King Von, the heir to the Von family fortune.
He's the head of the King & Glory business empire, which is like the motherboard of the whole country. That's where you need to go. If there's a problem with your bank account or anything else, Mr. King can put in a word for you as the Von family member and heir."
August furrowed his brow. "How do I even meet someone like that? If he's so important, won't he be hard to reach?"
"Trust me, alright? You can go directly to his company; King & Glory Entertainment. But you'll need to go to the company's brain point, Blackstone Shore. That's where you'd find Mr. King."
August's face showed a mix of hope and skepticism at the same time. "Okay, I'll go tomorrow. But what if I don't get to see him?"
Day leaned closer. "If you can't meet him directly, just leave your pictures there. He'll see them, I'm sure. It could make all the difference."
It was unspoken, but Day knew how much influence that man, King, wielded. 'No need to be scared that he'd go against the government because he is the government himself!'
"Fine," August agreed, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll do that. Thank you."
Suddenly, the van screeched to a halt, causing both August and Day to lurch forward.
The driver said in a tense whisper, "There's a kid in front of the van!"
August's heart raced as he looked out the window. A small figure stood frozen in the headlights. "What irresponsible parent would leave their child out like that?!"
While talking, he glanced around and saw his house just a few steps away. "I will stop here, please," he announced.
He hurriedly got out and his heart sank—there, in front of the van, was Reed.
"Reed!" August cried, rushing to his son. He scooped the boy into his arms, holding him protectively. "What are you doing out here?"
Reed looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "Daddy!" he exclaimed, reaching out to him.
Day, who had come out of the van as well, standing nearby, blinked in confusion. "Daddy?"
August took his son out of the road side, to a nearby pedestrian corner and knelt before him. He checked Reed's body for any signs of injury, his hands trembling.
He was acting less like the usual composed August and more like a panicked mama. "I'm sorry, baby," he said, his voice shaking. "Daddy just... Daddy was careless."
Day, still trying to grasp the situation, finally asked, "Is this your son?"
"Yes, he's my son. You knew that, didn't you? You knew I could give birth."
Day's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, really? I didn't mean to judge, but that's… Well, that's not why I was so surprised. I thought…. Well, your son looks so much like the man we were talk…."
Before Day could finish, Reed interrupted, pointing at the van. "Daddy, big truckie! Reed's truckie! Big truckie!"
August, understanding Reed's words, smiled gently. "Yes, buddy, when you grow up, Daddy will buy you a big trucky. Okay?"
Reed nodded vigorously, then his expression turned worried. "Daddy, Reed not safe. House not locked. Daddy not lock house."
August hugged him tighter, his own face a mixture of relief and guilt. "I'm sorry, little candy. Daddy forgot to lock the door. I'll make sure it's alright."
August looked up at Day, slightly embarrassed but still holding Reed close. "This is my son, Reed. He's special, and I'm trying my best to take care of him."
Day, now more intrigued, nodded slowly. "I see. Just... be careful, okay? If you need anything, just let me know. And, um, good luck with Mr. King."
August, still kneeling with Reed in his arms, managed a grateful smile. "Thanks. I really appreciate it. And I will go to see Mr. King tomorrow."