Silence in being loud

by Emshappy88

Summary:

I felt like the show didn’t do Faifa justice, so I’m giving him the one he deserves.

After meeting his mum for coffee and ending up in the hospital after Wine found him having a severe allergic reaction, Faifa is made to realise by Wine, his family and his friends that he is loved, and deserves to be loved.

This is basically AU because who really cares about timelines? I’d estimate it starts not long after Wine is a P10 peer, but before Faifa is asked to help out with being Wine’s “Foster mentor” so the others don’t realise they’re close yet.

I have taken a few creative liberties with this story, for that I won’t be apologising 😂

Chapter 1: Pre story

Faifa never said much. He spoke a lot, but he was the type of person to ask questions and avoid answering himself. For someone who always smiled he was the kind of boy who floated through hallways like a shadow. Faking connections, attention always on other people. That's not the way he likes it, it’s the way he needs it to be.

The lonely boy always feels like if he takes up too much space, then people would leave. Everyone always leaves him. In the darkness on his own. Faifa can admit the truth. Faifa was tired. Tired of hoping. Tired of waiting for someone to notice the pieces of him that had been quietly falling apart.

It wasn’t always like this.

There was a time when things were different. His oldest brother Newt who used to lift him onto his shoulders and took a real interest in his life. Who would protect him and his middle brother Yotha when his parents would be too busy with their own lives to care for them. Then there was Yotha. Nine months older than Faifa, the favourite of everyone in the family (including Faifa) who took their mother leaving and abandonment as proof that his mother prefers Faifa over the other two brothers which was not true.

Then one day his parents split, his mother moved to another country with Faifa without warning.

That’s where life changed. Missed birthdays and holiday phone calls. Newt, Yotha and their father moved on together. Built a unit which Faifa acknowledges he won’t ever be a part of again. In the middle of the night Faifa reluctantly realises this is because of his mothers selfishness. Not, that he will ever admit that out loud.
Faifa learned that people leave, even the ones who once promised they never would.

His dad wasn’t cruel, just busy and always tired. Though Faifa believed his dad resented him for being forced to leave with his mother. He always made sure Faifa had everything he needed, but that closeness he shares with Newt and Yotha is not seen with Faifa. He became a chore. A ghost in a house he used to call home.
Thinking about their mother always makes Faifa want to hide from the truth. Having no choice but to move to a new country, leaving his brothers behind and having to learn a whole new language was frustrating. What was heartbreaking was realising his mum didn't8 really want him. Faifa isn’t really sure why his mother chose him. All he does know is he wishes she hadn’t.

The four people he loved the most in the world couldn’t and wouldn’t protect him the way he would them. He soon learnt to not expect anything from anyone.
He had friends, technically. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that they only liked him because of Newt, the older brother who once had a name that made teachers and kids smile. Or Yotha, the boy everyone wanted to be around. Grumpy, yet popular.

Faifa felt like a shadow trailing behind brighter lights. There, but not really seen.

Until he met Wine.

Faifa met Wine before his brother became his peer mentor and Wine became a member of the “perfect 10’s”. He was different to the rest of the team, yet he seem to fit in. The ability Faifa hadn’t seemed to fake.

Wine didn’t care about cool or loud or first impressions. He was steady. He was kind, to everyone. Whereas Faifa has to be Kind. Wine was kind, just because. He was the kind of boy who listened more than he spoke, who noticed things others didn’t. Faifa had mentioned once about his milk allergy and now Wine avoided dairy too, and whenFaifa didn’t take his allergy seriously, Wine did.

“Did you eat today?” Wine would ask, handing him a sandwich dairy-free, always. Faifa had a safe space. No one had given up dairy for him before, let alone remember his allergy.

Faifa had never been anyone’s worry before. But Wine worried about him. Called him out when he lied and said he was “fine.” Held his hand when the darkness in Faifa’s mind tried to convince him he was alone and unlovable.

Wine didn’t try to fix Faifa. He just stayed. A calm wave, in a sea of uncertainty.

When Faifa and Wine bumped into Yotha and their mother at the cafe and she ordered them drinks with dairy as she had forgotten about his allergy once again, it was Wine who made excuses of why they had to leave and took the drink off Faifa before he could drink some like he was going too.
“You deserve better,” he said softly, but firmly. “You know that, right?”

Faifa didn’t answer. Not then. But that night, he cried for the first time in months not because he was sad, but because someone had finally seen him. He didn’t know what to do with someone looking directly at him.

And slowly, the darkness began to lose.
It didn’t vanish all at once. But with Wine beside him, Faifa learned to fight. He learned that just because someone left didn’t mean everyone would. That just because his mum forgot didn’t mean he was forgettable. That just because his brothers didn’t notice his pain didn’t mean no one ever would.

He was not the sidekick.

He was Faifa soft-spoken,yet loud. He was funny, kind and is slowly realising his mind isn’t showing him the whole truth.

And Wine, always right there beside him, never let him forget: “You are not alone.”

Chapter 2: Newt

It was a slow Tuesday afternoon at Newt's bar. He wasn’t worried, he knew it would pick up as late afternoon turned into evening. As Newt scrubbed the countertop absentmindedly, his mind elsewhere thinking about his mother who was back in the City and trying to get in contact with him when his phone buzzed in his back pocket.

He almost ignored it.

Almost.

“Hello, is this Faifa's brother Newt?” said a voice on the other end, worried but clear.

“Yeah.”

“My name is Wine, I'm a friend of your brothers. Faifa was taken to hospital and I didn’t know who else to contact. He had an allergic reaction, he’s stable now but the doctor wants to talk to someone but Faifa is refusing to let them contact his next of kin”

Newt was already rounding the bar, tossing his apron toward the dish pit. “What happened?” he asks as he rushes out the door.

‘I don’t know, I found him by the cafe near school. He didn’t look well and was struggling to breathe so I had to phone for an ambulance” The voice replied fast with panic.

He stopped listening. Dairy. The one allergy that had nearly killed Faifa when he was a child. The one thing they are all meant to be vigilant about.

Remembering their mother tried to give Faifa milk on Sunday at dinner he dials his mother on the way to his car.

She didn’t pick up.

He tried again. Straight to voicemail.

By the time he reached the hospital, he was drenched in sweat, half from the heat, half from panic. He gave Faifa's name at the desk and was waved toward Room 208. His steps quickened down the hallway, each one fueled by the same repeating thought: How the hell does someone forget something like that?

But when he pushed the door open, he stopped cold.

A guy, maybe Faifa's age, maybe a little younger wearing a wrinkled uniform and a worried look on his face was sitting by the chair closest to Faifa’s bed. He had one hand wrapped around Faifa’s, and another one holding his phone like it had all the answers.

Newt’s voice came out louder than he intended. “Wine?”

The guy stood immediately, letting go of Faifa’s hand, turning on his heel to look towards the door with a tear dried face, protective and unflinching.

Then Newt noticed Faifa moving in the bed pale but conscious “Newt, what?”

“what?” Newt barked, pointing at Faifa “Why is some stranger ringing me because you won’t allow the hospital? Or is it because Mum gave you dairy and you’re all just trying to die quietly now?”

“Wine’s not a stranger,” Faifa said weakly. “He’s been around. You’d know that if you ever came to anything.”

Newt opened his mouth, Wine was already stepping forward.

“Your mom gave him a coffee with dairy milk in it. She didn’t check the label. He asked. She said it was Oat”

“She said?Jesus Christ!,” Newt hissed, running both hands through his hair. “This is literally the one thing she should’ve remembered.”

As if summoned by the chaos, their mother appeared in the doorway, clutching her handbag like it might shield her from the fallout.

“Oh, Newt,” she said. “I was just”

“What the hell were you thinking?” he snapped. “You know he’s allergic. You know. I remember the ER trip from when he almost died and you forgot again. You were crying so hard I thought your eyes would fall out, and you still”

“I thought it was fine!” she shouted back. “I must have mixed the cups up!”

“What the hell!?”

“I was trying to do something nice!”

Faifa groaned softly. “Can we not do this here?”

But Newt was already boiling.

“Nice?” Newt repeated, eyes wide. “Does nice include anaphylaxis? Are you insane?”

Wine stood between them then, arms spread protectively in front of Faifa “You need to calm down.”

Newt narrowed his eyes. “I don’t even know you.”

“Maybe you should’ve made time to.”

That stung more than it should have.

Their mother sniffed, her voice shaky now. “I just wanted to spend time with him. I didn’t mean for this to happen”

“You never mean for anything,” Newt said. “But we clean up after it anyway.”

Faifa leaned up on one elbow, pain and exhaustion etched into his face. “Enough, all of you.”

Silence fell.

“I’m tired,” he murmured. “And I’m not dying. Again.”

Wine turned, brushing Faifa’s hair gently off his forehead. Newt stepped back, shame sinking in now that the adrenaline was gone.

He looked at his brother. Then at Wine. Then, with a bitter exhale, at their mother.

“I’ll be in the hallway,” he said, voice low. “Let me know when the circus packs up.”

He didn’t slam the door, but it swung harder than he meant.

Now he needs to do something much tougher, now he has to phone Yotha.

This is not a conversation he is looking forward to.

Chapter 3

Yotha’s room was quiet, the only sound was the scratch of his pen across the page. His notes were scattered on the desk in front of him, every word carefully transcribed. Gun, his boyfriend and roommate sat beside him, half-heartedly reading a book, the occasional glance at Yotha to make sure he wasn’t too stressed.

It was a typical Tuesday, one of those rare moments of calm, where everything felt like it could be perfect. Yotha wasn’t sure why, but he’d had the nagging feeling that something was going to happen, a small premonition, though he brushed it aside.

Gun nudged him gently. "You good? You look distracted."

Yotha gave him a distracted smile, adjusting his glasses. "Just thinking about this upcoming exam. I keep losing track of where I’m at."

Gun didn’t buy it. "You sure that's all? You look like you’ve got something else on your mind."

Before Yotha could respond, his phone rang, cutting through the stillness. The name flashing on the screen froze him, Newt. He hadn’t spoken to Newt in days, their older brother a constant presence in his life but one that now felt distant with the pressure of school and other responsibilities. It had been a while since he last went to his bar.

"Yotha," Newt’s voice crackled through the phone, strained and tense, "Faifa’s in the hospital. Mom… she forgot."

Yotha’s stomach sank. He could already feel the blood draining from his face. "What happened? What do you mean ‘she forgot’?"

There was a long pause, one that told Yotha everything he needed to know. When Newt spoke again, his voice was sharp, like a knife scraping across stone. "She forgot Faifa’s allergic to dairy. She gave him something with milk, and now…"

"Where are you?" Yotha was already standing, grabbing his jacket. Gun stood up too, sensing the urgency.

"I'm here with him, Yotha. Just get to the hospital. I'll explain when you get here."

The words hung in the air as Yotha hung up, his heart racing. Gun didn’t ask questions. He just followed Yotha as he bolted out the door, the rush of fear pushing him forward. The hospital was too far, but it felt like they were moving in slow motion.

By the time Yotha arrived at the hospital, his heart was pounding. The sterile, bright lights of the emergency room were blinding, and his mind was filled with panic. He could already hear his mother’s voice, distant but sharp, rising above the others.

He followed the sound, rounding the corner to see a scene he had feared. His mother was standing at the door of a single occupant room, her face flushed with anger, her hands clenched in fists. Newt was beside her, his tall frame almost blocking their mother’s view of Faifa’s bed.

"How could you forget, Mom?" Yotha’s voice was shaking with a mix of anger and something else something that sounded like heartbreak. "We’ve told you a hundred times, Faifa’s allergic to dairy! How could you not remember?" he said clearly across the hallway as he approached the room with Faifa in.

Yotha stepped forward, his feet heavy. His mother, still red-faced, snapped, "I didn’t forget! I didn’t. I just… I don’t know. He didn’t say anything when I gave it to him. He was being so quiet, I thought maybe he was okay. He’s always so calm about things"

"Always so calm," Yotha spat. "That’s what gets him hurt, Mom. He’s too good for his own damn good. He doesn’t tell you when something’s wrong because he doesn’t want to make you feel bad. You’re the one who made him feel like he couldn’t say anything!"

Yotha finally stepped into the room, his voice hoarse with guilt. "Faifa…" His younger brother, pale and exhausted, lay in the hospital bed, his small frame dwarfed by the blankets. Faifa’s eyes were half-closed, but when he heard Yotha’s voice, his lips tugged into a weak smile.

"Yotha," Faifa whispered, his voice barely audible.

Yotha’s heart broke at the sight of him. Faifa was always so strong, so quiet in his pain, so patient with their mom’s forgetfulness. He wanted to run over and hug him, but the guilt wrapped around him like a heavy cloak. He should have been there. He should have been the one watching over Faifa. He should have been the one to remind Mom.

It wasn’t his fault, he knew that, but it felt like it. He wasn’t the older brother, not like Newt was.

"I’m so sorry," Yotha’s voice cracked. "Faifa, I—I should’ve been more careful. I should’ve noticed. I’m sorry."

Faifa reached out with a shaky hand, gripping Yotha’s fingers. "It’s not your fault. Don’t be mad at Mom… or me."

Yotha shook his head, his vision blurring. "I’m not mad at you, Faifa. I’m just so angry at myself for letting this happen. I should’ve been watching out for you."

Gun, standing behind him, placed a hand on his shoulder. His presence was steadying, grounding Yotha when all he wanted was to fall apart.

Newt glanced at Yotha, his face drawn with the same exhaustion, the same mixture of love and anger. "You know she didn’t mean to hurt him, right? But I’m done with the excuses. Faifa needs more than just our mom’s care. He needs us. He needs both of us."

Yotha nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I’ll take care of him. We both will.”

Just as he says that he notices Wine in the corner of the room looking at the 3 brothers with an unusual look in his eye. Shocked, Yotha asks “Wine? What are you doing here?”

“You know him?” says Newt just as Wine replies “ I found Faifa, and got him to the hospital. I’m not leaving him” he replies with tears in his eyes.

Gun walks past everyone else, up to Wine and just hugs him before pushing him back into the chair next to Faifa’s bed and hugging Faifa in the bed lightly.

For the rest of the night, the four of them hovered over Faifa, who drifted in and out of sleep, surrounded by the weight of their concern. Their mother had left the hospital room silently, guilt written all over her face, but Yotha couldn’t bring himself to forgive her yet. Not in the way Newt could. Not when Faifa had nearly died because of a simple mistake.

But they were together. Faifa was safe. And in the end, that was what mattered.

As Yotha sat there, hand firmly in Faifa’s, he promised himself one thing: He would never let his little brother feel alone again. Not when they had each other.

Not when the love between them was this fierce.

The hospital room was quiet except for the occasional beep of a machine, but Yotha knew the silence wouldn’t last. The three of them, in their own way, would protect Faifa.

Even if they had to fight their own guilt to do it

Chapter 4

Wine didn’t plan for anything in particular on Tuesday. He just needed a break, something warm and indulgent, something simple. The cafe near campus always hit the spot: velvet lattes, worn wood tables, the soft hum of lo-fi music, and just enough bustle to feel alive without being overwhelmed. Treat yourself, he thought, shrugging on a hoodie and heading out.

The lazy afternoon was lazy, sun-drenched, and slow. Students meandered in groups, campus chatter bubbling in pockets across the sidewalk. Wine walked alone, earbuds in, mind on oat milk latte and maybe a cinnamon swirl if they had them fresh. He cut through the side path, a shortcut with a bench where he’d first bumped into Faifa.
Faifa.

Wine’s heart always picked up pace when he thought of him. The guy with the mess of black hair and a soft voice like a second language. Ink stained fingers, eyes that seemed to look through people, and a real laugh Wine had only heard once, echoing out of nowhere and never again. Not the fake laugh he uses with everyone else.

That’s when he saw the small crowd.

People stood clustered near the bench, murmuring, some kneeling, a couple filming. A pulse of anxiety jumped in Wine’s chest. Curiosity pulled him forward, then recognition stopped him cold.

It was Faifa.

He was sitting on the stone wall, hunched over, gasping.

His skin had gone pale and blotchy, lips swelling, eyes wide and unfocused. His school bag lay discarded on the ground beside him. A girl tried to offer water, someone else was saying, “Does anyone know what he ate?”

Wine surged forward without thinking. “Faifa?” he said, crouching low.

Faifa’s eyes met his for a second, then rolled slightly. He couldn't speak. His throat was closing.

Wine’s brain kicked into gear. He remembered something, a throwaway comment Faifa had said once at the cafe after eating a piece of his cake. His dairy allergy. But today, wait, wasn't today the day Faifal was meeting his mum? She’d flown in, and they were having a coffee off campus.

Wine scanned the area, spotted a dropped iced latte from the cafe. His stomach dropped.

He grabbed his phone and called an ambulance.

"Anaphylaxis," he told the dispatcher. "His throat's closing, I think he had dairy. Yes, he's conscious, but barely. No, I don’t think he has an EpiPen. Please hurry."

The ambulance was on its way.

But then came the twist.

When the paramedics arrived and tried to take Faifa’s ID, he weakly resisted. Wine hovered nearby, tense.

“We need to contact his next of kin,” one of them said.

“No,” Faifal croaked, barely audible. “Don’t… call anyone. Please.”

The medics hesitated. Protocol.

“Look,” Wine said, stepping forward. “I think his oldest brother’s name is Newt. I can contact him. Or his other older brother is a student, i can try him as well”

“Are you family?” the medic asked.

“No. But… I care about him. Please. He wouldn’t say it, but he needs someone.”

Faifa was already being loaded into the ambulance. Wine paced for a second, fighting the urge to step back into anonymity. He should just let the professionals handle it.

But something about the way Faisal wouldn’t let them contact anyone, like he’d rather vanish quietly than be saved or make anyone else worry made Wine feel a sharp, protective edge rise in him.

So he did what scared him.

He found Faifa's abandoned bag and found his phone before entering the ambulance behind Faifa.

Then watched as the medics did their job, as Wine sat beside Faifa uselessly just holding his hand tightly.

Once arriving at the hospital, he was separated from Faifa and realised he’d have to make the difficult phone call.

Finding Newt’s number, he took a deep breathe and pressed dial.

The phone rang.

“Hello, is this Faifa's brother Newt?” he said just to make sure it was right Newt. it’d just be his luck it wouldn’t be.

“Yeah.” says a cautious voice at the other end.

“My name is Wine, I'm a friend of your brothers. Faifa was taken to hospital and I didn’t know who else to contact. He had an allergic reaction, he’s stable now but the doctor wants to talk to someone but Faifa is refusing to let them contact his next of kin”

Hearing rustling on the other side, Wine realised he made the right call contacting Newt. He just hopes Faifa forgives him for going against his wishes.

‘I don’t know, I found him by the cafe near school. He didn’t look well and was struggling to breathe so I had to phone for an ambulance” his voice rising with tension as the situation hits him.

Then, a sharp “Where?” came in response.

Wine told him. He felt awkward, telling Newt. Like he was a stranger crashing into family business.

But Newt’s tone changed, softened slightly. “Thanks. I’m coming.”

Wine found himself sitting on a cold plastic hospital bench fifteen minutes later, feeling like an imposter. He wasn't family. Not even really a friend. Just a boy who noticed things. A boy who listened. A boy who cared. A boy who was going to stay. He would care for Faifa, until Faifa was able to care for himself. The way he deserves.

They said Faifa was stable, but under observation. That he could sit with Faifa but that was all they could tell him.

When Wine finally peeked into the hospital room, Faifa was awake but pale. He looked away when he saw him.

“You shouldn’t have called him,” he mumbled.

Wine frowned. “You could’ve died.”

“That’s fine.”

“No, it’s not,” Wine snapped, surprising them both. “You don’t get to just fade out. Not like that.”

Faifal looked up, tired and small. “Why do you care?”

“Because,” Wine said, stepping closer. “Someone has to. And you don’t. Not enough.”

 

That silence again. Tense. Real.

Then a whisper. “I didn’t want you to see me like that. I didn’t want anyone to.”

“Well, too bad,” Wine said, softer this time. “You’ve got people who’d rather see you at your worst than not at all.”

Faisal blinked. His hands trembled slightly. “You stayed?”

Wine nodded.

He wasn’t going anywhere.

Not this time.

Chapter 5

The hospital room was too white, too sterile, and far too quiet for comfort. Machines beeped softly in the background, marking Faifa’s heartbeat and oxygen levels, but none of them could soothe the storm swirling in Yotha’s chest. He sat at the edge of the hospital bed, brushing his thumb gently over his little brother’s pale fingers. Beside him, Newt leaned against the wall, arms crossed tightly over his chest, jaw locked in barely contained fury.

Faifa lay between them, weak, flushed, his breathing shallow but steady now. A reaction like this... it wasn’t just a scare. It was a wake-up call.

Their mother had left in a hurry when she realised she wouldn’t be getting any sympathy from the rest of the occupants of the hospital room.

“I didn’t mean to—” she had whispered.

Yotha stood up suddenly, unable to contain it anymore. “You forgot he’s allergic to dairy? You forgot your own son could die from it?”

Newt didn’t move from his place against the wall, but his voice came out low and sharp. “We’ve reminded you a hundred times. He carries an EpiPen. We told you to read labels. This wasn’t a mistake. It was neglect.”

Tears streamed down their mother’s cheeks, but neither of them could comfort her. Not now. Not with Faifa lying unconscious in that hospital bed just meters away, recovering from anaphylactic shock.

If that was the last time the brothers saw or spoke to, they would be fine with that.

As the afternoon times the night the hospital room dimmed into a muted blue as late night crept in. Faifa had stirred only once, murmuring Yotha’s name before drifting back into a feverish sleep. Gun, Yotha’s boyfriend, had gone and came back with food no one touched, and now sat on the sofa, holding Yotha’s hand tightly.

Wine, Faifa’s overprotective best friend, hadn’t left the bedside since he arrived. He had moved only to help nurses adjust Faifa’s pillows, his brows furrowed with helpless anxiety. Every now and then he’d whisper something to Faifa, a soft promise that he’d be okay, that he was safe now.

The door creaked open and the doctor stepped in, clipboard in hand. He looked tired, but there was a gravity in his voice that made everyone sit straighter.

“I’ve gone over Faifa’s labs and reactions. He’s stabilised, but the response to the allergen was much worse than last time. His throat swelled almost completely shut.”
Yotha swallowed hard. Gun squeezed his hand. Newt swore. Wine’s face lost the little colour it had.

“He needs to stay another night. For monitoring. We can’t take any chances,” the doctor continued. “And going forward, dairy is completely off-limits. No exceptions.”
Newt stood now, moving beside Yotha.

“He must carry his EpiPen at all times,” the doctor said firmly, glancing between the brothers, then at Wine. “And you—you're with him a lot?”

Wine nodded wordlessly.

“Good. Because next time…” the doctor hesitated, then said it plainly. “Next time, you might not be so lucky. Maybe you should all invest in epi pens as well. Sometimes one dose isn’t enough”.

As morning broke and the hustle and bustle of the hospital started Faifa was still weak but awake, sipping water slowly while Wine fussed over adjusting his blanket. Yotha watched quietly from the corner of the room, arms folded, eyes heavy from a sleepless night.

Newt joined him, holding two cups of hospital coffee. He handed one over.

Yotha didn’t take it. “We almost lost him.”

“I know.”

“Because she forgot. Who forgets something like that?” His voice cracked.

Newt’s jaw clenched again. “It’s not just forgetting. It’s not caring enough to remember. We’ve reminded her so many times, Yo. This… this wasn’t the first close call.”
“But it’s going to be the last,” Yotha said, eyes hard. “We’re not letting this happen again. We’re keeping him with us more. We’re setting boundaries.”

“She doesn’t get to be alone with him anymore,” Newt said flatly. “Not until she proves she can be trusted. This isn’t about her feelings. This is about Faifa’s life.”

They both looked over at their baby brother, lying small and fragile in a too-big bed. Faifa had never looked so small.

Yotha nodded, determination hardening in his chest. “We protect him. From now on, whatever it takes. We make sure he’s safe.”

Newt nodded. “No more chances.”

They clinked their coffee cups together silently, a quiet pact between brothers forged through fear, love, and the will to never let their family fail again.

Chapter 6

The sky was turning slightly darker the Tuesday Faifa met his mum for coffee near his college. It had been her idea, one of those texts that came unprompted “Coffee near campus? Xx" and although his stomach twisted with hesitation, he'd said yes.

They hadn’t seen each other in months, and it had been even longer since they’d had a conversation that didn’t end with the conversation turning to be about one of his other siblings. Never fully about Faifa. But she was trying, apparently. And Faifa was always the kind of person who said yes when he should probably say no.

He spotted her through the café window, already at the counter, sunglasses perched on her head like a shield. Her smile tightened when she saw him, like she was still remembering how to do it.

“Hi, baby,” she said, reaching for a hug that was more air than arms. “You look tired. Are you eating?”

He didn’t answer, just pointed at the drinks menu. “I’ll order for myself. I’m gonna get an iced oat latte.”

She waved him off. “No, no. Let me. My treat. Go find a table. Outside?”

Faifa hesitated, anxiety flickering behind his eyes. “Mum,” he said carefully, “don’t forget I’m allergic to dairy. Like, actually. Like ambulance-level allergic.”

“I know, Faifa,” she said with a roll of her eyes, already fishing for her purse. “I’m your mother. I gave birth to you, remember?”

That phrase always made him cringe. He nodded slowly, then added, “Just... don’t mix them up.”

She didn’t even respond this time, just gave him that ‘please, you don’t need to lecture me about your own body’ look and turned toward the barista.

Faifa picked a table in the corner of the outdoor seating area, half in the sun, half in the shade. It was too bright, too exposed, but he wanted to be near the street, just in case he needed a minute to breathe.

Ten minutes passed. He scrolled through nothing on his phone, fighting the churn in his chest. When she finally emerged, two plastic cups in hand, he stood up quickly.

“Which one’s mine?” he asked, peering at the nearly identical drinks.

She held one out. “This one.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure, Faifa,” she said with a laugh that was already annoyed. “Trust me.”

He did.

He shouldn’t have.

The first sip was fine, cool, a little sweet, maybe even too sweet. But he ignored it. The second sip burned. Not from heat, but from recognition. His throat tightened instantly, not metaphorically, not in the poetic sense but literally. Muscles constricted. Skin tingled. Breathing became a conscious act.

“Mum,” he croaked, standing suddenly, clutching his chest. “Mum, I think you gave me the wrong”

But she was already fussing with her napkin, staring at the cups like they were coded language she’d misread.

“Oh God,” she whispered. “Oh no. Faifa. I, I thought”

He didn’t hear the rest. His vision was narrowing, sounds warping. He knocked over his chair backing up, stumbling away from the table. Eyes on the pavement. He couldn’t throw up here, couldn’t collapse in front of the café, couldn’t be seen.

His legs carried him just far enough to the bench beside the building, hidden behind a trash bin where hopefully no one would notice. He dropped to the wall nearby, fingers clawing at his throat as if that might help. Sweat poured down his back. His pulse was screaming in his ears.

Panic exploded in every nerve, not just from the allergy, but from shame. He’d known better. He’d reminded her. He should’ve ordered for himself. What kind of idiot trusts someone who’s forgotten so many times before?

He heard footsteps, distant and quick, and his mother calling his name and then silence. She didn’t follow. She walked away.

Abandoned.

Again.

A small group gathered. Someone shouted for help. Hands reached for him—too many hands and Faifa flinched, turning his face away.

“Please don’t” he tried to say. “Don’t make a scene. Please go”

But they didn’t. One person knelt beside him, calm but insistent, calling for an ambulance on speakerphone. Faifa felt himself fighting the help even as he leaned into it, resenting the eyes, the attention, the need.

He didn’t want to need anyone.

He especially didn’t want him to see.

Then, through the blur of pain and panic, a figure appeared. Slim build, white shiirt, hair falling perfectly into his face.
Wine.

Faifa wanted to scream.

Not him.

Anyone but him.

Wine crouched down, his voice soft and serious. “Hey. Faifa. Hey, it’s okay. I’ve got you. You’re alright.”

Faifa tried to speak, but only managed a rasp, “Don’t let them... don’t let them see me like this.”

Wine nodded, instantly understanding. He angled his body to shield Faifa from view, one arm reaching to support him, the other waving the gawkers back.
Faifa’s chest hurt so badly. His vision was dimming.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’m so stupid. I should’ve known”

“Stop,” Wine said gently but firmly. “You’re not stupid. You’re sick. Just stay with me, okay?”

Faifa clung to the words like a lifeline. His mother was gone. His pride was gone. His body was failing.

But Wine was there.

And in the swirl of shame and terror, some small part of him still burned red but not from the allergy, but from embarrassment—that this was how it had to happen. That the person he liked, maybe even loved a little, was seeing him at his very worst.

Not charming. Not clever. Not cool. Just: choking, helpless, needing.

And yet seen.

Then Faifa’s eyes closed, his last view is of Wine’s worried face.

Chapter 7

Faifa blinked his eyes open slowly, groggy and disoriented. His head felt like it was filled with cotton, and his throat ached as though he’d been screaming for hours. The sterile scent of the hospital flooded his senses, and he frowned, trying to remember how he got here. The last thing he remembered was being with his mum at the cafe, and seeing her walk away after mixing up their drinks.

He remembers Wine’s face, and then the world going black.

"Hey, you're awake," a familiar voice said.

Faifa turned his head. His two older brothers, Newt and Yotha, were sitting beside his bed. He blinked again, rubbing his eyes in disbelief. "What…? What happened?"

Newt, his oldest brother by a few years gave him a crooked smile. "You had a bit of an allergic reaction. Dairy, remember?"

"Uh…" Faifa tried to focus. "Oh… right." He immediately felt his face flush with embarrassment. "I can't believe I'm in the hospital," he muttered, glancing down at the hospital gown that felt way too flimsy for his liking. "This is so… embarrassing."

Yotha, his older Irish twin, the more serious of the two, reached out and patted his arm. "Don't be embarrassed, Faifa. It's just a reaction. Nothing serious." He softened his voice, looking at Faifa with an earnestness that made the younger brother feel both relieved and a bit awkward. "We're just glad you're okay."

Faifa looked between the two of them. Newt was sitting with his arms crossed, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, while Yotha was leaning forward, watching Faifa with concern.

"Yeah, well, you don’t exactly look like you’ve had the most dignified trip to the hospital, do you?" Faifa muttered under his breath. He hated that his brothers were seeing him like this vulnerable, weak, and completely out of control of his body.

Newt chuckled. "You should’ve seen yourself, little bro. You looked like a fish out of water when we got you here." He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his own teasing. But there was no real malice in his tone, just a brotherly kind of affection.

Faifa groaned and buried his face in his hands. "This is the worst."

Yotha, seeing his brother's discomfort, reached over to give Faifa a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "Hey, look, we’re all good now. You’re safe, you’re alive. That’s what matters. Don’t worry about what happened. Just focus on getting better, alright?"

Faifa nodded, though he still felt a little uneasy about the whole situation. But then, he felt a warm pressure on his hand, and when he looked up, he saw Wine sitting by the bed, his soft, dark eyes focused on him with an almost fierce protectiveness.

Wine was the one person Faifa never expected to be here, sitting quietly beside him in the dim hospital room. But there he was, holding Faifa’s hand, his fingers gentle but firm.

His presence made Faifa’s heart flutter in a way that was impossible to ignore. He’d had a crush on Wine for as long as he could remember, though he'd never had the guts to tell him. Wine had always been there for him, offering support in his own quiet, steady way, but Faifa had never imagined Wine would be here tonight, sitting next to his hospital bed, watching over him like this.

"Wine…" Faifa said, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn’t help the blush creeping up his neck.

Wine gave him a reassuring smile, his thumb lightly brushing over Faifa’s knuckles. "You scared me, Faifa," he said softly. "But you’re going to be okay."

Faifa looked away, trying to hide the warmth spreading across his face. His brothers seemed to notice the shift immediately.

"So, uh…" Newt said, nudging Yotha with his elbow. "I guess Wine’s got your back, huh?"

Yotha grinned knowingly. "Seems like it," he said, his voice low and teasing. "I mean, look at him. He’s practically hovering over you."

Faifa’s face went from pink to bright red. "Shut up," he mumbled, embarrassed beyond belief.

Newt leaned forward and waggled his eyebrows at him. "Bro, you don’t even have to say it. We can see it."

Yotha laughed, his tone light and teasing. "Seriously, Faifa. We get it. Wine’s basically glued to you. Don’t worry, we’re not gonna tease you about it."

Faifa groaned, wanting to disappear. He could feel the heat of his blush creeping down his neck. But when he looked at Wine, his heart skipped a beat. Wine had just been quietly holding his hand, not saying a word, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. It was as if nothing else mattered except that Faifa was okay. That made his embarrassment melt away, even if just for a moment.

Newt, noticing the look between the two, gave Faifa a soft punch in the arm. "You know, Wine’s actually been here the whole night. Not sure if he ever went home, but he’s been holding your hand for a while. That's dedication."

Faifa blinked, surprised. "Wait, seriously?"

Yotha nodded. "Yeah. You were out for a while, and Wine never left your side."

That thought made Faifa’s heart beat even faster, but he couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through him. He turned to Wine again. "Thanks," he whispered, unsure of what else to say. It felt like such a small thing, but somehow, it meant the world.

Wine just gave him a gentle squeeze. "You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad you’re okay."

Faifa smiled, feeling both comforted and embarrassed in equal measure. Then, a thought hit him. "Wait, you guys aren’t seriously gonna let me off the hook that easily, are you?" He gave them a pointed look. "I mean, you know, the way you’ve been treating me for the past few years? Always acting like I’m the little brother who can’t do anything right?"

Yotha and Newt exchanged a glance. Both of them looked guilty.

"We should’ve done better, Faifa," Yotha said, his voice sincere. "We didn’t mean to make you feel small or weak. We were just being… stupid." He shrugged, his usual cool demeanor slipping. "We want to protect you, Faifa. You’re our little brother. We’ve been kind of hard on you."

Newt nodded. "Yeah, we’ve got your back from now on. We’ll stop with the teasing, and we’ll be more supportive. We’re sorry, man."

Faifa felt a lump form in his throat. He hadn’t expected them to apologize, especially not after all these years. He swallowed hard. "You don’t have to apologize. I know you’re just looking out for me."

"We should’ve done better," Newt insisted, his voice more serious than Faifa was used to hearing. "You’re strong, Faifa. You’re a lot stronger than we give you credit for. We’re sorry."

Faifa felt a strange warmth spread through him one that wasn’t just from the hospital blankets. For the first time, he felt like his brothers really saw him.
And then, as if to break the heavy moment, Newt added with a grin, "Besides, now you’ve got Wine looking out for you. Who needs us?"

Faifa turned even redder, the words causing him to stumble. "I—uh—I don’t—"

Yotha rolled his eyes, but there was a twinkle of amusement in his gaze. "Relax, Faifa. Just accept the fact that Wine’s got your back. We’ll back off and let him handle the serious stuff. We’ll be here for the… less serious stuff."

Faifa couldn’t stop the small laugh that bubbled up from his chest. His brothers were ridiculous, but for the first time in a long time, he realized how much they cared. And with Wine by his side, holding his hand, Faifa felt like maybe he could get through anything.

As they all sat in the quiet of the hospital room, the bond between them felt a little stronger, a little more unbreakable.

And Faifa, despite his embarrassment, couldn’t help but feel incredibly hopeful.

Everything else can wait for now.

Chapter 8

Faifa adjusted himself in the sterile hospital bed, the sterile, white sheets crinkling under him as the light from the hallway flickered against the walls. It had been 24 hours since the allergic reaction that nearly took him out. Dairy. Well dairy and his mother's negligence. This had been the worst reaction of his life. Swelling, difficulty breathing, and panic had sent him straight to the ER, where his brothers, Newt and Yotha, and Yotha’s boyfriend, Gun had stayed by his side, offering comfort and making sure he didn’t feel so alone.

But how could he feel alone when Wine had found, and protected him at one of the most vulnerable moments of his life.

Now, as the nurse handed him his discharge papers, Faifa could finally breathe a little easier. The swelling had gone down, and they’d assured him the worst was over. He still needed to carry around two epi pens just in case, and the doctor had drilled into his head how dangerous his allergies could be if left unchecked.

“Alright,” the nurse said with a smile, “remember, no dairy. And take care of yourself, Faifa. We don't want to see you back here anytime soon.”

Faifa smiled weakly as he swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling the warmth of his brothers' eyes on him. Newt, his oldest brother, was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his usual calm face making him seem like everything was under control. Yotha was sitting in the chair next to the bed, looking over a book, but he still watched Faifa with a protective gaze.

Gun, Yotha’s boyfriend, stood near the window, his arms folded, but there was an obvious concern in his eyes that Faifa appreciated. Even though Gun could sometimes be sarcastic, there was always a soft spot for Faifa in the way he spoke, a tenderness that Faifa had grown fond of.

Wine was still unmoved from the chair watching every slight move and wince Faifa made.

“Alright,” Faifa began as he reached for his clothes on the chair, “let’s get out of here. I’m starving. I don’t want to stay in the hospital a second longer.”

He grabbed his shirt but then paused. His hand froze. “Wait… where are my keys?”

Once fully dressed he realises he has his phone, but no keys.

His heart sank. "Shit," he muttered under his breath.

"What's wrong?" Yotha asked from the doorway, leaning in casually, his arms folded across his chest.

"My keys. I can't find them."

Newt, glanced up. "You’re not going home, Faifa. The doctor says you can only be released if you are released into someone’s custody."

Faifa’s stomach churned with unease. "What do you mean? I need to get home. I’m fine now. The doc just gave me some epi pens and”

"No." Yotha’s tone softened but remained firm. "You’re coming with us."

Faifa frowned, frustration brewing in his chest. "No. Seriously, I can go home. I don’t need"

"Yes, you do," Newt cut in, his voice like a heavy stone. "Dad wants to see you. He’s been calling nonstop since you’ve been here. We promised him you’d come straight to his house."

Faifa’s throat tightened. His dad... that was a whole different conversation. Their relationship wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy, but he hadn’t expected his brothers to suddenly make him visit after he’d almost died. "I—no. I’m fine. Just take me home. I’ll be careful. I swear."

“But”

Wine stepped forward, cutting Faifa off before he could protest further. His hands were warm as they gently cupped Faifa’s face, guiding him to look up. The gentle touch caught Faifa off guard, his heart skipping a beat.

"Faifa," Wine said softly but firmly, "stop being so stubborn. You're going to your Dad’s, whether you like it or not." His thumb brushed against Faifa's cheek, a rare act of affection that made Faifa’s stomach flip. “It’s for your own good. And don’t think you’re getting out of it this time. You’re not the only one who’s worried about you. We all want you safe. I want you safe”

Faifa blinked, feeling the weight of the moment.

He can’t tell if his skin is still tingled from the adrenaline of the epinephrine shot,or Wine’s tenderness.

The steady beeping of the still attached heart monitor gave him away as it skipped a neat with Wine’s gentleness.

As he shuffles to the end of the bed to redress, Wine steps away as both of his brothers step forward as he winces. In a haze, Faifa remembered how, for the past twenty-four hours, his two brothers, Newt and Yotha, had hardly left his side. Their faces had been a constant presence, their voices reassuring him even when he was drifting in and out of consciousness. They’d been there when he couldn’t breathe, when he was too terrified to move, and when he finally woke up in a sterile hospital room with only an idea what had just happened.

As the nurse came in to disconnect the rest of the equipment Newt was a rock, standing tall and silently brooding by his side, always ready to make sure he was okay, while Yotha kept cracking jokes to lighten the mood, teasing him gently.

Just as Faifa thinks about trying to go to his own apartment again, Wine must sees something on his face and steps forward again and makes sure he gets eye contact with Faifa
"You’re going to your dad’s place, Faifa. We’re not arguing about it." His voice wasn’t harsh, but it had a quiet authority Faifa couldn’t ignore. "You’re stubborn, but you’ll listen to me on this one."

Faifa tried to pull away slightly, shaking his head. "I just want to go home, Wine."

"Home will still be there." Wine’s thumb traced over Faifa’s pulse point for a moment, as though trying to calm him. "You’re going to your Dad’s. You’re getting some fresh clothes, a hot shower and you’re getting better. You need someone to keep an eye on you."

Gun nodded from the doorway, looking amused yet still serious. "And besides, Wine and I are gonna grab some stuff for you. You’ve got an overnight bag to pack, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this."

Faifa’s brow furrowed. "What do you mean ‘miss this’? I don’t want to go to Dad’s."

"Well, you don't have a choice, kid," Newt said bluntly, standing up and making his way to the door. "We promised to protect you, and we’re not letting you out of our sight. That means we’re staying together, all of us."

"But"

Wine cut him off, this time with a smile that softened the tension. "You best behave, Faifa. No complaints. We’ll talk later when we get to your Dad’s. Just… trust me on this one."

Faifa stared at Wine, his feelings conflicted. He wasn’t sure if he was more annoyed at the fact that they were making him go to his dad’s or the fact that Wine had that gentle but unyielding grip on him, making him feel like a kid again. But as he looked at Wine’s steady expression, his shoulders finally slumped in resignation.

"Fine," Faifa muttered. "But this doesn’t mean I’m staying there for long."

Wine laughed softly, letting go of his face. "We’ll see, Faifa."

Yotha leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "If you complain too much, you’re gonna make us all miserable. So maybe just… chill for a bit. You need to get better, anyway."

Faifa sighed, the weight of the situation sinking in. "Fine," he repeated. "But I swear, if I end up on a family bonding retreat, I’ll... I’ll"

"You’ll thank us later," Newt interrupted, shooting him a half-smile. "Now, let’s get you out of here, and to Dad’s. I don’t think anyone’s waiting for you at your place anyway."
Faifa knew his brothers meant well, but the last thing he wanted was to be dragged around like some fragile kid. Still, as they walked out of the hospital room, with Wine’s hand resting lightly on his shoulder, he couldn’t bring himself to argue any longer.

There was something in the way Wine looked at him, something that felt like it had the power to pull him back together. Faifa wasn’t sure if he was ready for whatever was waiting at Dad’s house, but if he was certain of one thing, it was that his brothers weren’t letting him go, and Wine... well, Wine wasn’t going to let him forget it.

Chapter 9

Newt's fingers hovered over the phone, his heart hammering in his chest. His throat was dry as he tapped his father’s number, each ring slicing through the quiet of the hospital waiting room. He glanced over at Yotha, who was sitting stiffly beside him, his eyes not meeting his, staring into the sterile hospital hall. Faifa, their younger brother, had been in and out of consciousness since the doctor had been and gone.

"Come on, Dad," Newt muttered under his breath, his voice breaking as the call continued to ring.

Finally, his father answered, a sharpness in his voice that was already on edge.

“What’s going on, Newt?” His dad's voice cracked with a blend of anxiety and annoyance. “Why are you calling me so late?”

Newt swallowed hard. “Dad, it’s Faifa. he’s in the hospital. Mom gave him dairy, and he had a severe allergic reaction.”

There was a beat of silence, then a string of curses that Newt had never heard his father say before, and the sharp intake of breath that followed. Newt could practically hear his father’s mind racing.

“Is he?” his dad started, but Newt cut him off.

“He’s okay, Dad. But it was really bad. They’re, they’re keeping him for observation. He’s stable now.” Newt's voice wavered, but he steadied himself, feeling a pressure build in his chest. “I’m here with Yotha, and he’s still out of it. We just wanted to let you know.”

More silence. Then his dad’s voice, strained and tight, came through the line. “That, she forgot,again. I told her to stop being so careless with him. How many times, Newt? How many times?”

Newt closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. He had no answers for that. Their mother had never been careful, always flippant when it came to Faifa’s allergies. They’d all said it before, and yet this had happened again.

“I know, Dad. But look, Faifa’s safe now,” Newt said, his voice rising. “We don’t need you coming here. Stay home, okay? Get the house ready for when we bring him back. We’ll have Yotha’s boyfriend and Faifa’s friend with us too.”

There was a brief pause. “His friend?” Their dad sounded confused.

“Yeah, his friend from school. Faifa really wants him there. And” Newt paused, rubbing his temples, the weight of everything pulling at him. “Please, Dad. Let us handle things here.”

“Fine,” his father said, but his voice was clipped. “You better take care of him, Newt. And make sure that boy's friend isn’t causing any trouble. I don’t care who he is.”

Newt glanced at Yotha, who had already been looking at him. He nodded, trying to reassure her. “We will, Dad. Just… promise us you’ll stay home and get everything ready for when we bring him back, alright? It’s better for Faifa to come back to a calm house.”

“I’m not letting that woman off the hook for this. Don’t think I won’t have words with her when I see her next.” Their dad’s voice softened, but there was still the same anger, thick with unresolved frustration. “You two make sure you’re watching out for Faifa. And you better promise me you’ll look after him. And look after each other”

Newt took a deep breath. “We will. I promise. We’ll take care of him.”

With that, the call ended, leaving a silence that felt louder than before. Newt lowered his phone and met Yotha’s eyes. There was fear in his gaze, that fear that hadn’t been there before. Fear that had settled deep in his chest after the call.

“You okay?” Newt asked quietly, leaning closer.

He looked at him, her eyes glassy. “I… I’m just scared, Newt. We almost lost him, you know? He was so out of it. I, I don’t know what I would’ve done if” His voice trailed off, and Newt could see that his thoughts were taking him somewhere dark.

Without a word, Newt pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly, trying to share his strength, though he was shaking inside himself.

“I know, Yotha. I know,” he whispered. “He’s gonna be fine, okay? He’s strong.”

Yotha’s hands gripped his shirt as if he might fall apart without him holding him. “I hate Mum sometimes,” he muttered into his shoulder “I hate Faifa won’t. He won’t hold this against her”

“I know you do,” Newt said, brushing a hand through his hair. “We’ll do better. A buddy system. He is no longer allowed to meet mum on his own or accept ANY food or drink from her”

They stayed like that for a long moment, just letting the emotions settle, before Newt pulled away. “We need to focus on Faifa,” he said, his voice steady now. “We’ll get through this, I promise.”

Yotha nodded, wiping his eyes. “Yeah, okay.”

Later that evening, Newt dialed his dad’s number again, his hands still trembling slightly from the stress of the day.

“Dad? I’ve got an idea,” Newt said when his father answered. “To cheer everyone up, once Faifa’s feeling better… how about we surprise him with a welcome home surprise?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. “A surprise?” his dad asked, sounding dubious. “After all this?”

“Yeah,” Newt said, trying to sound convincing. “Just something small, y’know? It’ll help him feel better when he gets home. I’m thinking, like, a pizza night—dairy free, of course. Faifa loves pizza. We could get his favorite toppings, and some ice cream. Dairy-free, of course. It’ll make him feel normal again. Make everything in the house dairy free. A safe space where he doesn’t have to feel anxious. He already feels ashamed he’s been admitted into the hospital”

There was a soft chuckle from the other end of the line. “Dairy-free pizza and ice cream, huh?” their dad mused, his tone shifting slightly. “I suppose that’d work. Alright. You got it. But make sure you’re not giving him too much excitement too soon. You better promise me you’re not overdoing it. He needs rest”

“We won’t, Dad,” Newt said, smiling at Yotha, who was watching him. “We’ll make sure Faifa doesn’t push himself. But it’ll be good for him.”

Their dad sighed, the tension in his voice easing. “Alright, I’ll hold you to it. I’ll get started, i’ll triple check everything. You boys call me the minute you need me, or anything. Okay? No pretending you’re too tough for it. Give Yotha and Faifa a hug for me”

Newt chuckled. “Got it, Dad. I’ll take care of them”.

And with that, they ended the call. Newt turned to Yotha, his mind already racing with plans for the surprise. “It’s gonna be okay,” he said to him “We’ll make Faifa’s recovery feel like something to look forward to. He’s gonna love it.”

Yotha smiled faintly, the first real smile he’d seen from him all day. “Yeah. He deserves it.”

As they sat together in the sterile hospital room, Newt felt the weight of the day settle, but with a small spark of hope kindling in his chest. They would get through this, and they’d do it together.

Chapter 10

Newt’s hands gripped the steering wheel, the road stretching out before them. The air in the car was thick with tension,Faifa had been quiet for a long while, but now, as they neared the exit for their dad’s place, he started up again.

"I can’t believe you dragged me out of the hospital straight to dads, Why can’t I go home again?” Faifa grumbled from the back seat. “I’m fine! I just need to rest a little, maybe take a nap, and then I’ll be good as new. No reason to make a big deal about it."

Yotha, sitting next to Newt in the front seat, rolled his eyes, though there was a protective edge to his expression. “You nearly died from an allergic reaction, Faifa. It is a big deal.”

“Yeah, but you guys are acting like I can’t survive a few hours without someone hovering over me,” Faifa muttered, crossing his arms and leaning against the window.

Newt shot a glance at him. “Dad’s just worried, Faifa. We all are.” He sighed, but his voice softened. “We’re just trying to make sure you’re okay, kid.”

Faifa didn’t respond, but the uncomfortable silence lingered until they rounded the last corner and saw their dad standing outside, looking up at the car as they pulled in. His dad had a presence that always seemed to fill up a room, and now, despite the slight weariness in his eyes, he looked like a weight had been lifted just by seeing them.

Before Newt could even park, their dad was already crossing the yard to meet them, his pace quickening as he saw Faifa in the backseat. When the car finally stopped, their dad threw open the door with a burst of energy, pulling Faifa into a tight, bone-crushing hug.

“Kid, I’m so glad you’re alright,” their dad murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Faifa blinked, his usual defiance melting away for a moment. He wasn’t used to this kind of warmth. He stiffened, but after a beat, he let himself relax a little, too tired to keep up the act.

Before Faifa could respond, their dad pulled Yotha and Newt into the embrace, wrapping them all together in a tangled, heartfelt hug. The three brothers exchanged a look, then relaxed into the warmth of their father’s arms.

"I was so scared when I heard, Faifa. You’ve got to stop putting us through this, you hear?" Their dad pulled back slightly, keeping his hands on Faifa’s shoulders. "I’m just so glad you’re safe."

Faifa sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. "I’m fine, Dad, really. Stop acting like I’m gonna keel over any minute."

Their dad chuckled, his voice laced with both relief and fondness. "You nearly did, kid. Don’t make me have to remind you how close that was."

“Alright, alright,” Faifa grumbled. “I get it, you’re all worried. I’m not dead, though. I’m just a little tired.”

Their dad nodded. "I’m not leaving you alone after all this. You’ve been through too much. Yotha, Newt go shower, change. You two need some rest, too."

The two older brothers nodded, but Newt hesitated for just a moment. "Dad, are you sure you’ll be okay with him?"

Their dad gave him a reassuring smile. "I’m fine. Go. Take a break."

Yotha clapped Newt on the back and nodded towards the house. “We’ll be quick. Just let him catch his breath, and we’ll be back.”

As the two walked inside the house, their dad sat down beside Faifa on the porch steps, his face turning serious. "Hey, kid, come here."

Faifa looked up at him, meeting his eyes for the first time in a while. "What’s up, Dad?"

Their dad's face softened, but there was pain in his gaze. "I’ve been thinking. One of my biggest regrets is letting you go live with your mom all those years ago. It was a mistake, Faifa. You and your brothers should never have been separated."

Faifa shifted uncomfortably, but his dad continued, his voice raw with emotion.

"You know I love you just as much as I love Yotha and Newt. Losing you, losing any of you, is one of the worst things I could imagine." He paused, his eyes clouded with the weight of those words.

"I want to ask you something, though. How many times did your mom forget about your allergy? How often did she forget about that when you were with her?"

Faifa bit his lip, his gaze dropping to the ground. "It doesn’t really matter. But. it was easier to just avoid dairy, you know? I didn’t really see her much after she met her new husband and had the younger kids, she was busy”

Their dad’s eyes hardened. "She never should’ve treated you like that, Faifa. I don’t want you seeing her for a while, not while you’re recovering. You deserve better than that."

Faifa raised his head, surprised by the sharpness in his dad’s tone. “Dad, it’s fine, really. You know she stays here when she's in the country”

Their dad shook his head, his face softening again. "Just focus on getting better. She won’t be staying here for a while, if not again" He pulled Faifa into another hug, squeezing him tightly. "I love you, Faifa. Always remember that."

Faifa froze for a second, then let himself relax into the embrace. "I love you, too, Dad."

As they pulled back, Faifa huffed, clearly ready to complain again. "I really don’t need to stay here, though. I’ve already missed a night of homework, a day of school and I’m going to be behind on exam prep if I’m not there soon."

Their dad raised an eyebrow. “You will be staying here, Faifa. I’ll contact your school and arrange medical time off. You’ve earned the rest.”

Faifa frowned. "But Yotha and Newt don’t need to stay. They’ll be behind on their stuff too, and Gun and Wine are going to miss college tomorrow if they come here, too."

His dad crossed his arms. "They want to stay. And you’re not going to push them away when they’re just trying to help. I’m telling you, Faifa, you have a family who loves you, and we want to be here. Let us help."

Yotha came back outside with Newt just in time to hear that. “Dad’s right, you know. You don’t get to do everything on your own.”

Newt nodded. “Seriously, stop being so stubborn. We all want to help, Faifa.”

Yotha chimed in “plus, Wine’s already packed a bag for you. They’ll be here shortly”

Faifa glared at them, but his blush was unmistakable. "I don’t need anyone’s help. I’ll be fine by myself."

Their dad laughed lightly, a teasing grin on his face. "Who’s Wine?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Faifa’s face turned a deep shade of red, and Yotha smirked, elbowing Newt in the side.

“Who’s Wine?” Newt asked innocently, his grin growing as he leaned closer to Faifa. “Just the guy who got Faifa to actually listen when he’s being stubborn. And let us know Faifw was in the hospital as he wouldn’t tell us otherwise. Seems like a good kid did. Cares about Faifa”

Faifa groaned and hid his face in his hands. “Oh, God, I hate you guys.”

"Aw, come on, kid," their dad teased, ruffling Faifa’s hair. "I’m sure Wine’s a nice guy. You can introduce me when he gets here”

Faifa crossed his arms and shot a glare at Newt and Yotha, but despite himself, he couldn’t hide the smile tugging at his lips.

"Shut up," he muttered, the teasing laughter of his brothers filling the air as the warmth of family settled around them.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Faifa felt a little lighter.

Chapter 11

Wine stood at the dorm room door, his hand hovering over the knob. It had been a long couple of days, his shoulders heavy with things unspoken, thoughts swirling like the dust in the air but he knew what he had to do. Another couple of hours and he’ll be back with Faifa. Just a couple of hours to shower and grab stuff he knows Faifa will want with him.

Gun stood behind him, a silent presence as always, his steady breath the only thing breaking the otherwise still dorm room.

Quickly grabbing a shower, his books and an overnight bag he turns to Gun with a brave face “Alright, lets go” as Wine is in and out of his dorm room in less than 20 minutes, writing a quick note for his roommate and friends that he will be with Faifa and he’ll text them later.

Gun gave him a nod, though the tension in his jaw was unmistakable. He knew something was off. He knew when something was off with Winenas soon as he saw him in the hospital room. But Gun wasn’t about to ask. Not yet. Not after his last 24 hours.

They made their way out of the dorm and to Gun and Yotha’s apartment, the hallway lights flickering overhead. They both walked with a quiet urgency, pace quick, but measured.

When they reached the apartment, Gun quickly peeled off his jacket and tossed it on the bed, heading straight for the shower. He was back within ten minutes, towels draped over his shoulder and his hair damp from the water.

“I’ll just grab mine and Yotha’s stuff,” Gun said, looking over at Wine as he slipped on a fresh shirt. Gun gave a brief smile, pulling his own bag from the closet and heading for the bathroom.

While Gun showered, Wine busied himself with making a list of everything Faifa will want. He’ll be stubborn about staying with his dad and brothers so he needs to make sure Faifa can’t use wanting or needing something from his apartment as an excuse.

Gun stepped out of the shower, drying his hair, and threw a quick glance at Wine. “You alright?”

Wine didn’t answer at first. He was focused, almost lost in his own world. “Just... making a list to make sure we don’t forget anything.”

With a grunt, Gun nodded and grabbed his bag and Yotha’s as the two boys left the couples apartment.

The next stop: Faifa’s apartment.

The apartment was exactly how Faifa had left it before his hospitalization, neatly arranged, but a little cold, a little empty. Wine unlocked the door with a practiced swipe, stepping inside without hesitation. Gun followed, brows furrowed as he looked around. Faifa had always been a bit of a neat freak, but something about this place felt different now, emptier.

Wine didn’t waste a second. He moved as if he had lived here himself. First, he opened the windows to air out the place, then began rearranging the couch cushions with delicate care, his fingers grazing over the soft fabric as though it was the most important thing in the world.

Gun stood still for a moment, his confusion growing. Wine seemed to know exactly where everything was. He grabbed a pillow from Faifa’s bed and placed it gently in his arms as if it were some kind of sacred object. He moved like he was at home.

Then continued on grabbing Faifa’s overnight bag and started to open drawers without needing to search them beforehand. His hands moved with an unspoken familiarity, as if he had done this a hundred times before. Every movement was precise, practiced. He knew for certain where everything he needed would be without guessing.

“You... uh, you really know where everything is,” Gun finally remarked, his voice thick with uncertainty.

Wine didn’t look up. “Faifa... he likes things a certain way,” he murmured softly, his voice faltering. “I’m just making sure he feels comfortable when he gets back.”

Gun shifted uneasily, the weight of the unspoken things hanging in the air. “Right.”

It was then that Gun noticed how Wine’s hands trembled ever so slightly as he smoothed the blanket on the couch. There was something there, something deeper than just caring for a friend, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Wine placed the pillow by the front door, then stood still, staring at the empty space. His face, usually guarded, had softened, and Gun could see the weight in his eyes. It wasn’t just the apartment that was empty, it was Wine himself. The fear, the grief of seeing Faifa almost die, it hung heavy in the air, unspoken but undeniable.

Wine’s breath hitched. His chest tightened.

And then, without warning, his eyes welled up. He turned his back, quickly wiping his face, but Gun saw it. He saw the tears and the way Wine’s entire body seemed to collapse under the weight of it.

Gun stepped forward, unsure, his hand reaching out hesitantly before he pulled Wine into a hug. “Hey, it’s okay,” Gun whispered, his voice low, unsure of what else to say.

Wine didn’t answer. He just stood there in Gun’s arms, his breath ragged and unsteady, before his voice finally broke. “I’m sorry. I just, he just. He’s supposed to be here, we shouldn’t need to be doing this for him. I told him he had to be more careful”

Gun swallowed the lump in his throat, not sure what to say, but he could feel the pain radiating from Wine. He just held him tighter, offering whatever comfort he could.

After a long silence, Gun pulled back. “We’ll head out, yeah? We can see him, and you can lecture him again for making you worry”

Wine nodded, wiping his face quickly, slightly chuckling, “yeah... yeah, you’re right.” He stepped back and grabbed Faifa’s things, taking the bag to the door without letting Gun touch it and hugging Faifa’s pillow to his chest as he watches Gun shuts the windows, and lock the front door.

Gun texted his boyfriend, Faifa’s brother, letting him know what had happened as Wine walked down the corridor ahead of Gun, now that he knows the next stop is to see Faifa “Faifa and Wine know each other more than anyone realizes... Wine might need a hug when we get there from his peer mentor. He’s not okay.”

He hit send, pocketing the phone as he followed Wine out of the apartment building. The door clicked shut behind them, the silence of the place echoing in their wake.

The drive to the brothers dad’s house was quiet, the hum of the car’s engine the only sound between them. Gun didn’t say anything more; he knew Wine needed space.

When they arrived, Wine was the first to get out of the car. Gun followed close behind, but before they could even reach the door, Faifa’s brother came out to greet them. His expression was unreadable, but Gun saw the way his gaze immediately locked onto Wine.

Wine froze for a moment, as if the world had suddenly become too big for him to handle. But Faifa’s brother was there, offering a quiet, solid presence. Wordlessly, he reached out and enveloped Wine in a hug.

For the first time that day, Wine let himself break down completely. The tears came in waves, and Faifa’s brother didn’t say anything, he didn’t need to. Just the presence, the shared understanding, was enough as Yotha continued on to say to both Wine and Gun “Faifa’s going to be okay. He’s asleep right now, but we’ll help him”.

Gun stood to the side, his heart aching for his friend, knowing that sometimes, just being there was all anyone needed.

Chapter 12

The house was quiet except for the soft hum of the fridge and the low murmur of voices in the living room. Yotha, his older brother Newt, and their dad were gathered around the kitchen table, speaking in hushed tones as Faifa slept soundly on the sofa across the room. His face was pale, still recovering from the hospital stay, and the soft rise and fall of his chest was the only indication he was still alive in this moment of stillness.

The hospital had been a whirlwind, a blur of panic, confusion, and uncertainty. But now, at least, they had a semblance of control. The air smelled faintly of home and the warm glow from the lamps cast long shadows on the walls, making the house feel both too big and too small at the same time.

“So, the doctor said,” Yotha was saying, glancing over at Faifa as if checking to make sure he was still asleep, “that we all need epi-pens now. They’re going to be crucial, especially for Faifa, and he can’t risk any dairy anymore. Not even the smallest amount. We all need to be on the same page with this, Dad.”

Their dad, who was sitting at the head of the table with his broad, rough hands clasped in front of him, nodded slowly. His face was creased with worry, a deep furrow between his brows. The lines around his eyes, worn from years of hard work and difficult choices, deepened as he absorbed what Yotha was saying.

“I understand. I’ll make sure everything in this house is dairy-free from now on,” their dad said, his voice low and steady. “The dinner I made tonight, everything’s dairy-free. I’ve got it covered. I got all the things to make him a dairy free treats as well and the ice cream”

Yotha exchanged a glance with Newt, who nodded as if to say, He’s trying. The gesture was brief, but it spoke volumes. Their dad wasn’t perfect, and sometimes he fell short, especially when it came to Faifa, but Yotha could tell he was doing his best now. They were all trying their best now.

“Thanks, Dad,” Newt said quietly, his tone softer than usual. It had been a rough few days, and both of them were still processing the storm that had come crashing into their lives. The emergency room visits. The worry. Faifa almost... No. He couldn’t even think about it.

Their dad’s brow furrowed in the long silence, and for a moment, he looked confused. “How did you know he was admitted if he was with your mother? The hospital didn’t contact me”

“Faifa didn’t let them,” Newt replied, glancing at Yotha before continuing. “It was Wine. He’s the one who called me to let us know Faifa was in the hospital.” His voice was hesitant, almost apologetic. “Faifa didn’t want the hospital to contact you. He was embarrassed. He didn’t want to worry anyone so told them not to contact anyone”

The change in their dad’s expression was immediate. His face darkened, and his eyes narrowed. “What do you mean, ‘embarrassed’?” he snapped, his voice suddenly tight with anger. “I’m his father! He doesn’t get to hide this from me. If he needed help, he should’ve told me. Not some stranger!”

Yotha stood up straighter. “Dad, you don’t understand. Faifa is... Faifa’s always been like this. He pushes people away when he’s scared. It’s not just you. It’s everyone. You know he won’t do anything that will put other people out. You know he hasn’t been the same since mum bought him back”

Newt’s voice was low, calm, like he was trying to defuse a bomb. “Wine had it handled until we got there and once we had some answers then I rung you as soon as I did, I promise”

“Who is Wine? That’s not the first time today he’s been mentioned” their dad interrupted, his voice still laced with frustration. “Where did he come from? How does he know Faifa?”

Newt shook his head. “I’ve never met him. I didn’t even know he was in the picture until he called me. Faifa... never really talked about him or any of his friends to me much.”

Yotha took a slow breath. He had to say it. “Wine’s a guy I know from school. I’m his peer mentor. But, I didn’t know they were that close. I didn’t even know Faifa was involved with him like that. I knew they knew each other, but it seems like they might be friends”

The tension in the room was palpable, and it wasn’t until Yotha’s phone buzzed that the moment was broken.

He glanced at the screen and froze. The text was from his boyfriend, Gun: “Faifa and Wine know each other more than anyone realizes... Wine might need a hug when we get there from his peer mentor. He’s not okay.”

Yotha’s heart skipped a beat. He read it again just to make sure he wasn’t misinterpreting it. Then he looked at Newt, and then at their dad.

“Gun and Wine are at Faifa’s place grabbing stuff for Faifa” Yotha said, his voice uncertain but urgent. “Gun says he’s not doing well. He’s, he’s really upset about Faifa.”

Their dad’s face softened a little, but there was still something hard in his eyes, something unspoken.

“What’s going on with Faifa and this guy?” he asked quietly, almost to himself.

Before Yotha could answer, the sound of a car pulling up outside shattered the moment’s fragile silence. The engine cut off, and the sound of a door slamming shut echoed through the walls.

Yotha’s heart leapt into his throat. He glanced at Newt and their dad. Without thinking, he rushed toward the front door.

The moment he stepped outside, he saw Wine, pale, worn-out, and utterly defeated. His usual gentle, stoic energy was gone. In its place was a shell of the person Yotha recognized. His eyes were red, his face streaked with the remnants of tears.

Without hesitation, Yotha reached out and pulled Wine into a tight hug, holding him close as Wine’s body trembled against his own. Wine’s sobs were quiet but deep, the kind that came from somewhere far below the surface. Yotha’s heart broke for him, for Faifa, for all the unsaid words and unasked questions.

Behind him, Newt and their dad stood frozen at the door, watching Yotha hold someone who, until this moment, had been nothing more than a distant name in Faifa’s life.

And as the evening air grew colder, the weight of it all settled in. Yotha realized that this wasn’t just about Faifa coping anymore. There were bigger things at stake, relationships, trust, healing.

And they would have to face all of it, together.

Inside, Faifa continued to sleep on the sofa, unaware of the storm unfolding around him.

Chapter 13

Faifa woke with a groggy groan, the low sun shining into his eyes from the living room windows like its one job was to wake and blind Faifa. The unfamiliar smell of antiseptic still clung to his skin, and the ache in his body reminded him that he’d only been released from the hospital a few hours ago. He blinked up at the ceiling recognising the scent of his family home, and the feel of his favourite blanket he’d half kicked off himself. He let out a sharp sigh.

He didn’t want to be here. He wanted to be where he now called home, back at his own apartment with his own pillow. This whole "rest and recover" thing felt like a bad joke and it had only been a few hours.

As he stirred and sat up slowly, a cramp twisted in his neck, as he started to take in the way his body was still hurting, he realises needed the toilet. Faifa shifts, tossing the blanket off and pushes up right into a sitting position he realises he’s made a fatal error. It’s too quiet. Just as he starts to look around the living room he feels eyes on him.
Then like a pack of overanxious deer in headlights, they descended.

Newt, his older brother, arms already outstretched.

Yotha, barely older than him, right behind with that half-annoyed, half-panicked look he always wore when Faifa did anything remotely reckless.

Dad, who somehow managed to look stoic and frazzled all at once.

And Wine.

Wine, who Faifa had not expected to see here. Who Fafia remembers saying he would be, but didn’t really believe it. Wine, who looked like he hadn’t slept in a day. Wine, who had a redness around his eyes that wasn’t just from the tiredness he can see on his face.

Faifa froze, thrown by the sudden cluster of bodies around him.

“I just need the toilet!” he snapped, waving them off as if they were flies, frustration bubbling under his skin. “I can walk two metres without an escort, thanks!”

Newt tried to put a hand on his shoulder; Faifa shrugged it off. Yotha muttered something under his breath about stubborn idiots. He can see Gun standing by the dining room table out of the corner of his eye looking like he was just waiting for a sign to bolt over. Dad was saying something too, but Faifa wasn’t listening anymore. His eyes were locked on Wine.

Wine, who was standing slightly behind the others, mouth tight, avoiding his gaze.

And, his eyes were definitely rimmed red. They hadn’t looked like that earlier had they?

“Wait,” Faifa said, his voice dropping. “Are you okay?”

Wine blinked, startled. “What?”

“Whats wrong?” Faifa’s tone changed, a flare of panic rising as he took a step forward, nearly losing his balance. “Did something happen? Why do you look like that? what happened?”

“Faifa, sit down!” Newt barked.

“You’re still not steady—”

“You just got out of the hospital, you idiot!” Yotha shouted.

Wine tried to speak, but Faifa was already reaching toward him, eyes wild with alarm, voice climbing higher. “What happened? Was it, did someone? Are you okay?”

“Oh my God,” Yotha groaned, cutting through the chaos with his usual dry snap. “He’s crying because you were in the hospital, dumbass.”

Everything fell silent for a second. Faifa blinked.

“What?”

Yotha folded his arms. “You seriously didn’t think that maybe we were all kind of, I don’t know, shaken? That Wine’s upset because he’s the one who found you, and thought you were” He stopped, jaw clenched, then gestured around wildly. “Did it not even occur to you that maybe we’re not okay because you almost died?! Because of her?”

The mention of her, their mother, hung in the air like smoke after a fire.

Faifa stared at them all. His dad’s jaw was tight. Newt’s face was pale with the kind of rage that only came from fear. Yotha looked furious but glassy-eyed. And Wine, well, Wine looked like he might cry again.

Even Gun who was still standing in the corner looked like he was ready to cry.

“Oh,” Faifa muttered, suddenly very aware of how his shirt still smelled faintly of disinfectant. “I didn’t think it was a big deal.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them.

The room went quiet again, but this time it wasn’t angry. It was just tired.

“Of course you didn’t,” Newt said quietly, shaking his head. “That’s the problem.”

Faifa sat back down, more gently this time. His body still ached. But something else stung worse, something like guilt, or maybe recognition.

Wine walked round the group to the sofa and sat beside him, not saying anything. Just close and looked at Faifa with the patent look when Faifa said something bad about himself.

Faifa didn’t try to get back up. Even if he does still need the toilet. And a shower.

Chapter 14

Wine hadn’t expected the nerves. Not really. But the closer he got to Faifa and Faifa’s dad’s house, the more they crept in like vines tangling around his chest. He clenched the pillow on his lap he had taken from Faifa’s harder than necessary, the smell of Faifa filling his nose.

Just as he was about to open the car door, the front door swung open and outstepped Yotha. “Wine!” Yotha’s voice was soothing as he opened his arms and pulled Wine into his arms.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Yotha’s arms were around him telling him Faifa was okay, Wine lost it. The composure he had been trying to keep since going to Faifa’s apartment was gone and before he knew it, he was sobbing into Yotha’s chest.

Wine’s chest clenched and the tears surprised him as much as they surprised Yotha. A sharp inhale, a shaky breath, and then he was crying.

He didn’t realize they had an audience until he heard a door creak and a cough behind him. Pulling away quickly, Wine wiped his face, blinking rapidly.

On the porch stood a trio of people: Newt who he had half met at the hospital, a sturdier man who looked like he was trying to solve Wine and then Gun who had gotten out of the car and to the front door as Wine was having his breakdown with Yotha.

Wine's face flushed deep crimson.

“I… I’ll just grab the bags,” he mumbled, quickly spinning on his heel and jogging back to the car. The bag he had packed for Faifa, stuffed with things he knew the other would need, soft socks, his favorite tea, the pyjamas he preferred when he wasn’t feeling well. He slung it over his shoulder, snatched up the pillow he had left on the passenger seat when he had gotten out, and headed back, trying to hold himself together.

The others had already gone inside, the door left open behind them. Wine stepped in, brushing his shoulder against the doorframe awkwardly. He followed the low murmur of voices into the living room and then he froze.

Faifa was there.

Asleep. Curled awkwardly on the couch, like he hadn’t really meant to sleep, his head at a strange angle. His hand rested on his chest like he’d passed out mid-worry. He looked tired. Fragile, in a way Wine hated to see.

Without thinking, Wine crossed the room, carefully sliding Faifa’s legs up to rest properly on the couch. He pulled the blanket from the back of the sofa, tucked it around him, then gently placed Faifa’s own pillow under his head.

It wasn’t until he straightened up that he realized the room was quiet and everyone was watching him.

Heat rushed back to his cheeks, and he ducked his head.

“Uh sorry,” he muttered.

Yotha stepped forward, clapping a hand on his shoulder with a knowing look “Come on. Let’s get something to drink, are you hungry?”

Gun followed with a small nod, motioning him along, and soon the five of them were seated around the table. Wine still hadn’t looked up properly.

“That’s Newt,” Yotha said, gesturing to the older brother, who raised a brow in greeting as he grabbed some glasses. “Figured you didn’t get a proper introduction with everything going on at the hospital. And our dad. You’re good here. And Faifa is safe, no risk of coming into any dairy here”

Wine nodded, feeling relief that Faifa will be okay, at least for now he sighs “Thanks.”

With the silence of the five around the table, and Faifa’s still heavier than normal breathing, Gun suddenly gets a half smirk on his face before leaning forwards to Wine. “So, exactly how close are you to Faifa? How long have you and Faifa known each other? I’m not even sure Yotha could have packed Faifa’s bag that fast”

Wine hesitated , as he felt his face flush bright red. Unsure how to answer that, but before he could speak, Yotha raised both eyebrows and jumped in. “I didn’t even realise you were friends, I didn’t think yous has even interacted outside of the Perfect 10 meets”.

Wine opened his mouth to try and awkwardly explain how he had technically known Faifa longer than anyone else as he had met him first but before he could speak, a low groan drifted from the other room.

Faifa.

Wine bolted up without thinking, practically knocking his chair backward. He returned to the living room just as Faifa began pushing himself upright on the couch, clearly disoriented and still bleary-eyed.

That was when Faifa had clocked he’d been crying and then as he was trying to figure out why, Yotha became short with Faifa but all Wine cared about at that moment was getting Faifa to sit back down as he was swaying and still looked very unsteady on his feet.

Before he could insist on it, Youths mentioned the brothers mother who was the cause of all this, and Faifa sat back down on reflex, unhappy at the situation Wine, out of character took charge and walked around the sofa to sit next to him and to make sure he had Faifa’s full attention.

Wine let out a breath that sounded too much like frustration. “Why do you always do that?”

Faifa tilted his head, confused. “Do what?”

Wine sat beside him and reached out, gently holding Faifa’s face between his palms so the other had no choice but to meet his gaze. His thumbs brushed against Faifa’s cheeks, his tone soft but firm.

“You always check on me. Even when you’re the one hurting. Even when you haven’t slept. Even when you’re falling apart.”

Faifa’s brows creased, eyes darting like he didn’t know how to respond, like he didn’t want to meet anyone's eyes.

“Faifa,” Wine whispered. “You matter. Okay? You do. I know you think taking care of everyone else is the only thing that keeps you grounded, but you can’t keep running yourself into the ground. You need to rest. To care. About yourself.”

Faifa’s throat bobbed with emotion. He tried to look away, but Wine gently turned his head back.

“Thank you,” Wine whispered, brushing his thumb across Faifa’s cheek once more. “For caring about me. But right now, you’re the priority. Not me. You.”

For a moment, the world seemed to quiet down. Just the two of them, breathing in the same small, heavy space. Faifa blinked rapidly, and for once, he didn’t argue. He just leaned a little into Wine’s palm and closed his eyes.

Wine sat back slightly, just enough to gently pull Faifas head to his shoulder and to shuffle to get comfortable with the blanket over both of them.

The others stood quietly nearby, watching, but this time, Wine didn’t feel embarrassed.

He just felt... right.

Like he had said to Faifa, he has bigger priorities right now.

Chapter 15

Notes:

If this is a terrible chapter please be kind 😭 currently unwell and this could be awful, so I’m sorry about That!

Hope you’re liking the story, thank you.

Newt stood near the couch, arms crossed, watching his younger brother Faifa settle on the sofa grumbling, trying to hide a wince of pain. He sees his dad approach with pain medication to ease Faifa’s pain and watches Yotha trying to help Faifa to just sit down as his smile tired and skin unnaturally pale looking like he’d rather be anywhere else right now.

As he looks into the kitchen he sees his dad took the plan of giving Faifa a dairy free safe space overboard. He can see sliced fruit, juices and dairy free snacks he’s seen Faifa snack on before, making a mental note to order some for the bar.

Newt didn’t mention the food, Faifa looked like he needed a sleep and a shower before they broached that topic.

Yotha hovered close by the sofa after Faifa looked like he was as comfortable as he was going to get, like he didn’t want to sit down in case Faifa needed anything. Which is ironic because frustratingly everybody in the room knows Faifa won’t ask for a thing. He’d rather suffer or go without, rather than possibly inconveniencing somebody.
During Faifa’s grumbling, the pain medication must kick in and he starts to fall asleep as Yotha steps away to join Newt and their dad and the dining table where they can still see Faifa without disturbing him.

It was quiet for a minute. The kind of quiet that usually only happened when everyone was too afraid to say what they were really thinking.

Newt glanced at Faifa again. He could see the dark bruises around the kid’s eyes, looking very dark despite him being in the hospital for less than 48 hours. It's obvious it’s taken a toll on Faifa and his body.

Getting that call from Wine had been one of the scariest moments of his life, and walking into Faifa’s room to see a stranger holding his hand knowing Faifa didn’t want anybody called sits heavy in Newt’s stomach.

It felt like the air had been knocked out of him, and looking at Faifa now he realises how little he knows about him. He knows the public persona, the person who never wants to be a burden or let anybody down but Newt knows that’s not who he is, and he hates that he doesn't have the same relationship with Faifa, as he does with Yotha and he is determined to change that.

The face value relationship they share, ends today.

As Yotha, Newt and their dad sit at the table all pretending they aren’t glancing at Faifa he see’s Faifa’s phone which is now plugged in to charge (probably by Yotha) lighting up with notifications. As he gets up to check Faifa’s phone he notices a lot of notifications, but the one that stands out the most is their mothers contact who had sent Faifa far too many texts and missed calls considering she wasn't meant to be contacting Faifa.

“I’m going to call her,” Newt said suddenly, not needing to explain who “her” is. Yotha looked up at him like he’d just dropped a match on a pile of dry wood.

“You sure?”

Newt didn’t answer. He just pulled his phone out and walked into the kitchen. He didn’t want Faifa to wake up. He didn’t want Yotha to hear what he was about to say, he didn’t want anyone too.

Leaving the house he pressed the call button on his own phone. The phone rang three times before their mother picked up. Her voice came through smoothly, practiced. The tone of concern in her voice Newt thinks might be fake.

“Newt? Oh, thank god. I’ve been trying to reach everyone. How is he? Is he awake? I”

“Stop.” His voice came out colder than he expected. “Don’t do that. Don’t pretend like this wasn’t your fault.”

There was a pause. He could hear her trying to gather the right emotion to feed back to him. She always had a talent for that. He dreads to think if this is the first time she’s hospitalised Faifa with her inattentiveness.

“Newt, I made a mistake. I didn’t know he”

“You put him in the hospital.”

The line went quiet.

“You were told not to contact him. And now I see you’ve been messaging Faifa. He's meant to be resting, recovering. Not thinking about you. Leave him alone. Leave Yotha alone. Leave me alone.” He took a breath, clenching his fist not holding his phone. “You don’t get to do that anymore”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry. That’s allowed.”

“You don’t get to want anything from us right now. Especially Faifa.”

Newt swallowed, and for a moment, he hated how shaky he felt. But he pushed through it.

“You’re not going to see him. Or Yotha. Or me. You won’t call. You won’t text. And if you show up at the college, at the bar, at their apartments or dad’s house, I’ll call the police myself and report you for trespassing.”

Her voice came back, small now. “You can’t mean that.”

“I mean it. Because I don’t know what you did to Faifa growing up. But I’m going to find out. I dread the answer. I dread what you might’ve done to him when none of us were looking. And I’m going to talk to him soon.”

A beat of silence. Just her breathing.

“And if he tells me what I think he’s going to tell me,” Newt continued, “you and I are done for good.”

He hung up before she could answer. Stared at the blank screen for a moment. It didn’t feel like this conversation was over, but for now it is.
Heading back to the table, Yotha watched him approach carefully “did she pick up?”

“Yeah,” Newt said, dropping back into his chair. “Told her to stay the hell away. From all of us.”

“Good.”

Across the room, Faifa shifted slightly in his sleep. Still breathing. Still here.

Newt looked at him for a long time and then felt his dad’s hand on his shoulder, heavy yet comforting “He’s going to be fine. We’ll help him recover. He isn’t alone”

Yotha didn’t say anything, but he saw his dad reach over to Yotha as well.

Just as they had settled at the table, he saw Yotha’s phone light up with a notification he was worried it would be their mother until Yotha explained it was Gun worried about Wine.

Just as Yotha was about to explain, he heard the car out front pull in and Yotha was up and out of the door before Newt and their dad had even stood up. Walking to the open door he sees Yotha holding Wine as he gives Wine reassurances Faifa was okay.

Wine had cried when he’d seen Yotha, but looked embarrassed when had seen Newt and his dad and to Newt that was unacceptable because Wine had helped his brother, that makes him important in Newt’s eyes. Especially when he sees him go back to the car and approach with bags and what he thinks is Faifa’s pillow.

That thought is proven correct when they’ve all entered the house and Wine becomes more confident as he approaches the still sleeping Faifa to make him more comfortable with his pillow and blanket, Newt is even pretty sure he might have seen Wine check that Faifa was still breathing. Not that he would point or out blame wine if he did.
Seeing Yotha and Guns' response to helping wind and getting him comfortable he knew they must know him pretty well, but seeing Faifa’s reaction to Wine’s face now dry with tears nailed that coffin shut. Newt knew Wine was going to be a constant presence in his brother's life which means he’s someone Newt wants to get to know.

But he has time.

They all have time.

Watching Wine bully his brother into lying down and getting comfortable again Newt knows he has to and will do better by Faifa and Yotha. Faifa might be going through hell, but they’ll all come out the other side together.

Chapter 16

Notes:

I’m very sorry for the delay! I’m officially fever free! Still unwell, but can face actually writing again but still unsure if it’s actually any good so please be kind 😂 x

Yotha sat at the dining room table, his eyes flickering between the messages and missed call notifications on his phone screen and the quiet scene unfolding before him. Newt, still trying to calm himself down after talking to their mother, is now in the kitchen making the rest of the occupants at the table tea, but his eyes often flicker between Faifa on the sofa with Wine, Yotha himself and the bottle of whiskey on the side.

Gun, still being silently strong for everyone, sits next to Yotha with his hand over Yotha’s thigh silently supporting him as Yotha tries to figure out the next step.
His eyes now darting between his phone and the sofa where Faifa had been gently bullied to lie back down by everyone is back asleep with his head resting on Wine’s shoulder and Wine's head gently resting on top of Faifa’s. Both boys were unnaturally still, with a blanket pulled over the two of them. It has been an incredibly long couple of days, but right now with Faifa home and looking settled for now it was gentle relief. Like Yotha can breathe for a minute.

As Yotha goes through his phone notifications to make sure he hasn’t missed anything important he angrily swipes all notifications from his mum, and opens up the perfect 10 peer mentor group chat realising he hasn’t told anyone they won’t be at school, or that Faifa had been admitted into the hospital.

The group chat was buzzing, messages after messages from everyone with Arm leading the force with worry about where everyone was, concerned they’d all disappeared at the same time. Gone are the funny messages and meet ups and passing notes and instead its full of Arm becoming a mother hen asking what happened.
Yotha quickly replied, trying not to tell exactly what had happened, that was private and up to Faifa how much information he revealed. He won’t give Faifa another reason to not trust him, he wants to work hard on their relationship and that means proving himself to Faifa.

Just as he’s about to respond to more messages from Arm, Arc, Pun and Jet he realises he’s getting more notifications from a group chat he’s been added to but also sees his boyfriend Gun, Wine and Faifa have all been added to the group chat as well. Worried, the others will be bombarding messages to Faifa but instead he was surprised to find messages for Faifa showing they all care for him. Yotha always struggled with somewhere where he belonged, and he knew Faifa felt the same so seeing the people who have become family showing up for Faifa meant more to him that he thinks anyone knows.

Looking at the sofa again and seeing Faifa and Wine still cuddled up asleep he momentarily forgets Wine himself is a perfect 10 liners group chat and takes a photo of Wine and Faifa and send the photo to them asking if anyone if they knew when they became so close that Faifa lets his guard down around him. Looking at the photo, he realises how intimate it makes them seem.

Feeling Guns hand squeeze his thigh, he looks over at him and sees him turning his phone to show more texts from the others coming in, in return he shows Gun the photo he sent the others questioning if they knew Faifa and Wine were so close and just as he finds himself looking at them again Gun leans over and whispers “Isn’t Wine in that group chat?”

Just as Gun says this he looks up to see Wine waking up trying not to wake Faifa. Well, at least now he might get some answers.