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“Ah, young master Cale, you’re finally here!"
Cale Henituse enters the meeting room of Roan Elementary School in his black silk pajamas, looking incredibly out of place as a young teacher guides him into the room. He doesn’t care about anyone else in the room, going straight for Hong who winces and closes his eyes—afraid of getting scolded, afraid of getting in trouble for making Cale come here when it’s time for Cale’s favourite afternoon nap.
However, Cale doesn’t yell at him. He squats down in front of Hong and looks into his eyes, matching his eye level. His tone is serious, yes, but it’s gentle when he asks, “What happened?”
“About that, Sir Henituse, it—” When the principal begins to explain, Cale holds his hand out, silencing the principal with severe eyes. “I’m asking Hong, not you.” When he turns back to Hong, his eyes are softer, tracing the light bruise growing on Hong’s cheek. “Does it hurt?”
“Cale,” Hong says, and somehow, just saying Cale’s name has his lower lip trembling. He takes a moment to compose himself and Cale waits like he always does. Hong casts a glance at the smug boy sitting across him and frowns—just what was Bryan so pleased about? A fresh wave of anger and shame surges in Hong, and he grips his school shorts tightly, avoiding everyone’s gazes to look at the blank wall.
Somehow, it’s easier to talk if he doesn’t look at anybody.
“He... he said he was sorry for me because I have no father. He said that I must be so jealous because he has the best father. But I’m not jealous! Because I have—” Hong looks at Cale, pauses, blinks, coughs, and averts his gaze even more. “...His expression was so annoying that I punched him.”
“Is that so?” Cale says calmly. “Did you tell him to stop?”
“Enough, punish him already! He’s so violent!” Bryan wails at all the adults in his room, holding his bruised cheeks. Despite being a bigger boy than most kids his age, it was clear who the victor of the fight was. Bryan’s clothes were ripped in multiple places, and his face has clearly seen better days.
Cale doesn’t even look in Bryan’s direction. “Did you?” he asks, making it clear the conversation only involves him and Hong.
“Yes, but he wouldn’t listen! He never listens.” Hong grumbles. He glares at Bryan, and the boy shrinks back, squeaking and hiding behind his father. “He kept calling me an orphan, a boy that no one wants, that no one will ever love me, and all the other kids were watching… It’s not true but he won’t stop mocking me! I have many people who love me!”
Bryan starts to protest again. “Look at my injuries, papa! That feral brat is dangerous! He should be expelled! Look what he did to my handsome face!”
“You did great punching him.”
“Huh?” Hong finally looks Cale in the eye because he’s so shocked.
“Even if you were an orphan, some things shouldn’t be said,” Cale explains, brushing a hand through Hong’s hair. As he looks at Hong’s weary face, it feels like he’s watching his past self. “If I was your age, I’d love to punch him a few times too. You did great by not backing down.”
“Hah!” Bryan’s father scoffs in disbelief. “I can see who that little barbarian takes after. This is why having lower-class folk in the academy is...”
Hong jerks as though he’s been dealt a physical blow. He looks even more upset than before as he opens his mouth to protest. “It’s got nothing to do with Cale! The one who punched Bryan is me!”
Cale reaches out to hold Hong’s shaking hand. He’s only seen Hong so upset when one of his siblings gets hurt. Even though Hong is trying to protect Cale’s reputation, Cale is listed as Hong’s guardian, and he has to take responsibility when something happens. He turns to stare Bryan’s father in the eye — the man is a splitting resemblance to Bryan, except he’s a big, burly man dressed in a fancy suit and adorned in jewels from head to toe.
“Verbal harassment is also a form of violence. Since your son doesn’t know how to stop when asked, he deserves to get beat up. Your son should learn to watch his mouth. Teach your son some manners before you criticize the way I’m parenting mine.”
“What did you say?! Which family are you from, you—”
“It’s just a fight between kids, there’s no need to escalate it, is there?” The principal cuts in, wiping his sweaty brow with a handkerchief. At the rate things are going, the fight will escalate to one between the parents as well.
Seeing Hong’s eyes get teary, Cale stands up and shields Hong from view.
Cale shakes his head, giving everyone in the room a severe look. “If you drop it, it’ll just happen again. It doesn’t seem like the first time my son’s been insulted. Has my son ever received a sincere apology?”
The tears in Hong’s eyes freeze as he stares at Cale’s reassuring back. Did he hear that right? Did Cale really say ‘my son’?
“Um, that… well, children grow up by fighting, so…” The principal hems and haws as he gives a vague answer under Cale’s oppressive aura.
“Are the school policies so unclear when it comes to common occurrences like school bullying? How disappointing. What will you do if this happens again? I’m also not too familiar with school administration myself. Maybe I should call my hyung and ask him about it?”
“Your… hyung?” The principal’s sweating intensifies when Cale begins to smile.
“Oh, sorry. I mean Alberu Crossman,” Cale says casually, speaking the king’s name with ease like they are close friends. “He has quite the vested interest in the education of the future stars of the kingdom, so I’m sure he’ll be very eager to take part in this discussion.
Cale’s smile was brilliant and bright. The sight of it causes shivers down everyone’s spines except Hong’s—he's used to it now, and whenever Cale smiles like that, something good usually happened. Things like robbing evil people and having a bigger allowance.
The principal pales rapidly. The school was built and sponsored by the King, Alberu Crossman himself.
“T-there’s no need to! I’ll hold a meeting with the school board and give you a satisfactory answer, Sir Henituse. Please give me time! I… I agree that bullying is a huge issue that should be taken seriously!”
It feels so good to throw his power around. When it comes to people like these who valued authority and power over all else, there’s no way to reason them with words. They wouldn’t even give you the time of the day if you were a step below them. Even if they first did wrong, they always believe they are in the right to trample over others they deem below them.
“Is that so? Then, I’ll give you three days,” Cale says with an understanding smile. “I do agree that violence is not the answer. If my son really wanted to hurt someone, they wouldn’t be breathing anymore. Hong, you have to be careful when you play around with the other kids, they’re way too weak compared to us, understand? If there are issues you can’t solve by talking, ask your teachers for help, and if you don’t trust them, talk to me or your other family members.”
“Really? I can tell you?”
“I have nothing but free time on my hands anyway.”
“Even if you’re taking your nap?”
Cale tilts his head in confusion. What’s with this line of questioning?
“Just wake me up. I can go back to sleep anytime. But I don’t want you to just stand there and take it if they hit you. You can just poison them.”
“P-Poison?” the principal panics.
Cale had meant a simple paralysis poison, but the other people occupying the room have all turned interesting shades of white and green.
“Really?” Hong asks in disbelief.
“Yeah, just paralyze their misbehaving tongue. Hong, power shouldn’t be abused, but if you have power, you should use it to protect yourself. Understand?”
Hong nods.
“Let’s go home.” Cale reaches out a hand. “We need to put ice on your cheek or it’ll swell and hurt a lot more tomorrow.”
Hong grabs the offered hand. It’s warm and reliable. With Cale by his side, he exits the office with his head high, no longer afraid of anything.
When they’re in the carriage on the way home, though, Hong’s head is lowered again, eyes staring at his feet.
“Um, Cale. I’m sorry for causing you trouble.”
Cale glances at Hong’s sheepish countenance and looks out the window. He makes it seem like he’s completely unbothered to lower Hong’s sense of guilt. “Don’t worry about it, kids should get into some trouble every now and then. I’m your guardian so I should show up for these events.”
Hong starts to fidget with his hands. Moments later, he calls out Cale’s name again.
“Cale..?”
“Yes?”
“You… called me your son.”
Cale had been pretty annoyed by how that kid and his father were discriminating against orphans and constantly harping on family prestige, so he had chosen to make a stand. However, frankly speaking, he’s always considered Raon, Hong, and On to be his kids despite the lack of blood ties and even the lack of a similar race.
“You don’t like it?”
“No!” Hong shouts, his head whipping up. “I mean, no, I like it! You can… You can call me that.” Steadily, his voice becomes smaller. “Actually, when Bryan was talking about having the best dad, I wanted to say you were better…”
Cale can’t help but smile when he hears Hong’s words. “You’re the best son too.”
Moisture wells up in Hong’s eyes, and the happy tears slide down his cheeks. He laughs when Cale leans over to wipe them for him.
The next day, Cale Henituse waits at the school gates for Hong to be released from school. He’s attracting glances left and right from parents and students alike. It’s hard not to notice him, since his bright red hair is very striking against the white suit lined with gold. It reminded everyone of the renowned hero of the Kingdom, young master Silver Light.
Cale’s charisma is off the charts, but the cold expression on his face makes him look unapproachable, resulting in the curious passersby being unable to approach him.
Who is this man here for?
Their question is answered when a red-haired child runs towards the handsome man with similarly bright red hair.
“Cale?! Why are you here?” Hong yells as he approaches. His voice is equal parts confused and happy. His rounded eyes are practically sparkling as he stops before Cale.
The shout of Cale’s name has people whispering and gossiping.
“Gasp! Isn’t that the hero of our kingdom? Hong never mentioned where he lived so we thought he lived in a shack but...! He actually lives in a castle?!”
Ignoring the crowd, Cale focuses solely on Hong. He smiles at Hong’s expression, and the sight of Cale’s warm smile has people’s jaws dropping. When Cale smiles, his intimidating aura softens instantly, changing sharp charisma to soft handsomeness.
Cale pats Hong’s head and explains, “I’m here to pick you up from school. Your siblings are back.”
Cale remembers the bitter and sour taste of envy that had sat heavily in his heart every time he saw this scene in middle school—of parents picking up their children, laughing and asking about their day. He should come to pick up Hong more often, given how he does absolutely nothing at home.
A carriage of the highest quality was waiting not far away. Cale gestures towards it with a jerk of his thumb. “Let’s go home. Beacrox is cooking lamb chop today. Isn’t that your favourite?”
Actually, Hong’s favourite food is On’s favourite food too, but the little boy refuses to eat it without his sister.
“Woah! Lamb chop?! YES!” Hong cheers out loud.
“Hong, why are you so happy?”
“Hong, who is this? He has red hair like you!”
Two boys gather around Hong, looking at Cale with curiosity and wonder.
Suddenly, Hong becomes much more subdued and shy as he glances between Cale and his friends. “Um, Cale, these are my friends. Guys, this is my appa.”
“Oh. Hello.” Cale squats down so he’s closer to their eye level. He’s not quite sure how to speak to children, but he puts on the gentlest face he can, saying sincerely, “Thanks for being friends with our Hong. You can come over to play whenever you want.”
The kids are all a little charmed by his soft smile. As noble children, it’s quite rare for adults to speak to them on their level like this, let alone one so handsome and heroic. The adventures of young master silver light were often told as bedtime stories, awe-inspiring and fantastical. It was like meeting a superhero.
“Really?” Hong gasps. Joy sparkles in his eyes like a million fireworks exploding at once. Seeing him so happy puts Cale at quite a loss—it’s such a simple thing. “But don’t you like the peace and quiet?”
Hong has never invited his friends over since he’s afraid of disturbing Cale’s rest.
However, Cale finds himself unable to understand — why is Hong prioritizing his rest so much? He also doesn’t know about the solemn peace pact his friends and family made behind his back. If he knew, his face right now would be several shades more flabbergasted.
With a helpless smile, Cale says, “It’s nice to hear the sound of children’s laughter too. You can introduce them to all the board games Choi Han made for you, On and Raon.”
“Yay!” Hong holds his friends’ hands and swings their joined arms happily.“We should have a sleepover party!”
His friends, though, are still rather preoccupied with staring at Cale.
“C-can I shake your hand…?” The curly-haired boy stammers. His eyes are wide and round like saucers.
Cale can’t understand why he wants to do so, but since it’s Hong’s friend, he doesn’t see any harm in it. Indulgently, he lifts a hand. The dazed boy places his own small hand on that pale and slender hand, mesmerized.
The way he did it feels more like a little puppy offering his paw than a solid handshake. Finding it a little funny, the corner of Cale’s lip hooks up. That causes another wave of awe to ripple among the little ones.
Such a cool and kind father.
“I won’t wash my hand…” the boy murmurs.
“No. You have to wash your hands often so you don’t get sick.” Cale pats the little boy’s curly hair.
“I… I won’t wash my hair…”
Exasperated, Cale insists, “No, wash properly. Don’t trouble your parents.”
For the next few weeks, the parents of the Roan Academy students would enjoy well-behaved children who volunteered to hop into the bath. Cale becomes the unofficial ambassador of cleanliness with just a few words.
“Hong, say goodbye to your friends. We should go now before we’re late for dinner.” Cale offers his hand and Hong grabs it naturally.
“Okay! Bye guys! I’ll see you in school tomorrow!” Hong waves his hand cheerfully as Cale leads him over to the carriage. Ron smiles in greeting and takes Hong’s bag for him, helping him to climb into the tall and grand carriage.
The other children gape at the impressive sight and whisper among themselves.
“Hey… who the hell said Hong is an orphan? He seems like a rich kid from a noble family?”
“No, he seems more like a prince?
“Is he adopted?”
“I don’t think so, look how similar they look! Their hair color is the same!”
Hong flushes as he overhears the gossip with his sensitive ears. He looks up at Cale as he clutches his father’s hand. If Cale’s heard anything, he shows no indication of it,
“Thank you for being nice to my friends, ah…” Hong drops his gaze shyly. “Ap...appa.”
“You don’t need to thank me. It’s only natural for me to do so. How was your day at school?”
Hong perks up when Cale shows interest in him. He begins to ramble about the things he learned and the things he did as they rode the carriage back home. Cale listens patiently and reacts between intervals with simple words like “Really?” and “Wow”, but it seems to be enough to make Hong happy.
Cale wants to give all the things he fantasized about as an orphan to his kids.
They deserve everything and more.