Crumbling Down

The quiet morning is broken by Edin's voice, loud and pouty.

"Daddy!" he calls out, standing by the sofa with Earth's phone clutched in his small hands.

Both Earth and Mix are startled awake, sitting up quickly, still disoriented from sleep. Earth immediately bursts into laughter when he sees Mix's messy bed hair sticking up in all directions. Mix groans, half-amused, and lightly smacks Earth on the shoulder for forgetting to move back to bed like he promised.

Edin, meanwhile, stands with his arms crossed over his chest, pouting dramatically. "You had cuddle time and didn't invite me. Hmp!"

Earth and Mix can't help but chuckle, their laughter filling the room as they reach out, pulling Edin into a big hug. "We're sorry, buddy," Earth says, ruffling his son's hair. "Next time, we'll make sure to invite you."

"Promise!" Edin demands, still putting on his best pout, but his eyes are already brightening.

Mix grins, nodding solemnly. "We promise."

"Yeah, promise," Earth adds with a chuckle, sealing the deal.

Satisfied with their promise, Edin's mood shifts instantly. His pout disappears, replaced by a wide smile. "Okay!" he chirps, then lifts Earth's phone high into the air. "But Daddy, your phone's so noisy."

Earth's eyes widen as he grabs the phone from Edin's hand.

"Oh no..." he mutters, scrolling through the screen. Sure enough, there are multiple missed calls from work. "Oh, shit," Earth mumbles, realizing how long he'd been asleep.

Both Mix and Edin chime in immediately, scolding in unison, "Language!"

"Sorry!" Earth shouts over his shoulder as he rushes toward the bathroom, already fumbling with his shirt, leaving Mix and Edin giggling behind him.

It's early Saturday morning, and Earth is rushing, grabbing his keys, phone in the other hand. A last-minute work emergency has ruined his weekend plans, and he's frustrated. "I can't believe this."

Thankfully, Mix is at his house, so there's no need for Earth to scramble for someone to watch Edin. He rushes to Edin, kissing him on the cheek. "Sorry, buddy. Daddy has to go work on the weekend."

Edin, always cheerful, smiles up at him. "It's okay, Daddy! Teacher Mix is here with me."

Hearing that, Earth's frustration eases a little, and he turns to Mix, standing beside Edin. "Use my clothes after you shower," Earth says.

Mix nods in response and Earth's expression softens, but then it hardens again with seriousness as he adds, the last night scene flashes in his mind. "And... if anything happens, call me immediately."

Mix gives him a reassuring smile and nods again. Edin, still oblivious to the tension, is all smiles, ready to enjoy his day with Mix.

As Earth finally leaves, Edin turns to Mix with a mischievous glint in his eye and wiggles his eyebrows. "Are you and Daddy boyfie?"

Mix nearly chokes on air, coughing. "What? Where did you hear that word?"

Edin giggles. "Boyfie? Uncle First and Khaotung say it all the time. 'Hello, boyfiee~'" Edin mimics their voices perfectly, making Mix burst into laughter.

"Those two..." Mix shakes his head, still laughing. "Come on, let's get some breakfast."

After a fun breakfast, the two of them head to the bathroom, where Mix helps Edin with his bath before getting himself cleaned up. Mix changes into Earth's clothes-an old, soft t-shirt and sweatpants-and feels a warmth spread through him, almost like Earth's presence is lingering with him.

The day proceeds just as any other weekend with Edin: full of laughter, playful banter, and activities that keep the little boy entertained. And throughout it all, Mix can't help but feel a sense of comfort despite everything that happened.

While at the living room, Edin's sharp eyes catch sight of the small, unopened gift sitting innocuously on the corner of the table. His small fingers reach out curiously, grabbing it with care. He tilts his head and peers up at Mix, his expression puzzled.

"What is this, Teacher Mix?" His voice is soft, but there's a spark of interest in it, the kind only a child can have when they spot something new and mysterious.

Mix's heart skips a beat, his mind racing as he glances at the gift. It's the one he took from Namtan, the gift meant for Edin from a woman he hadn't yet met properly.

His throat tightens, and he stumbles over his words, caught off guard.

"Oh, umm..." Mix stammers, rubbing the back of his neck, unsure how to explain. His gaze flicks nervously to Edin. "That's for you, Edin. A... gift for your birthday."

Edin, thankfully, doesn't press further. His eyes widen with excitement as he turns his attention back to the package, quickly tearing off the wrapping with eager hands. The crinkling sound of the paper fills the room, and when it falls away, a shiny robot toy is revealed in his small hands.

"Oh, a robot." Edin says, his face lighting up in curiousity. He holds the toy up to eye level, turning it around to examine every detail. "It's cool."

Mix breathes a sigh of relief, his lips curling into a soft smile as he watches the boy's reaction. "I'm glad you liked it," he says, his voice warm and filled with genuine affection.

They return to their playful activities, laughter echoing throughout the room as they move from one game to another. Blocks are stacked, toy cars zoom across the floor, and Edin's animated giggles fill the air, painting the room with pure joy. Mix finds himself lost in the moment, completely immersed in the simplicity of the child's happiness.

But then, a sudden knock at the door breaks through the peaceful atmosphere. It's sharp, unexpected, and it causes both Mix and Edin to pause. Mix's smile fades as he rises from the floor, his heart picking up its pace once again.

"I'll go check," Mix says quietly, offering Edin a reassuring look before making his way toward the door. His hand hesitates on the doorknob, a sense of unease settling over him as he opens it.

The moment the door swings open, Mix freezes in place, his heart dropping to his stomach.

"Namtan?" Mix's voice comes out barely above a whisper, disbelief heavy in his tone. His eyes widen as he takes in the sight of her, standing there with a calm but purposeful expression.

His breath catches in his throat.

Namtan's brows are furrowed slightly, her gaze quickly scanning over Mix, her eyes narrowing in confusion when she notices the clothes he's wearing- they're a bit bigger for Mix' s frame so Namtan suspects it's Earth's.

For a split second, her confusion is visible, but she quickly changes her features into a polite smile.

"Where's Earth?" Namtan asks, her tone direct but not unkind.

Mix swallows, trying to compose himself. His fingers tighten slightly on the doorframe as he replies. "He's out for work." His voice sounds strained, though he's doing his best to keep it steady. "What can I do for you?"

Namtan doesn't hesitate. "Can I take Edin out?" she asks, her eyes flicking toward the inside of the house. "I wanted to let Earth know, but I don't have his number."

Before Mix can respond, he hears the sound of small footsteps behind him. Edin peeks from behind the door, his curious eyes peering up at the new visitor.

"Teacher Mix, who is it?" he asks, his voice small but full of wonder.

Namtan's face softens immediately as she locks eyes with Edin. Her expression shifts from polite to warm, her eyes glowing with a mixture of affection and nostalgia.

"Hi, Edin," she says gently, crouching slightly to be closer to his level. "You've grown so much."

Edin's reaction is instinctive-he hides behind Mix, his small hands clutching the back of Mix's pants. His face peeks out shyly, and in a barely audible whisper, he mutters, "Hello."

Mix feels a protective instinct surge within him as he glances down at Edin. Then, he turns his attention back to Namtan, his tone more resolute this time. "I'm sorry, but I can't let Edin go out without telling Earth," he says, his voice firm yet polite.

Namtan's warm smile fades, replaced by a flicker of frustration. She straightens her posture, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regards Mix.

Her voice sharpens just a bit as she responds, "I can take my son whenever I want, can't I?"

The word "son" lands heavily in the space between them, and it clearly stirs something in Edin. He tugs at Mix's pants with a confused expression, his voice tiny and uncertain as he repeats, "Son?"

Namtan's face softens once again, her posture shifting as she crouches fully this time, lowering herself to Edin's height. She extends her hand slightly, though she doesn't touch him. Her voice is gentle as she says, "That's right, honey. I'm your mom."

Edin's grip on Mix tightens, his small body pressing even closer to the familiar safety of his teacher. His eyes dart back and forth between Mix and Namtan, the new information overwhelming him. He stares up at Mix, seeking reassurance.

Mix turns back to Namtan, offering her an apologetic smile as he speaks, "I understand where you're coming from, but Earth didn't say anything about today, and I can't make that call without him."

"And who do you think you are?" Namtan's eyes narrow, her words dripping with venom. "I don't know where you stand in my family or what you are to Earth and Edin. But I am the mother of Earth's son. You don't have a say about this."

As Namtan's sharp words slice through the air, Mix feels them deeply, each one landing with a painful weight in his chest. Her disdainful tone as she questions his place in Edin and Earth's lives cuts deeper than he could have expected.

Mix's heart clenches. He stands frozen, her words echoing in his mind, sinking in.

She's right. He is no one. Just the guy helping out.

His throat tightens, and his chest feels heavy as he tries to swallow back the hurt. Before he can gather his thoughts, Namtan reaches for Edin, her hands pulling him away.

Mix instinctively moves to stop her, his hand reaching out, but her glare stops him dead in his tracks. Her voice is cold and commanding. "Don't you dare."

Mix's body tenses, his outstretched hand falling limply to his side as he watches in helpless silence.

"Tell Earth Edin went out with me. He'll understand," she adds before turning away, taking Edin with her.

"Teacher Mix..." Edin's small, uncertain voice is barely audible, but it pierces through the fog in Mix's mind as Namtan carries him away.

Mix stands there, stunned, his feet glued to the ground as his vision blurs with tears. Namtan's words replay in his head, each one more painful than the last. But then Edin's voice-soft and fragile-echoes in his memory, pulling him back to reality.

His breath catches, and his heart races as panic starts to set in. Without thinking, Mix bolts inside, grabbing his phone with shaking hands. He's moving on autopilot now, barely aware of the tears streaming down his cheeks.

Forgetting to grab his slippers, he dashes back outside, his bare feet slapping against the hot pavement, but he doesn't care. All that matters is Edin. Mix runs, his heart pounding in his chest as he scans the street frantically. He looks in every direction, desperate to catch a glimpse of Namtan and Edin, but they're gone.

He can't find them.

The hot asphalt burns his feet, but he doesn't stop. His fingers are trembling as he dials Earth's number, the phone pressed to his ear, hoping-praying-that Earth will pick up.

But Earth doesn't answer.

Mix's breath hitches, and a frustrated sob escapes his lips. He swipes the tears from his face, though they continue to fall uncontrollably. His heart feels like it's being crushed under the weight of his helplessness. He runs again, his steps uneven and hurried, aimlessly searching the streets as he dials Earth's number again and again, each time with no answer.

His foot catches on a crack in the pavement, sending him sprawling to the ground. The impact stings, his knees scraping against the harsh concrete, but the pain barely registers. His only thought is Edin.

He pushes himself back up, his hands shaking as he fumbles with his phone once more, the screen smudged with sweat and tears.

Finally, Earth picks up. "Mix? What's wrong? You called a lot of times."

The sound of Earth's voice brings a fresh wave of emotion crashing over Mix, his breath catching in his throat as his tears flow harder. He can barely speak, his voice trembling and weak as he stutters, "N-Namtan... Edin. She took him."

The line goes silent for a heartbeat, and then Earth hangs up abruptly. The realization that Earth is rushing to act, strikes Mix like a punch to the gut, but it does nothing to ease the guilt crashing over him.

Mix's legs buckle beneath him, and he sinks to the ground, his knees throbbing from the fall but his heart hurting even more. His hands shake as he drops the phone into his lap, his body racked with silent sobs. He doesn't know where Edin is. He doesn't know what Earth will do. He feels utterly lost and helpless.

He's feels he's failed.

Hearing Mix on the phone, Earth immediately acts.

His heart races as he quickly grabs his keys from the table, the metal clinking as they collide with one another. His mind is a whirlwind, focused solely on Edin and the nagging worry that knots in his stomach. He pushes through the door, leaving his work behind, the mundane tasks forgotten in the face of parental panic.

He slides into the driver's seat, slamming the door shut with a sense of urgency. The engine roars to life, and he grips the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white as he backs out of the driveway. His mind races with possibilities as he pulls onto the road, the tires crunching against the gravel.

The streets blur by as he drives aimlessly, his thoughts tangled in worry. He takes deep breaths, trying to calm the rising tide of anxiety. As he navigates through familiar neighborhoods, he can't help but replay the last few hours in his mind-the sudden call from Mix, the tension in his voice.

Earth clenches his jaw, knowing he needs to find them.

His gut instinct tells him to check the park. He remembers the swings, the way Edin's laughter fills the air when he plays there. When he finally pulls into the park's lot, relief floods over him when he spots a familiar figure seated on the swing.

He gets out of the car quickly and as he walks towards them, he calls for Edin.

The moment Edin hears his father's voice, he spins around, his eyes lighting up with joy. "Daddy!" he exclaims, letting go of the half-eaten ice cream cone that tumbles to the ground. He runs toward Earth, his small legs propelling him forward with a mixture of excitement and relief.

Earth crouches down, arms wide open, and scoops Edin up into a tight embrace, pressing a kiss to his forehead. The taste of sweet ice cream still lingers on Edin's cheeks.

"Let's get you back to the car, okay?" He sets Edin back down gently, his heart swelling with love for his son. "Wait for Daddy in the car."

Edin nods obediently, his eyes still sparkling as he scurries back toward the vehicle. Earth straps him into the seat, the click of the seatbelt echoing in the silence. He closes the door softly and turns back toward Namtan, his demeanor shifting from relief to frustration.

"How can you take my son without informing me?" Earth grits his teeth, the words spilling out before he can reign in his emotions.

Namtan crosses her arms, her brows furrowing in irritation. "How could I? I don't have your number, and you weren't at home," she replies, her tone unsettlingly calm. "Didn't your little love affair tell you?"

"Don't call him that," Earth snarls, anger boiling beneath the surface. "You don't get to call him that when you're the one who left."

Namtan's expression hardens, hurt flickering in her eyes, but she keeps her composure. "Right. You were supposed to propose to me, weren't you?"

"Don't do this again," Earth says, shaking his head as he tries to steer the conversation back to what matters. "Do this again, and you're never seeing Edin again."

"Are you threatening me?" Namtan's voice raises slightly, disbelief painting her features.

"No. I'm just telling the truth. If you want your rights as Edin's mother, you need to respect me and the people I love," Earth retorts, his heart pounding as he stands firm.

Namtan stares at him, her expression one of disbelief and the hurt vivid in her eyes. Earth snatches the phone resting in Namtan's lap, dialing his own number with a steady hand. The phone rings in his ear before he hangs up, returning her phone.

"I'll call you about Edin," he says, his voice unwavering.

With that, Earth turns his back and strides back to the car, his heart heavy. As he settles into the driver's seat, he takes a moment to breathe, fingers clutching the steering wheel tightly.

"Is Daddy okay?" Edin asks from the backseat, his voice filled with innocent concern as he peers up at Earth.

Earth turns around, a smile breaking through his earlier tension.

"I'm fine, bud," he replies, forcing the reassurance into his tone.

Edin returns the smile, but Earth can see the lingering worry in his eyes. He starts the car and pulls out of the parking lot.

As they drive down the road, Edin turns to look back at Namtan, who sits alone by the swings. "Is she really my mama, Daddy?" he asks innocently, the question hitting Earth hard.

Swallowing hard, Earth realizes there's no point in hiding the truth.

"Yes, honey," he admits softly.

"But why isn't she here before?" Edin's brow furrows in confusion.

Earth pauses, searching for the right words. "Well, I don't know, bud," he finally replies, the truth too complicated for a child to understand.

"I hope she's not sent by bad monsters," Edin says, his little voice serious.

"Why, baby? What happened?" Earth asks, concern creeping back in.

"She made Teacher Mix cry," Edin explains, his face scrunching up in concern. "I hope Teacher Mix is okay and that him and..." He hesitates, searching for the right words to describe Namtan. "Him and nice lady will be friends."

Earth's heart aches at the thought of Mix in distress, and he nods, reassuring Edin as he drives toward home.

As Earth parks outside their house, he spots Mix immediately, sitting just outside the gate, barefoot on the hot concrete. The soles of Mix's feet must be uncomfortably hot, but he doesn't seem to mind; his focus is solely on them.

When Mix sees them approach, a flicker of hope ignites in his expression. He stands up, his posture shifting from one of tension to anticipation. As Earth opens the car door, he cradles Edin in his arms, feeling the familiar weight of his son against him.

Mix rushes towards them, urgency propelling his steps. "Is he okay?" he asks, his voice filled with concern as he glances back at Edin.

Edin, with his ever-present innocence, beams a grin at Mix. "I'm a big boy, Teacher Mix! I'm okay!" His enthusiasm is contagious, cutting through the tension in the air.

"I'm a big boy, Teacher Mix! I'm okay!" His enthusiasm is contagious, cutting through the tension in the air.

Mix's eyes soften as he gazes at Edin, though they are still puffy from earlier tears. A small, genuine smile breaks through his worry as he looks at Edin, his worry washing away.

The moment Earth places Edin down, he reaches for Mix's face, his hand warm and gentle against Mix's skin. "Let's get you inside," Earth says, his tone firm yet caring.

They step inside the house, where the air feels cooler, a stark contrast to the heat outside.

Earth directs Edin toward the bedroom. "Go change your clothes, buddy," he instructs, noticing the sticky ice cream stains splattered across Edin's shirt. "And wait for me before you come back out, okay? I need to talk to Teacher Mix first."

Edin nods obediently but sneaks one last worried glance at Mix before he closes the door behind him, the soft click echoing in the quiet space.

Earth releases a heavy sigh, tension visible in the set of his shoulders. "Tell me what happened," he says immediately, his voice edged with urgency.

Mix bows his head, a wave of guilt coursing through him. He begins to recount the events, choosing his words carefully as he mentions how Namtan had come and taken Edin, leaving out the harshest details, especially the hurtful words Namtan threw at him.

"And where were you when Namtan took him?" Earth's voice is laced with confusion, his brow furrowing.

"I..." Mix stutters, struggling to find the right words. "I was here. I was-at the door."

Earth's expression hardens. "And you let her?" he asks, disbelief mingling with frustration.

"I... I'm sorry," Mix murmurs, his voice almost a whisper, shame creeping in.

"You should have stopped her, Mix, no matter what," Earth insists, his tone sharp. "I entrusted you with Edin, and you should have protected him."

Mix meets Earth's gaze, pain reflected in his eyes. "How, Earth? "How could I do that when she tells me I have no right? Who am I to meddle in your family? I don't even know where I stand in this... this... what do you call this? A situationship? Because this is obviously not a relationship, right?"

Tears spill from Mix's eyes, and he hiccups, emotions flooding him. "She's the mother of your son, Earth. What can I do? I'm just... I'm just Edin's teacher. I'm just-"

Before he can finish, Earth envelops him in a tight hug, cutting off Mix's spiraling thoughts. Mix clutches Earth tightly, seeking comfort as his sobs break free, raw and heart-wrenching. "I'm sorry," Earth whispers softly into Mix's hair, guilt heavy in his voice. "I'm so frustrated, and I took it out on you. I'm the one at fault. I'm so sorry, Mix."

Mix's tears flow more freely, and he hugs Earth tighter, feeling the warmth and safety of his embrace.

"I'm sorry.. Shhh now. It's okay..." Earth comforts him, rubbing soothing circles on his back, grounding both of them in the moment. "None of this is your fault."

As Earth continues to caress Mix's back, he feels the tension in Mix's body slowly start to dissipate. After a while, when Mix's hiccups fade into soft breaths, Earth gently breaks the hug, his hands cupping Mix's face tenderly.

He stares deeply into Mix's eyes, searching for a connection amidst the turmoil and the next thing Earth says made Mix's heart race, a mix of hope and fear flooding through him.

"Move in with me?" Earth asks, the words hanging in the air, weighted with significance.

:ily~