Quiet Promise

Mix stares out of his classroom window, his gaze unfocused, lost in the tangle of thoughts swirling in his mind. The empty, quiet room feels like a sanctuary in the early morning light, but his thoughts are anything but peaceful. He came to school early, hoping the silence would help him clear his head, but all he can think about is Earth’s proposal from last night.

Move in with him?

His heart races just remembering it. The moment replays in his mind, how he froze, his response lost somewhere between shock and confusion, leaving him with nothing but silence. Then, flustered and embarrassed, he practically fled.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid,” he mutters under his breath, tugging at his hair in frustration.

How could he be so tongue-tied? But, even as he berates himself, another voice whispers, I did the right thing, didn’t I?  He sighs, letting out a little exasperated laugh, almost as if trying to reassure himself. “We don’t even know what we are yet. I can’t just… move in, right?”

If anyone saw him at that moment, mumbling to himself and lost in his monologue, they’d probably think he’d lost it.

A soft knock, then breaks his reverie, snapping him back to the present. He quickly composes himself, putting on a warm smile as parents and children start trickling into the room.

“Good morning,” he greets them, his voice steady, though his heart is still in a whirl.

“Teacher Mix!” Mix’s heart leaps at the familiar little voice.

He turns, plastering a bigger smile as he sees Edin racing toward him. But just behind Edin is someone unexpected—Namtan.

“Oh, um, hi, Edin!” he says, crouching down to hug the boy as Edin wraps his small arms around him.

“Daddy’s at work,” Edin explains, as if he's read what's inside Mix's mind. The kid smiles brightly, but then his expression shifts slightly, like he’s searching for the right words. “Uhh… I’m with… umm… Mama.”

The word falls from his lips hesitantly, the foreign sound lingering in the air. Mix smiles, his heart giving a pang he can’t quite place.

“That’s great, Edin.” He straightens, nodding politely at Namtan, who nods back, a cordial smile on her face.

Seeing her, though, stirs a fresh mess of feelings in Mix, complicating the morning’s earlier turmoil. He can’t pinpoint what he’s feeling—nerves, uncertainty, or something deeper.

Namtan calls Edin, waving him over, and he jogs back to her. She crouches down, waiting, maybe for a hug or a kiss goodbye, but Edin just smiles and waves, quickly darting off to join his classmates without so much as a backward glance. Namtan’s smile wavers, just a fraction, as she watches him run off.

With a small nod, she stands and, with one last polite smile in Mix’s direction, turns and leaves. As she walks out, Mix lets out a slow breath, feeling the quiet return but noticing it’s even more unsettling than before.

Well.. At least Mix has the kids to help him throughout the day.

The classroom, with its endless stream of laughter and bright, chattering voices, is his one safe haven, a place where all his worries vanish—even if only for a while. The joy and energy the kids bring are like magic, a force that lifts him up and keeps him going. Their smiles are like little rays of sunshine, warming him to his core and the way they treat Mix as if he’s a real part of their lives, like he’s family—it’s something he cherishes deeply. There’s nothing forced or complicated about it; it’s just simple, pure affection.

Some of the kids come running to hug him when they arrive, while others leave small drawings on his desk, covered in colorful scribbles and glitter that sparkles all over his hands. They bring him tiny treasures from their pockets, from crumpled flowers to shiny stones they’ve found, each gift presented with such pride and joy that it’s impossible not to smile.

The school day comes to an end and they start to leave, he waves goodbye enthusiastically, matching each of their little voices with his own. Watching them walk away, their backpacks bouncing and laughter echoing down the hall, he feels a deep gratitude. It’s moments like these that make everything worthwhile.

"Bye!" Mix calls, his voice echoing with warmth and enthusiasm as the last few kids leave the classroom.

"Bye!" a little voice pipes up, perfectly matching his tone. Mix looks down and spots Edin standing by his side, a wide grin on his face, his small hands perched confidently on his waist like he’s the classroom assistant. The way he mirrors Mix’s every gesture and expression—like a tiny, serious adult—is enough to make Mix chuckle out loud.

Mix shakes his head with a fond smile. "It’s down to you and me again," he says, reaching down to ruffle Edin’s hair.

Edin nods enthusiastically, his grin spreading from ear to ear. There’s a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and he practically bounces with energy. Together, they begin tidying up the classroom, working in their little rhythm. Every toy, book, and stray crayon finds its way back to its place, punctuated by the sound of their giggles as they work side by side.

"Daddy misses Teacher Mix," Edin says out of the blue, his voice bright yet serious, as if he’s delivering the day’s most important news.

Mix freezes, his mind whirling. He blinks down at Edin, caught completely off guard.

"He did?” Mix asks, his voice softer than he intended, barely concealing the surprise etched across his face.

Edin nods with enthusiasm. “Yes! He told Edin to say that.”

Then, his eyes twinkle with a mischievous curiosity, and he tilts his head, looking at Mix with an innocent yet knowing gaze. “Do you miss Daddy too, Teacher Mix?”

Mix feels his cheeks flush. He laughs, trying to play it casual, “Umm… I do, of course.”

Edin’s grin grows wider, and he bounces on his toes, unable to contain his excitement.

“Well, you should tell Daddy that!” he insists, his voice filled with a kind of childlike wisdom, a certainty that only a kid could have. “He smiles a lot when we talk about Teacher Mix!”

Mix laughs, his heart racing in a way he can’t quite explain. “He does?”

“Yep!” Edin nods, his little face glowing with pride at this insider knowledge. “When Edin says ‘Teacher Mix,’ Daddy’s face gets really happy. And his eyes look all twinkling, like this!”

Edin scrunches his face and does his best impression of Earth smiling, mimicking his father's signature smile, his expression so earnest that Mix can’t help but laugh. Edin giggles along with Mix, clearly pleased with himself. Their laughter fills the empty classroom, echoing warmly around them.

Their lighthearted moment is interrupted by a soft knock on the door and Mix turns to see Namtan standing in the doorway, her gaze shifting from him to Edin. "Hi," Namtan greets, her tone polite as she smiles at Edin.

Edin’s face lights up, but he doesn’t rush to her just yet. Instead, he glances at Mix, giving him a look filled with warmth and adoration. Mix kneels down, bringing himself to Edin's eye level. He gives the little boy a warm smile.

"Goodbye, Teacher Mix!" he says cheerfully, a bright smile spreading across his little face.

But he doesn’t stop there. Edin moves closer, reaching up to brush aside a stray lock of hair that’s fallen across Mix’s forehead, his small fingers gentle and careful. Before Mix can fully process it, Edin leans in and presses a soft, innocent kiss to his forehead.

Mix feels a flush of warmth rise to his cheeks, surprised by the gesture. This simple act—it’s so much like Earth’s. He realizes Edin must have picked up on this little habit from his dad, copying it with that pure-hearted charm only a child could manage.

"Keep safe, Edin," Mix whispers softly, his voice a little choked, touched by the unexpected gesture. Edin nods and, after giving Mix one last beam of a smile, he turns and walks toward Namtan.

She looks at Mix, her expression almost unreadable—curious, maybe even hesitant. When Edin finally reaches her side, she forces a smile. "Let’s go, honey," she says, extending her arm. Edin takes her hand slowly, his small fingers curling around hers, though he doesn’t seem as enthusiastic about it.

As they step into the hallway, Edin throws one last glance over his shoulder, his voice echoing, "Bye-bye, Teacher Mix!"

Mix’s smile widens, and he waves back, his hand held high as if he can somehow hold onto this moment just a little longer. He doesn’t stop waving until they’ve rounded the corner, disappearing from sight, leaving behind only a warm feeling that lingers in his chest. Even when the sound of Edin’s laughter fades down the hallway, Mix finds himself lingering in the doorway, his hand still raised in an absent-minded wave.

The warm, tingling feeling from Edin’s innocent kiss still lingers on his forehead, like a small, secret mark of affection. He lets out a long, soft breath, trying to steady himself. That sweet little kiss and the gentle, earnest look in Edin’s eyes felt like more than just a child’s goodbye.

In some way, it felt like Earth was there too. The thought makes Mix's cheeks flush a bit deeper. He smiles to himself, shaking his head softly, as he lets the sweetness of the moment settle.

But then his thoughts shift to Namtan.

The way she looked at him—a mix of curiosity and something else, something he couldn’t quite name—lingers in his mind. She’d smiled when Edin reached her, but the expression felt strained, maybe even conflicted. The look she gave Mix wasn’t hostile, but it wasn’t exactly warm either. Almost as if she saw him as someone who didn’t quite belong but had somehow found a way in.

Mix sighs, his thoughts growing a little heavier as he steps back into the empty classroom. He busies himself tidying up the last remnants of the day’s lessons, his mind swimming with unspoken questions and unacknowledged hopes.

Mix goes home, feeling the weight of the day lingering in his shoulders, but a quick, warm shower melts some of it away. Stepping into his comfiest clothes—a soft, oversized shirt and loose sweatpants—he feels an instant wave of relaxation wash over him. He prepares a simple dinner, letting the rhythm of chopping and stirring ease his mind. As he eats, he starts to feel a calm settling within him, pushing away the worries and the day’s small frustrations.

After clearing his dishes, he brushes his teeth and heads to the living room.

He settles on the couch, the cushions molding perfectly to his form as he opens his laptop, fingers poised over the keys. But as he checks his inbox, it quickly becomes clear that he’s caught up on all his paperwork. He leans back with a sigh, closing the laptop and reaching for the remote.

Tonight, he needs something to hold his attention, something to drown out the overthinking that’s been simmering since Earth’s surprising offer the night before. He scrolls through channels before settling on a horror movie, the kind that has just the right amount of suspense to keep him on edge.

The eerie soundtrack fills the room, and Mix feels himself tense as the plot unfolds, leaning a bit closer to the screen. Then, just as a particularly suspenseful scene begins, his phone suddenly pings, pulling him out of the moment. He glances at the message, brow lifting in surprise when he sees Earth’s name on the screen.

Hi. Good evening. I'm just wondering where you are?

Mix raises his eyebrows, feeling a jolt of curiosity. Earth rarely texts him out of the blue, especially this late. He quickly types back, keeping his reply short: “At home.”

Just as he sends the message, a loud knock at the door startles him. His phone slips from his grip, and he clutches his chest, feeling his heart race. “Jesus Christ,” he mutters, standing up, trying to steady himself.

Who could be knocking at this hour?

He pads to the door, anticipation and confusion tangling inside him. When he swings it open, his heart skips a beat, and a thrill of something warm and uncontainable rushes through him.

Standing there, under the soft glow of the hallway light, is Earth.

"Earth?" Mix says, his voice edged with surprise, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. He takes in Earth’s familiar form, noticing the slight droop in his shoulders, the faint shadows under his eyes, and that small, tired but genuine smile he always wears.

“Hi,” Earth greets, giving a little wave that’s both shy and endearing. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Mix’s mind races as he tries to take in Earth’s unexpected arrival, his voice a little shaky as he says, “No, not at all. Just… surprised.”

He steps aside, his heart pounding as he invites Earth inside, bringing with him a presence that feels both grounding and electrifying, like he’s filled the entire room just by being there. They settle on the couch, and Mix quickly reaches for the remote, fumbling to turn off the horror movie that suddenly feels out of place.

In the quiet that follows, the air thickens, an unspoken tension settling between them. Earth shifts, his fingers drumming softly against his knee, gaze flicking between Mix and the floor. He’s clearly trying to work up to something, and the sight of him, usually so composed, now visibly nervous, makes Mix’s own nerves flutter.

Mix clears his throat, trying to cut through the silence. “Do you want anything to drink?” His voice sounds too loud, too eager, betraying his own anticipation.

Earth quickly shakes his head, glancing at Mix as if he doesn’t trust himself to speak just yet. “I—” Earth starts, but falters, and Mix can feel the hesitation, the weight of whatever is on his mind pressing down between them.

So Mix offers a small lifeline. “How’s work?”

Earth’s shoulders relax just a bit, and he huffs out a laugh, though it sounds more like a release of pent-up breath than amusement. "Oh, umm… Still a headache.” He scratches the back of his neck, and Mix can’t help but notice how the simple gesture softens him, makes him look more vulnerable. “How about you?”

Mix smiles, leaning back to match Earth’s posture, trying to play it casual. “Well, you know, work is tiring as usual, but the kids… they make me feel alive.” He chuckles, but Earth’s gaze doesn’t waver, his eyes searching for something deeper.

“I meant you,” Earth clarifies, his voice lower now, almost tender.

The question catches Mix off guard, freezing him in place. It feels as though Earth has just peeled back a layer, slipping past the surface with a quiet intimacy that makes Mix’s heart stutter. Earth’s gaze is unwavering, concerned, as though he’s reaching out without moving, offering a steady hand through his question alone.

“I…” Mix stammers, suddenly overwhelmed, his mind whirling with everything he’s been feeling lately. His job, his friendship with Earth, his connection to Edin, and even the confusing pang of emotion he feels whenever he thinks about Earth’s ex, Namtan.

He wants to respond, to say something meaningful, but his voice catches, lost in the chaos inside him.

Seeing Mix’s struggle, Earth takes a breath, his expression softening even more.

“Namtan and I talked,” he says, breaking the silence with a seriousness that makes Mix’s stomach twist. He stiffens at the mention of Namtan, unsure if he’s ready for whatever Earth is about to share.

Earth watches him, as if he senses Mix’s discomfort, but he presses on.

"She… she wants to spend time with Edin again. To reconnect, as his mother. I thought about it, and… it didn’t seem right to deny him the chance to feel that motherly love, so I agreed. Edin's actually with her at the moment.” Earth’s voice is careful, steady, yet there’s a hint of vulnerability beneath it. “I talked to Edin, and… he’s a little confused, but you know Edin—he’s always open to change.”

Mix forces a smile, mirroring Earth’s own, though he feels a mix of emotions he can’t quite unravel. Part of him wants to ask questions, to dig deeper, but he holds back, unsure if it’s his place. Instead, he manages a quiet, “Why… why are you telling me this?”

Earth pauses, his gaze steady but intense as it meets Mix’s, who quickly glances down, his fingers twisting in his lap. Earth’s hand inches forward, reaching out ever so slightly, and Mix senses it, his breath catching again.

“Mix…” Earth’s voice is soft, almost a whisper, coaxing Mix to look up. When he does, he finds Earth’s eyes full of sincerity, his expression so open that it makes Mix’s chest ache. “Yesterday… I might’ve said too much or not enough, I don’t know,” he admits, the words falling from him as if he’s struggling to get them right. “I just… I needed to tell you this. I don’t want you to feel confused.”

Mix’s heart races as he listens, and for the first time, he feels the weight of all the moments they’ve shared building between them, like each one is weaving a connection he hadn’t fully allowed himself to see before. He can’t look away, caught in Earth’s gaze as if drawn there, each word deepening the tension yet somehow also making everything feel somehow clear.

Earth’s fingers brush over Mix’s hand, just a light touch, but it sends a spark through him, making him realize that maybe, just maybe, Earth feels the same quiet, growing yearning that he does.

Earth inhales deeply, steadying himself. He meets Mix’s gaze head-on, his expression uncharacteristically intense, his eyes reflecting the weight of everything he's about to say. His voice, when it comes, is steady but soft, each word carefully measured.

"I just want you to know that I like you," he begins, his tone straightforward, but there's an underlying vulnerability that Mix has rarely seen. It’s clear this isn’t something Earth would say lightly. His eyes hold steady, not looking away, as if letting Mix see directly into the depths of his heart, where every unspoken feeling and intention is laid bare.

There’s a pause, a breath where Mix can see Earth mentally grappling with his own courage, as if any hesitation now might make him retreat. Feeling the urgency, Earth continues, his voice just a touch quieter. “I want to fix my situation first, but I have intentions to pursue you.”

He says it firmly, yet there’s a quiet humility in his words, an acknowledgment of the challenges he carries. Mix can tell how carefully Earth is choosing each word, like he’s balancing his own desire with the respect he feels for Mix and the delicate nature of his own circumstances.

There’s no doubt left, no space for misinterpretation. Earth is declaring his feelings openly, but he’s also offering a promise—an unspoken commitment to work on himself and his situation, to create a path where they can meet without the shadows of unresolved issues. And it’s in this moment that Mix realizes how deeply Earth values him, not just as a potential partner, but as someone worth waiting and working for.

Mix can barely process Earth’s words, feeling like his heart is about to burst right out of his chest. Each word lingers in the air, resonating, bouncing in his mind—I like you. The honesty in Earth’s tone, his steady gaze, and the weight of everything he’s saying fills Mix with a sudden, intense warmth. He tries to steady his breathing, but it’s no use. His cheeks burn, his heart pounds loud enough to drown out any coherent thought.

“I—” Mix stutters, but his voice catches, and he realizes he doesn’t know how to respond to something so raw, so real. It feels like a dream, one he doesn’t want to end.

“You don’t have to answer right away,” Earth says, his eyes filled with a tenderness that makes Mix’s heart ache.

“I’ll understand. My situation… the life you’d be stepping into—it’s not simple. It’s messy, complicated and I need to get things in order before I can give you the kind of commitment you deserve."

Mix looks up at him, heart clenching with an ache that’s both painful and beautiful, overwhelmed by Earth’s courage in laying his heart bare. Earth’s words may be laced with warnings, but Mix hears the quiet promise beneath them—the promise of something real, something he’s longed for without fully realizing it.

Mix’s heart clenches at Earth’s thoughtfulness. He can see the weight of Earth’s responsibilities—the challenges with Edin, the delicate balance with Namtan—all stretching ahead of them. And yet, here Earth is, willing to stand beside him, admitting his feelings despite the mess.

Inhaling slowly, Mix finally finds his voice.

“I... I care about you too,” he says, the words coming out in a shaky breath. “And Edin. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about being a part of your lives. I’m willing to be a part of your family--whenever it's ready."

Earth’s eyes brighten, a hopeful smile breaking through his initial tension. He reaches out, tentatively placing a hand over Mix’s, a warm, steady presence. Earth releases a shaky breath and lets himself lean into Mix’s shoulder, the weight of tension and nerves finally lifting as he breathes out. His body trembles slightly, remnants of his earlier anxiety still lingering, but he feels his pulse begin to steady with each quiet second that passes in Mix’s presence.

Mix is taken aback at first, startled by the sudden closeness, but when he senses Earth’s unease, he doesn’t hesitate. He lifts a hand, resting it gently against Earth’s back, his fingers moving in slow, reassuring circles. The touch is soft, warm, offering comfort without words.

“Breathe,” Mix murmurs softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Earth nods against him, drawing in a deep, grounding breath, their closeness filling the air with a quiet calm.

After a moment, Earth’s voice breaks the silence. “I was so scared you’d say no.” His words are almost a confession, a soft admittance of his vulnerability.

Mix lets out a quiet chuckle, the sound warm and soothing. “Well… Edin’s got me wrapped around his little finger. I can’t deny the kid’s charm.”

At that, Earth lifts his head, his gaze meeting Mix’s. Their faces are so close now, only a breath of space between them, and for a moment, the world around them seems to disappear, leaving only this fragile, tender moment.

“Are you sure it’s not because of his dad’s charm?” Earth asks, his voice light but his eyes holding something deeper, a spark of hope mixed with a trace of playfulness.

Mix bites back a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m sure it’s Edin’s,” he says, though his gaze softens, giving away more than his words alone.

Earth chuckles, a low, genuine sound that shakes off the last of his nerves. For a moment, they simply look at each other, both aware of the unspoken, unshed emotions filling the space between them. The world seems to narrow, all the noise and worry slipping away, leaving only the gentle rise and fall of Earth’s breathing and the steady warmth of his hand where it rests over Mix’s own.

Then, almost shyly, Earth tilts his head, his gaze flickering down to Mix’s lips before returning to his eyes. There’s a question there, a silent, patient waiting, and Mix feels his own chest tighten with the fullness of it. He answers with a slight nod, hardly more than a breath, and that’s all it takes.

Earth closes the distance, his lips brushing Mix’s in the gentlest of kisses.

It’s soft and tentative, a feather-light touch that holds no urgency, only a quiet tenderness. The warmth of Earth’s lips seeps into Mix’s, and he can feel Earth’s slight trembling, the way his own emotions are held in check, cautious but wanting. Mix’s hand moves instinctively, sliding up to cradle the side of Earth’s face, his thumb brushing lightly along his cheek.

Encouraged, Earth deepens the kiss just a fraction, Earth’s hand moves almost instinctively, his fingers finding their way to the back of Mix’s head. His touch is warm and steady, the fingertips threading softly through Mix’s hair. They stay like that, wrapped up in the stillness, their lips moving in slow, unhurried motions as if they have all the time in the world.

When they finally part, neither pulls away completely. Earth’s forehead rests against Mix’s, their breaths mingling in the silence. They both stay there, eyes closed, each of them letting the fullness of the moment settle between them, both aware that this isn’t just a kiss; it’s a promise, a beginning that neither of them is quite ready to step away from.

:god, i survived this chapter 🥹 please let me know how is it by commenting. let's talk and be buddies omg hehe~