Gavin's father talks to Loui to convince him to live with him and Loui's mother, but without success. Gavin takes Loui to shops near the zoo to help him bargain in buying clothes for him.
P.O.V...
Loui listens quietly as Gavin's father speaks of family and comfort, but his heart refuses to be persuaded. Later, among the small shops near the zoo, Gavin distracts him with laughter and warm teasing, helping him bargain for clothes — turning disappointment into a simple, precious moment together.
The narrow street beside the zoo was alive with sound — vendors calling out prices, children laughing somewhere behind the tall iron gates, and the distant roar of animals echoing through the warm afternoon air.
Gavin walked a few steps ahead, hands in his pockets, glancing back every few seconds.
"Stop dragging your feet," he said. "You look like you're heading to a funeral."
Loui sighed. "I'm just tired."
"Tired from walking or tired from thinking too much?"
"…Both."
They stopped in front of a small clothing stall filled with hanging shirts and jackets.
"This one," Gavin said, pulling down a soft blue hoodie. "Try it."
"It's too expensive," Loui replied without even looking at the price.
"You haven't asked yet," Gavin said with a grin. "Come on, bargain master."
Loui frowned. "I'm not a master."
"Yes you are. Last time you made that old uncle drop the price by half."
"That was luck."
"Sure," Gavin smirked. "Now go."
Reluctantly, Loui turned to the shop owner.
"Auntie, how much is this hoodie?"
"Seven hundred," she replied.
Gavin gasped dramatically. "Robbery."
Loui shot him a look before turning back.
"Can you make it cheaper?"
"For you? Six hundred."
Loui hesitated, then softly said, "Five hundred?"
The woman laughed. "You're bold. Okay, okay. Five fifty."
Gavin leaned in. "Try one more time."
Loui took a breath. "Five hundred, please?"
The woman shook her head but smiled. "Alright, deal."
Gavin raised both fists in victory. "I knew it!"
Loui chuckled. "You're embarrassing."
"Embarrassing but effective."
They continued from shop to shop, Gavin picking clothes while Loui bargained each time.
"Do you really need this many shirts?" Loui asked.
"Of course," Gavin replied. "I'm buying them for you."
"For me?"
"Yeah. You barely buy anything for yourself."
Loui stopped walking. "You don't have to."
"I want to," Gavin said quietly. "Let me."
Their eyes met for a moment before Loui nodded.
"…Thank you."
Gavin smiled brightly. "See? That wasn't hard."
Later that evening, Gavin's father invited Loui to sit in the living room.
Tea steamed gently on the table between them.
"Loui," his father began kindly, "I watched you grow up. You've always been strong, but you shouldn't carry everything alone."
Loui lowered his gaze.
"If you move in with me and your mother," he continued, "you'll have a stable home. Your mother misses you deeply."
"I know," Loui said softly. "She's always been good to me."
"Then why refuse?" Gavin's father asked gently.
Loui clenched his hands.
"Because I'm afraid," he admitted. "If I get used to depending on others… I won't know how to stand on my own anymore."
"You won't lose your strength," the man replied. "You'll just have support."
Loui shook his head slowly.
"I'm grateful for everything. But this life I'm living… it's something I chose. I need to finish it on my own."
A long silence followed.
From the hallway, Gavin listened quietly.
His father finally sighed.
"You're stubborn," he said softly, not angrily. "Just like Gavin."
Loui managed a small smile.
"But I respect you," his father continued. "The offer will always remain."
"Thank you, sir," Loui said, bowing slightly.
Later that night, Gavin found Loui sitting on the porch steps.
"Hey," Gavin said softly, sitting beside him. "You okay?"
Loui nodded slowly.
"Your father is kind."
"I know."
"I'm sorry I couldn't accept."
Gavin turned to him seriously.
"Don't be. What matters is what you want."
Loui glanced at him.
"You stood up for me again."
"Always," Gavin said simply.
The warm evening breeze brushed past them.
After a moment, Loui smiled faintly.
"Thank you for today… for the clothes too."
Gavin laughed. "You're welcome. Next time, you're bargaining for my stuff."
Loui smiled wider. "Deal."
For the first time that day, the heaviness in Loui's chest faded, replaced by something warm and steady — the quiet comfort of someone who would always walk beside him.