While eating, Lu Lu asks her boyfriend to hit Loui as a friendly gesture. Loui gets mad and warns that he won't allow anybody to hit Loui. Lu Lu gets angry at Gavin's reaction and leaves. Loui's father buys a new phone for Gavin picked by Loui. Gavin helps Loui's father in cementing a leakage at their home. At night in the bed, Gavin asks Loui why his father is not joining aunt's business, to which Loui replies that his father is too proud to join aunt and that aunt is not widow, but her husband never visits her. Later, Loui's father was fired from his job and offered a better job. Loui learns about his father's job and realizes that Gavin is behind this. Thus, Loui confronts Gavin.
P.O.V...
Loui defends his boundaries against Lu Lu, observes Gavin's quiet interventions in his family's life, and confronts Gavin upon realizing the extent of his influence—testing trust, pride, and control between them.
The restaurant was tense as Lu Lu leaned across the table, eyes glittering with mischief. "Gavin," she said sweetly, "hit Loui. Just a friendly gesture!"
Loui's fork clattered against his plate. "Excuse me?" His face flushed red, and his hands gripped the table. "Nobody hits me. Not for 'fun,' not for anything!"
Gavin's eyes narrowed slightly. "That's… not going to happen." His voice was calm but firm.
Lu Lu's face twisted in disbelief and then anger. "What? You're taking his side?" She stood abruptly, pushing her chair back. "I can't deal with this."
Before anyone could respond, she stormed out of the restaurant, slamming the door behind her. Loui's chest heaved with lingering frustration.
"You didn't have to argue for me," he said quietly, though his voice carried a hint of relief.
"I did," Gavin replied simply. "No one touches you without your permission."
The next morning, Loui watched as his father handed Gavin a small box. "Here," his father said, smiling. "A new phone. Loui helped me pick it out."
Gavin took it carefully. "Thanks… really. I appreciate it."
Later that day, Gavin rolled up his sleeves and followed Loui's father to the backyard, where a small leakage had been causing trouble.
"Careful with that cement," Loui's father warned.
"I know what I'm doing," Gavin replied, steady and confident. Together, they patched the leakage, hands coated with cement, working in quiet sync. Loui observed from the doorway, feeling warmth and admiration for Gavin's quiet competence.
That night, the two of them lay in bed. Gavin propped on one elbow, studying Loui thoughtfully. "Why isn't your father joining Aunt's business? He seems capable enough."
Loui shifted, turning slightly toward him. "He's too proud," he said softly. "He… wouldn't accept help from Aunt. And… Aunt isn't a widow, if you're wondering. Her husband… he never visits."
Gavin nodded slowly, processing the information. "I see. So… it's about pride and independence."
Loui sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. "Yes. And family… it's complicated."
A few days later, Loui's father returned home with surprising news. "I was fired today… but they offered me a better job elsewhere," he said, a small smile on his face.
Loui's eyes widened. "What… how? Did someone help make this happen?"
He glanced at Gavin, who met his gaze evenly, hiding any hint of mischief. Loui narrowed his eyes. "Gavin… did you do this?"
Gavin leaned back, shrugging casually. "Maybe I nudged things along a little. I thought it would help."
Loui's chest tightened. "You… you can't just manipulate everything! Even if it's for good reasons."
"I didn't manipulate," Gavin said softly. "I just… wanted to make sure your family was taken care of. You trust me, right?"
Loui looked away, conflicted. Anger, worry, and something warmer—something like admiration—swirled inside him. "I… I do. But that doesn't mean I like it."
Gavin reached out, brushing a hand along Loui's arm. "I know… I'm sorry for not telling you. I just… wanted to protect you and your family."
Loui's eyes softened slightly, though he remained firm. "Next time… at least let me know first. I need to be part of it too."
Gavin smiled faintly, leaning closer. "Deal. But just so you know… I'll always be here, making sure you and your family are safe."
Loui leaned against him, letting the warmth and closeness sink in. Despite his irritation at Gavin's secretive ways, he couldn't deny the comfort of having someone so capable—and so willing to protect him—by his side.