They were all enjoying their meals, engaging in lively conversations as usual. However, Raon couldn't help but notice his brother's unusual silence throughout the meal.
"Rein, what's troubling you?" Raon inquired between bites of food.
Rein looked up, taken aback. "N-Nothing, why do you ask?"
"You've been unusually quiet lately. I can't help but wonder if something's been bothering you while I've been away," Raon remarked, concern evident in his voice.
The others at the table subtly shifted their attention towards Rein. Tristan sipped his juice, avoiding Rein's gaze, while Kaye chewed her food thoughtfully, stealing glances at Tristan.
"I suppose it's just the pressure of the upcoming race getting to me. I need to focus on my training if I want to win," Rein explained, attempting to brush off his brother's concern.
"Well, you should prioritize your practice then, and steer clear of any distractions," Raon advised, his tone firm yet supportive.
Rein nodded in agreement. "Yes, brother."
Tristan refilled Kaye's glass with juice, his eyes briefly meeting Rein's before returning to his own meal. Kaye offered a forced smile before resuming eating.
"By the way, guys, are you all free today? How about we all take a break this afternoon and head to that theme park I saw on social media? It looks like a blast!" Haru suggested eagerly.
"Hmm, sounds like a fantastic idea," Isaac chimed in. "We'll all go together, right?"
"Absolutely, I'll clear my schedule for the afternoon," Raon confirmed.
"I'll join you guys after my shift at the hospital," Kurtis added.
"I have no classes today, so count me in," Tristan chimed in with a smile.
"I don't have practice either," Ivan added.
"Count me in as well. I'm not busy today," Shin confirmed with a grin.
"I'm totally free," Kyle said.
All eyes turned to Mikhail.
"We're in as well," Mikhail replied, before returning his attention to his meal.
Warren and Benjamin exchanged smiles of agreement.
"And what about you, Troy? Any workshops today?" Kaye inquired.
Troy shook his head. "Nope, it's my day off."
"You should come with us, Rein. So that you can relax for a while," Raon suggested.
Rein let out a sigh, relenting. "Alright, I'll come."
"Yay! It's settled then! This is going to be so much fun!" Cedie exclaimed.
The mood at the table visibly lifting as they all shared smiles of anticipation.
.
.
At the theme park, Kaye's family brimmed with joy as they explored the vibrant surroundings. They snapped photos together and eagerly hopped on various rides, reveling in the excitement.
During a moment of rest, they noticed curious gazes from passersby.
"What ride should we try next?" Haru queried.
"How about the roller coaster?" Cedie piped up.
Haru, Isaac, and Rein's expressions turned apprehensive.
"S-Seriously?" Haru stammered.
"Why not? It's supposed to be fun, right?" Cedie persisted.
"You all go ahead and enjoy the thrill. Eros and I will stay down here to capture your fun on video," Kaye suggested, cradling her son.
"Can we please ride it?" Cedie pleaded.
"Nah, it's too risky," Isaac interjected.
"Kids aren't allowed on that one," Rein added.
"But why?" Cedie looked at them bewildered. "Don't tell me you're scared of the roller coaster?"
The men struggled to contain their laughter.
"O-Of course not!" Haru protested.
"Who said we're scared? I have Serolf and Fuentebella blood in my veins—nothing scares me!" Isaac boasted.
"The speed of a roller coaster is nothing compared to my races," Rein asserted.
"Really? Then why did you hesitate earlier?" Kurtis teased.
"T-That's because... Cedie is still a child!" Haru quickly explained.
"Oh really? I think Cedie is old enough to ride," Shin smirked.
"Just admit you're scared," Ivan teased.
"I'm not scared!!!" the three exclaimed in unison.
Followed by a chorus of chuckles from the men.
"Fine, if you say so," Raon conceded.
"To prove it, we'll ride it together! No exceptions, except for Kaye and Eros!" Isaac declared.
Mikhail accidentally spilled his drink.
"Are you okay?" Warren inquired.
Mikhail wiped his mouth with a tissue. "Why are you including us in your dare? If you want to ride, do it yourselves. Don't drag me into your foolish stunts," he snapped, irritated.
"Ohh," Isaac mused, covering his mouth. "Looks like my little brother is afraid of the roller coaster," he teased.
"What? Who's afraid? I'm not fucking scared!" Mikhail retorted.
"Then why won't you join us? Everyone's agreed to ride," Haru pointed out.
The men nodded in agreement.
Mikhail gritted his teeth. "It's because that ride is boring and lacks excitement," he explained.
The men gave him skeptical looks.
"Come on, that's true!" Mikhail insisted.
"I can't believe the intimidating underboss of Fuentebella is scared of a roller coaster," Shin taunted.
"What did you say?" Mikhail growled.
"Easy, bro. Let's not cause a scene here," Tristan intervened. "If you're really not scared... then join us." He gave Mikhail a challenging glare.
Mikhail gulped.
"Our underboss isn't scared. To prove it, we'll join him in his seat," Benjamin declared.
"W-What?" Mikhail stammered.
"Yeah, let's all ride it together," Warren added.
"Yipeee! I'm so excited now!" Cedie exclaimed.
Mikhail sighed. Why did he have to join these idiots?
"Hey, guys, looks like you're having fun. Sorry I'm late," Timothy said, just arriving. He then planted a kiss on his son.
The men gave him dark stares.
"Do you guys think what I'm thinking?" Haru proposed.
"Yeah..." the men replied in unison.
Timothy looked at them, confused. "What?"
They all smirked.
"Hehehe! You must join us!" Haru insisted.
"Huh?" Timothy was bewildered.
Before he could refuse, the men dragged him to join them on the roller coaster ride.
Mikhail and Timothy's faces were pale as they waited for the ride to start.
"HAVE FUN, GUYS!" Kaye waved at them with a smile.
"W-Wifey..." Mikhail whispered, tears in his eyes.
Kaye also made Eros wave at them.
The ride began, and they could all hear the loud screams of Kaye's husbands.
"WAAAAHHHHH! LET ME GO DOWN!!!" Haru cried.
"FUUUCCCKKK!!! I WILL KILL THAT FUCKING OPERATOR!!!" Mikhail shouted.
"MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! WAAAHHHH!" Isaac cried.
"WHY DID YOU GUYS INCLUDE ME HERE?" Timothy shouted.
"MAMAAAA!!!" Rein cried.
They all hugged each other while screaming and crying. The screams continued the whole time.
When they got off the ride, they all threw up.
"Please... Let's not ride that fucking thing again!" Shin pleaded.
"I regret it now," Raon admitted, sitting on the ground.
"I-I'm dying..." Troy said, looking like he had lost his soul on the ride.
"I think I saw an angel up there... and they were calling me," Ivan said between pants.
"It seems like they've already died," Kyle remarked, pointing at Mikhail, Isaac, Rein, Haru, and Timothy who were now lying on the ground.
"Hehe, that was so fun!" Cedie said.
"NO, IT'S NOT!" the men all retorted.
Cedie scratched his head while he and Kaye chuckled.
Kaye was delighted to see the men getting along so well.
.
.
....
The following day, as they prepared breakfast, Rein rushed in.
"Guys, have you all seen this?" he exclaimed, showing his tablet.
"What's wrong?" Mikhail inquired.
They all gathered around to see what had caught Rein's attention on social media, and they were taken aback.
"Damn, is that us?" Isaac wondered aloud.
"Someone took photos of us at the theme park," Kurtis said.
The viral post showed the underboss of Fuentebella having fun with his friends. It was revealed that the underboss was acquainted with some famous businessmen, a model, a racer, a musician, a professor, a lawyer, a doctor, an artist, and was also now on good terms with the mayor of the city. There were also rumors circulating that the underboss already had a son with his girlfriend, as Kaye was pictured holding Eros.
"What should we do now? People must not find out about our relationship," Kaye fretted.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of this. I'll order Kira to find the person who dared to post that," Mikhail declared.
"Timothy texted me; he said he's already instructed someone to delete all the posts about us," Troy informed them.
Suddenly, Kurtis, Haru, and Tristan's phones rang.
The hospital called Kurtis, inquiring about his involvement with the mafia. Tristan's father was also furious and demanded to see him at home. Haru received a scolding from his manager for not being careful.
Kaye was overwhelmed with worry. Why was this happening again?