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For some reason, I decided to write the counterpart of The Fallen Hero in Overworked AU.
Since I already mention this AU before, I suppose I have to expand it a little.
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“I can no longer take care of him. He’s yours now.”
“...Huh?”
With his glasses sitting crooked on his face, Black stared blankly at the woman that just came knocking on his door. In his hands, a little cub no older than a few months was sleeping soundly, wrapped in a tight blanket.
The black panther just came home from work and was about to change into something more comfortable when someone came to visit his house. He thought it was just a delivery or something; so he didn’t bother fixing his appearance and just casually opened the door.
Never in his wildest imagination did he think that a woman would just come by and hand him a baby, claiming it was his.
“That’s all. Goodbye.”
With that, the snow leopard whose face was hidden under a parasol went away, leaving the confused blank panther on his door, along with the little cub.
Rather than chase the woman back for more explanation, Black’s mind right now was totally in chaos. He didn’t recognize the woman nor did he remember if he ever slept with any. He didn’t know if this child was even his.
But when he moved his gaze to the child, his thinking stopped. As he examined quietly, the infant was breathing steady through his slightly open mouth, tongue stuck out. While his eyes were closed, his small nose still twitched periodically, like he was dreaming something. The warmth from the body heat seeped through his hand, giving him a sense of calming.
Previously, Black’s mind was still filled with many question symbols. But now, after seeing the child, there was only one thing inside the black panther mind.
‘SO CUTE!!!”
The black panther covered his muzzle while still carefully placing the child on one arm. Despite the absurdness of the whole situation, Black decided to raise the cub.
***
“Look how small his paw is! It is the size of my thumb!”
“Heh heh, right. He is quite cute.”
“What does he eat? I can’t let him starve! Is meat good enough?”
“Uh… Should we give him baby formula instead?”
“Oh look! He is moving! He is moving! How amazing!”
“Black, I think your focus is quite off.”
Sitting on the couch in the living room, a black panther and a rat gathered around the small infant as they admired every part of him. They were so lost that they ignored the other person present.
“Guys, are we gonna ignore the elephant in the room?”
A coyote called him.
“Elephant? What elephant?” Black looked around in confusion.
Seeing his old friend who somehow looked like he temporarily missed an IQ, the canine felt that his temple was throbbing.
The two are Black’s neighbors Jake the coyote and Octa the rat. They had known each other for years and often hung out together.
“For fuck sake! Can you all be serious here?”
Feeling like his temper was being tested, Jake knocked the table impatiently.
“A woman came to your door and claimed her child was yours? Do you think this is some kind of third rate movie? And you, why are you so nonchalant about it?”
“What do you mean I am nonchalant? Do you think I am that irresponsible?”
“So you want to raise him? Are you ready to be a father? And the most important thing,” The coyote paused for a moment. “Are you sure that child even yours in the first place?”
“That's…”
Black looked a bit conflicted for a moment, but when he saw the child again, his face relaxed, as if all his worry disappeared.
“I know it sounds strange, but when I see this child, I feel like there is a connection between us. Even if he turns out not to be mine, I still want to raise this child by myself.”
What he didn’t admit was that the boy stirred something deep within him. Watching him grow felt like a wish he had been carrying all his life, waiting for its chance.
Looking at how Black’s gaze became soft when he put his sight at the baby, Jake realized something.
‘So he is serious.’
It seems that his friend had already made his choice. Black may be considerate with others, but when he decided on something, there was little others could do to make him change his mind.
Scratching his head, the coyote sighed again. “Well, I don’t have the right to question your choice, but I don’t think being a single parent is a small matter. Don’t you have work? How do you plan to take care of the baby?”
“Heh heh… You don’t have to worry about that.”
Before Black could respond, Octa already gave a solution as he held the baby in his arms.
“Me and my wife are already planning to have our own child soon, so we don’t mind taking care of one for training. Heh heh…”
“Oh! Thank you, my friend! I am indebted to you and your wife!”
While Black thanked Octa repeatedly, Jake looked at the old rat with an unsure look.
If Jake didn’t know Octa better, he would think that the rat was trying to cook the baby for his wife to eat instead. Can’t blame himself for thinking that; with his baggy eyes and his way of speech, the rat looked like an old witch in folklore. Simply put: beyond shady.
And did he just say he wants to use the black panther’s child for parenting training?
…Somehow, this sounds worrying.
***
“Did something good happen, Mr. Black?”
“Hm?”
Black raised his head from the computer and looked at the person beside him. His colleague, a female fennec that sat next to his desk, looked at him in wonder.
“What makes you say so, Miss Priscilla?”
“Well, you’ve been smiling and humming since this morning.”
“Haha, is that so? I didn’t know I was that obvious.”
Black rubbed his nose in embarrassment.
“Well, there’s nothing to hide. I just gained a son yesterday.”
“Oh my, congratulations! I didn’t know you were already married.”
“Ah, no. It’s not like that. How should I say it…?”
While Black was looking for the right way to explain it, another female colleague came to him and called with a coquettish tone.
“Mr. Black~ Can you do me a favor?”
“Ah, Miss Millie. How can I help you?”
A white bear covered half of her face with a document as she blink bashfully at the black panther.
“You see, originally I had to finish this proposal today, but I accidentally overslept and cannot finish it on time. Unlike me, you are good at this stuff, so can you do this for me instead?”
“Is that so? Sure thing.”
“Thank you, Mr. Black. You are so kind. I promise I will repay you later.”
Putting the document on Black's desk, Millie winked before going back to her seat and played with her phone.
Priscilla saw the whole thing and frowned. “Are you sure you want to do her task?”
“It’s okay. I don’t really mind.”
“But how many times did she ask for your help? The last time you did, you took the blame for an error she made. She didn't even try to clarify it.”
“Miss Millie is still new here, so making a few mistakes is natural. Having her scolded would just dampen her spirit, which affects her work.”
“But still…”
“We all work in the same department, so we have to help each other.”
“Well… If you say so.”
The two continued their work on their computer. Occasionally, Black would take a glance at the clock, checking the time. It was unlike him to be this impatient, but it couldn’t be helped as there was someone who he couldn’t wait to see at home.
***
“I’m home!”
Black opened the front door and shouted. His voice traveled through the house as he walked inside hurriedly.
“Ah, look, Snow. Your daddy’s here. Let's go greet him.”
Octa, who had been sitting on the floor playing with the little cub, scooped the child up and handed him over.
“Here you go.”
“Hey, sweetheart~ How’s my little one? Do you miss your daddy?”
Black raised the cub in the air and nuzzled him affectionately. His tiredness from the work evaporated the moment he held his child.
“Everything okay, Octa? Has he been eating well?”
“Very well. My wife was so happy looking after him that she stocked up on all kinds of formulas to see which one he prefers.”
“Really? That’s so kind of her. I’ll cover the cost later.”
“Don’t worry about it. We live in the same neighborhood, after all. She’s more than happy to help—and so am I.”
“Oh god, thank you so much. I don’t know how I’d manage without you two.”
“You can just hire a nanny, or maybe you should start looking for a mother for him.”
“Hahaha, let's not go there just yet.”
Black then focuses back on his baby.
“Hey, did you have fun playing with Uncle Octa? Hm? Did you?”
Being asked with a playful tone, the child stared at Black with his big blue eyes. Soon, his gaze narrowed, and a bubbling laugh escaped from between his chubby cheeks.
The black panther froze for a moment before he started to hug the cub and cry.
“Waaaaaa! He laughed! He laughed! Oh my god, I can die without regrets at this moment!”
“Black, put down the child. You can scare him.”
Ever since the snow leopard cub came into Black's life, the world became much brighter to him. There was always something to look forward to everyday. It was like a miracle, a blessing on his previous mundane life.
***
Time passed, and Snow had become familiar with the people around him. He would play with the toy that was given to him with curiosity and crawled around the place, but most of the time he would sleep. Because Black had to go to work, he spent most of the day in Octa’s house, but every time he saw Black, he would visibly be happy as he recognized him.
Soon, Snow learned to stand and walk on his own. When Black saw this he became so excited that he flooded the neighbors chat group with the photo of his cub. His phone memory became so full of baby photos that he had to move them to external storage periodically.
On weekends when he didn't go to work, Black would spend all his day accompanying the little snow leopard. Following the guidance of a parenting book, he took care of his needs, playing and bonding with care, and sometimes bringing him outside for fresh air. He became well known in the neighborhood as a single father who doted on his baby.
Black used to live alone in his house that he inherited, but very rarely, a relative from overseas would come to visit.
The small snow leopard looked up at the two adults. His clear round eyes were open wide like he was seeing something incredible. Turning his head left, he saw his daddy. Turning his head right, he also saw his daddy. His daddy… become two?
“Awww… look. He is so confused. Poor thing…” The black panther spoke as he smiled like an idiot. His resistance to cute things was basically zero.
Meanwhile, the other black panther didn't quite look amused. Crossing his arms, he stared at the child with an impassive look as he asked, “What is this?”
“It's your nephew. His name is Snow.”
“...You married?”
“No, that's not it. The thing is…”
After Black explained the circumstances of Snow's origin, Coal—Black’s twin brother—made an expression like he was hearing something ridiculous.
“You seriously took this child without knowing if it was yours or not?”
“It's ‘he’, brother, not ‘it’. Besides, whether he is connected to me by blood or not doesn't matter to me. I mean, look.” Black raised the cub parallel to his face. “Isn't he cute?”
Coal looked at the father and son pair with the face of someone that stepped on a shit. Whether it was because of his brother’s attitude of ‘I adopt him because he’s cute’ or something else, only he himself knew.
The black panther didn’t speak for a while. His finger was tapping on his arm like he was thinking of something, making the air become tense.
Finally, Coal spoke, “No matter what, this is not something that can be brushed aside. We need to check whether he is your biological child or not, for health and legal purposes.”
Listening to his brother, a hint of reluctance crossed his eyes.
“But… I’m still not ready to know…”
“Check it. Now.”
“B-Brother, your eyes are scary.”
“Forget it. I'll do it myself.”
“Wait, what are you doing!? Don't touch my child!”
In the end, Coal took the matter with his own hand. With his own money, he forced his brother to take the paternity test. The result quickly came out; Snow was indeed Black's biological child, at least according to the test.
Black was relieved and ecstatic with the result, but strangely Coal didn't seem to be happy with it. He looked at the child like he was seeing a mortal enemy, which made Black worried. There was an instance where Coal lifted the little snow leopard like a cat—by the back of his neck—which almost scared him to death.
Fortunately, Coal didn’t stay long and went back overseas. Though relieved, he was also a bit sad. His brother rarely contacted him ever since he moved for a student exchange. Now that they were both adults, the distance became much wider. He always wondered what was in his brother’s mind.
***
“Snow, don’t run too fast. Daddy cannot catch you.”
“He-he-he-he-he-he-he~”
Keeping his voice loud enough to be heard, Black pretended to chase the kid who was laughing and running through the park. The snow leopard’s long tail swayed as his short legs moved as fast as they could.
Years passed by, and Snow was now three years old. He could now run around without falling, which was why he now plays chasing with his daddy.
Because he wasn't paying attention, Snow bumped into something. As he looked up, he saw a big muscular white tiger was standing towering him. He was at least more than two meters tall.
“Hey little guy. Where do you come from?” The white tiger asked while grinning, showing his sharp teeth.
“...a…a…a…”
The little snow leopard was stammering as his tail curled up, a bit scared. When Black came to him, he hurriedly hid behind him, seeking comfort by hugging his legs.
“Ah, I’m sorry. Did he startle you?”
“Ha ha ha, it’s nothing. Not like I broke a bone or something.”
“Thank you. He is a bit shy with strangers, so please go easy on him.”
“Go easy? What for? Kids at that age should be bolder than that. Hahaha.”
The white tiger put his hands on his hips and laughed loudly. His chest puffed out like it was about to burst out of his shirt.
“Say, is this your child? What an active little guy.”
“He is. We often come here on weekends.”
“Oh, what a coincidence. I also brought mine with me. You seem to be the same age, so why don’t you play together?”
The white tiger shouted on a tree, “Hey Max, get down here! I have a friend for you!”
The two panthers looked upward, only to see a small tiger hanging on a branch. The little tiger stared at the snow leopard for a moment before he grinned just like his father. Somehow, the little snow leopard became spooked by it.
Not long after, the two began to play chasing, though it was mostly Max having fun as the chaser. Snow—the one who was being chased—was running like his life depended on it, crying while at it.
Seeing the little ones playing together, Black chuckle. He was now sitting on the bench with the white tiger.
“So, you are one of my employees?”
“That's right. I didn't know I would see you here, Mr. Alexander.”
“Just call me Alex. This is not the company, so don't bother with the pleasantries.”
“Well… That's a bit hard, with your position and all.”
“Ha ha ha, you're such a funny guy.” Alex laughed again as he slammed his hand on Black’s back, almost flattened him.
Alex was the CEO of Uragon Co., the company where Black worked. The black panther recognized him the moment he saw him as he saw his portrait. The two positions were very far away, which made Black a bit hesitant.
“Bah, don't mix work with life. Right now we're just single fathers who are trying to have time with their kid.”
“Huh? Wait, how do you know that I am single?”
“Just a feeling. I don't see the mother anywhere, or am I wrong?”
“Well… no. You can’t be more correct.”
Black looked at the little white tiger who was still playing happily. He was now pulling the snow leopard’s tail, probably curious about how thick and long it was. Meanwhile, Snow was holding his tail like it was a matter of survival while letting out an incomprehensible screaming.
“So, his mother is…”
“Died during childbirth. Poor kid, he never had a chance to see her.” Alex shook his head and sighed.
“I'm sorry to hear that.”
“Don't worry about it. What about you?”
“Well, mine is more complicated.” Black scratched his head, unsure how to say it. “Long story short, she just came out of nowhere to give the child and went away. I don't even know her name.”
“Wow. Isn't that a thing you can only encounter in a movie?”
The black panther chuckled. “I guess life is more of a wonder than a movie.”
Suddenly, a loud scream could be heard. Looking up, the little tiger continued to chase the little leopard again, but this time, he was holding a snail in his hand. Snow, who was afraid of snails, began to scream more loudly as he ran as fast as he could.
“Hey, you brat! That’s not how you play with your friend! Come back here!”
The little tiger paused for a moment before he shrugged, tossing the snail away, and ran to the big tiger with a wide grin. He was really having fun.
“Tsk, just where do you get your mischief from?” Alex messed with his kid’s hair.
Realizing that no one was chasing him, Snow ran to his daddy and hid behind him again. Despite still being frightened, he still took a peak at the two tigers.
Alex continued, “Anyway, nice to know you, em…”
“Black. Just call me Black.”
“Right. Nice to know you, Black. If you have any trouble in the office, you can just call me.”
“A help from the CEO? Wow, this is quite a big favor. I wouldn't dare.”
“Come on. As fellow single fathers, we should have a lot in common. Helping each other is a natural thing to do as we may meet like this often.”
As the big tiger laughed again, he felt something tugging his clothes. Looking down, the snow leopard was holding his shirt while staring at him. Unlike his previous self who was shy and afraid, he somehow showed some kind of awe though his sparkling eyes.
While the two adults were confused, to their shock, Max slapped the little leopard hand and hissed at him with tail flicked. With how he hugged his daddy and glared at the snow leopard, it was as if he were to convey ‘this is my daddy, go grab yours’ to him. Snow, who was frightened again and ran back behind Black.
Seeing them, the two adults looked at each other for a moment and chuckled.
“Well, I think that’s it then. Let’s meet again in the future shall we?”
With that, the two tigers went away.
Seeing his son still look at them, Black asked, “What’s wrong? Do you like them?”
The snow leopard nodded shyly. It seems like despite crying all the time, he still had some fun.
“It seems that they often visit the park, so I’m sure you can meet them again.”
“...Mmm.”
Thinking for a while, Black asked, “By the way, why do you hold him earlier?”
“...I want… to be… like him.”
“Huh?”
Listening to the answer, Black couldn’t help but be shocked. He imagined Snow having a baby face while his body was filled with big muscle all over. It was quite jarring.
‘Well, as long as he is happy…’ Black stroked his chest while trying to calm himself.
As Black lost in his imagination…
“...Taiga-man… So cool…”
He didn’t catch Snow’s words. Unlike what he was imagining, Snow just thought that Alex reminded him of a superhero character that he saw on a TV show.
***
Years passed in the blink of an eye, and Snow continued to grow up. He entered the same school as Max, which made them both more inseparable. Originally, the snow leopard was somewhat reclusive, but the white tiger never left him alone. Before long, they became buddies.
With that, Black also gained new routines: taking Snow to school and picking him up after work. In the process, he crossed paths with Alex many times. Because of that, they often hang out together, sharing worries and stories about their parenting and stuff. At work, they rarely passed by each other, but outside, they were close as their children became.
Black never forgot to document Snow’s growth. He had a physical album filled with photos of the snow leopard when he was still a little cub to the present. The most recent album had photos of his school activities and hanging out with his new friends.
Just when Snow entered the sixth grade, they welcomed another miracle.
“Oh my god! She is so adorable!”
The black panther and the snow leopard looked over a crib. Inside, a small rat baby girl was sleeping soundly. Her gray fur was already fully grown, looking slick and healthy.
“What a sweet little angle.” Black clutched his chest as he felt his heart melted. “You really did it, my friend.”
“He he… thanks. She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
Octa swayed the crib gently while letting out a creepy laugh. After years of marriage, he finally became a father. His mood had been good lately as his eyebags looked visibly brighter.
“Thank god she took most of his mother’s features. At least she wouldn’t be as ugly as me when she grew up.”
“Oh come on, don’t discredit yourself like that. It just sounds too sad.”
“Uncle. Uncle. Uncle Octa.” Snow pulled the rat’s clothes while hopping repeatedly. “What is her name? Does she already have one? Can I name her?”
“Now-now, Snow. Don’t be too hasty.”
“He he… Sorry to disappoint you, but she already has one.” The rat patted the snow leopard head. “Me and my wife originally had some naming options that we prepared, but the moment she came to our sight, we both reached the same answer. It was like magic.”
“Oh yeah? What is her name?” Black perked up in interest.
“Mana.” Octa stroked the little rat’s hair gently as he spoke. “Her name is Mana.”
“Mana?”
Hearing that name, Black felt an unknown feeling inside his chest. Looking back at the baby, he found that that name was somehow very suitable for her.
“It really does sound like magic.” The black panther nodded his head. “What a good name.”
“Isn’t she?” Octa looked at his baby and smiled softly. “I don’t ask much. I just hope she can grow up happily.”
“She will, my friend.” Black patted his back. “She will.”
That was how everyone welcomed their new family member. Since Octa household was already like a second home to Snow, both had seen each other as their own. Black too felt like he gained a daughter.
For a while, things could not be more perfect than before.
Unfortunately, that happiness didn’t last long.
Not long after Mana was born, Both Octa and his wife had a car accident, claiming both of their lives. Black and his son attend their funeral, along with Mana who was still too young to recognize her surroundings. As the black panther carried the infant in his arms, Snow couldn’t stop crying the entire time. The funeral proceeded quietly without making a splash in the outside world.
“It’s okay. Everything is going to be fine.” Black suppressed his feelings as he stroked Mana’s back. “I promise you will grow up happily, just as he hopes you’ll become.”
Octa’s family has helped him raise Snow, so it was his turn to take the responsibility of raising Mana. That was how he ended up with two kids.
Despite having the experience, raising a baby alone was proven to be difficult for him. Fortunately, despite still being a crybaby, Snow already had some degree of maturity. As an older brother, he helped his father take care of her, which lessened his pressure. Black could not be fortunate enough that his son grew up into such a responsible boy.
Everything seemed to have gone in the right track, yet once again, misfortune comes without a sign.
“Dad, Mana is already sleeping on her bed.”
“Hm…? Oh, yeah. Thanks son.”
Snow heard his father answer weakly as he gazed at him from the doorway of his room. Black focused all his attention on the bills on his desk.
He had messed up. His current salary wasn’t enough to keep up with the cost of living with two kids and all their future expenses. From the adoption fees to daily necessities and schooling, everything cost more than he’d imagined. He wasn’t in a financial crisis yet, but the thought still weighed him.
Sensing his father troubled, Snow walked forward to his side. “Dad, is there anything it can do to help?”
“Huh? Ah, you’re there.” Black shifted his attention to his son and brushed his head with a smile. “You have already done more than you should. Just continue to take care of your sister, okay?”
Snow looked at his father’s face. Despite trying to look okay, he still could see the man’s tiredness from his eyes. He was sensitive to such things.
“Mmm.” Snow didn’t know what to do, so for now he just nodded his head in understanding.
***
“Do you know what time it is!? The due date is supposed to be today!
“I'm sorry, sir. I promise I will finish it today.”
Black apologized while keeping his head bowed slightly. His boss, a white tiger around the same age as him, snorted as he sat slouchingly.
“You better do, Black. Next time, I expect more professionalism for you. You hear me?”
“Yes, Mr. Henry. Thank you for your leniency.”
As Black walked back to his desk, his co-workers that he passed by murmured.
“Tsk. Is he at it again? He barely did any work—yet he bossed around like he owns this place.”
“What can we do? He is the CEO’s cousin.”
“Heh. So this is nepotism.”
After the black panther returned to his desk, Priscilla leaned closer and whispered. “Hey, are you okay? Do you need my help?”
“Thank you, Miss Priscilla, but you don’t have to. There is only a small part left that is missing—I can do it on my own.”
“That is fortunate, but you should start to take it easy. This thing happens because you are taking on too many projects at the same time.”
“It’s alright. This pace is manageable for me.”
“It doesn’t look that way to me. Do you know how many times you've been working overtime?”
“Still, this is something that I should do.”
“No it doesn’t. I mean… It's kind of Mr. Henry's fault for putting so much on you. But… um, why does he always pick on you?”
“Good morning Mr. Henry~”
While the vixen was grumbling, Millie walked inside with a light step. She moved beside the white tiger eagerly.
“Sorry for being late. The car that I use suddenly broke down, so I have to take care of it.”
“Oh, is that so? Well, it can’t be helped then. Fortunately you are okay.”
“Yes, thank you for worrying about me. You look so handsome today.”
“Heh, of course I am.
Seeing the two flirting in broad daylight, Priscilla widened her eyes in realization.
“Uh, I think I figured it out now.”
As Black let out a small chuckle, he focused his attention on his computer and started to work.
Just like Priscilla said, Black had been working overtime lately. He often came home late at night, and when he didn’t, he was usually on his computer working. He had so little time to cook that Snow began learning to do it himself. Sometimes, he felt bad for his children, but as the family’s breadwinner, he felt he couldn’t stop.
It was partly because he was chasing the bonus, but the main reason was just as she said. For some reason, his new boss—Henry—has been giving him more work than the others. It was not to the point of harassment, but he did like to give some side remark whenever he saw him. Others think he was just jealous because Millie often came to the black panther for help, but Black wondered if this had something to do with him befriending his cousin outside.
Either way, Black could only accept it in silence. He was the one who was in need, so he couldn’t ask for more demand. He himself was unaware that he became overworked.
***
Years flashed, and Snow had graduated from high school. This was a meaningful event for them, so Black had especially taken a time off for a few days and cooked a feast for the whole family.
“Congratulations for finishing your study, son.”
“Congratulations, brother!”
“Haha. Thank you.”
Snow smiled bashfully as the three of them gathered at the dining room. In front of them, many kinds of dishes that were rarely being served filled the table. Somehow it was more luxurious than thanksgiving dinner.
“Now that you are 18 years old, you are officially an adult. How does it feel?”
“I don’t know. It is hard to describe. Maybe scary?”
“Ha ha, don’t worry. You’re not alone feeling like that. It’s quite normal.” Black laughed while wiped the tear on the corner of his eyes. “It’s just like yesterday when I carried you in my arms. Now your height is almost the same as mine, which is quite saddening.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
As Snow rolled his eyes at his father stupid remarks, Mana raised her favorite food—french fries dipped in garlic sauce—to him. “Brother, aaaa…”
Sighing, the snow leopard crouched down and ate the food, at the same time licking the tiny hand that became messy with the sauce.
“Eww, gross.” She giggled in tickles as she sensed the spines on his tongue, wiping her hand to her clothes.
“Mana, use the napkin. Don’t dirt your clothes like that.” Black put the napkin on her lap as he turned back to the snow leopard. “Anyway, since you already graduated, have you decided which university you want to attend? With your test report, I’m sure you can enter anywhere.”
“About that…” Snow was hesitating for a moment. “Actually… I didn’t plan to attend one.”
Hearing that, Black’s smile faded. “What do you mean by that?”
“Well, the thing is… Isn’t college tuition a bit expensive? I can just find a job and make money directly. Why all the trouble entering a colleague?”
“No no no no. What are you saying, Snow? Trying to sound like an adult now?” Black tried to say compose by throwing a joke. His heart was beating faster as the snow leopard continued.
“Look dad. I know our finances were a bit tight. That is why you already come home late at night and busy with your work, right? I been think for a long time ago to how help, and this is the way I-”
“YOU MAY NOT!”
Black slammed the table and stood upright, causing the dishes clatter. His action surprised everyone in the room, including himself.
“I-I mean… I…” The black panther stepped backward with cold sweat behind his back. His vision began to blur while his claws trembled against the table.
“...I’m sorry. I just… I need to go out.”
Leaving those words, he left the dining table and went outside. Neither Snow nor Mana spoke a single word as they stayed on their seats. With the absence of the family head, the untouched dishes didn’t look as appetizing for everyone anymore.
***
Black hung his head with a glass of beer inside a bar. It was already late at night. Sitting at the counter alone, he held his head in one palm as the other grabbed the beer. The liveliness of other patrons who engage with others didn’t reach him. The coldness of the ice penetrated his palm, but it was nothing compared to the tribulation in his heart.
This was the first time he raised his voice to his kids. He felt that he was a failure as a father.
He wasn’t mad at Snow. No, he was only mad at himself. Snow only wanted to help him, he knew it. He just could not accept his own weakness for failing to provide a safe haven to his family. It was frustrating.
“You look quite pathetic, Black.”
Lifelessly raising his head, he found a black panther with the same face as him sitting beside him with his own drink.
“Oh, hey brother. Can’t believe I see you here.” Black responded with a weary smile. “When did you arrive here?”
“Just now.” Coal took a sip of his ice tea before continuing. “Your son called me, saying that his father became upset for the first time and he didn’t know what to do.”
“I see… I do make everyone worry, huh?” He chuckled. “Thank you for coming. I appreciate the thought.”
“Do you have some kind of misunderstanding?” Coal raised an eyebrow. “Since when have I ever worried about you? We grew up together, so you should know what kind of person I am.”
“No, I don’t know.” Black hung his head again. “You never opened up to me, not even once. How am I supposed to know?”
“Figured.” Coal shrugged. “Honestly, you're a smart man, but when it comes to dealing with people, you’re as dumb as you can get. Isn’t that why you end up like this?”
“No, brother. What that have to do with-”
“But it does have to do with your current state.”
The twin brother slid a generous tip across the bar, earning a wide smile from the bartender. He then swirled his glass in a slow circle, the ice cubes clinking softly against the sides.
“Let me guess. You just accept anything that is shoved onto you, thinking that it is your responsibility, and you try to do everything by yourself, is that right? You never seek any alternative—always take the hardest path, because you think this is correct. You become someone who is career driven.
“But in the end, you end up neglecting your family, even though you don’t intend to. You think you’re doing it for them, but you end up hurting them.”
“Brother,” Massaging his temple, Black called him and looked away. “If you want to mock me, do it another time. I want to be alone right now.”
“Don’t cower yet, my dear brother. I am just about to state my main point.” Coal suddenly let out a chuckle, a rare sight to behold. “As a sibling, I suppose giving help is a natural thing to do.
“You're having trouble taking care of your kids, right? If you are not capable of keeping them any longer, perhaps I can take them with me. What do you say?”
A sound of glass breaking filled the bar. As the half finished ice tea spilled on the floor, Coal who previously sat on his chair was now being held up by his collar. He maintained his smile as Black, who was holding him, glared at him with mixed expression. The tension was visible.
Black looked like he had a lot of things to say, but in the end, like a deflated balloon, he let go of his brother and sighed.
Coal fixed his clothes as he glanced at him with amusement. “I’m waiting for your choice, dear brother.”
Slipping another bill for the damage, the black panther went away, leaving his twin alone with his thoughts.
Black didn’t move for a moment before he sat back in his seat. He gulped the beer in one go, and then hung his head again. Gritting his teeth, he chugged the beer again. He repeatedly did it over and over until the sun rose.
***
Went back home, he found no one in the house. Based on the time, Mana should be at school right now, while Snow…
He had no idea where he went.
Black went to his room and took his phone that he left. Searching for a contact, he pressed the call button and put it on his ear.
“Hello? Alex? It's been a while. Yes, it’s me. I have a favor to ask. Do you have time for a moment?”
A few days later.
“This is bullshit! Demotion!? Me!? What did I do? He thinks he can run the family business as he pleases just because he is the CEO?”
“M-Mr. Henry! Please, slow down!”
“Isn’t this because of you, you bitch! Get off of me!”
As the two people walked in the corridor, a black panther moved past them. He walked quietly and steady with his hand behind his back. With his eyes squinting slightly, his expression was relaxed with a faint smile plastered on his face.
“Ah, good morning Mr. Black.”
Priscilla, who was moving with her female colleague, greeted him as they crossed paths.
“Good morning, Miss Priscilla. It’s a sunny day, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. Do you have business somewhere?”
“Yes, the senior management just called him to his office. I heard it has something to do with my promotion.”
“Oh really? Congratulations. Your hard work has finally paid off.”
“Ha. Yeah, it does.” Black opened his eyes a little. “It really does.”
“...”
“Well then, I’ll see you again, Miss Priscilla. Have a good day.”
“Ah… Yes. Good day…”
As the vixen watched the black panther go away, her colleagues spoke to her.
“Hey, isn’t that Black?”
“Who?”
“The one who likes to help others. I heard that any team that has him basically has an easy time because he does most of the work.”
“Ah, I saw him before. But are his eyes always squinting like that?”
“Hey, you two are in the same team, right? What kind of person is he?”
Priscilla didn’t hear her colleagues. Her gaze lingering at the spot where Black went as she clutched her hand in front of her chest.
“Is it just my feeling? Or…”
Something about his smile made her uneasy.
A moment later.
“Mr. Black, isn’t it? Starting from today, you will become the supervisor of the second HR department. Is there any question you want to ask?”
“No sir, there is nothing in particular.”
Standing in the middle of the senior management office, Black spoke politely with a soft tone. His hands remained behind his back as he wore that faint smile.
“Alright then. Speaking of which, you seem to be in a good mood. You sure are happy with your promotion, huh? And just right after you finish your time off.”
“Yes, that’s right.” His eyes gleamed with unknown meaning. “I can’t wait to work again.”
Later on, an urban legend started in the company.
They said that there had been an infamous supervisor who liked overworking his subordinates, but the strangest part was that no one ever complained or got sick because of it. He seemed to know everyone's limits and pushed them just below that line, and rather than using force, he used his glib tongue to allure them with raises and promotions instead. Despite never raising his voice or getting mad, people still felt uneasy when facing him because of the uncanny smile that was always plastered on his face. No one could read his emotions, as he always wore the same expression.
No matter what the truth was, only people from the second HR department know the whole truth.
***
Since I already mention this AU before, I suppose I have to expand it a little.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
The Fallen Office Worker“I can no longer take care of him. He’s yours now.”
“...Huh?”
With his glasses sitting crooked on his face, Black stared blankly at the woman that just came knocking on his door. In his hands, a little cub no older than a few months was sleeping soundly, wrapped in a tight blanket.
The black panther just came home from work and was about to change into something more comfortable when someone came to visit his house. He thought it was just a delivery or something; so he didn’t bother fixing his appearance and just casually opened the door.
Never in his wildest imagination did he think that a woman would just come by and hand him a baby, claiming it was his.
“That’s all. Goodbye.”
With that, the snow leopard whose face was hidden under a parasol went away, leaving the confused blank panther on his door, along with the little cub.
Rather than chase the woman back for more explanation, Black’s mind right now was totally in chaos. He didn’t recognize the woman nor did he remember if he ever slept with any. He didn’t know if this child was even his.
But when he moved his gaze to the child, his thinking stopped. As he examined quietly, the infant was breathing steady through his slightly open mouth, tongue stuck out. While his eyes were closed, his small nose still twitched periodically, like he was dreaming something. The warmth from the body heat seeped through his hand, giving him a sense of calming.
Previously, Black’s mind was still filled with many question symbols. But now, after seeing the child, there was only one thing inside the black panther mind.
‘SO CUTE!!!”
The black panther covered his muzzle while still carefully placing the child on one arm. Despite the absurdness of the whole situation, Black decided to raise the cub.
***
“Look how small his paw is! It is the size of my thumb!”
“Heh heh, right. He is quite cute.”
“What does he eat? I can’t let him starve! Is meat good enough?”
“Uh… Should we give him baby formula instead?”
“Oh look! He is moving! He is moving! How amazing!”
“Black, I think your focus is quite off.”
Sitting on the couch in the living room, a black panther and a rat gathered around the small infant as they admired every part of him. They were so lost that they ignored the other person present.
“Guys, are we gonna ignore the elephant in the room?”
A coyote called him.
“Elephant? What elephant?” Black looked around in confusion.
Seeing his old friend who somehow looked like he temporarily missed an IQ, the canine felt that his temple was throbbing.
The two are Black’s neighbors Jake the coyote and Octa the rat. They had known each other for years and often hung out together.
“For fuck sake! Can you all be serious here?”
Feeling like his temper was being tested, Jake knocked the table impatiently.
“A woman came to your door and claimed her child was yours? Do you think this is some kind of third rate movie? And you, why are you so nonchalant about it?”
“What do you mean I am nonchalant? Do you think I am that irresponsible?”
“So you want to raise him? Are you ready to be a father? And the most important thing,” The coyote paused for a moment. “Are you sure that child even yours in the first place?”
“That's…”
Black looked a bit conflicted for a moment, but when he saw the child again, his face relaxed, as if all his worry disappeared.
“I know it sounds strange, but when I see this child, I feel like there is a connection between us. Even if he turns out not to be mine, I still want to raise this child by myself.”
What he didn’t admit was that the boy stirred something deep within him. Watching him grow felt like a wish he had been carrying all his life, waiting for its chance.
Looking at how Black’s gaze became soft when he put his sight at the baby, Jake realized something.
‘So he is serious.’
It seems that his friend had already made his choice. Black may be considerate with others, but when he decided on something, there was little others could do to make him change his mind.
Scratching his head, the coyote sighed again. “Well, I don’t have the right to question your choice, but I don’t think being a single parent is a small matter. Don’t you have work? How do you plan to take care of the baby?”
“Heh heh… You don’t have to worry about that.”
Before Black could respond, Octa already gave a solution as he held the baby in his arms.
“Me and my wife are already planning to have our own child soon, so we don’t mind taking care of one for training. Heh heh…”
“Oh! Thank you, my friend! I am indebted to you and your wife!”
While Black thanked Octa repeatedly, Jake looked at the old rat with an unsure look.
If Jake didn’t know Octa better, he would think that the rat was trying to cook the baby for his wife to eat instead. Can’t blame himself for thinking that; with his baggy eyes and his way of speech, the rat looked like an old witch in folklore. Simply put: beyond shady.
And did he just say he wants to use the black panther’s child for parenting training?
…Somehow, this sounds worrying.
***
“Did something good happen, Mr. Black?”
“Hm?”
Black raised his head from the computer and looked at the person beside him. His colleague, a female fennec that sat next to his desk, looked at him in wonder.
“What makes you say so, Miss Priscilla?”
“Well, you’ve been smiling and humming since this morning.”
“Haha, is that so? I didn’t know I was that obvious.”
Black rubbed his nose in embarrassment.
“Well, there’s nothing to hide. I just gained a son yesterday.”
“Oh my, congratulations! I didn’t know you were already married.”
“Ah, no. It’s not like that. How should I say it…?”
While Black was looking for the right way to explain it, another female colleague came to him and called with a coquettish tone.
“Mr. Black~ Can you do me a favor?”
“Ah, Miss Millie. How can I help you?”
A white bear covered half of her face with a document as she blink bashfully at the black panther.
“You see, originally I had to finish this proposal today, but I accidentally overslept and cannot finish it on time. Unlike me, you are good at this stuff, so can you do this for me instead?”
“Is that so? Sure thing.”
“Thank you, Mr. Black. You are so kind. I promise I will repay you later.”
Putting the document on Black's desk, Millie winked before going back to her seat and played with her phone.
Priscilla saw the whole thing and frowned. “Are you sure you want to do her task?”
“It’s okay. I don’t really mind.”
“But how many times did she ask for your help? The last time you did, you took the blame for an error she made. She didn't even try to clarify it.”
“Miss Millie is still new here, so making a few mistakes is natural. Having her scolded would just dampen her spirit, which affects her work.”
“But still…”
“We all work in the same department, so we have to help each other.”
“Well… If you say so.”
The two continued their work on their computer. Occasionally, Black would take a glance at the clock, checking the time. It was unlike him to be this impatient, but it couldn’t be helped as there was someone who he couldn’t wait to see at home.
***
“I’m home!”
Black opened the front door and shouted. His voice traveled through the house as he walked inside hurriedly.
“Ah, look, Snow. Your daddy’s here. Let's go greet him.”
Octa, who had been sitting on the floor playing with the little cub, scooped the child up and handed him over.
“Here you go.”
“Hey, sweetheart~ How’s my little one? Do you miss your daddy?”
Black raised the cub in the air and nuzzled him affectionately. His tiredness from the work evaporated the moment he held his child.
“Everything okay, Octa? Has he been eating well?”
“Very well. My wife was so happy looking after him that she stocked up on all kinds of formulas to see which one he prefers.”
“Really? That’s so kind of her. I’ll cover the cost later.”
“Don’t worry about it. We live in the same neighborhood, after all. She’s more than happy to help—and so am I.”
“Oh god, thank you so much. I don’t know how I’d manage without you two.”
“You can just hire a nanny, or maybe you should start looking for a mother for him.”
“Hahaha, let's not go there just yet.”
Black then focuses back on his baby.
“Hey, did you have fun playing with Uncle Octa? Hm? Did you?”
Being asked with a playful tone, the child stared at Black with his big blue eyes. Soon, his gaze narrowed, and a bubbling laugh escaped from between his chubby cheeks.
The black panther froze for a moment before he started to hug the cub and cry.
“Waaaaaa! He laughed! He laughed! Oh my god, I can die without regrets at this moment!”
“Black, put down the child. You can scare him.”
Ever since the snow leopard cub came into Black's life, the world became much brighter to him. There was always something to look forward to everyday. It was like a miracle, a blessing on his previous mundane life.
***
Time passed, and Snow had become familiar with the people around him. He would play with the toy that was given to him with curiosity and crawled around the place, but most of the time he would sleep. Because Black had to go to work, he spent most of the day in Octa’s house, but every time he saw Black, he would visibly be happy as he recognized him.
Soon, Snow learned to stand and walk on his own. When Black saw this he became so excited that he flooded the neighbors chat group with the photo of his cub. His phone memory became so full of baby photos that he had to move them to external storage periodically.
On weekends when he didn't go to work, Black would spend all his day accompanying the little snow leopard. Following the guidance of a parenting book, he took care of his needs, playing and bonding with care, and sometimes bringing him outside for fresh air. He became well known in the neighborhood as a single father who doted on his baby.
Black used to live alone in his house that he inherited, but very rarely, a relative from overseas would come to visit.
The small snow leopard looked up at the two adults. His clear round eyes were open wide like he was seeing something incredible. Turning his head left, he saw his daddy. Turning his head right, he also saw his daddy. His daddy… become two?
“Awww… look. He is so confused. Poor thing…” The black panther spoke as he smiled like an idiot. His resistance to cute things was basically zero.
Meanwhile, the other black panther didn't quite look amused. Crossing his arms, he stared at the child with an impassive look as he asked, “What is this?”
“It's your nephew. His name is Snow.”
“...You married?”
“No, that's not it. The thing is…”
After Black explained the circumstances of Snow's origin, Coal—Black’s twin brother—made an expression like he was hearing something ridiculous.
“You seriously took this child without knowing if it was yours or not?”
“It's ‘he’, brother, not ‘it’. Besides, whether he is connected to me by blood or not doesn't matter to me. I mean, look.” Black raised the cub parallel to his face. “Isn't he cute?”
Coal looked at the father and son pair with the face of someone that stepped on a shit. Whether it was because of his brother’s attitude of ‘I adopt him because he’s cute’ or something else, only he himself knew.
The black panther didn’t speak for a while. His finger was tapping on his arm like he was thinking of something, making the air become tense.
Finally, Coal spoke, “No matter what, this is not something that can be brushed aside. We need to check whether he is your biological child or not, for health and legal purposes.”
Listening to his brother, a hint of reluctance crossed his eyes.
“But… I’m still not ready to know…”
“Check it. Now.”
“B-Brother, your eyes are scary.”
“Forget it. I'll do it myself.”
“Wait, what are you doing!? Don't touch my child!”
In the end, Coal took the matter with his own hand. With his own money, he forced his brother to take the paternity test. The result quickly came out; Snow was indeed Black's biological child, at least according to the test.
Black was relieved and ecstatic with the result, but strangely Coal didn't seem to be happy with it. He looked at the child like he was seeing a mortal enemy, which made Black worried. There was an instance where Coal lifted the little snow leopard like a cat—by the back of his neck—which almost scared him to death.
Fortunately, Coal didn’t stay long and went back overseas. Though relieved, he was also a bit sad. His brother rarely contacted him ever since he moved for a student exchange. Now that they were both adults, the distance became much wider. He always wondered what was in his brother’s mind.
***
“Snow, don’t run too fast. Daddy cannot catch you.”
“He-he-he-he-he-he-he~”
Keeping his voice loud enough to be heard, Black pretended to chase the kid who was laughing and running through the park. The snow leopard’s long tail swayed as his short legs moved as fast as they could.
Years passed by, and Snow was now three years old. He could now run around without falling, which was why he now plays chasing with his daddy.
Because he wasn't paying attention, Snow bumped into something. As he looked up, he saw a big muscular white tiger was standing towering him. He was at least more than two meters tall.
“Hey little guy. Where do you come from?” The white tiger asked while grinning, showing his sharp teeth.
“...a…a…a…”
The little snow leopard was stammering as his tail curled up, a bit scared. When Black came to him, he hurriedly hid behind him, seeking comfort by hugging his legs.
“Ah, I’m sorry. Did he startle you?”
“Ha ha ha, it’s nothing. Not like I broke a bone or something.”
“Thank you. He is a bit shy with strangers, so please go easy on him.”
“Go easy? What for? Kids at that age should be bolder than that. Hahaha.”
The white tiger put his hands on his hips and laughed loudly. His chest puffed out like it was about to burst out of his shirt.
“Say, is this your child? What an active little guy.”
“He is. We often come here on weekends.”
“Oh, what a coincidence. I also brought mine with me. You seem to be the same age, so why don’t you play together?”
The white tiger shouted on a tree, “Hey Max, get down here! I have a friend for you!”
The two panthers looked upward, only to see a small tiger hanging on a branch. The little tiger stared at the snow leopard for a moment before he grinned just like his father. Somehow, the little snow leopard became spooked by it.
Not long after, the two began to play chasing, though it was mostly Max having fun as the chaser. Snow—the one who was being chased—was running like his life depended on it, crying while at it.
Seeing the little ones playing together, Black chuckle. He was now sitting on the bench with the white tiger.
“So, you are one of my employees?”
“That's right. I didn't know I would see you here, Mr. Alexander.”
“Just call me Alex. This is not the company, so don't bother with the pleasantries.”
“Well… That's a bit hard, with your position and all.”
“Ha ha ha, you're such a funny guy.” Alex laughed again as he slammed his hand on Black’s back, almost flattened him.
Alex was the CEO of Uragon Co., the company where Black worked. The black panther recognized him the moment he saw him as he saw his portrait. The two positions were very far away, which made Black a bit hesitant.
“Bah, don't mix work with life. Right now we're just single fathers who are trying to have time with their kid.”
“Huh? Wait, how do you know that I am single?”
“Just a feeling. I don't see the mother anywhere, or am I wrong?”
“Well… no. You can’t be more correct.”
Black looked at the little white tiger who was still playing happily. He was now pulling the snow leopard’s tail, probably curious about how thick and long it was. Meanwhile, Snow was holding his tail like it was a matter of survival while letting out an incomprehensible screaming.
“So, his mother is…”
“Died during childbirth. Poor kid, he never had a chance to see her.” Alex shook his head and sighed.
“I'm sorry to hear that.”
“Don't worry about it. What about you?”
“Well, mine is more complicated.” Black scratched his head, unsure how to say it. “Long story short, she just came out of nowhere to give the child and went away. I don't even know her name.”
“Wow. Isn't that a thing you can only encounter in a movie?”
The black panther chuckled. “I guess life is more of a wonder than a movie.”
Suddenly, a loud scream could be heard. Looking up, the little tiger continued to chase the little leopard again, but this time, he was holding a snail in his hand. Snow, who was afraid of snails, began to scream more loudly as he ran as fast as he could.
“Hey, you brat! That’s not how you play with your friend! Come back here!”
The little tiger paused for a moment before he shrugged, tossing the snail away, and ran to the big tiger with a wide grin. He was really having fun.
“Tsk, just where do you get your mischief from?” Alex messed with his kid’s hair.
Realizing that no one was chasing him, Snow ran to his daddy and hid behind him again. Despite still being frightened, he still took a peak at the two tigers.
Alex continued, “Anyway, nice to know you, em…”
“Black. Just call me Black.”
“Right. Nice to know you, Black. If you have any trouble in the office, you can just call me.”
“A help from the CEO? Wow, this is quite a big favor. I wouldn't dare.”
“Come on. As fellow single fathers, we should have a lot in common. Helping each other is a natural thing to do as we may meet like this often.”
As the big tiger laughed again, he felt something tugging his clothes. Looking down, the snow leopard was holding his shirt while staring at him. Unlike his previous self who was shy and afraid, he somehow showed some kind of awe though his sparkling eyes.
While the two adults were confused, to their shock, Max slapped the little leopard hand and hissed at him with tail flicked. With how he hugged his daddy and glared at the snow leopard, it was as if he were to convey ‘this is my daddy, go grab yours’ to him. Snow, who was frightened again and ran back behind Black.
Seeing them, the two adults looked at each other for a moment and chuckled.
“Well, I think that’s it then. Let’s meet again in the future shall we?”
With that, the two tigers went away.
Seeing his son still look at them, Black asked, “What’s wrong? Do you like them?”
The snow leopard nodded shyly. It seems like despite crying all the time, he still had some fun.
“It seems that they often visit the park, so I’m sure you can meet them again.”
“...Mmm.”
Thinking for a while, Black asked, “By the way, why do you hold him earlier?”
“...I want… to be… like him.”
“Huh?”
Listening to the answer, Black couldn’t help but be shocked. He imagined Snow having a baby face while his body was filled with big muscle all over. It was quite jarring.
‘Well, as long as he is happy…’ Black stroked his chest while trying to calm himself.
As Black lost in his imagination…
“...Taiga-man… So cool…”
He didn’t catch Snow’s words. Unlike what he was imagining, Snow just thought that Alex reminded him of a superhero character that he saw on a TV show.
***
Years passed in the blink of an eye, and Snow continued to grow up. He entered the same school as Max, which made them both more inseparable. Originally, the snow leopard was somewhat reclusive, but the white tiger never left him alone. Before long, they became buddies.
With that, Black also gained new routines: taking Snow to school and picking him up after work. In the process, he crossed paths with Alex many times. Because of that, they often hang out together, sharing worries and stories about their parenting and stuff. At work, they rarely passed by each other, but outside, they were close as their children became.
Black never forgot to document Snow’s growth. He had a physical album filled with photos of the snow leopard when he was still a little cub to the present. The most recent album had photos of his school activities and hanging out with his new friends.
Just when Snow entered the sixth grade, they welcomed another miracle.
“Oh my god! She is so adorable!”
The black panther and the snow leopard looked over a crib. Inside, a small rat baby girl was sleeping soundly. Her gray fur was already fully grown, looking slick and healthy.
“What a sweet little angle.” Black clutched his chest as he felt his heart melted. “You really did it, my friend.”
“He he… thanks. She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
Octa swayed the crib gently while letting out a creepy laugh. After years of marriage, he finally became a father. His mood had been good lately as his eyebags looked visibly brighter.
“Thank god she took most of his mother’s features. At least she wouldn’t be as ugly as me when she grew up.”
“Oh come on, don’t discredit yourself like that. It just sounds too sad.”
“Uncle. Uncle. Uncle Octa.” Snow pulled the rat’s clothes while hopping repeatedly. “What is her name? Does she already have one? Can I name her?”
“Now-now, Snow. Don’t be too hasty.”
“He he… Sorry to disappoint you, but she already has one.” The rat patted the snow leopard head. “Me and my wife originally had some naming options that we prepared, but the moment she came to our sight, we both reached the same answer. It was like magic.”
“Oh yeah? What is her name?” Black perked up in interest.
“Mana.” Octa stroked the little rat’s hair gently as he spoke. “Her name is Mana.”
“Mana?”
Hearing that name, Black felt an unknown feeling inside his chest. Looking back at the baby, he found that that name was somehow very suitable for her.
“It really does sound like magic.” The black panther nodded his head. “What a good name.”
“Isn’t she?” Octa looked at his baby and smiled softly. “I don’t ask much. I just hope she can grow up happily.”
“She will, my friend.” Black patted his back. “She will.”
That was how everyone welcomed their new family member. Since Octa household was already like a second home to Snow, both had seen each other as their own. Black too felt like he gained a daughter.
For a while, things could not be more perfect than before.
Unfortunately, that happiness didn’t last long.
Not long after Mana was born, Both Octa and his wife had a car accident, claiming both of their lives. Black and his son attend their funeral, along with Mana who was still too young to recognize her surroundings. As the black panther carried the infant in his arms, Snow couldn’t stop crying the entire time. The funeral proceeded quietly without making a splash in the outside world.
“It’s okay. Everything is going to be fine.” Black suppressed his feelings as he stroked Mana’s back. “I promise you will grow up happily, just as he hopes you’ll become.”
Octa’s family has helped him raise Snow, so it was his turn to take the responsibility of raising Mana. That was how he ended up with two kids.
Despite having the experience, raising a baby alone was proven to be difficult for him. Fortunately, despite still being a crybaby, Snow already had some degree of maturity. As an older brother, he helped his father take care of her, which lessened his pressure. Black could not be fortunate enough that his son grew up into such a responsible boy.
Everything seemed to have gone in the right track, yet once again, misfortune comes without a sign.
“Dad, Mana is already sleeping on her bed.”
“Hm…? Oh, yeah. Thanks son.”
Snow heard his father answer weakly as he gazed at him from the doorway of his room. Black focused all his attention on the bills on his desk.
He had messed up. His current salary wasn’t enough to keep up with the cost of living with two kids and all their future expenses. From the adoption fees to daily necessities and schooling, everything cost more than he’d imagined. He wasn’t in a financial crisis yet, but the thought still weighed him.
Sensing his father troubled, Snow walked forward to his side. “Dad, is there anything it can do to help?”
“Huh? Ah, you’re there.” Black shifted his attention to his son and brushed his head with a smile. “You have already done more than you should. Just continue to take care of your sister, okay?”
Snow looked at his father’s face. Despite trying to look okay, he still could see the man’s tiredness from his eyes. He was sensitive to such things.
“Mmm.” Snow didn’t know what to do, so for now he just nodded his head in understanding.
***
“Do you know what time it is!? The due date is supposed to be today!
“I'm sorry, sir. I promise I will finish it today.”
Black apologized while keeping his head bowed slightly. His boss, a white tiger around the same age as him, snorted as he sat slouchingly.
“You better do, Black. Next time, I expect more professionalism for you. You hear me?”
“Yes, Mr. Henry. Thank you for your leniency.”
As Black walked back to his desk, his co-workers that he passed by murmured.
“Tsk. Is he at it again? He barely did any work—yet he bossed around like he owns this place.”
“What can we do? He is the CEO’s cousin.”
“Heh. So this is nepotism.”
After the black panther returned to his desk, Priscilla leaned closer and whispered. “Hey, are you okay? Do you need my help?”
“Thank you, Miss Priscilla, but you don’t have to. There is only a small part left that is missing—I can do it on my own.”
“That is fortunate, but you should start to take it easy. This thing happens because you are taking on too many projects at the same time.”
“It’s alright. This pace is manageable for me.”
“It doesn’t look that way to me. Do you know how many times you've been working overtime?”
“Still, this is something that I should do.”
“No it doesn’t. I mean… It's kind of Mr. Henry's fault for putting so much on you. But… um, why does he always pick on you?”
“Good morning Mr. Henry~”
While the vixen was grumbling, Millie walked inside with a light step. She moved beside the white tiger eagerly.
“Sorry for being late. The car that I use suddenly broke down, so I have to take care of it.”
“Oh, is that so? Well, it can’t be helped then. Fortunately you are okay.”
“Yes, thank you for worrying about me. You look so handsome today.”
“Heh, of course I am.
Seeing the two flirting in broad daylight, Priscilla widened her eyes in realization.
“Uh, I think I figured it out now.”
As Black let out a small chuckle, he focused his attention on his computer and started to work.
Just like Priscilla said, Black had been working overtime lately. He often came home late at night, and when he didn’t, he was usually on his computer working. He had so little time to cook that Snow began learning to do it himself. Sometimes, he felt bad for his children, but as the family’s breadwinner, he felt he couldn’t stop.
It was partly because he was chasing the bonus, but the main reason was just as she said. For some reason, his new boss—Henry—has been giving him more work than the others. It was not to the point of harassment, but he did like to give some side remark whenever he saw him. Others think he was just jealous because Millie often came to the black panther for help, but Black wondered if this had something to do with him befriending his cousin outside.
Either way, Black could only accept it in silence. He was the one who was in need, so he couldn’t ask for more demand. He himself was unaware that he became overworked.
***
Years flashed, and Snow had graduated from high school. This was a meaningful event for them, so Black had especially taken a time off for a few days and cooked a feast for the whole family.
“Congratulations for finishing your study, son.”
“Congratulations, brother!”
“Haha. Thank you.”
Snow smiled bashfully as the three of them gathered at the dining room. In front of them, many kinds of dishes that were rarely being served filled the table. Somehow it was more luxurious than thanksgiving dinner.
“Now that you are 18 years old, you are officially an adult. How does it feel?”
“I don’t know. It is hard to describe. Maybe scary?”
“Ha ha, don’t worry. You’re not alone feeling like that. It’s quite normal.” Black laughed while wiped the tear on the corner of his eyes. “It’s just like yesterday when I carried you in my arms. Now your height is almost the same as mine, which is quite saddening.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
As Snow rolled his eyes at his father stupid remarks, Mana raised her favorite food—french fries dipped in garlic sauce—to him. “Brother, aaaa…”
Sighing, the snow leopard crouched down and ate the food, at the same time licking the tiny hand that became messy with the sauce.
“Eww, gross.” She giggled in tickles as she sensed the spines on his tongue, wiping her hand to her clothes.
“Mana, use the napkin. Don’t dirt your clothes like that.” Black put the napkin on her lap as he turned back to the snow leopard. “Anyway, since you already graduated, have you decided which university you want to attend? With your test report, I’m sure you can enter anywhere.”
“About that…” Snow was hesitating for a moment. “Actually… I didn’t plan to attend one.”
Hearing that, Black’s smile faded. “What do you mean by that?”
“Well, the thing is… Isn’t college tuition a bit expensive? I can just find a job and make money directly. Why all the trouble entering a colleague?”
“No no no no. What are you saying, Snow? Trying to sound like an adult now?” Black tried to say compose by throwing a joke. His heart was beating faster as the snow leopard continued.
“Look dad. I know our finances were a bit tight. That is why you already come home late at night and busy with your work, right? I been think for a long time ago to how help, and this is the way I-”
“YOU MAY NOT!”
Black slammed the table and stood upright, causing the dishes clatter. His action surprised everyone in the room, including himself.
“I-I mean… I…” The black panther stepped backward with cold sweat behind his back. His vision began to blur while his claws trembled against the table.
“...I’m sorry. I just… I need to go out.”
Leaving those words, he left the dining table and went outside. Neither Snow nor Mana spoke a single word as they stayed on their seats. With the absence of the family head, the untouched dishes didn’t look as appetizing for everyone anymore.
***
Black hung his head with a glass of beer inside a bar. It was already late at night. Sitting at the counter alone, he held his head in one palm as the other grabbed the beer. The liveliness of other patrons who engage with others didn’t reach him. The coldness of the ice penetrated his palm, but it was nothing compared to the tribulation in his heart.
This was the first time he raised his voice to his kids. He felt that he was a failure as a father.
He wasn’t mad at Snow. No, he was only mad at himself. Snow only wanted to help him, he knew it. He just could not accept his own weakness for failing to provide a safe haven to his family. It was frustrating.
“You look quite pathetic, Black.”
Lifelessly raising his head, he found a black panther with the same face as him sitting beside him with his own drink.
“Oh, hey brother. Can’t believe I see you here.” Black responded with a weary smile. “When did you arrive here?”
“Just now.” Coal took a sip of his ice tea before continuing. “Your son called me, saying that his father became upset for the first time and he didn’t know what to do.”
“I see… I do make everyone worry, huh?” He chuckled. “Thank you for coming. I appreciate the thought.”
“Do you have some kind of misunderstanding?” Coal raised an eyebrow. “Since when have I ever worried about you? We grew up together, so you should know what kind of person I am.”
“No, I don’t know.” Black hung his head again. “You never opened up to me, not even once. How am I supposed to know?”
“Figured.” Coal shrugged. “Honestly, you're a smart man, but when it comes to dealing with people, you’re as dumb as you can get. Isn’t that why you end up like this?”
“No, brother. What that have to do with-”
“But it does have to do with your current state.”
The twin brother slid a generous tip across the bar, earning a wide smile from the bartender. He then swirled his glass in a slow circle, the ice cubes clinking softly against the sides.
“Let me guess. You just accept anything that is shoved onto you, thinking that it is your responsibility, and you try to do everything by yourself, is that right? You never seek any alternative—always take the hardest path, because you think this is correct. You become someone who is career driven.
“But in the end, you end up neglecting your family, even though you don’t intend to. You think you’re doing it for them, but you end up hurting them.”
“Brother,” Massaging his temple, Black called him and looked away. “If you want to mock me, do it another time. I want to be alone right now.”
“Don’t cower yet, my dear brother. I am just about to state my main point.” Coal suddenly let out a chuckle, a rare sight to behold. “As a sibling, I suppose giving help is a natural thing to do.
“You're having trouble taking care of your kids, right? If you are not capable of keeping them any longer, perhaps I can take them with me. What do you say?”
A sound of glass breaking filled the bar. As the half finished ice tea spilled on the floor, Coal who previously sat on his chair was now being held up by his collar. He maintained his smile as Black, who was holding him, glared at him with mixed expression. The tension was visible.
Black looked like he had a lot of things to say, but in the end, like a deflated balloon, he let go of his brother and sighed.
Coal fixed his clothes as he glanced at him with amusement. “I’m waiting for your choice, dear brother.”
Slipping another bill for the damage, the black panther went away, leaving his twin alone with his thoughts.
Black didn’t move for a moment before he sat back in his seat. He gulped the beer in one go, and then hung his head again. Gritting his teeth, he chugged the beer again. He repeatedly did it over and over until the sun rose.
***
Went back home, he found no one in the house. Based on the time, Mana should be at school right now, while Snow…
He had no idea where he went.
Black went to his room and took his phone that he left. Searching for a contact, he pressed the call button and put it on his ear.
“Hello? Alex? It's been a while. Yes, it’s me. I have a favor to ask. Do you have time for a moment?”
A few days later.
“This is bullshit! Demotion!? Me!? What did I do? He thinks he can run the family business as he pleases just because he is the CEO?”
“M-Mr. Henry! Please, slow down!”
“Isn’t this because of you, you bitch! Get off of me!”
As the two people walked in the corridor, a black panther moved past them. He walked quietly and steady with his hand behind his back. With his eyes squinting slightly, his expression was relaxed with a faint smile plastered on his face.
“Ah, good morning Mr. Black.”
Priscilla, who was moving with her female colleague, greeted him as they crossed paths.
“Good morning, Miss Priscilla. It’s a sunny day, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. Do you have business somewhere?”
“Yes, the senior management just called him to his office. I heard it has something to do with my promotion.”
“Oh really? Congratulations. Your hard work has finally paid off.”
“Ha. Yeah, it does.” Black opened his eyes a little. “It really does.”
“...”
“Well then, I’ll see you again, Miss Priscilla. Have a good day.”
“Ah… Yes. Good day…”
As the vixen watched the black panther go away, her colleagues spoke to her.
“Hey, isn’t that Black?”
“Who?”
“The one who likes to help others. I heard that any team that has him basically has an easy time because he does most of the work.”
“Ah, I saw him before. But are his eyes always squinting like that?”
“Hey, you two are in the same team, right? What kind of person is he?”
Priscilla didn’t hear her colleagues. Her gaze lingering at the spot where Black went as she clutched her hand in front of her chest.
“Is it just my feeling? Or…”
Something about his smile made her uneasy.
A moment later.
“Mr. Black, isn’t it? Starting from today, you will become the supervisor of the second HR department. Is there any question you want to ask?”
“No sir, there is nothing in particular.”
Standing in the middle of the senior management office, Black spoke politely with a soft tone. His hands remained behind his back as he wore that faint smile.
“Alright then. Speaking of which, you seem to be in a good mood. You sure are happy with your promotion, huh? And just right after you finish your time off.”
“Yes, that’s right.” His eyes gleamed with unknown meaning. “I can’t wait to work again.”
Later on, an urban legend started in the company.
They said that there had been an infamous supervisor who liked overworking his subordinates, but the strangest part was that no one ever complained or got sick because of it. He seemed to know everyone's limits and pushed them just below that line, and rather than using force, he used his glib tongue to allure them with raises and promotions instead. Despite never raising his voice or getting mad, people still felt uneasy when facing him because of the uncanny smile that was always plastered on his face. No one could read his emotions, as he always wore the same expression.
No matter what the truth was, only people from the second HR department know the whole truth.
***
Category Story / All
Species Feline (Other)
Size 50 x 50px
File Size 290.5 kB
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