"Running Together: A Collection of Running Man Animation Oneshot Stories"

Bitter Sweet Acceptance (Makhan x Rexhan)

The barracuda got out quickly in awkwardness, he felt so shamed when he saw the two of them together. It felt like Rex is mocking him, it's just how could SHE fell for the former enemy just it isnt fair. The tiger felt stressed out and decided to walk away returning back to his tribe to relieve himself and forget everything that has happenned that night, and forget about Shan.

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Makhan is walking by the streets to the terminal, he felt exhaustion and decided to sit near a bench under the illuminating lamp post. He hieved a sigh of relief finally he can rest, fatigue has been around him lately since he's been growing old. He leaned on the back rest of the bench enjoying the peace and quiet. Just then a familiar voice with grunts of difficulty can be heard in the far distance. "Welp this should do the trick so the drinks could last before those bozos can consume it all." He can see a familiar sillhouette in the distance. He looked closer and when he got a clear look on who owns the sillhouette and it was Liu. The tiger was surprised that he is still outside and he hasnt returned to the party. He knew that he should've asked for help carrying those sodas. The bug let down the sodas in exhaustion "Oh Ulcus what a long night I should've checked the time and been waiting in the party with, Makhan?" When Liu stopped massaging and looking down to regain back his strength from carrying the soda he saw the barracuda sitting down. He was surprised so is the tiger, "Liu you haven't arrived yet in the party, took you long enough." Makhan joked the bug chuckled a bit sheepishly rubbing his nape. "Yeah some convenient stores close early so i got to travel around the city but no luck their all closed." the bug stated. The barracuda welcomed Liu to sit down the bench beside him and rest for a bit. The night is peaceful and calm they chilled and enjoyed the moment of silence. The party may go on with out them but at least they're having a good time. "So did the party end already or did anyone pass out because of too much fun?" Liu jokishly asked and put hi legs over his knee and his arms behind his nape and lean down the bench in a relaxed position. Makhan is surprised that Liu is pretty straight forward but what else should he ask anyway he left so early. The elder tiger couldn't answer his question because it involves his sister. He knew Liu wouldn't talk to him anymore if he tells he like his sister. But Liu is a nice and understandable guy, he wouldn't know his reaction unless he tried. The tiger took a deep breath and took courage on asking the young bug. 

"Liu is your sister in a relationship?" "Hmm why did you ask?" the bug got curious rejecting his question. "Well she acts different with him and they get a little.....clingy..." the tiger stuttered using the appropriate statement. "Well they've been dating since 2 years ago and now they sort of develop, i dont know how Shan even developed feelings for that guy but he has quite a charm you know huh." Liu chuckled a bit in the thought. 2 years it's too late for him to confess to her they've been  a couple for 2 years. He understood the situation and looked down his arms crossed. "Do you get along with him lately?" Makhan asked. "I don't trust him or like him either way he can sometimes be a prick if you know what i mean but he is a good guy i just need to get to know him." Liu changed his position once he finished his response. It's the bugs turn to ask and interrogate the tiger. He felt suspicious and curious with these sudden questions the tiger has. "So why DID you left the party?" he repeated his question before he doesn't comply with his question unanswered. Makhan is choosing and constructing the right words he need to say, the bug's reaction is unexpected but he know's he'll understand. "I got upset when i saw the two of them together so I left the party." Makhan didn't even looked at Liu when he finally answered his question. The bug was surprised and finally figured out, it was expected as he thought. "So i was right you like my sister." Liu finally expected it all along like he knew it. "So you do like my sister." Liu looked at the embarrassed tiger smiling. Makhan blushed in embarrassment when he figured it out but he realized how did he knew all along. "You weren't surprised?" Makhan asked still facing the other direction. "Well i just got sharp senses the first  time i saw you look at my sister when i first saw you you look dumbfounded maybe you didn't noticed me. I also notice you acting strange when your with her." Liu facing down smiling once he finished and explained everything. Makhan is surprised why he isn't tolerated by Liu despite the age gap. "Aren't you weirded out because i'm much more older than Shan and isn't it weird..." Makhan asked the bug, he clenched his fist tight when his arms are crossed. He felt uneasy because if he will be together with Shan it will absolutely awkward for the both of them. Liu's antennas perked up and is as well in doubt.  He fixed his posture and paused for a moment, he finally answered and speak up "Yeah to be honest i also... feel weirded out and uneasy everytime your around with her and when the two of you are together." the bug finally spoke up ignoring the awkward silence. Makhan took the blow and understood the young bug, "but the reason why i didn't tolerate you when your with Shan... is because that i know that you're already a great guy for my sister." the bug added up and looked at the elder tiger. "And if my sister did end up with you i know you'll do anything to make her happy." Liu smiled at the end. Makhan's eyes sparked with the young bug's words. "I know you're disappointed when Shan found someone else but remember..." before Liu could finish Makhan cut off Liu's sentence. "I promise Liu i'll always be their for your sister and i'll do anything to make her happy even if it takes that i'll never be included in her life." the elder tiger oathed to the young bug. They both smiled understanding each other, "Hope that even if Shan is with someone else i hope that you'll find someone else maybe better than her and someone that will make you much happy in life." Hopefully Makhan will find someone else that will make him happy.

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The two bid each other goodbyes Liu going the opposite direction his sillhouette disappearing from the faraway distance. It was just the barracuda and the luminous night. A brink of hope shone upon his state of mind. His heart finally moved on and recover from the heartbreak thanks to the young bug's words. That night he felt a brink of a bitter sweet hope with the sad truth of acceptance and peace of mind. He didn't feel jealous but he finally face the bitter sweet truth. As long as she is happy and that sweet smile of hers is preserve, the grey barracuda will always be satisfied.