"Ai Hin, you seem unusually cheerful."
"What did you say?"
"Did you hear what I said?"
"Clear."
Nakrob stared at his close friend with a scrutinizing gaze. For several days, he had noticed that the man who typically stayed modestly behind his Chao-nai seemed to be smiling all the time. His expression looked far better than when he had asked to stay over at his house. And, if he wasn’t mistaken, he thought he’d even heard him humming a tune, which prompted him to comment. The other turned back with a puzzled look.
"I said you seem cheerful," Nakrob narrowed his eyes.
"Not really."
"I'm not feather-headed, Ai Hin. With a face like that, how can you not be in a good mood? Or did your most exalted, gloriously perfect Chao-nai reward you? Is that why you're wagging your tail all day today?"
The listener furrowed his brows together.
"I'm not a dog."
"Oh, I always thought it was true."
Kon Hin let out a strong sigh and shook his head, clearly showing he was still irritated with someone else.
"Stop picking a fight, will you? Just drop your grudge against Khun Tul already."
"I hold a grudge against him because I'm on your side."
Thunk.
Kon Hin froze for a moment before his lips curved into a smile of gratitude.
"Thanks, but can I ask you for something?"
"No."
"Ai Rob, I haven't even asked yet."
Nakrob rolled his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.
"Because I already know what you're going to ask." The speaker glanced at his friend, whose face had fallen. The more Kon Hin's expression turned pleading, the more Nakrob, who knew him inside and out, grew exasperated.
"Ai Rob, I'm begging you."
"Ugh." In the end, Nakrob could only push his friend's head lightly.
"Fine, fine. Go ahead."
Kon Hin gave a grateful smile and then spoke with utmost seriousness.
"Can you act the same as before... before you found out about the relationship between me and Khun Tul?"
"You’re asking me to act like I’m still friends with him, like before? That’s tough. Knowing his bloody disgusting nature—not just disgusting, but absolutely vile—and then expecting me to sit there smiling at him, praising him for being so talented and all that, while fully aware that he’s screwing you relentlessly? Really?" Nakrob said without the slightest concern for saving face for the person not present, leaving Kon Hin at a loss for words.
Hin wanted to defend his Chao-nai, but he also knew his friend wouldn’t listen.
"I'm begging you." That was all he could do.
The well-built young man looked at him thoughtfully. It wasn’t that he couldn’t do it; after all, they were friends first. No matter how depraved, a friend is still a friend.
"Fine."
Kon Hin almost smiled—until…
"But I have a condition."
"What now?"
The questioner flinched at the sly smile on the hot-headed man's lips. Then, with evident satisfaction, Nakrob declared...
"You have to give Ai Rose a chance."
"Huh?"
Kon Hin gaped in shock, but the negotiator continued with a serious expression.
"Yeah, you heard me right. Ai Rose is madly in love with you. Then I can assure you, as someone who can see right through the pretentious trash like Ai Tul, that kid is genuinely good. Sure, she’s bold, daring, and straightforward at times, but she would never look down on you for being the child of a servant. She likes you for who you really are—not like those others who only approach you because of Ai Tul."
"But…"
"What are you guys talking about?"
Gasp!
Before Kon Hin could argue with his friend, a familiar voice sounded from behind, making every hair on his body stand on end. He slowly turned to look at the owner of the voice, catching sight of his Chao-nai’s broad smile directed straight at them. And of course, Kon Hin couldn’t miss the suspicion gleaming in those eyes.
As if that weren’t enough, Tul strode over with long steps, placing both hands firmly on his subordinate’s shoulders and squeezing lightly—an unmistakable display of ownership. Nakrob couldn’t help but secretly grimace, and it was enough to make Kon Hin flinch, though he couldn’t pull away.
"What’s up?"
"We were just talking about exams," Nakrob answered, tilting his head to meet the gaze of the newcomer.
"But I don’t think that’s it," Tul replied with a casual smile.
"What are you so suspicious about? You’re in business school, not a detective agency." Instead of lashing out with a long tirade, the big guy simply spoke lightly, chuckling and shrugging as if his earlier behavior had never happened. But that only made Tul more suspicious.
"Alright, sit down, Khun President. You just came back from meeting with the professor, right? You must be tired. You look like you could use something to eat. Want me to grab you something? I was just about to go get a drink," Nakrob offered as he stood up, his behavior now far too accommodating. Especially since just yesterday, he had openly expressed his disdain for Tul.
Tul narrowed his eyes slightly, watching his friend who was now all smiles, exuding an air of generosity.
"So, what do you say? Want anything?"
"Then, get me a cup of Pepsi."
"Don’t bother asking or sending anyone. We’re friends—I'll get it for you." Nakrob finished speaking and casually walked around to pat Tul on the shoulder in an overly familiar manner before heading off in another direction. This left Tul narrowing his eyes as he watched Nakrob walk away, then swiftly turning his sharp gaze back to the one person left, who now looked utterly at a loss.
Kon Hin understood his friend’s actions perfectly. Nakrob wasn’t being erratic; it simply meant one thing: I’ve done my part. The rest is up to you.
Nakrob had tied his hands, leaving him no way to escape.
"Do you have something to tell me?"
As soon as the broad-shouldered young man disappeared from sight, Tul’s voice came, cold and sharp. His piercing eyes gleamed brightly, even as his handsome face wore a pleasant smile—one that was chilling to behold.
"Well?"
Should he tell the truth?
Kon Hin asked himself, uncertain why he hesitated. However, the moment he met those piercing eyes, he opened his mouth without thinking.
"I asked him for a favor."
"A favor for what?" Tul echoed, pressing for details.
"To act normally, like before," Kon Hin admitted.
"Someone like him agreed? What did he ask for in return?" Hin's Chao-nai probed further, and it nearly made the subordinate flinch—though he managed to restrain himself just in time.
Kon Hin should have known Tul would guess. There was no hiding anything from him. He had never hidden anything before, either. But…
"I didn’t," Kon Hin lied.
Why are you lying to Khun Tul, Kon Hin?
He had already let the lie slip and even added further to it, saying, "He said it was for the sake of our friendship."
"For you, not for me," Tul replied in a deep voice. However, after a moment, he shrugged and said, "But if he’s willing, it benefits me as well."
Though suspicious, Tul trusted one thing—he could rely on his close subordinate. If there had been some minor agreement between Kon Hin and Nakrob, he decided to turn a blind eye. Besides, he didn’t want to stir up trouble with Nakrob. Tul knew well that he was a capable person, and making an enemy out of someone competent only brought losses.
And losses.
Yet, Tul was unaware that if he ever discovered what the two had agreed upon, he himself would be the one to burn with fury.
No one could steal Kon Hin away from him.
Meanwhile, if anyone asked Kon Hin why he lied, the answer would be…
Thump.
The mixed-heritage young man didn’t take Nakrob’s seat after he left. Instead, he chose to sit right beside Tul, dropping himself down close enough for their shoulders to touch. The warmth of Tul's body—the heat radiating from someone who had been busy working since morning—became tangible.
Kon Hin glanced at Tul's sharp face as he picked up his study sheets to review, then lowered his eyes to look at their thighs pressed tightly together.
The simple answer as to why he lied... he did not want to lose these moments.
Someone once said that life is not solely about happiness but often includes suffering as a test.
Khun Pathapee had always understood this truth, but this was one of the few times he wished to avoid it as much as possible.
~~~
"Khun Tul, the lady has sent for you. She said that as soon as you return, you are to go see her immediately in the sitting room."
As soon as the Japanese car parked in the garage, Tul found himself surprised when the head chef rushed straight to him, speaking in a hurried tone that made him furrow his brows. He assumed his stepmother was looking for another excuse to stir up trouble, but seeing Auntie Klin's wide smile and sparkling eyes made him curious.
Most urgent matters involving that woman usually caused distress to the entire household, not something that brought a smile.
"Is something the matter?"
Klin kept smiling at the question, stepping forward to lightly push Tul on the back with enthusiasm.
"Khun Tul, please hurry. Don’t keep the lady and the guest waiting."
"A guest?" Tul repeated, his expression briefly turning serious as he thought it might be an important figure he would need to deal with. He turned and tossed the car keys to his confidant, then took long strides directly toward the sitting room.
Until only the mother and son were left behind.
"Who’s come, Mother?" Hin asked.
Klin grinned widely, laughing softly.
"The person I think Khun Tul would want to meet."
Kon Hin could only look puzzled, genuinely unable to guess who his Chao-nai might want to meet.
~~~
Tul stared at the "guest" with curiosity, but in just a moment, the curiosity transformed into understanding as his eyes met those of his stepmother. She was smiling with evident satisfaction, as though she had done the best and most suitable thing. And that "thing" was... pairing him with the daughter of an old aristocratic family.
"Oh, Tul, you're here already? Hurry up, Nong Wadi has been waiting for you for so long now."
"Auntie!"
"I didn’t say anything wrong, did I? Didn’t you say you wanted to see your elder brother?"
Similarly, Napawadi's mother smiled with satisfaction, in stark contrast to the other victim.
"Mother!!"
The young woman, looking as though she might burst into tears, glanced to the left, then to the right, and finally turned to look at Tul. Her face alternated between pale and flushed, her hands trembling slightly. She seemed pitiful and vulnerable—but not to Tul, who was increasingly annoyed.
The mixed-heritage man didn’t harbor any resentment toward Wadi. On the contrary, he felt more pity for her.
After several conversations, Tul knew that the other person was not a woman who chased after men. However, that did not mean she was uninterested in him. Rather, Wadi's shyness combined with her being a genuinely refined, proper, and virtuous woman made it impossible for her to admit to the two elders that she wanted to meet him. This was surely a plan concocted by the elders, and Tul was displeased.
It was true that Wadi was suitable for him, but he disliked being dragged into the foolish schemes of two women. Perhaps it was because many things were going well, and he did not think Wadi was necessary at this moment. Nevertheless, this was not the time to humiliate anyone.
"Good evening, Khun Auntie. Good evening, Nong Wadi."
"Ah... good evening, P'Tul. Um... um..." The young woman seemed eager to explain the earlier situation but found herself speechless when faced with his sharp face adorned with a warm smile. Her young heart could only concede that what her mother had said wasn’t entirely wrong… She did want to see P'Tul.
Since her mother’s birthday party, Wadi had wanted to reach out to him. But lacking the courage, time had passed by for weeks, leaving her disheartened as he hadn’t contacted her either.
"How have you been, Wadi? We haven’t seen each other since that day."
"I’m well, and how about you, P'Tul?" The speaker glanced up shyly.
"I’m well, too." Tul looked at her warmly, his voice pleasant, as he moved to sit on the single sofa near hers.
"I think it’d be better to let the young ones talk. Staying with us, I’m afraid they’d just get bored," Rasa suggested, and her friend immediately nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. Mother thinks, Wadi, you should go talk to your elder brother. Staying with the adults is boring—go have your conversation, young man and woman."
"I am not bored!" Napawadi interjected anxiously, her cheeks bright red, though no one paid attention—least of all Rasa, who turned to look at her stepson with a sweet smile that carried an unmistakable command.
"Tul, take Nong Wadi for a walk around the house, dear."
Despite his irritation with the meddling, Tul concealed it well and stood up, then gave a smile to the young lady.
"May I have the honor of showing Nong Wadi around the house?"
The listener bit her lip nervously, looked up at the warm eyes, and finally nodded shyly.
"Yes, P'Tul."
Though the two older women exchanged pleased glances, Tul only looked at Wadi with pity.
Kon Hin knew he had no duty to watch over his employer, but this time, the organ in his chest ached. Now he understood who the guest was today. On top of that, everyone in the kitchen couldn’t stop singing her praises. He wasn’t feeling slighted—he, better than anyone, knew how good she truly was. Yet knowing did nothing to lessen the hollow feeling in his chest.
He should be happy that his employer had someone so suitable to stand by his side, not pained like this.
"She’s so beautiful, P'Klin. Her skin is so fair and smooth, her hair glossy, and her face sweet as an angel’s. Her eyes are so big, like those K-pop singers. She’s perfect for Khun Tul."
"I want to see her too! Can I go up to serve dinner, Phii?"
"Enough already. Get back to work quickly, or you won’t be ready to serve her dinner on time," Klin tried to scold them, but she couldn’t stop the excitement spreading among the others.
"Well, I just want to know, Phii. Do you think Khun Tul and she are already romantic partners?"
"I think they are. Khun Mother seems to support it too."
Kon Hin listened quietly, placing the basket of washed vegetables next to the head chef and looking for a way to leave the kitchen. He didn’t want to hear any more… about the suitability that he lacked.
"Hey! Are we working or not? If not, I'll smack you with this spatula!" Klin raised the spatula threateningly, but her target only pouted.
"But I just want to see, Phii!"
"Want to see what?"
"Eek! Khun Tul!"
The staff member nearly fell off her chair in shock when the very person they had been gossiping about suddenly appeared in the kitchen, smiling, with the young lady who was the topic of discussion following behind, her cheeks faintly flushed—an indication that she had likely heard every word.
Tul glanced at Kon Hin, who only stared at the vegetable basket.
"Hello," Wadi greeted with a nervous smile, raising her hands in a polite wai to everyone in the kitchen.
The entire kitchen fell silent, all eyes glued to the beautiful young lady. Wadi turned to Tul for help, and he shifted his gaze from his close confidant to the woman beside him, stepping closer to her.
"Why is everyone so quiet? The real person is standing right here," Tul teased lightly. His peripheral vision caught sight of his confidant pretending to be engrossed at the sink. He gave Napawadi a reassuring smile.
"There's no need to worry. Everyone wants to meet you, Wadi," Tul reassured.
The young woman glanced uncertainly at the others, her gaze landing on a familiar face.
"P'Hin, hello."
"Hello," came the startled response from the man, who raised his head slightly before replying politely.
"Hey, does Ai Hin know her too?" someone whispered, but loud enough for Napawadi to respond modestly.
"P'Hin helped me when my car broke down. Thank you so much again, P'Hin," Wadi said with a smile that left the recipient forcing a pale imitation in return, clearly uneasy.
"It was my duty, and Khun Wadi already thanked me," Kon Hin replied.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to P'Hin at Khun Mother's birthday party, but I couldn't find you. I'm so happy we meet again," Wadi said earnestly, her sincerity leaving the household staff itching to ask how this piece of gravel knew such a dazzling gem. Yet, with no one daring to speak up, the kitchen filled with an awkward hush. This prompted the head chef to quickly wipe her hands and step forward.
"Is there anything we can assist Khun Tul and Khun Wadi with?"
Tul shook his head, smiling.
"No, Auntie. Wadi said she wanted to greet everyone, so I brought her here."
"Greet us?" Klin echoed doubtfully, as there seemed no reason for the masters to visit the kitchen staff. The young lady quickly clarified.
"P'Tul told me everyone here is so kind and lovely. I wanted to say hello."
Many turned to look at one another before Klin, beaming with delight, spoke up.
"Thank you for thinking of us. Khun Nong Wadi is not only beautiful with a charming name but also so kind hearted. You truly suit Khun Tul," said the head chef, overjoyed to see the Khun-chai she had helped raise like her own child now standing alongside such a graceful and good-natured woman.
The compliments made Napawadi's face flush deeply as she bowed her head, prompting everyone around to gaze at her with fondness.
"Oh, Auntie, please don't tease like that," Tul protested, feigning a plaintive tone, though his sharp eyes remained fixed on someone who kept their head down, focused on their work.
"They truly do suit each other," someone added.
"Absolutely. A perfect match."
The initial tension in the room eased as people began moving closer to Napawadi, who, cheeks now burning bright, introduced herself to each of them. Seeing her surrounded by the others, Tul stepped closer to stand protectively behind his confidant.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Washing dishes. Khun Madam requested this set for dinner."
Tul raised an eyebrow at the delicate tableware, his expression indifferent.
Then, grab.
Kon Hin froze as the strong arm wrapped securely around his waist... right in front of everyone in the kitchen, including Napawadi.
"Khun Tul, sir," Kon Hin whispered urgently, glancing at the others who remained focused on the young lady. He tried to remove the hand clasping his waist, but it didn't budge. Slowly, the house guest began to notice, her expression shifting to one of confused suspicion.
Tul noticed her gaze as well and, with a sly grin, pulled Kon Hin to turn toward Napawadi while keeping his hold firm.
"Wadi, Wadi, have you met this person?" Tul asked with a broad smile, drawing Napawadi's puzzled stare.
"Phii Hin? Of course," she replied.
"Not just that," Tul responded.
The mixed-heritage man laughed softly near Kon Hin's ear, sending a chill down the latter's spine, then smiled widely at the elegant woman.
"This person is someone very important to me."
"What? Khun Tul!"
At that moment, Kon Hin felt as if the ground had crumbled beneath him.
Napawadi's eyes widened as she stared at the warm hand encircling Kon Hin's waist and the sharp chin resting on his shoulder. Her chest tightened as her thoughts spiraled beyond the realm of mere friendship, but—
Smack!
"Khun Tul, you’re at it again! Khun Wadi is going to misunderstand everything!" Klin exclaimed, swatting her employer on the shoulder.
With a mix of indulgence and exasperation, Klin scolded, "Ouch! That hurt, Auntie Klin!"
"Good! It’s supposed to hurt! You nearly gave Khun Wadi a heart attack with that nonsense."
"Exactly! Enough joking around," Napawadi interjected quickly, her voice tinged with nervous laughter. "How could Phii Hin not be important? You two grew up together, didn’t you?"
The household staff chuckled with amusement, fondly watching their playful Khun-chai. Klin, however, turned to Napawadi to ensure there were no lingering misunderstandings about her employer's intentions.
"Khun Hin grew up alongside Khun Tul, Khun Wadi. They’ve been playmates since childhood. It might be presumptuous of me to compare my son to our master, but the two of them have always been like siblings. Sometimes, though, Khun Tul can be a bit too mischievous for his own good."
She shot Tul a pointed look, her expression stern.
"Are you planning to hit me again, Auntie? In that case, hit Ai Hin first," Tul quipped, nudging Kon Hin, who still hadn’t recovered from the shock, toward the head cook.
"I'll hit both of you! Look at the trouble you’ve caused Khun Wadi with your antics!"
"No, no, it’s fine!" Napawadi exclaimed, though her voice wavered. "I wasn’t upset or anything... I really wasn’t..." Her weak tone betrayed the fact that she'd been entirely mistaken.
This gave Kon Hin, who had finally gathered his composure, the chance to step away. Removing Tul's arm from his waist, he quickly washed his hands and excused himself.
"I’m sorry, Khun Wadi. I just remembered I need to check on the bathroom in the guest house. Please excuse me," he said in a rush, then darted out of the kitchen.
Tul shouted after Hin, his voice carrying through the space.
"Oh, running off like that? Now you’ll be the only one getting scolded."
As Tul teased his grin widening, Kon Hin hurried off toward the workers' quarters without looking back.
Tul chuckled to himself before turning his attention to Napawadi, whose face still bore traces of unease. "Looks like I might’ve gone a bit too far with that one," he admitted with a sheepish smile.
"Only just realizing it now, Khun Tul?" she responded, her tone lightly reproachful.
"Exactly! Poor Ai Hin probably jumped out of his skin," another worker chimed in, joining the conversation.
Seeing Tul joking so easily with the household staff—clearly adored by all—warmed Napawadi’s heart, eventually bringing a smile to her face. The scene felt special, something she believed no one else had the privilege to witness as she did.
"Phii Tul and Phii Hin are so close. I’m a little envious," she confessed, the warmth in her voice undeniable.
Tul laughed softly, his tone laced with an ambiguous charm. "Yes, Hin is important to me. He always has been and always will be."
~~~
What is Khun Tul thinking!?!
After fleeing the kitchen, Pathapee scrubbed the workers’ quarters' bathroom floor with fierce determination. His sharp features were set in a tense expression, but it wasn’t the stubborn stains on the tiles causing his distress—it was Tul’s words, spoken so boldly and deliberately, leaving him anxious about how others might interpret them.
It was fortunate that no one in the house seemed to take Tul’s theatrics seriously.
Yes, the boss said he was resting, in a good mood, but is it too much to joke like this!?!
Shhh!
Kon Hin sprayed the cleaning solution on the bathroom floor with such force that it splattered onto his shirt, attempting to release some of his frustration. But in just a moment, his tension shifted into a feeling of being hurt.
Khun Tul didn’t even think about my feelings at all.
Kon Hin thought to himself, shaking his head in annoyance, irritated at himself for acting so sensitive, so childish. He tried to push the thoughts out of his mind, but they stuck more stubbornly than the grime on the tiles. Eventually, he pressed his finger to the nozzle of the hose, increasing the water pressure, spraying it all over the floor, clearly trying to do anything to vent his emotions.
His hurt feelings stemmed from seeing Khun Tul with Khun Wadi.
“Are you cleaning the bathroom, or flooding the house?” a voice suddenly interrupted, causing Kon Hin to startle. When he turned around, he found his Chao-nai, standing with his arms crossed in the doorframe, wearing an amused smile.
“And what about Khun Wadi?” Tul asked with a grin.
"Is that why you ran off from me?" Tul asked, the teasing evident in his voice.
Unable to respond, Kon Hin only moved to turn off the water to buy himself some time to think of an answer. It seemed like Tul didn’t want to waste even a second, as he quickly closed the distance between them, standing right beside him and leaning in closer.
“Wherever Wadi is, it’s her business.”
“What?” Kon Hin’s eyes widened, unable to believe what he was hearing.
“I said, wherever she is, it’s her business. If she wants to come, she can, but if she wants to leave, she can go back to her mother,” Tul said nonchalantly, causing Kon Hin to freeze in surprise. He never expected his Chao-nai to tell the beautiful woman to return to her mother, while Tul, himself, came here... to see him.
No way!
“You don’t believe me?” Tul asked again, his tone tinged with annoyance, which made Kon Hin quickly shake his head.
“No, sir.”
The mixed-heritage man took another step closer, while Kon Hin took a step back, only to find himself pressed against the wall behind him.
“I was planning on helping you study the subjects you’re weak in today, so I’m not too happy that she messed up my plans. Still, I don’t see any harm in choosing to be here with you instead of with Wadi.”
Kon Hin blinked rapidly, staring at his Chao-nai, who had his arms crossed near his head against the wall.
“But Khun Wadi must be waiting for you,” the loyal companion said softly, almost like a whisper.
“Do you want me to go back to Wadi?”
Hin couldn’t answer that question. He was speechless... Yes.
The expression on his face and the gleam in his eyes were enough to make the mixed-heritage man aware of his thoughts. His sharp eyes immediately brightened, pleased by the jealous reaction of Kon Hin. Tul had never enjoyed when other women tried to show ownership over him, but seeing his close companion act this way pleased him.
He didn’t know why, but it was enough to make him do this...
Smack!
His warm lips pressed gently against Kon Hin’s vibrant lips, not with his usual force, but just enough to feel the warmth of the skin. He slowly pulled away and then reiterated something he had always told everyone but had never been believed.
Strangely, he wanted Kon Hin to believe it.
“You’re important to me. Remember it well and deeply.”
He could leave everyone behind, but Kon Hin... must always follow him.
Only him.
Comments
Post a Comment