Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
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Graphic was a youth who hated taking medicine more than anything. This might have been because of his childhood experiences of having to take medicine by the handful. Once he grew up and his health recovered to be as strong as a typical teenager, the young man avoided it if he could and evaded it if possible. However, lately, he had started getting fevers easily again.
The cause was entirely from excessive exercise in bed!!!
“I told you to take it last night.”
“But I was sleepy.”
The young man mumbled while being ordered to look up. A large palm pressed along his forehead and neck, comparing it to his own body temperature, which he found was quite different. Just that, and the person wearing only a pair of pajamas spun around to one corner of the room, opened the medicine box he had brought and left there, quickly found the antipyretic medicine, and came back to throw it onto his lap.
“Take it.”
“I can take it later.”
“Your face is too pale to go to school, and you still plan to pretend to throw the medicine away again?” The room's owner crossed his arms, raised the corner of his mouth, and spoke as if he saw right through him, making the youth who often secretly threw medicine out the window shut his mouth quickly.
This morning, Graphic woke up with a heavy, oppressive feeling and a heavy body. What with the fever, what with the fatigue from the heavy battle last night, when Aunt Kaew came to wake him, it turned out he could not get up. It reached the point where the person who should have slept until noon had to get up to check on his condition. After seeing his state, he decided for him that it was better to rest at home today.
I will definitely get lectured by Janjao for skipping school right before exams, Graphic thought.
The young man wanted to sigh in the face of both the person who made him sick and his close friend who would definitely call to ask after him at noon and insist on visiting... definitely bringing along today's study sheets for every subject too.
“Here, take it.” The sick person wanted to stubbornly insist that every other time he got better without taking it. But upon seeing the other pour water and thrust it into his hand, and then stand with his legs apart, arms crossed, staring intently, his traitorous heart told him to just take it. The person who never worried had gone to the trouble of worrying this much.
But is he really worried about me? Graphic thought.
“Do not forget that you still have a pending transgression.”
“Hey, but you already punished me.”
“Will you take it or not!” The moment he retorted that last night he was almost dead tired, almost embarrassed enough to dig a hole and hide, and now he was still being burdened with blame, Pakin asked in a firm voice until the medicine-hating youth could only mumble curses and reluctantly throw the medicine into his mouth, then drink water after it.
“That is all.”
Yeah, you got to be a dictator to me, so you're satisfied now, huh. Hmph, Graphic thought.
The sick person could only mumble to himself, handing the cup back to the room's owner. He watched the person walk away towards the dressing room for a while, then return having put on a T-shirt as well.
“What time will you go to work today?”
“Noon. I have an appointment with Chai in the afternoon. Let him rest a bit.” The young man immediately spoke up to ask, and the answer he received made his slightly sullen face break into a smile. Because it meant...
“Then you will have breakfast with me.”
Thud
The listener turned to look at his face and found the sick person was smiling with hope, his eyes sparkling, until he asked one question.
“It seems you miss me a lot, doesn't it.”
The stubborn youth closed his smile, turned his face away, and also opened his mouth, which was previously considered ill-mannered. But upon seeing his pale face start to redden, indicating that what he said had hit a nerve, Pakin laughed softly. He walked over to the person sitting at the end of the bed, placed a hand on his head, ruffling it, and shook it gently.
“Or what? I was only gone for four days and you are already like this. What will you do next time when I am gone for almost two weeks?”
“Two weeks!” Graphic turned sharply, immediately repeating the words, as the large frame nodded.
“I have to go check the preparations from the first week. The second week, I am managing the event the entire week. Next month, I will be away for over ten days.” Pakin admitted he found it amusing when the young man in front of him was making a face halfway between feeling hurt and stubbornly refusing to let him go. But perhaps because he had already told him that this was not a trivial matter, but one in which he had invested a great deal, Graphic slowly nodded and asked in a soft voice.
“Then will you answer my calls?”
The question made the listener laugh softly.
“And in the past four days, was there any day I did not answer your call?” That was all it took for the youth to smile. He bravely, yet fearfully, extended a hand to hold the large hand resting by his side. Then he looked up.
“Then from today until the day you go south again, can you come back to have dinner with me every day?”
Is this him being coaxing? Pakin thought.
Pakin looked at the person who had learned how to coax an adult to get his way. It was not about raising his voice, but using soft, coaxing tones that seemed to beg for indulgence. It was... indescribably appealing. In just a moment, the young man who looked up, his eyes meeting his, his lips pressed together uncertainly, was...
Actually, I have to say he is better than before, incomparably so, Pakin thought.
This was not the kind of coaxing that just involved saying 'please, please' as if someone had written a script for him. This was Graphic wanting to coax himself. Even though he knew it was almost impossible because he would be running around busy for the rest of the month, he still... nodded.
“I cannot promise, but I will try.”
“Well, that is still good.” At first, he thought the stubborn youth would thrash his trunk and tusks in protest, but instead, he nodded in understanding until the heart of the person who said he had never fallen into a youth's trap... felt indescribably good.
When he is not stubborn, he becomes cuter by the heap, Pakin thought.
This lack of stubbornness, if Pakin reflected on it a bit, was a consequence of his own behavior. If he had not been harsh from the start, the youth would probably not have acted in a way that invited scolding.
“Alright, let us go eat. I am starving. I did not eat anything yesterday either.”
Well, you ate me! Graphic thought.
The young man wanted to argue, but found he could not. He could only get up following the pulling force, looking down at his own hand which had been the one to hold the other's first. But the adult did not let go. Instead, he held his hand and led him out of the room, and...
Whimper whimper whimper
The large dog that had disappeared dejectedly yesterday immediately raised its head, letting out soft cries to show it had been guarding the door all night until the homeowner shot a fierce glare its way, making the Ruthless one, who now did not live up to its name, whine like a puppy. It seemed to know it had almost died several times already.
“If there is a next time, you will die, both dog and owner.”
Whimper
Ugh! With Pakin, one command and it whines in response. With me, no matter how I call it, it refuses to turn around. This two-faced dog! Graphic thought.
Graphic wanted to kick the dog this time. Because even though he protected it almost to death, in the end, it still lay submissively at Pakin's feet, making him gnash his teeth and point at it as if to say 'just you wait'. The Ruthless one itself knew it was not the time to be stubborn because it got up and walked around him in circles until the young man wanted to kick it once and for all.
I am disgusted with my own dog this time! It... is just too cute, Graphic thought.
In the end, the person besotted with the dog could only feel resigned and follow the pulling force towards the dining room, with the large dog trotting along behind. And it would have been a very happy morning, if not for the fact that the moment they walked into the dining room, he saw someone sitting in Pakin's usual seat, sipping coffee with a demeanor as if he were in his own home.
The first second, Graphic did not remember, but the next second...
“Phô, why did you not tell me you were coming!” The growl from the person beside him made the young man's eyes widen. He remembered now who this elderly man with a large frame and a fierce gaze was.
“Uncle... Phong.”
“Is this Graphic? You have grown into a young man until Uncle almost did not recognize you.” The person with a broad smile got up from his chair, passing by his son indifferently, coming straight to the young man. Both hands grabbed his shoulders, shaking them gently in a familiar manner, to the point that Krittitee could not even smile and immediately let go of the homeowner's son's hand. Because in his memory... Pakin's Phô was quite scary.
It is something Graphic could definitely say that Pakin copied exactly, right down to the last detail, Graphic thought.
Phanupong... to be honest, had the demeanor of a sharp-edged businessman who had been through countless things. And when anyone learned about the background of his many businesses, they would likely say in unison that it was no surprise he was called The Thai Mafia. Because of his decisiveness, his ruthlessness, and his far-sighted eyes that saw only the soaring numbers, indifferent to the methods. The man whom many said had handed over the reins to his son to continue, while others said was overthrown by his son until he fled to live in retirement abroad. But anyone who saw him like Graphic did would see this was not a man who had retired himself.
In Graphic's memory, he only remembered that his Phô had to come to this house, bringing him along with the reason of wanting to introduce his son. And it was here that he met Pakin. But for Uncle Phong, what he remembered was the fierce gaze and decisive words that even his own Phô did not dare refuse.
That was the ingrained memory of the boy Krittitee that this person was scary. However...
“Eighteen already? Before, you were just a tiny little thing. Time flies so fast Uncle is starting to feel old.” It was not the manner of a kind-hearted man. The owner of the broad smile spoke in such a familiar, friendly way.
“If Uncle remembers correctly, the last time we met was about four or five years ago, right? Back then, Graphic came here with his Phô. But it is a pity, Uncle himself was busy at that time so we did not talk much, even though you were at such a cute, charming age.”
Graphic felt rather unable to swallow or spit out the words 'cute and charming' because it made him feel like he was a young girl. Even though the last time they met he was only about 12, he could not deny that during his childhood he grew slower than his peers.
It is only my heart; I only shot up suddenly when I was 15-16. Before that, I was just a little one who was self-centered, Graphic thought.
“But it is fine. Uncle will be in Thailand for a while, so I hope to become much closer with Graphic.” And these words made the young man speechless. He did not dare say anything at all because he did not know how to explain the reason he was living in this house. It felt like beating around the bush without getting to the point, which made the other man ask in a blunt voice.
“So, what are you here for, Phô?”
“To collect a debt from you, son.”
Thud
Krittitee did not know if the atmosphere around the elderly man changed, but it felt strangely icy when he met the eyes of his eldest son, raising a slight smile, but it was the smile of an old, still cunning wolf.
“It has not been a year yet.”
“I had to come see if the money I invested is bearing fruit as you said.” He did not feel like it was a Phô and son talking at all. It was more like investors arguing about profits.
“And do not forget, you must be polite to your creditor.”
“Pakin is in debt?” The young man could not stop his mouth in time and blurted out, making the older man turn to look at him, laughing softly, the tense atmosphere easing a bit.
“Graphic, where do you think this guy got the money to buy up land and invest?”
The young man had only thought that Pakin invested in the company's name. And that made Phanupong laugh softly in his throat, then shake his head as if he knew what he was thinking.
“Wrong... he borrowed it from me.”
“But Uncle Phong is his Phô... ”
“Remember this, Graphic. In business, there is no Phô and son. I do not intend to throw money into the sea, even if the one asking to throw it is my eldest son. This guy borrowed from me since he graduated and returned. Of course, there is a clear loan agreement. Now, including interest, he owes me about six to seven billion... Do not forget, you have less than 5 years left to repay.” The listener's mouth hung open. He turned to look at the face of the other man, who did not seem the least bit concerned about the huge debt, because he still raised the corner of his mouth and spoke in an even tone.
“I pay the debt every year. And five years... is more than enough.”
Let me die! This is not just six or seven thousand baht! Graphic thought.
He has grown not a little, Phanupong thought. The answer made the Phô laugh with satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with pride in his son.
Even though Pakin was his son, Phanupong did not believe in the system of a son using his Phô's money. He had the duty to support and raise him until he graduated, along with giving him a lump sum for investment. After that, if he wanted to do anything beyond that amount, it would be a matter of business, not blood. Because he believed that if you give it easily, it is also easily lost.
He built this empire with his own two hands. If it wanted to be inherited... One had to prove capability. Therefore, the Phô was proud when he walked in with a loan agreement and a tone of confidence that someone like him would not fall and let anyone walk over his head.
The only help the Phô gave was the connections he introduced him to. But whether he would cooperate or not, Pakin had to prove himself. He would not reach out and interfere.
“I do not think so.” Then the person who had just returned to Thailand yesterday remarked. After that, he nodded towards the wall clock.
“When I worked full time, I never arrived at the company later than nine o'clock. But here, you have not even showered and dressed yet. How will you make it in time to eat?” the elderly man said, making the listener laugh.
“I have a capable right-hand man.”
“Chai, you mean. Heh, do not forget that I was the one who suggested he go help you. Otherwise, how could you afford to be so casual?” Graphic only found out today that Chai was originally Phanupong's person, because before he knew it, he saw Chai working for Pakin, to the point he was like a shadow following him.
“Or is the real reason you hesitate to go because... ” The speaker said with a cunning smile before uttering the word.
“... you are possessive of the youth.”
Thud
The son stopped the hand that was raising the coffee cup and placed it on the saucer. Both hands loosely clasped on the table, staring at his Phô's face with a serious expression.
“This matter does not concern you, just as I have never meddled with your people.”
The Phô also raised a slight smile, leaning back comfortably, but his eyes were no less serious. “That is not wrong, but it is not right either, my son. Every person of mine that you see, no one can replace your Mâe. But has this youth of yours risen to the same position as your Mâe?”
Phanupong might relax his stress with many women, but he never elevated anyone to compare with the Mâe of his two children. Those women were all just friends to relieve the loneliness from losing his Mia. He would not interfere with his son's person if he did not see that... he might be the real one.
The same position as your Mâe... are you as serious about Graphic as your Phô was, loving only your Mâe? Phanupong thought.
It was something the Phô and son communicated with their eyes. But the youth being discussed could only feel dazed and blurry from the effect of the antipyretic medicine he had taken, so he could not grasp the point.
He just knows he keeps calling me a youth. Bloody fucking annoying, Graphic thought.
“That is my business.” The answer made the listener raise a finger, smile broadly, and say simply.
“Which a Phô cannot let pass... right, Graphic?”
“Khrap?” The young man started violently, responding in confusion, making the older man narrow his eyes slightly and extend a hand until he almost dodged his neck away, but stopped himself in time.
“Are you sick? I heard you had recovered and were strong again.”
“You remember, Khrap?” Graphic asked in confusion, making the other party laugh.
“Of course I remember. You even came to sleep sick at Uncle's house once because this guy went out to play in the sun and took you with him. I almost killed him for not taking good care of you.” Phong said jokingly before turning to look for the head housekeeper.
“Kaew, call the doctor.”
“Hey, Uncle Phong, I am not... ”
Thud
The speaker shut his mouth immediately when met with a decisive gaze that was even scarier than his son's, even though the uncle was still smiling, still laughing, while repeating again.
“Let the doctor check the symptoms, agreed?”
“Khrap.” What else could he say but respond in a soft voice? He looked at someone else's face as if asking for help, but it was too late.
“As for you, you can go to work now. Chai has been waiting at the office since eight this morning.”
Pakin acted as if he would retaliate, but in the end, he shook his head, got up from the chair, and made to go upstairs to get dressed. But he was stopped by the gaze of the stubborn youth looking straight at him, making him walk over, place a hand on his head to ruffle it, then lean down to whisper in his ear.
“It is fine. I will try to come back early for dinner today. Just rest today.” The young man said only that before walking back upstairs, but not without remarking loudly, deliberately for the other to hear.
“Once you are done with your business, you can go back.”
The Phô laughed heartily without taking offense, then turned his gaze back to the guest whom his informants reported was more than just a guest.
“Well, while we wait for the doctor, let us talk about how Graphic came to live here.”
Gulp
Graphic affirmed that he was thick-skinned and strong-willed, not afraid of things easily. But he confessed from the heart that he was scared shitless of this Phô-son pair the moment he felt the drop of sweat trickling down his forehead, his throat dry, feeling like he was about to be interrogated by the toughest detective in history.
So how should I answer Uncle Phong's question to be good? Graphic thought.
***
“I just told Uncle that I got into some trouble, so he let me stay here.”
[Just that?]
“Mmm, I just do not know how to say it, you know.”
After answering many questions, the family doctor arrived. After taking his temperature and checking his symptoms, he received another large bag of medicine. After that, Graphic was sent back upstairs to sleep in his room. He had been asleep for several hours when the phone rang, making him wake up to answer questions again.
Pakin probably does not want me to say we have slept together, Graphic thought.
The young man concluded to himself, admitting he was extremely hurt. But to be stubbornly defiant was not the point. After all, he was a man, not a woman.
[That is fine. Telling him that much is enough.]
The voice on the other end replied flatly, until he had to steel himself to ask.
“Do I... have to move rooms?”
Since the true homeowner had returned, if he still slept in the eldest son's room like this, the other party would have to guess what their relationship was. The young man did not know at all that Phanupong returned because he had known from the beginning, but that was not the main reason.
While Pakin was silent for a moment, making him anxious.
[No need. You sleep in my room as usual.]
Then he felt relieved with an answer like that.
[How are the symptoms?]
And he felt warmed by the question. Even though the tone was flat, just wanting to know how he was, the stubborn youth broke into a wide smile and reported his condition easily.
“The fever has gone down. I told you I did not need to take medicine. I just slept and woke up once and the fever went down.”
[Do not show off.]
Scolding me again, Graphic thought.
The young man pouted slightly in annoyance, and he must be crazy, smiling one moment and pouting the next when the voice on the other end continued.
[Just rest. I should be back before six in the evening. Do not be so mischievous that the fever returns.]
Someone like Graphic must be really simple-minded, because upon hearing this, his anger vanished into thin air. He could only agree easily, hang up, then close his eyes to enter slumber again. And if it were good, he wished to dream of the heartless-person being by his side, especially when he was unwell.
Graphic had once thought that his body like this was terrible. But if there was someone who cared... then being a little sick was worth it.
***
“What did you say!!!!”
“Khrap. Khun Phong has already sent the invitation to that party.”
“Bloody fucking hell!!!”
Pakin had never been afraid of his Phô's power. On the contrary, he rather respected the prowess he had seen since childhood. But no matter how much he respected him as a worker or as a Phô, the other party had no right to reach out and interfere with his work. The moment he learned about it from his close associate, he roared, grabbed his car keys, and rushed straight home immediately.
His Phô wanted to see some fun, but it must not be this kind of fun!
The young man pressed the accelerator to the floor, driving his beloved car swiftly back to the mansion, intending to settle this matter thoroughly.
Pakin was annoyed that the other had come without notice, and then there was the matter of pushing Graphic up to the same position as his Mâe. All of that was still forgivable. But why did he have to meddle with the matter he had been trying to prevent all along?
“This guy was wicked since he was a child. Just four or five years old and he already knew how to make others love and be infatuated with him. Everyone indulged him more than anything. When he grew up, he became even worse, giving me a headache.”
“What did Pakin do back then, Uncle?”
The person who rushed back home frowned deeply upon hearing the conversation coming from the guest room. When he headed straight in... that youth who was scared shitless of the old man was now sitting squeezed on the same sofa, asking eagerly, looking so familiar and close that he wanted to sigh heavily.
This youth has gained another supporter. And it is a supporter I do not really want to deal with, Pakin thought.
“Oh, Pakin. You are back early.” The person telling stories from the past turned to see his son, greeting him in a good mood. And that made the person who had rushed back suppress his anger and ask in a firm voice.
“Why did you invite Nop to my event!”
The good-humored person reduced his smile, while remembering the matter he had ordered his people to handle in the afternoon.
“Because you were rude not to invite Khun Nop.”
Phanupong knew his son was furious that he had sent an invitation to his adversary, inviting him to the event next month. And before the other could speak in a firm voice, the old man uttered one sentence.
“Did I not teach you... to show your greatness to your adversary?”
The son fell silent, as the Phô emphasized again.
“You said you were so confident. Do not tell me you cannot handle just one little mouse.”
Pakin was silent for a moment before grinning.
He was being tested by his own Phô.
“Let me warn you in advance. Since you invited the mouse in, I will crush it to death under my foot!”
The Phô and son looked at each other in silence before Phong said in a heavy voice.
“Good! Worthy of being my son!”
Even though Pakin had a confident expression, his sharp eyes darted to look at the young man's face for a brief moment, suppressing the tremor in his heart, telling himself that as long as he remained in this house, he would still be safe. And he did not need to be afraid of anything.
It was a feeling that Pakin began to realize that he... might be the one who had fallen in too deep himself.
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