A whole week dragged by with no word. KK was losing his mind, unable to reach Santichai or find a single clue as to where he had vanished. He drove to Santichai's apartment building every evening, sitting in the parking lot with the spare key gripped in his hand. He refused to use it, terrified of invading Santichai's privacy or finding a reality he wasn't ready to face.
One evening, just as he was about to give up and drive away, he caught a glimpse of a figure walking toward the building in his rearview mirror. A woman was at the person's side, and a little girl trailed behind them. His heart hammered against his ribs. He slammed the car into reverse, nearly skidding as he parked. He scrambled for his phone and dialed Santichai's number again, but the automated voice was cold: "The number you have dialed is no longer in service."
KK stepped out of the car, his movements slow and heavy with dread. He climbed the stairs to the apartment and stood outside the door for a long time, listening. From inside, he heard the bright, clear sound of a child's laughter—a sound that didn't belong in Santichai's quiet life.
He pulled out the spare key Santichai had given him weeks ago. His hand hovered over the lock, but he couldn't bring himself to just walk in. Instead, he knocked.
After three sharp raps, the door swung open. A woman he didn't recognize stood there, offering him a warm, easy smile. "Hello! Can I help you with something?"
"I'm looking for Santichai," KK said, his voice sounding raspy even to his own ears.
Chirawan's smile widened. "Oh! He's just in the shower. Come in, come in—sit down."
KK stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room. The apartment felt different—softer, busier. A little girl, Kulap, scurried over and tucked herself behind Chirawan's leg. "Mom, who is he?"
"Don't be a nuisance, Kulap. Go sit over there and be a good girl, okay?" Chirawan turned back to KK, her hospitality effortless. "I'm sorry about the mess... please, have a seat." She disappeared into the kitchen and returned a moment later with a bottle of water. "Would you like to stay for dinner? It's almost ready."
KK fought to keep his rising anger in check. Watching this woman wander around Santichai's home as if she owned it—as if she had been there for years—felt like a physical blow. He didn't sit. He couldn't.
"No, thank you," he said, his jaw tight. "I still have to go back to work."
The bathroom door creaked open, and Santichai stepped out, drying his hair with a towel. "Wan, who is at the door?"
He stopped mid-sentence. KK stood up from the sofa, his face a mask of cold, professional indifference. Santichai's heart dropped into his stomach; he instinctively bit his lower lip, a nervous habit he couldn't suppress.
"KK... why are you here?"
"I was only stopping by to see why you've been missing your physiotherapy sessions," KK said. His voice was flat, devoid of the warmth Santichai had grown used to.
"I... I went to visit Teacher Kasem for his birthday," Santichai stammered. "I just got back."
KK's gaze didn't soften. "And what happened to your phone? It's been disconnected for a week."
"I broke it," Santichai whispered. He looked at Chirawan, who was watching them with curiosity, then back at KK. "Do you... want to stay for dinner?"
"No." The word was like a shutter slamming shut.
Chirawan stepped forward, trying to be a good hostess. "I've cooked plenty of food. There's more than enough."
"Thank you, but I have to get back to work," KK replied, his eyes never leaving Santichai's.
"Well, that's a shame. Maybe next time," Chirawan said, turning to Santichai. "Chai, I'll give you the money to have a spare key cut for me tomorrow, okay?"
The mention of the key was the final straw. KK reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the spare key Santichai had given him weeks ago. He grabbed Santichai's right hand—his grip firm and cold—and pressed the metal into his palm.
"Don't bother paying for a new one," KK said, his voice dropping to a low, painful murmur. "You can have this one back. Enjoy your dinner. Goodbye."
"KK... I..."
"You don't have to say anything, Santichai." KK turned on his heel and walked out of the apartment without looking back.
"What are you doing?" KK asked, his voice sharp with frustration as Santichai blocked his door.
"Stay for dinner," Santichai pleaded.
"Why?"
"Because I know when you're angry, KK," Santichai said softly.
KK let out a long, weary sigh and pulled the door shut, though he didn't lock it. "I told you, I'm not angry. I understand."
"Stay for dinner," Santichai repeated, reaching out and pressing the spare key back into KK's hand. "This belongs to you."
KK stared at the key for a moment before slipping it into his pocket. He reached for the car handle again, but before he could pull it, Santichai's arms wrapped tightly around his waist. He buried his face in KK's chest, clinging to him as if he might disappear.
"KK, please. Stay."
KK finally softened. He turned in the embrace, looking down at the top of Santichai's head. "My parents wanted me to apologize," he murmured. "For mistaking you for... for the housekeeper."
Santichai loosened his grip slightly, looking up with a sheepish expression. "I'd already forgotten about that." He squeezed KK one more time. "Stay for dinner, then you can go."
KK looked at him, his expression darkening slightly. "Santichai... who is that woman?"
A flicker of happiness sparked in Santichai's heart. For the first time in his life, someone was actually jealous over him. He looked up into KK's unhappy face. "Are you jealous?"
"Yes," KK admitted without a hint of hesitation. "Tell me who she is."
Santichai laughed, the sound light and genuine. "She was a classmate in high school. I ran into her at the orphanage while celebrating Teacher Kasem's birthday. Her husband passed away and she was desperate for work. Since I'm going back to school and won't be able to work as much, I asked Pi Fon if she could take over my position so she can support her daughter."
"And why is she living in your apartment?" KK pressed.
"She has no family here and nowhere to go," Santichai explained, his voice gentle.
"Chai, your apartment only has one bedroom. Where are they supposed to sleep?"
"In my room..."
"And you?" KK's eyebrows shot up. "Where are you going to sleep?"
"On the sofa."
"Absolutely not," KK said firmly. "Your back isn't fully healed yet. You're coming home with me. Pack your things."
Santichai felt a thrill at the word home. For as long as he could remember, he had waited for someone to take his hand and lead him home. "Okay... I'll listen to you. But if I do, you have to promise not to be angry anymore."
KK pulled him back slightly, holding him by the shoulders. "Why didn't you call me, Chai? Or answer my messages?"
"You're not actually mad about Chirawan, are you?" Santichai realized. "You're mad because I went silent." KK didn't answer; he just stared. "I really did break my phone, KK. I had to buy a new one."
"Even with a new phone, you know my number by heart. You've called me before."
Santichai looked down at his feet. "I admit it. I was wrong. I just needed to be alone... to clear my head."
"Even so," KK said, his voice dropping to a low, pained tone. "At least let me know you're safe."
"I'm sorry," Santichai whispered. "From now on, I'll tell you where I'm going. I'll keep you updated. I promise."
He tried to block the car door again when KK moved toward it, but this time KK just laughed. "What now?"
"You're still leaving?"
"I'm getting my phone so I can call the clinic and tell them I'm staying for dinner," KK smiled, reaching out to ruffle Santichai's hair. "Since when did you become so childish?"
"I just... I didn't want you to leave with doubts," Santichai admitted.
Dinner was a quiet, warm affair. Chirawan looked at KK tentatively. "I'm sorry if I caused a misunderstanding, Doctor Suwannarat."
"Please, don't worry about it," KK replied.
"You might not know this," Chirawan said, looking at Santichai with deep gratitude, "but Chai can't turn away anyone in need. People take advantage of his kindness. When he heard about my husband and how I was struggling to raise Kulap, he offered us his home and a job without a second thought."
"Are you ready for the clinic?" KK asked.
"Yes," she said. "Santichai told me you're a doctor there."
"If you work with Mrs. Pricha, you'll love her," KK assured her. "She's wonderful to her staff, and the clinic is near a good school for your daughter."
As the evening wound down, KK handed his spare key to Chirawan. "Here. You'll need this."
"Thank you," she smiled.
After dinner, Santichai walked KK back to his car. "I'll stay here for a few days just to make sure they're settled," Santichai said. "Don't be mad. I just need to make sure they're okay before I move back in with you."
"Take the time you need," KK said, rolling down his window. "But remember your physical therapy. I want you back at the house by Monday afternoon before your classes start."
"I promise."
KK sat in the driver's seat, looking out at him. "Santichai, you forgot something."
"What?"
"My goodnight kiss."
Santichai glanced left and right at the quiet street. Satisfied they were alone; he leaned through the open window and pressed his lips to KK's. What started as a quick goodbye turned into a long, lingering kiss that left them both breathless.
"Don't forget to call me," KK murmured against his cheek before finally pulling away.
Santichai stood on the sidewalk, watching until the red glow of KK's taillights vanished around the corner. The night felt peaceful—until he turned toward the stairwell.
A man stood there, his figure silhouetted against the dim light, blocking the path to the stairs.
"I'm sorry, sir..." Santichai began, stepping forward.
The man moved into the pool of light. Santichai's blood turned to ice.
"Asnee..."