Atid walked past the reception counter where Arisa was receiving a bouquet of red roses from a flower delivery person.
"P'Sa... getting flowers from a secret admirer again?" He couldn't help but tease. Lately, Arisara had been receiving flower bouquets frequently—many said a young policeman was courting her.
He didn't understand. Why were police officers getting involved with people in this company?
"No, it's not for me. It's for Khun Nu."
Atid choked. The faint smile on his face disappeared instantly. He wanted to jump over, snatch the bouquet from Arisa's hands and throw it away.
Who's sending flowers to Anupap at work. Major Atikom, or that man...
***
Sombat approached Atid. The younger man sat working quietly, his face grim, his eyes sad and weary. His once bright red lips that used to smile widely, showing white teeth, were now pressed into a straight line.
"How's our handsome guy doing? Not feeling well?"
"No, I'm fine," Atid smiled sadly—different from the cheerful, bright smile they usually saw.
"Liar. I can tell just by looking at your face. You know you can't fool anyone, right?"
"I really am fine."
"Still being stubborn. I might just have to slap a kiss on you." Atid couldn't help but laugh softly.
Sombat sat on the edge of the desk, studying Atid for a moment before speaking calmly. "Fine in body, but not in spirit."
Atid sighed, his face returning to calm stillness, eyes distant as he stared at the computer screen displaying a photo of him and Anupap as wallpaper.
Sombat looked on sympathetically. Atid's really got it bad.
"Sigh. Here's another daydreamer. Is life really that sad?" Sombat pretended to sigh softly.
"Someone sent a bouquet to P'Nu today," Atid blurted out.
"Probably a client."
"Really?" Atid's voice was flat as he turned to meet Sombat's eyes.
"Why are you making that stern face? Are you going to become Khun Trin Junior?"
"Not really. Though actually, Khun Trin and I aren't that different. We can only love him one-sidedly. I wish I could be a dashing police detective instead—then P'Nu might like me." The young man's voice was laced with sarcasm and hurt.
Sombat felt sorry for everyone's 'handsome boy.' Atid was such a lovable young man. He did understand Atid's feelings. From what he'd known for almost two years, the young man was devoted, constant, steadfast—every breath he took was for Anupap.
But Atid was still young, still sensitive, not stable enough, not suitable for Anupap. The person who could handle Anupap would have to be Atikom... or Trin...
"P'Bud, between me and Major Atikom, who are you rooting for?"
"I'm rooting for both of you."
"Are you sure?" Atid's face grew even more stern.
Sombat didn't want to lie, but he couldn't speak the truth either. Speaking would only cause more heartache. It was better to let Atid ask himself and answer himself.
"Atid, this kind of thing depends on the person in the middle—whether it's you, Khun Trin, or Major Atikom."
"Including that man too..." Atid interjected, his eyes dim with sadness. He remembered the look in both their eyes—reproachful, connected.
Sombat wasn't surprised that Atid knew about Chavis. "Or others we might not even know about. But in the end, it all comes down to Anupap's decision."
"..." Atid remained silent, his face calm, his eyes thoughtful and tinged with sadness.
"And you should respect P'Nu's decision too." Sombat reached over to squeeze the young man's shoulder. Atid continued staring at the photo of him and Anupap.
"Atid. Listen. If we love someone, do we have to grab them and make them stay with us?"
"I guess so. What's the point of loving someone if you just sit there and watch? It's torture." Atid's voice dissolved into his throat.
"I understand. But can you change your heart to not love P'Nu?"
Atid didn't answer. He gave a long sigh.
"Think about it. If you can't make yourself stop loving him, don't you think Nu—or the others—might face the same dilemma you do?"
"Who does he love, P'Bud? He loves Major Atikom already or did he still love that man?" Atid's voice was desperate. His eyes looked hurt.
"I will not know. But no matter what, it's Nu's personal feeling that is totally his. He has all the right to love anyone he wants. We just have to accept it. But it's not the end of the world. We move on."
Sombat gave Atid's shoulder a final, understanding squeeze. For a moment, neither of them spoke—the only sound was the quiet hum of the computer. "I'll leave you to think," Sombat said softly, rising from the desk. As he reached the doorway, he paused without turning around. "Just remember—loving someone doesn't mean losing yourself."
***