Music thundered through the upscale club The Tilt%, its relentless beat vibrating through the floors while strobing lights painted the crowd of stylishly dressed young people who mingled and laughed with carefree abandon.
Anupap and Mark climbed to the second floor's private party section, scanning for Atid. They spotted the young man deep in conversation with Pojanee, who had transformed herself into the picture of sultry sophistication for the evening. She'd confided that many of Atid's university friends would be attending tonight—she needed to look absolutely stunning in case one of them might take a liking to her.
Atid turned with his trademark broad smile, hurrying over to greet them.
"P'Nu! What did you bring me?" The young man's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Anupap handed over a small wrapped gift while Mark jumped in with his usual teasing. "Sorry, Atid. Looks like you won't get a full dozen this year."
Anupap playfully jabbed Mark's arm. "How would you know? You didn't even come shopping with me."
"Can I open it now?" Atid's face lit up with childlike excitement. Every gift from Anupap brought him joy, no matter the occasion—New Year's, Valentine's Day, birthdays, work anniversaries. Anupap never forgot to give him something special.
"Atid, I haven't bought a gift for you yet, let's combine it with your next years' birthday, okay?" Mark said it bluntly.
Sombat's booming voice cut through their conversation, as usual arriving before the man himself. "Little Sunday! Come here and let me give you a birthday hug!"
Sombat beamed as he approached, a handsome, well-groomed young man trailing beside him.
"That kid's got himself a real catch," Mark whispered to Anupap.
Atid looked up with a mischievous grin, then playfully jumped behind Anupap, clutching his arms as if using him as a human shield. "P'Nu, help me!"
Electric currents seemed to race from the older man's arms straight through Atid's body. Just that simple touch sent warmth flooding through every nerve. These small moments of happiness, these fleeting chances to touch Anupap's skin, filled him with indescribable joy.
Sombat planted his hands on his hips, feigning stern disapproval. "Come here right now, or you won't get your present from me. Come give me a proper hug."
"You already have your own boy, but you're still trying to steal scraps from Atid," Mark teased lightly.
"Mind your own business. Fine, then come let me hug you instead of our little birthday boy."
"Are you crazy?" Mark pretended to be scandalized.
"Enough, enough. You guys are acting like children," Anupap intervened, then turned to greet Sombat's companion. "Hello, Tam. Haven't seen you in ages. Congratulations."
Tam had just landed his first film role after winning Young Man of the Year.
"Thank you so much," the young man replied shyly, his dimpled smile making him look even younger.
After Sombat made introductions, the group migrated into the main party area, now buzzing with activity. Atid's friends filled the space, nearly matching the number of work colleagues present. Mark's attention immediately drifted to a cluster of beautiful women before he excused himself to mingle.
"Such a flirt," Pojanee muttered, watching him go. "Hanging around with high society types, can't let a single pretty girl slip by." She waved to Arisa, the company's stunning receptionist, who had arrived with her new boyfriend—a fresh-faced young police officer who happened to be Tongrob's younger brother. The same man who would soon complicate Atid's world.
"Khun Trin will be here too, but he'll be late," Sombat whispered to Anupap before pulling Tam aside to a private corner. The younger man's feelings had grown serious, something Sombat never anticipated when he'd started their playful flirtation. He'd never imagined the boy would take it to heart. Sombat's world was suddenly bright with possibility.
While some found their worlds illuminated, others would soon discover theirs plunged into darkness.
A storm was gathering, waiting only for lightning to signal its arrival before unleashing its fury.
***
Trin parked in front of the upscale club, immediately approached by an eager valet who took his keys with a respectful bow. The young executive tipped generously before ascending the entrance stairs, surveying the unfamiliar territory of this youth-oriented establishment.
"Atikom." He caught a glimpse of the stern-faced police officer disappearing behind the row of parked cars.
The executive paused, suddenly remembering he'd left Atid's gift in the car. He returned to the valet, who apologized and asked him to wait—the attendant who'd parked his vehicle hadn't returned yet.
Wind began gusting stronger, sharp against his face, carrying the cool moisture that suggested rain had already begun falling elsewhere.
"Looks like it's definitely going to rain. Go get some umbrellas ready for the customers," a middle-aged man instructed the young valet beside him.
The parking attendant returned with Trin's keys. "Your car is parked right against the fence over there, near the right exit, sir. Would you like to keep the keys?"
Trin smiled to himself as he accepted the keys with thanks.
A few steps before reaching his Mercedes S500, he noticed a black Land Rover parked nearby, interior lights on. A muscular man was bent over, apparently searching for something inside—sharp profile, prominent nose. Definitely Atikom. And the handsome man sitting beside him, watching.
Who was that? Not Anupap. So Atikom was here with someone else? Or perhaps...
Trin's jaw clenched with displeasure. He knew his own chances with Anupap were virtually nonexistent. He understood that Major Atikom held the greatest hope of winning the young man's heart—even Atid, despite his closeness to Anupap, remained outside that orbit.
So why was Atikom behaving like this?
The man beside Atikom reached up to brush something from the left side of the officer's temple, as if removing a piece of debris from his hair. Atikom looked up with a faint smile, said something, then shifted to open the door and step out.
Trin walked past, his mind churning with unease.
If Atikom truly intended to love Anupap, he shouldn't be doing... this.
What an unfortunate coincidence. Anupap was likely already inside the club with the others, celebrating Atid's birthday. Atikom was here too—with someone unknown.
Trin feared trouble was brewing.
***