"I have learned to restrain everything—
Except for the pull toward him."
—Kao Neptune
As the clock edged toward six, Nil was wrapping up in the studio, his movements precise but tired. Kao, meanwhile, remained immersed in a stack of documents, brows slightly furrowed. Lava approached quietly, tab in hand.
"Kao, there are a few documents regarding 'Charoensuk Global Trading.' I've sent them to your email—you can review them later," she said softly.
His eyes lifted briefly to the phone, then back to the papers, sighing as he scribbled a signature. "Mr. Phawin," he murmured without looking up, "has he reached you?"
Lava tilted her head, hesitating,
"From the moment he came to see you, I've heard nothing more."
Kao's jaw tightened. His gaze sharpened, voice low but decisive. "The treatment... was not enough for him."
Lava hesitated, then asked carefully, "Did you... say something?"
Kao met her gaze, "Pause all deals with Mr. Phawin." His tone left no room for argument, "Close trades and all related corporations as well."
Lava's eyes widened, disbelief written across her face,
"But Kao... he is one of our biggest investors," she murmured.
"Neptune Music and Corporation's share market... it might drop significantly." voice faltering.
Kao didn't glance at her. His tone was sharp, "Do as I say."
Lava's shoulders stiffened, then relaxed slightly as she nodded, "Understood."
Meanwhile, Kao's phone lit up on the desk—Nil's name flashing insistently. Lava's fingers clenched around the edge of the table, knuckles white. Her jaw tightened,
"Bastard," she muttered under her breath.
Kao glanced at the screen, and a slow, effortless smile unfurled across his face. The exhaustion of the day melted away. "Done. Take this file," he said, motioning her to leave.
Lava walked toward the door, each step measured, controlled—but after only three, her gaze snapped back, eyes blazing,
"I will not let you win... Bastard." Her jaw clenched, every syllable a knife.
"No matter what it takes...!" A smirk flickered across her lips before she vanished from the room.
Kao rose from his seat and stepped onto the balcony, vast and open, stretching over the glittering sprawl of Bangkok. Lights flickered to life one by one, like stars igniting beneath the evening sky. He pressed against the cool railing, fingers curling around his phone, voice calm yet edged with warmth.
"Where are you now?" he asked, tone low, steady. "Tell me... I'll come to fetch you."
The breeze tousled his dark hair, catching at the strands as the city shimmered below. From the other end, Nil's voice remained composed, with quiet amusement.
"Strangerr... It's only six."
"I'm still in the studio. And don't worry. I'll get there at the right time." he added.
Kao's lips curved, slow, deliberate— "Mn... come quickly. Someone here is eagerly waiting for you."
Nil's cheeks flared, "Why?"
Kao's tone curled around the words, heavy with mischief,
"You owe me... countless kisses."
Nil's eyes flicked up, incredulous. "How...?"
"You didn't kiss me this morning." Kao's tone breathy, heavy with intent.
Nil's protest stumbled out, weak but defiant. "And if I refuse...?"
Kao's voice was husky, low, "Then... first I take installments... and later, the interest."
"Then! You'll be punished... and you won't even be able to accuse me." added, voice thick.
Nil's lips parted, heart stuttering. "Shameless..."
"Pervert...t."
And he cut the call. Kao's lips curved and his ears turned hot.
Meanwhile, the car hummed along the bustling streets, Nil stared out through the window, jaw resting in his hand, eyes distant and thoughtful. Than, noticing the tension, tilted his head on wheel,
"Nil... you seem nervous," he said softly.
Nil turned, eyes meeting his briefly. "Stranger... invited me to meet his family." His voice was calm, but the tightness betrayed him.
Than kept his gaze on the road. "So? That's good..."
"Mn... but I don't know how to handle it. What do they like? How should I prepare myself?" Nil's voice wavered, the edge of anxiety clear.
Than's hand brushed briefly over the wheel, "Nil... you're overthinking."
"And... Kao sir will be with you, right?" he added.
Nil nodded but quickly shook his head.
"I know... but..." His gaze brightened suddenly and earnestness.
"Why not join me?"
Than blinked, caught off guard, glancing awkwardly. "I... don't think Kao sir would like that."
Nil's smile was soft, persuasive. "I'll be with you. And... "
"You might want to see 'Neptune Sawan' badly, right?"
A fervent fan of Kao, Than's expression softened into reluctant excitement. He exhaled, conceding with a nod. Dinner at Neptune Sawan was no longer just a possibility—it was an invitation impossible to refuse.
By 6:40 p.m., Nil's room was a battlefield of discarded clothes. He stood amid piles of fabric, brows knitted, fingers tugging at collars.
"Too dull...!" His voice was sharp, edged with frustration.
"How could someone choose... something so bold for a family dinner?" He threw aside yet another outfit. "I've tried on two already!"
Than stepped in, eyes scanning the chaotic room. "Why so many clothes?" His tone was calm, almost amused. Nil sank onto the edge of the bed, exasperated.
"I don't know what to wear."
Than moved closer, serene and deliberate. "I understand. Let me help you." His hands sifted through the scattered fabrics, finally lifting a plain shirt of cream opulent weave, almost imperceptibly shimmering, pairing it with soft mint trousers and a matching blazer.
Nil stood before the mirror, adjusting the collar, hesitating. "Do you think... it will work?"
Than reached out, smoothing a stray lock of hair from Nil's forehead, "It will. You're breathtaking... and handsome."
Nil's smile was bright enough to rival the late afternoon sun.
"Let's go! Traffic jams are the devil..."
He hoisted two bags, sliding into the passenger seat, while Than followed, placing the third beside him. Glancing at the bags, Than asked, curious, "What's in these?"
Nil's eyes gleamed. "Ah... Ferrero Rocher chocolates for Achara, and..."
"Butterfly Pea Flower Tea for Ms. Nin. It's... beneficial for her health." he added with a soft grin
Than's lips curved, "You're so thoughtful... They'll like you."
Shifting into gear, Than's gaze fixed on the road ahead. "I should have brought something too."
Nil waved him off, cheeks warming slightly. "It's okay. You don't need to."
"No," Than countered firmly, a teasing lilt in his voice. "You've done your preparation... I can't go there empty-handed."
The car rolled to a gentle stop before a large, fragrant flower shop. Than stepped out first, cradling a grand orchid bouquet with careful hands, its petals glimmering like dew. Nil's eyes, however, were drawn to a single, brilliant pink lotus resting among the other blooms.
"It... reminds me of Stranger's smile," Nil murmured.
"So precious..."
He turned to the shopkeeper, "Could I... have a few more lotuses?"
The shopkeeper shook his head gently, "I had plenty before, but the October rains ruined most. Even if you search all of Thailand, you might find one or two, or none at all."
Nil's fingers hovered over the lone lotus, brushing its smooth petals. Thoughtfulness colored his tone as he whispered,
"Then... give me this one."
"How much?" he asked, eyes never leaving the flower.
"45 baht," the shopkeeper replied.
They returned to the car, the evening settling softly around them. Nil held the lotus carefully, its bright freshness undimmed even in the dimming light. He brought it to his nose, inhaling its delicate fragrance,
"Just like Stranger..."
"Who never wilts." a soft curved tugged his lips.
Than's hands gripped the wheel steadily, eyes fixed on the road,
"By the way, Nil, you should ask Kao sir to sing. I love his voice... every composition is alive, brimming with meaning."
He exhaled softly, a trace of longing in his tone, "But... for years, he barely sings. The music... it's mostly distributed now, and the company leans toward corporate ventures. Still... I want to hear something new. I want to feel him in his element."
Nil remained silent, eyes lowered, letting the words settle.
"I... I never paid much attention," he murmured, voice soft. "I'll talk to him."
Thoughts tumbled behind his closed lids, a trust,
"If he restrains himself from singing... "
"There had to be a reason. He never acted without thought.'' a dry swallow caught in his throat.
On the other hand, Kao moved with precise energy, each movement measured, every detail scrutinized. Though it was merely a family dinner, the thought that Nil would step into Neptune Sawan for the first time made his chest tighten with excitement. Every instruction he gave, every gesture he corrected.
Achara appeared beside him, radiantly composed, her hands brushing lightly over his arm. "Brother... calm down," she murmured, eyes gentle but knowing.
"You should go and get ready quickly. It's already 8:07... P. Nil could arrive any moment," she added.
Kao's gaze drifted downward, scanning himself from head to toe,
"Mpph... okay, I'll get ready..." he admitted.
"Please... take care," he instructed, before retreating toward his room.
Achara's smile bright and soft.
"Brother... he's so happy," being genuinely happy for her brother.
The sharp blare of a car horn drew Achara to the door. She opened it, expecting Nil—but it wasn't him but Lava. She wore a short black gown, silk tight over her bosom, fabric clinging to every curve— She stepped forward gracefully, wrapping her in a polite,
"How are you, Achara?" Lava's tone was smooth, her gaze sharp.
Achara's brow lifted slightly, surprised. "Brother said he invited Shian... but never mentioned Lava."
Lava's eyes, piercing and unrelenting, fixed on her. "What are you thinking?"
Achara met the stare with casual composure, a light smile, "Nothing. Come."
Without further word, Lava moved inside, her steps confident, ascending the stairs toward Kao's room. The door stood slightly ajar. She slipped in quietly,
Inside, Kao faced the mirror, adjusting the collar of his mint pastel shirt. The fabric clung to his sculpted frame, tracing the lines of his athletic build. His hair was precise, each strand obedient. He did not smile, yet there was a brightness in him—an optimism in his movements, a deliberate intention to appear perfect, most handsome, for Nil.
Suddenly, Lava slipped behind him, her fingers gliding slowly from Kao's broad shoulder down the curve of his spine. Kao stiffened, voice sharp, "Lava..."
Her lips curved into a teasing smirk. "Me..."
Kao's face tightened; his mind raced. He knew her feelings, had always known—but he had never returned them, never invited her here. Only Shian. He couldn't risk complicating things with Nil.
"Why... I mean..."
She pressed closer, body warm against his back, hands wandering possessively. "Aren't you happy to see your friend?" she murmured, letting her palms roam, tracing every ridge of his back.
Kao's composure snapped. He twisted, putting distance between them, jaw tense, lips forced into a firm line,
"Leave..."