'Today, is there a problem with your personal work again, puppy?'
'Yes.'
'Am I overstepping if I ask to make sure? The personal work Panlee often talks about, is it a business you run with your friends and seniors?'
'...'
'I remember you mentioned having friends and seniors as partners. But if you're uncomfortable sharing, it's okay, Panlee. Maybe you'd prefer to keep it private.'
'You're not overstepping. I can tell you, Khun Glai. But the reason I haven't told you this yet is that I planned to take you to the shop and then tell you it's mine. But since you're asking, I'll tell you now.'
'...'
'Khun Glai, are you familiar with the clothing brand 'Once in a Blue Moon'?'
'Don't tell me that...'
'Yes, it's a clothing brand I co-founded with other partners.'
'Panlee... This brand is quite famous! Last year, I saw this shop open in Siam Square. My high school friends went shopping there and posted about it all over Instagram.'
'...'
'Even though I rarely use Instagram, I occasionally check it, and this shop is always popular.'
'...'
'Most of the men's clothes are dark streetwear, and the women's clothes are cute, pastel-colored styles.'
'I love the sound of your voice when you're excited, Khun Glai.'
'I really am excited, Panlee! Who would've thought I'd be close to the owner of such a popular clothing brand? I wanted to shop there too but never had anyone to go with or the chance to visit.'
'But you're Khun Glai, aren't you? Why wouldn't you be close to the owner of Once in a Blue Moon?'
'That's true... I forgot I'm Khun Glai, after all.'
The conversation from yesterday floated back into his mind after he found out that his close friend, Khun Prachan, was one of the partners behind a well-known clothing brand. Panlee had shared the story of starting the business, the challenges they faced, and how they built their brand's reputation.
Khun Prachan's brand initially gained recognition on Instagram, with help from friends promoting it. Over time, it became increasingly popular. He explained that the most critical aspect was ensuring the brand's uniqueness and originality.
It wasn't surprising that many, including his high school friends, loved this brand, as Panlee and his partners understood how to target their audience effectively and planned their marketing strategies well. Now, they even had their own store in Siam Square.
Glai felt so proud of his little puppy. :)
"I can't believe my close friend is a future boyfriend of the owner of Once in a Blue Moon, a shop I've been ordering online from for nearly a year."
The small figure carrying a large brown paper bag containing a custom-made leather shoe box turned to look at the owner of the cheerful voice. Glai shook his head slightly, smiling at his close friend's words.
The truth is, Glai hadn't planned to visit Once in a Blue Moon, which had just released a new clothing collection a few days ago. It was just that today, his usual leather shoe store called to inform him that his custom-made shoes were ready for pickup. Along with wanting to buy a pair of shorts for a beach trip tomorrow, he decided to drive to Siam after class.
During class, Khun Prachan sent him a drawing via LINE of a white rabbit wearing black sunglasses, lounging confidently on a crescent moon, along with a message saying...
'P'Pee asked me to design a T-shirt for the new collection. I've been struggling with ideas, but one word keeps popping into my head.'
'...'
'That word is 'naughty'.'
'...'
'So I drew this mischievous-looking rabbit.'
When Glai replied that this rabbit might be even more mischievous than him, Pie, who was sitting beside him, leaned over to peek at the sketch on his chat. Out of curiousity, Pie asked about the rabbit, leading Glai to share Panlee's shop story. That was how Pie ended up tagging along to Siam Square, wanting to buy from the new collection.
'Come on, Glai, let's go into the shop.'
'Okay.'
Glai responded while watching Pie use his hand to push open the large glass door decorated with colorful stickers matching the shop's style. His long, narrow eyes shifted upward to look at the blue English letters of the shop's name displayed on the white building, just as Khun Prachan's voice echoed in his mind once more.
'Khun Glai, wait to shop with me, okay? Don't go alone.'
'Why?'
'Because P'Pee loves teasing me! He'll definitely tell you something embarrassing about me. And if F is there, I might get roasted.'
'Alright, I'll wait to go with you, Panlee.'
Glai sighed softly, knowing he was breaking his promise to Khun Prachan. But he hadn't planned this; everything happened so suddenly. Besides, Panlee had an evening exam today, so he didn't want to disturb his focus by calling him. He decided to come with Pie instead.
He'd call Khun Prachan to confess later that evening. Hopefully, he wouldn't be upset. As the small figure walked into the shop, Glai's gaze swept around. The first floor showcased mostly T-shirts for both men and women.
"The real person doesn't seem as mischievous as Panlee calls him."
Glai startled slightly before turning to see the owner of the deep voice. The tall, broad-shouldered man smiling at him was probably P'Pee, the significant partner Khun Prachan wasn't eager for him to meet.
"..."
"I'm P'Pee."
"Hello, P'Pee."
Though P'Pee's words earlier made him quite curious, Glai politely greeted him first, then asked for clarification. The man nodded slightly, looking him over from head to toe.
"The real you is much cuter than in the picture."
"In the picture?"
"Yes, I saw your picture from what Panlee sent me yesterday."
"..."
"Yesterday, Lee sent the design of the new collection that was just finished to me via LINE. It was a sketch of a rebellious rabbit. I thought it was cute, so I asked where Lee got the inspiration from," P'Pee said while pulling his phone out of his pocket, glancing at it briefly, and then handing it to Glai to show him something. "Lee sent a picture of you to me."
The smaller figure stepped closer to P'Pee, pressing his lips together slightly when he saw the picture of himself sitting in a Japanese restaurant displayed in the chat between P'Pee and Panlee. Glai just realized that Khun Prachan had secretly taken a photo of him. And as his gaze shifted downward to read the accompanying message...
'Got it from this guy...my little rascal.'
It made Glai so embarrassed that he couldn't face P'Pee. Now, all his questions were answered by the picture and message Khun Prachan sent to P'Pee. Glai wasn't surprised anymore why P'Pee approached him with such confidence, as if targeting a goal without fear of missing. It was because Panlee had already shown P'Pee the photo, but Glai didn't know how much Khun Prachan had told his senior about him.
Maybe Panlee even mentioned his name, Glai, just like introducing him to his high school friends. But from the LINE message earlier...Glai could only guess that P'Pee now knew he was 'the little rascal.'
Glai looked up to meet P'Pee's gaze as the other person put his phone back into his pocket. Glai gave him a dry smile, thinking of a way to steer the conversation to reduce his embarrassment.
"So...when will this collection be available for sale, P'Pee?"
"You mean the mischievous rabbit collection?"
"Yes."
"It probably won't be sold anymore."
The smaller one furrowed his brows slightly before asking, "Why not?"
"Because Lee said he's too protective of it. He doesn't want anyone else to own the mischievous rabbit. If he sees it on someone else, he might lose his temper. Lee said he'll hurry and design a new one instead."
Sometimes Glai thought he asked the wrong questions because they didn't help reduce his embarrassment. Instead, they made him even more flustered, so much so that he had to rub his warm ears as he often did.
Why is this puppy so possessive...
But if we were to measure possessiveness, Glai believed the puppy couldn't outdo him.
:)
"P'Pee, if I buy shirts from this store, does the money go into Panlee's pocket too?"
Glai widened his eyes as he saw the person who asked the question carrying a large pile of T-shirts and stopping next to him. Pie had gone into the T-shirt section for just a moment before returning with a large number of shirts.
"Yes, because Lee is also a partner of this shop. The money will definitely go into his pocket."
"Perfect. I'll take all of these. Please take them to the counter for me, P'Pee..." Pie said as she handed over the T-shirts which still on their hangers, to P'Pee. The store owner, looking slightly confused, carried the pile to the counter.
Glai looked at his best friend, who was beaming, and asked, "Pie, why did you buy so many shirts? Can you even wear them all?"
"Of course! I'll wear one every day."
Glai shook his head with a smile, thinking that Pie bought so many shirts not only because he liked the new collection but also because he wanted to support his close friend's store. "Thank you on Panlee's behalf, Pie."
"It's nothing. I'm happy to support..." Pie said with a mischievous grin before leaning close to Glai's ear and whispering softly, "Because if Panlee makes a lot of money, he can treat his future boyfriend well."
"Pie, you..."
The scolded one wasn't fazed at all. Pie laughed loudly and pulled out a gray banknote, lightly tapping it on the hanging shirts while saying, "May your business prosper and expand to many more branches, Panlee."
What his best friend did reminded Glai of his grandmother opening her dessert shop in the morning. Whenever a customer made the first purchase, she would quickly tap the money on the dessert tray to attract more customers and hope for good profits that day. Even though Glai knew it was just a belief, these beliefs gave people hope and motivation to keep moving forward.
"Glai...I'm going to check out the clothes on the second floor."
"Okay, I'll wait here on this floor."
"Alright."
Glai watched his best friend walk away toward the stairs. He placed the paper bag on the sofa in the middle of the shop before starting to browse for his own clothes. As he picked up a yellow T-shirt with a crescent moon design, the phone in his pocket vibrated with a notification. Glai reached into his pocket and saw the name on the screen before answering.
'Dad.'
"Yes, Dad."
[Glai, you'll definitely come home for dinner tonight, right?]
The one being asked smiled softly upon hearing his father's concerned voice. His dad must have been worried he'd cancel, calling to confirm yet again despite Glai already reassuring him multiple times.
"Of course, Dad. I wouldn't miss dinner with you."
[You haven't been home for weeks. Everyone misses you so much, Glai.]
Glai smiled as he balanced the phone with his shoulder to free his hands to pick up another shirt. "I miss everyone too. But lately, school has been tough, and there's been so much work that I haven't had time to go home."
[I understand, Glai.]
"But we talk on the phone all the time, right? That should ease the longing a bit."
[But it's not the same as talking face-to-face, son. Jeab misses wants to hug Glai so much]
The small one, who was being doted on heavily, smiled while deciding between a yellow and a light purple T-shirt. Although he hadn't been home much lately, Glai called his dad and P'Jeab nearly every night before bed. Sometimes, if he was on the phone with Khun Prachan, he would hurry to end the call because Panlee was always eager to let him talk to his family first. He often said...
'Khun Glai, talk to your family first. I'll play games while I wait. No need to rush.'
"I'll finish shopping quickly and head home to let everyone hug me."
[I'll wrap up my work quickly too. There's not much left to do.]
"Alright, Dad."
[See you later, son.]
"Yes, Dad."
Glai hung up the phone with his father, then put the light purple shirt back in its original spot. He had already chosen a color he liked, and as for the various patterns on the shirts, Glai wouldn't need much time to decide. There was only one design he particularly liked—the deep yellow crescent moon.
Creeed~
The sound of a vibrating phone interrupted his steps as he headed to the counter where P'Pee was folding shirts into brown paper bags. Glai reached into his pocket for his phone, thinking it might be his dad again, but the name displayed on the screen made him press his lips together nervously.
'My Moon.'
"What is it, puppy?"
[Puppy just finished my exams. You're done with classes, right? What are you up to now?]
The small figure stepped to the counter and handed the yellow shirt to P'Pee.
"Puppy..."
[Why do you sound so sad? Did someone bother you again?]
"No, no..." Glai nodded quickly when P'Pee mouthed silently, 'Lee called?' before continuing his conversation. "Puppy, I have something to confess."
[...]
"I secretly came to your shop first."
[You scared me, Glai. I thought you were about to confess something serious. My mind went far beyond this.]
Glai laughed and began explaining. "I didn't intend to come here first. I was planning to come with Panlee, but the shoe shop where I ordered custom shoes called me to pick them up. And Pie wanted to buy shirts from the new collection, so I brought her along."
[...]
"But do you know the main reason I didn't call you, Puppy?"
[Lee knows... You were worried I wouldn't be able to concentrate on my exams.]
"Exactly. Now you understand me, right?"
[Puppy always understands you]
Glai smiled and added, "I ran into P'Pee too."
[Can you hand the phone to P'Pee? I want to talk to him.]
"One sec." Glai handed his phone to P'Pee. "P'Pee, Panlee wants to talk to you."
The older man took the phone with a grin and cheerfully greeted, "What's up, my dear brother?"
"..."
"I haven't told him anything about you."
"..."
"I swear... And why are you joking about infertility?"
"..."
"No, the family still needs heirs."
"..."
"I didn't say anything bad... I only told him how you said the 'mischievous bunny' design was inspired by him. That's it."
"..."
"I swear, nothing bad... Didn't even mention how you act like a guard dog during our monthly meetings or scold me regardless of my age when I get drunk and skip work. Or that time you kicked our old partner into the hospital for stealing from us. Not a word!" P'Pee said, laughing.
"Oh, wait... Did I slip up just now?"
"..."
"Damn, my bad, little brother."
Glai chuckled, thinking that everyone around Khun Prachan seemed ready to tease him at any opportunity. P'Pee laughed heartily before handing the phone back to him. Glai took it and placed it back to his ear.
"Puppy..."
[Yes, Puppy is listening.]
The soft, worried tone in Panlee's voice made Glai hold back a smile before saying,
"Puppy, don't worry. I won't see you as a bad person. I can figure out for myself what kind of person you are."
[I told you, if you went ahead without me, I'd be under attack. Everyone around me is a villain.]
"And Puppy isn't far off, huh? Probably attacked others plenty, right?"
[Are you heading back soon?]
Glai shook his head with a light laugh as the cunning little puppy quickly changed the subject to hide his mischievous side. Panlee was probably afraid he'd discover just how sly he could be.
"Just need to grab some shorts for the beach tomorrow, then I'll head home."
[Oh... You're having dinner with your family tonight, right?]
"Yes."
Panlee knew because last night, when his dad called during their conversation, he had willingly hung up to let him talk to his father. After agreeing to dinner and hanging up with his dad, Glai had shared the news with Khun Prachan and started opening up about his family. When Panlee found out his father and Khun Lin had recently gotten engaged, he asked him with concern. His question made him pause for a moment.
'Are you okay now, Glai?'
He understood the meaning behind his words and felt the warmth of his concern despite the distance. He smiled and confidently replied...
'I've been okay for a long time... and I'm even better now because I have someone like Panlee by my side.'
[Don't buy shorts that are too short, okay? The sun is strong. Better to wear long pants.]
"Okay~"
[Then, did you and your friend buy the shirts?]
"I only liked one, but Pie bought many."
[If you and your friend want anything, just take it. No need to pay. I'll handle it.]
"No, Panlee. Pie and I came here specifically to support your shop."
[It's fine. You don't have to feel bad.]
"..."
[Because the shop has a quota allowing partners to take the new collection for their loved ones every month.]
"..."
[Since the shop opened, I've never used this quota. Only the other partners have.]
"..."
[Today, I want to use this quota for someone close to me.]
Glai didn't know whether the quota for partners' loved ones to receive new clothes every month really existed or if Panlee was just saying that to ease his reluctance. Either way, Glai's face was now burning with embarrassment.
Honestly... it's fine to stay as just someone close for life if the privileges for close ones are equivalent to those of a partner. But no matter what label it is, it would be meaningless without the same moon by his side.
Honestly... no privilege mattered as much as 'having Panlee in his life.'
"I think Pie and I might completely use up the quota Panlee has saved this time."
[Go ahead. I've been waiting for someone to use this quota.]
"We're here now."
Glai stifled a smile as he heard the soft chuckle from the other end of the call.
[Little rascal.]
And as usual, it wasn't just the one being teased was embarrassed, but the one who was teasing him was also embarrassed.
"Little puppy, your exams are over. Where are you now? Why so quiet?"
[I'm in the car, about to drive home.]
"Oh... drive safely, okay? Let me know once you're home."
[Got it.]
"Okay~"
[Don't forget what I told you.]
The small man furrowed his brows slightly, trying to recall their earlier conversation. Then he said, "About using up the quota, right, Panlee?"
[No, not that.] The voice on the other end turned a bit sterner.
"..."
[Don't buy very short shorts... the sun at the beach is really harsh.] And the tone grew even more serious.
"Oh... that's what you meant."
[Yes, that's what I don't want you to forget.]
"Okay~ I'll pick shorts with a reasonable length."
[Alright.]
"Drive safely, little puppy."
[You too, Glai.]
Glai hung up from Panlee and put his phone back in his pocket. When he looked up at the tall man in front of him, he quickly glanced around the store to cover his embarrassment because P'Pee's smile and gaze were no different from when his two close friends teased him.
"The streetwear upstairs is nice. I'll take five more pieces."
"Alright..." Glai looked at Pie, who was carrying clothes down from the second floor. Pie walked to the counter and placed the pile of clothes in front of P'Pee. Glai glanced at his close friend before turning to the tall man. "Oh... P'Pee, Panlee said I could use the quota for..."
"Oh... the partner quota, right? Sure, I'll handle it. I'm so happy for my dear partner who finally doesn't have to let this quota go unused."
"What quota is that, Glai?"
The person being questioned turned to his friend, whose face was full of curiosity, and said, "It's a quota for..."
Sigh Explaining this is really hard.
He was so embarrassed he couldn't even speak.
"..."
P'Pee must have seen how hesitant he was, so he stepped in to explain. "It's a quota for the partners of the shop's stakeholders... it lets them get whatever they want, as much as they want, without paying."
"Oh ~" Pie let out a long "oh" and began teasing him with his eyes.
"Pie, you don't have to pay. Panlee said you can use the quota too."
"How could I? I'm not a partner's partner. You use it yourself, Glai. I'll pay for mine."
"But my quota is still available. Interested in using mine?"
At that moment, Glai turned to glare at P'Pee, who spoke while folding the yellow T- shirt into a brown paper bag. Glai then turned back to his friend, who furrowed his brow and pulled out his credit card, handing it to P'Pee.
"My card still has a high limit. There's no need to use this quota."
P'Pee smirked and handed the paper bag containing the neatly folded clothes to Glai and Pie.
"Glai used Panlee's quota... as for Pie, you'll use mine."
"..."
"Pie already said no... I'm not anything to you."
"But you are now. I've decided for you."
Glai received the brown paper bag from P'Pee while holding back laughter as he noticed Pie's eyes widen and mouth open, ready to retort, but it seemed like her brain stalled, leaving her speechless. Glai wasn't surprised at Pie's reaction, being utterly shocked when flirted with so openly. She wasn't interested in love in the slightest and likely had little experience with it. Now, she was stunned and unable to handle P'Pee's advances.
Glai thought... P'Pee and Pie really a perfect match.
...
"Khun Glai is here..."
The small guy smiled, opening his arms to welcome P'Jeab, who rushed to embrace him. Glai hugged her tightly, trying to convey the overflowing feelings of longing he had been accumulating for so long. She released the hug only to press her nose to his cheek in a loud kiss. Glai laughed heartily; P'Jeab rarely acted this way unless she truly missed him a lot.
"Khun Tan hasn't returned yet."
"I just called Dad a moment ago. He's on his way back from work now."
"Oh..."
Glai looked at P'Jeab before saying, "I really missed you, P'Jeab."
"Don't even say that! You miss me, but you barely come back to let me hug you."
Glai smiled softly. "Aww... I've been so busy with schoolwork, and university assignments are piling up! I've been dying to come home."
"You're not secretly attached to someone, are you?"
"No, absolutely not!"
"Hmm... You sound suspicious, though."
Glai's heart... could handle anything, except lying—he was terrible at it. He always got caught. But this time, this relationship was significant to him. And since their bond hadn't reached its full destination yet, the absence of a clear label restrained Glai from revealing it.
Glai wanted his family to know when he had reached his goal. If he truly made it to his "moon," everyone would surely celebrate with him. And if he stopped midway, they would still support him wholeheartedly. He believed it would be that way. The person who decided to keep this relationship a secret took steps toward the marble counter, picking up a cookie from a small plate and taking a bite.
"Butter cookies, my favorite."
"Yes, butter cookies are your favorite. So, who's your favorite person, Khun Glai?"
P'Jeab stopped in front of him, her gaze inquisitive, as if catching a lying child. Glai quickly stuffed the cookie into his mouth and chewed hurriedly while shaking his head in denial.
"Not yet."
"Not yet, as in you don't have one?"
"Not ready to say yet."
The listener chuckled softly, shaking her head before reaching to refill the plate with cookies. She handed the plate with several cookies to him. "I'll wait then... wait for the day you bring your favorite person to eat my butter cookies."
"I'll bring him as soon as I can, P'Jeab," Glai responded with a sweet smile.
"Is he really cute?"
Glai smiled before replying, "Sometimes cute, sometimes cool... but it's not just sometimes that he makes me smile because he makes me smile every time we meet."
"Now, that makes me want to feed him cookies even more."
The owner of the sweet face smiled faintly before adding, "But he—"
"But what?"
"Uh... but he doesn't eat much." Glai almost slipped, almost called Khun Prachan by name.
"You're getting better at keeping secrets now, huh? Not even letting the name slip."
"I'll tell you someday, P'Jeab. His name is beautiful—both the real one and the nickname. You'll definitely like it."
"You seem so smitten with him. How could I not like him? I'll like him a lot."
Glai held back a smile, glancing at the glass jar filled with butter cookies. P'Jeab must've prepared them for him to take back to his condo.
"The cookies you took back last time must be finished, so I prepared more for you."
"Thank you so much, P'Jeab," Glai said, before walking over to check out the food arranged neatly on the table. "Your cooking is as delicious as ever, P'Jeab."
"You always have a sweet tongue."
The complimented person smiled softly before glancing toward the kitchen entrance. He noticed three new housemaids standing awkwardly. Glai figured they were unsure how to act around him since he wasn't as familiar with them as he was with P'Jeab.
"You can all come in."
"Th-thank you, Khun Glai."
"Is the dining table set?"
"Yes, Head Housemaid."
"Then help carry the food to the table. Khun Tan should be arriving soon."
"But Khun Lin returned home first."
"Oh, really? I thought she'd be out late today." P'Jeab peered outside before gesturing lightly, signalling the maids to carry the dishes out. "Hurry and get everything ready."
"Yes, yes."
Glai turned his gaze away from the three maids carrying the food and asked P'Jeab, who was putting the cookie jar into a white fabric bag.
"Didn't Khun Lin go to work with Dad today?"
"No, she said she had to take her parents from the countryside to run errands around Sukhumvit."
P'Jeab replied, glancing at him. "But it seemed urgent because she left in such a hurry. At first, it looked like she was going to work with Khun Tan."
"Ha..." Glai nodded lightly before continuing, "And while I was away, everything went well, right?"
"You mean, did Khun Lin take good care of Khun Tan, right?"
Glai smiled at the person who understood him best in the world, nodding once more. "Yes."
"As for P'Jeab... Khun Lin has done a pretty good job as a wife. She wakes up before her husband to prepare clothes and helps P'Jeab prepare meals for Khun Tan.
Looking at it, she seems to try her best to do everything she can for her husband."
"That's enough to put my mind at ease. At least, while I'm happy, my father isn't troubled."
P'Jeab gave him a warm smile, then gently placed her hand on his cheek. "Khun Glai... Even if Khun Tan or anyone else is troubled, you still need to remain happy. Because everyone can handle and rid themselves of the sorrow in their hearts... But for now, while you're happy, please hold onto it tightly, my dear."
"..."
"Think of yourself more, love yourself more."
Glai raised his hand to gently touch P'Jeab's hand, which was caressing his cheek, before saying, "Yes, I'll love myself more."
"P'Jeab loves you very much, Khun Glai."
Glai never thought that coming back home would turn his longing into a feeling of contentment that couldn't be replaced by anything else. He leaned down to hug the person in front of him, then whispered softly, "I love you, P'Jeab."
"Ah, sorry."
Glai pulled back from the hug and turned his attention to the small voice. Khun Lin was standing at the door with a slightly worried expression. He greeted her with a bow and said, "Hello, Khun Lin."
"Hello, Khun Glai... Lin is sorry for disturbing you and P'Jeab."
"It's fine," Glai replied.
"Actually... Lin wanted to ask if it would be alright to invite my parents to have dinner with us?"
"..."
"They're here on business for only two days, and they're leaving tonight. So, I'd like them to meet Khun Phon and Khun Glai too."
Glai nodded and smiled back at her. "Sure, no problem at all."
"..."
"Please have your parents sit at the dining table. Dad will be arriving soon. I'll quickly follow out after."
Khun Lin smiled widely, then said, "Thank you, Khun Glai."
Glai didn't reply but only smiled genuinely at her, hoping that his sincerity would ease her worries. Although the boundary between them was clear and visible, it didn't mean they couldn't try to make it thinner.
"P'Jeab will have the maid add more dishes for you, Khun Lin."
"Yes, thank you, P'Jeab."
...
"Do you want more stewed eggs, son?"
"That's enough, Dad."
The little one shook his head to refuse, then used the spoon to scoop the stewed egg onto his own plate instead. Since sitting down to have dinner together, his father couldn't stop smiling and even kissed his head several times. Khun Lin's parents teased that he must still be seen as a little child in his father's eyes.
"Will you stay overnight at home tonight, Khun Glai?"
"Um..."
"Glai won't be staying overnight at home. Tomorrow, he has to go to the beach with Dom early in the morning."
"Oh..."
"I'll be back to stay next week, Dad."
"Okay, son. I'll prepare some fresh milk and cookies for you."
"Thank you, Dad."
"Khun Phon is such a sweet father," Khun Lin's mother said. "Would you be interested in having another child for Glai?"
"Lin already told Mom that we both agreed not to have any more children."
"Oh... Mom was just joking. I saw Khun Phon looking a bit lonely."
"Actually, I'm not lonely, just wanting to spoil my child a bit," Khun Phon replied. His father's answer lightened the atmosphere in the dining room. Glai wasn't annoyed or upset because he had prepared himself long ago that this kind of question might come up one day. Even if this question didn't come from Khun Lin's mother, it would eventually come from someone else.
If he hadn't prepared himself from the beginning, Glai would probably feel bad every time someone asked about it. He never pressured or forced his father and Khun Lin to have children together, but at their engagement party, when Khun Lin told him they had decided to not have any children and that having just the two of them was enough for a complete family, Glai both felt thankful and sorry. Thankful for them valuing his feelings so much, and sorry for how his feelings became a limitation for both of them.
"By the way, Dad has gotten the wedding date from the monk."
"When is the date, Dad?"
"January of next year."
Glai looked up from the plate in front of him to look at his father. He quietly sighed before putting down his spoon. He immediately knew that his father wasn't very pleased with the response from Khun Lin's father. His father had one ironclad rule after his mother passed away: the family would not hold any celebrations in January because it was the month his mother passed away.
In January, our family makes merit on the anniversary of my mother's death. Father wanted January to only be about the anniversary of her passing. Glai was sure that his father would never allow a wedding in January. He hoped that Khun Lin would understand everyone's feelings in the house.
When the engagement ceremony was scheduled to fall on his birthday, Glai didn't think too much of it, as he could manage his own feelings. He thought it was just a birthday, but this time it involved the feelings of many others. If Father and Khun Lin didn't understand this, Glai felt he would have to say something after dinner.
"Lin already told Father not to choose January... Can Father ask the monks for another date?"
"But this month is a good month..."
"Lin believes there will be many good months ahead"
Glai looked at the person sitting next to him. Khun Lin replied to her father with a serious tone and expression. When Glai wasn't at home, P'Jeab told him that the chair on his right would be left empty, and Khun Lin would sit on the left instead, as both chairs were next to his father's head-of-table seat. But today, Khun Lin chose to sit next to him, and farther from Khun Phon.
Since sitting down for dinner together, she had been trying to talk to him the entire time. Sometimes, she even served him food, though she seemed hesitant to do so. Still, Glai could see her effort. It wasn't just Glai trying to adjust, but Khun Lin was trying hard as well.
"We're a family now... It's not just about the timing or anything, but it's also about the feelings of everyone in the family."
"..."
"And Lin thinks that aside from Lin's feelings and Khun Phon's, Glai's feelings matter too, and P'Jeab's feelings as well. We all need to move forward together... I want Father and Mother to understand me on this."
"Well then, I'll find a new auspicious date for the wedding."
The elderly man responded with an expression and tone that was somewhat displeased but had to relent because Khun Lin wasn't going to back down. When her father agreed, Khun Lin smiled lightly and turned to look at Glai. Glai nodded at her in gratitude.
Thank you for respecting my mother. And thank you for still considering everyone's feelings as important.
...
His slender hand stroked the piano that hadn't been played for a long time. Glai sat down on the soft chair and lifted the wooden cover that protected the white keys. His ten fingers began to play the melody he often played every January, before soft singing came from his lips.
"Walking hand in hand, through happiness and sorrow, laughing and crying together for how long. I never forget it from my heart, the day we smiled, the day we argued. Those days and nights will remain beautiful, never changing."
"Still just like yesterday, deep in the memories, but now it's just different."
Glai smiled lightly before singing the next verse, a part of the song that had once made him cry heavily. But now, it was different... he no longer cried.
"I no longer have you by my side, like the days we crossed the bridge. Everything, all things, we did together. It was the best time of my life, even if it was just a short time... because of you."
Because now, in Glai's heart, only happy thoughts of longing remained. Glai missed his mother dearly. And he would miss her forever... The small person smiled and stood up from the chair before turning to look at the door of the living room, feeling like he had been watched since he started playing the piano.
"Khun Lin..."
"Lin is sorry for eavesdropping while you were playing the piano. Khun Phon asked for you, but since I saw you playing, I didn't want to interrupt."
"It's okay."
"The song you played was very beautiful."
"Thank you. Normally, I play this song in January... for my mother."
"..."
"Just now, I went up to pay respects to my mother... The fresh flower garland on my mother's urn, was it from you, Khun Lin?"
Glai knew it was from Khun Lin because P'Jeab had told him that she replaced the garland every day. Now, Glai wanted to hear how she would respond.
"Um... Yes, I go to pay respects to your mother every day."
"..."
"I pray that she protects and blesses our family with happiness."
Khun Lin's answer made Glai feel something. He began to understand why his father chose to spend the rest of his life with this woman. Glai couldn't immediately tell what Khun Lin was really like, but from what he experienced today, she didn't seem bad. And she wasn't a bad person.
"Thank you, Khun Lin... for everything."
"Lin also thanks you, Glai, for never shutting me out. You've always tried to show me that you're open to accepting me into your family... It makes me want to take care of our family the best I can."
"..."
"The guilt I've carried towards you, Glai, still lingers in my heart until now... I think I should have opposed my parents about having the engagement on your birthday, but I didn't."
"..."
"From now on... I won't allow myself to do anything wrong to anyone in the family again."
"..."
"I know we may not have had the best start, and every time I try to approach you, it seems like I'm always out of sync... But I'm trying, Khun Glai."
"I see, Khun Lin," Glai replied with a smile directed at her.
"...Although we still have a lot to adjust to and need to study each other's personalities more, I want us to start walking together,"
"..."
"I want to start anew with the Borithat family."
What Khun Lin was asking for was not permission to become a new member of the family, because she had already been a full member of the Borithat household since her engagement to the father. But what Khun Lin was doing was... giving respect.
Glai couldn't see any reason to refuse someone who...
respected his father, respected his mother, and respected him,
as well as respected everyone in the house.
"Alright, Khun Lin."
Khun Lin smiled widely, something that wasn't often seen, before saying, "Lin has prepared another jar of cookies. This jar, I had P'Jeab teach me how to make. Khun Glai, try some."
"Thank you."
Khun Lin spoke with a tone of excitement mixed with joy. Sometimes, being accepted wasn't the most important thing...but it was undeniable that in the moment someone is accepted...it must feel really good.
...
"Drive safely, my son."
"Yes, Father."
"When you arrive at the condo, call and tell Khun Phon, Khun Glai"
"Yes."
Glai leaned forward slightly to let his father, who was standing outside the car, kiss his head properly. When his father pulled away from his head, Glai waved at both of them. He pressed the button to raise the car window and drove away from the house.
The car had only been driving for a short time when it began to slow down because of the red traffic light ahead. Glai reached into his pocket to take out his phone as the car stopped completely on the road. He then reached to turn on the car's interior light and opened the Line app to call someone.
Video Calling...
And in less than a minute, the person Glai had been thinking of appeared on the phone screen...
[Did you get home yet?]
"Not yet, there's heavy traffic." Glai spoke while turning the phone screen towards the front car window so Khun Prachan could see the cars stuck in traffic.
[When will you reach the condo?]
"Probably around 9 or 10 pm."
[Khun Glai, have you packed your bags yet?]
"Not yet, but I'll pack in a bit."
[Once you're done packing, hurry up and go to sleep, okay?]
"Mm... so what is Panlee doing right now?"
The person being asked, dressed in a large white T-shirt and gray branded sweatpants, smiled brightly. It was probably because he hadn't styled his hair but left his naturally blonde hair down, which made Glai feel like this person really suited the nickname "puppy."
And from what he saw... Panlee was sitting in his usual private living room, the place he would go to play games or watch soccer while waiting for Glai to finish talking with his father. When Glai called Panlee after talking with his father, he would always see him in this room.
[Panlee is playing a game waiting for the little rascal to call.]
"Has the puppy been waiting long?"
[Well... for a while now.]
"Sorry for making you wait so long."
[You don't need to apologize, Khun Glai. Panlee knows you're spending time with your family happily. No matter how long, Panlee can wait.)
"In this world, there can be no one cuter than the puppy."
Glai nearly melted when Panlee scrunched his nose at him. It was really too much. The person who was called the cutest puppy in the world smiled and moved the phone away from him slightly, then set it down so Glai only saw him from the side. The tall figure leaned back on the large sofa and grabbed the game controller. Panlee looked straight ahead, and since the camera angle was limited, Glai couldn't see what he was looking at, but he could guess he was probably looking at the TV screen.
Then, the person who was starting the game spoke softly...
Glai heard every word clearly...
[Only you... I will only allow you.]
"Puppy..."
[Yes...]
"Can the puppy stay with me until i reach the condo?"
[Coax the puppy first.]
"How should I coax you?"
[Do it in a way that you think the puppy can't refuse.]
Glai furrowed his brow in thought, then decided to speak, "Khun Sasin... can you stay with me until I get to the condo?"
[...]
When Khun Prachan heard his words, he immediately turned to look at the phone screen. Glai gave him a dry smile before explaining, as he thought Khun Prachan might be wondering how he knew his real name.
"When I was arranging the digital media faculty photo exhibition, P'Dom asked me to help organize the students participating, and he asked what rank Panlee was in the order... that's how I knew Panlee's name is Sasin."
[Sasin... meaning moon.]
Thump thump thump thump
Yes... Sasin, which means 'Khun Prachan of Glai Jai,'
And yes again... Khun Prachan, the same moon, always made Glai's heart beat faster.
"Ah... Oh... yes, Sasin means moon."
[Did you know the meaning of Panlee's real name, Khun Glai?]
"I know... I've studied it before..." Glai thought... please, let this answer be enough. Khun Prachan put the game controller down. He no longer cared about anything except the phone screen. Panlee looked at him and let out a soft laugh.
[No one has ever called me Sasin before.]
"..."
[You are the first one, Khun Glai.]
"Then... does Panlee like being called by your real name? If you don't like it..."
[Panlee, puppy, Sasin... or whatever you want to call me from now on, I'll accept it all.]
"..."
[But honestly, right now I kind of like my name Sasin a little... because when you call me, it sounds so much better.]
Glai laughed before scrunching his nose at the other person. It was so playful.
[Hold on, okay? Tomorrow, I'll let you snuggle as much as you want.]
Glai looked at the tall person sitting there with a wide smile before he put his phone into the holder on the side of the car console because the traffic light had just turned green.
"Panlee, let me drive first."
[Okay, I'll play a game while waiting.]
"Yes."
It was understood that they would stay on the phone until he arrived at the condo without hanging up. Glai reached over to turn off the lights in the car before pressing the accelerator to move the car. He drove cautiously, never taking his eyes off the road. So, he didn't know what Panlee was doing at the moment.
Then, the sound of a guitar that started playing caught his attention, and he glanced at the screen for a brief moment before returning his focus to the road. Panlee had picked up a guitar from somewhere...
[Khun Glai...]
"Yes," Glai responded while still looking ahead.
[Because you didn't play music in the car, let me sing a song for you instead.]
"Mm, go ahead... I also want to hear Panlee sing."
The sound of the guitar started forming the melody of a song he had heard before. A soft smile appeared on Glai's face as he turned the steering wheel to take a shortcut. He smiled wider when Khun Prachan sang the first verse because he thought Panlee's voice fit the song perfectly.
[Watching the clock, past midnight, I want to fight it, I must endure, I see your image... in my head.]
"..."
[It's not safe anymore, because you make my heart race. Just seeing you walk by makes me nearly lose my mind, right there.]
"..."
[Please, don't do this. I'm not feeling well, every time you smile and stare into my eyes, don't make my heart freeze. Stop being cute, can you? If this continues, I don't think I can bear it.]
And it seemed that today, Khun Prachan's voice was even more beautiful than usual.
"..."
[Do you know, right now, this feeling won't go away? Every time you're close, I can't stop my heart.]
"..."
[It's not safe anymore, because you make my heart race. Every time you smile at me, I find myself thinking about it, dreaming about it. If this continues, I'm sure I won't be able to stand it...]
When Panlee finished singing, Glai had just driven up to the condo. Because he had decided to take a shortcut, he arrived earlier than expected. Glai turned into the parking area under the condo and parked the car. He took his phone out of the holder and raised it to eye level because the parking area was quite bright, and the outside light shone into the car. Even though he hadn't turned on the car lights, Panlee could still see him. The puppy, who had been patiently waiting for him, flashed a bright smile and said,
[I stayed with you, and even sang for you... you should reward the puppy.]
"What do you want, puppy?"
[Pet my head.]
The puppy demanded his reward from afar by leaning his head closer to the camera. Now, Glai could only see his golden blonde hair. He wasn't sure if it was because of Panlee's cuteness or the overwhelming feeling in his heart that made him...
... decide to place a soft kiss on the phone screen before quickly pulling away because he was worried Panlee would lift his head and see his face so close to the screen instead of his palm.
That was what he would call "kissing the puppy's head."
"All done. I've pet the puppy's head as a reward."
[Okay.]
Sorry, Panlee... for not being able to hold back.
"I'll go up to the room now. Panlee, go to sleep soon."
[Yes.]
And this eye contact made Glai able to predict the next sentence from Panlee.
"..."
[Glai Jai...]
"..."
[Sweet dreams.]
"Khun Sasin..."
[...]
"Sweet dreams to you too."
Yes... they made eye contact before parting, as usual.
But tonight, both of them smiled wider than before.
:)