[I've already prepared everything for you, Khun Lee. It's all in the fridge now.]
"Okay, thank you very much, P'Plew."
[You're welcome. It's really nothing.]
"..."
[I've just finished the housework... Actually, I was going to head back home, but I was worried you might need something else, so I called to ask if there's anything more you'd like, or if you'd prefer me to stay here until you return.]
"It's okay. You can head back, P'Plew... But tomorrow, could you please come over to clean the house again?"
[...]
"Because I'll be cooking at home today, the kitchen might get messy, and I'd like you to come and take care of it tomorrow."
[Sure, no problem.]
"I'll take care of the dishes myself."
[It's okay. If you're cooking to eat with... uh...]
"You can call him 'Khun Glai.'"
[Alright. If you're cooking to eat with Khun Glai, just leave everything in the sink when you're done. I'll handle it all tomorrow.]
"I'm worried if I leave it overnight, it might smell... It's fine, P'Plew, I'll wash them myself instead."
[That's fine too, Khun Lee.]
"Alright..."
[...]
"P'Plew... Please don't forget to have the gardener come to trim the trees in the yard this week."
[Of course.]
"Thank you again, P'Plew."
[You're welcome~]
Ding!
After hanging up with the trusted housekeeper Panlee hired to take care of the single house he secretly bought, a notification sounded just as the elevator doors slid open. He quickly stepped out and headed straight to the coffee shop. Panlee had left two helmets at the shop earlier because he didn't want to carry them around while attending classes, and leaving them on his motorcycle risked someone taking them. When he arrived at the back of the coffee shop and saw that the shop owner wasn't busy making coffee for customers, he spoke up.
"P', I'm here to pick up what I left."
"Is it your heart that you left with me?"
Panlee smiled while looking at the pretty coffee shop owner. He was quite familiar with her since she often chatted with him whenever he came by for coffee, and teasing remarks like this were her usual style.
"Nope... Just the helmets I left here."
"Oh... And what about your heart?"
The shop owner went to fetch the two helmets she had kept safely and handed them to him. Panlee took them and replied, "It already has an owner."
"Really?"
"Really... I'm not joking."
"I already prepared myself for heartbreak when you left two helmets here... My heart just shattered, you know," she joked with a laugh, then added, "But it's okay because I'm not the only one heartbroken, there are plenty of others feeling the same way as me."
Panlee laughed before saying, "Thank you, P'."
"Instead of thanking me, could you tell me who is the owner of your heart is?" The question made him laugh as he shook his head slightly. "GlaiJai... A second-year aviation student."
"Then I'll ask every aviation student who comes to buy coffee if their name is GlaiJai."
"No need to ask anyone... He'll be coming down soon."
"So, I'll get to see Khun Glai myself?"
"Yes."
Panlee replied casually before glancing toward the elevator doors not far away. GlaiJai had asked him to wait downstairs because he needed to finish discussing something with friends.
Then, the elevator doors opened, and several students walked out. But Panlee's eyes were fixed on just one person, the owner of the smile he once described as 'the most precious smile on b the moon.'
GlaiJai was smiling so widely that his eyes disappeared as he waved goodbye to his two close friends who walked out of the building. Then he turned to look in Panlee's direction. Panlee smiled at the small figure waiting by the exit door.
"Is that him? Nong Lee's Glai?"
Panlee nodded as he looked at the small figure, then replied, "Yes, that's him, Lee's Glai"
"He's adorable."
The comment made Panlee smile before he said, "Well, I'll get going now."
"Yes.. Have a safe trip, Nong Lee"
"Thank you."
Panlee bowed slightly to the shop owner in thanks before walking toward the small figure waiting by the exit. When he stopped in front of GlaiJai, he handed him one of the helmets.
"This helmet..."
Guessing what the other person was about to say, Panlee interjected, "Yes, this is the helmet I ordered for you."
GlaiJai smiled as he took the helmet, then said, "Thank you."
Panlee nodded, thinking...
Sometimes, the word 'thank you' holds another meaning.
'Thank you' might mean 'GlaiJai is happy.'
🌙🌙🌙
"Is this house really yours, Panlee?"
Panlee nodded as he took the helmet from the smaller person. "Yes... I secretly bought it last year."
"Why did you have to buy it secretly?"
"Because if Dad, Mom, or P'Fah knew I was going to buy a house, they would stop me."
"..."
"They're afraid I'll move into my own house and never return to the big house."
"Oh..."
"But I haven't moved into this house yet."
"You'll probably move in after you graduate, right?"
"Yes..." Panlee smiled faintly before leaning closer to the sweet face. "When GlaiJai graduates... will you move in with me?"
The question made the person he asked widen his eyes slightly at first, then lower his gaze to avoid eye contact. Both ears turned red as he always did when flustered. Panlee chuckled softly before saying,
"Let's go inside the house."
"Sure."
Panlee led the special person into the large white house, decorated in an English modern style, a blend of modern and English styles, with most furniture in white and gray tones. The house's owner placed the helmets on the coffee table near the long sofa and turned to look at his important guest, who followed him in. He couldn't help but smile when he saw GlaiJai scanning the house with sparkling eyes that revealed how much he loved it.
"Do you like this house, little rascal?"
"I love it! Normally, I already like houses decorated in this style."
"..."
"But when it's Panlee's house... I like it even more."
That statement made Panlee want to pull the shy bunny into his arms and kiss his cheek repeatedly, but he restrained himself, fearing he might scare him. And Panlee knew that if he kept staring, he might not be able to hold back. So, he chose to do something else instead.
"Well, you can go explore the house and the yard."
"..."
"I'll be in the kitchen for a bit."
Hearing that, the little rascal quickly stepped in front of him and asked, "Are you cooking by yourself, Panlee?"
"Yes."
"When you said you'd bring me home for dinner, I thought you'd have someone prepare it."
"..."
"I didn't think you'd actually cook."
The excited and happy tone on the rascal's face made Panlee laugh before replying,
"Bringing someone special for dinner... of course, I have to cook myself."
"..."
"But..." Panlee paused briefly before continuing, "Today, I'm only making one special dish. Is that okay with you?"
The smaller one raised his hand to gesture 'OK' and smiled widely until his eyes crinkled. "Okay!"
"Alright then, wait for me for a moment."
Panlee watched the small person nod enthusiastically. He was so fond of the cute person that he had to lean down and press his nose to kiss the fluffy head once before walking into the kitchen. As for the person whose head was stolen, he had transformed into a very sneaky rascal. He quickly walked outside to check out the front garden and greeted the white rose garden he had planted.
Panlee had never known who he was planting flowers for. Until GlaiJai came to this house, he realized...The tall man smiled as he glanced at GlaiJai admiring the white roses. Then, he returned his focus to preparing dinner. He took out the ingredients for the meal from the fridge, where P'Plew had already prepared everything. This special dish wasn't too complicated to make.
Today, Panlee decided to make 'stuffed omelette' for GlaiJai. He knew it was an ordinary dish, not particularly special as he'd mentioned. If GlaiJai expected something extraordinary, he might be disappointed when he saw the simple stuffed omelette. Even though he knew it was just a typical dish, he still wanted to make it for GlaiJai.
Because it was the dish Mom loved to make for him when he was young. Panlee remembered how he was never thrilled when Mom took him to fancy restaurants. But he always looked forward to hearing Mom say, "Panlee, today Mom will cook stuffed omelette for you."
As time passed, the family's responsibilities and duties grew. Mom had to move to Hong Kong with Dad and didn't have as much time to make the dish for him. So, Panlee asked Mom to teach him how to make it, so he could cook it himself whenever Mom wasn't around.
And the taste of Panlee's stuffed omelette was just like Mom's. Of course, he never thought of cooking it for anyone...Until GlaiJai came to this house.
While Panlee was focused on cooking, he kept glancing toward the little one. Through the large glass window in the kitchen, he saw GlaiJai sitting on the swing, clearly enjoying the garden. The sight of his sweet smile made Panlee realize how much he loved the yard.
Panlee shifted his focus back to the pan, thinking there might be many houses where he could feel comfortable. But only a few people could make him truly feel at 'home.' The one who made him feel truly at 'home'...
That person is 'GlaiJai.'
🌙🌙🌙
"Stuffed omelette, Panlee?"
The special guest asked with a smile as the impromptu chef placed the stuffed omelette on the dining table. Panlee nodded and watched as the smaller one handed him a plate of freshly steamed rice. Earlier, GlaiJai had volunteered to scoop the rice, eager to contribute. Seeing no harm in letting the rascal help, Panlee had agreed.
"Yes... stuffed omelette."
"I love it! P'Jeab used to make it for me when I was a kid."
He sat down on the chair along with GlaiJai, who was seated across from him, looking at the stuffed omelette on the plate with a certain expression in his eyes. It was an expression that made Panlee realize, 'Panlee is GlaiJai's home too.'
"At first, I thought you might be disappointed," Panlee said.
The small one laughed before replying, "Just the fact that Panlee cooked it yourself...there's nothing disappointing about it."
"..."
"Does Panlee like eating stuffed omelettes?"
He nodded before replying, "Yes. Stuffed omelette is my favorite dish."
"..."
"Because my mom used to make it for me when I was a kid... but as time went on, she didn't have much time to cook for me anymore."
"..."
"So, I asked her to teach me how to make it... so I could cook it for myself whenever she wasn't around."
"Khun Sasin is amazing..." GlaiJai smiled and continued, "...not just because you can make stuffed omelettes, but because you understand others so well and know how to adapt."
"..."
"If it were someone else, they might have just waited for their mom to come back and make it for them... or gone to buy it from a store."
"..."
"But Panlee chose to have your mom teach you..." GlaiJai smiled that same comforting smile, "...Panlee is truly amazing."
Panlee smiled back while meeting GlaiJai's gaze. He felt there was no need to explain why he chose to cook this dish because it seemed like GlaiJai already understood everything without him having to say much. It was no surprise to Panlee that he had allowed himself to fall deeply into GlaiJai's world, knowing full well there would be no way back.
Because GlaiJai was like this.
Because GlaiJai made him feel more connected every day.
Because everything about GlaiJai made him willing...
Willing to do anything as long as GlaiJai was in his life. He served a portion of the stuffed omelette onto GlaiJai's plate. GlaiJai grinned widely before taking a bite of rice and omelette, chewing cheerfully and giving him a thumbs up, just like when he went to see the photo 'Lost in The Moonlight'.
"Is it delicious?" Panlee asked.
"The best in the world."
The answer from the mischievous one almost made Panlee want to get up and kiss him on the cheek, but he held back, biting his lip instead, before saying, "You're too cute."
GlaiJai laughed joyfully before serving some of the stuffed omelette onto Panlee's plate. "Great chef, eat a lot, okay?"
Panlee looked at GlaiJai's bright smile and thought...
No matter how capable I am... I still lose to you.
🌙🌙🌙
After they finished eating dinner, the two of them sat around at home until evening. Panlee then brought GlaiJai back to the condo. Just now, he walked up to send him to his room before saying goodbye and going down to stand and smoke in the parking lot. His thick hand reached into his back pocket to take out his phone to call someone. He didn't wait long before he heard a greeting from the other end of the line.
[What's up, tiger?]
"P'Dom, do you remember Mek's address?"
[I do... but why do you need it?]
"I need to discuss something with him."
[Panlee... tell me the truth.]
"I'll explain after I talk to him."
[I doubt Mek's at his condo right now...]
"..."
[Earlier, a friend from engineering called to invite me out for drinks... I overheard them mentioning Mek. He's probably at the bar right now.]
"Which bar?"
[The one owned by your senior...]
Panlee thought that it might truly be Mek's time, especially if he encountered him at the senior's bar. Memories he didn't want to revisit would resurface, and it would be hard to restrain himself.
"Alright... I'll go find him myself."
[Hold on... let me double-check. Wait a moment.]
Panlee ended the call with his close senior and brought the cigarette to his lips again. Before he could take a full drag, P'Dom called him back. Panlee answered without hesitation.
"Yes?"
[Mek is still at the bar... drinking with some seniors.]
"Alright... thanks, P'Dom."
[Panlee... are you sure this is just a talk?]
"I can't promise that..."
[...]
"It depends on the situation."
[Let me come with you... The bar isn't far from your condo.]
"No need, P'Dom... It's just one guy. I can handle it."
[Let me tag along, just for my peace of mind, Panlee...]
"P'Dom... don't tell P'Fah about this."
[Alright... I won't tell.]
Panlee didn't want his older brother to know because he would be even more worried about him. P'Fah never stopped him from these things because he also didn't allow anyone to tell him what to do, but he was afraid his older brother might rush over and join the circle. He just didn't want P'Fah to worry or get involved.
"Then, let's meet at the shop."
[Okay.]
After hanging up with P'Dom, Panlee threw the cigarette butt on the ground before putting on his favorite helmet and riding his red motorcycle immediately. He quickly rode out of the condo.
It didn't take long for Panlee to arrive at his senior's shop. When he parked his motorcycle in front of the shop, while he was taking off his helmet, P'Dom called him to go to the back of the shop instead because he had told his close friend who was Mek's senior to come out with him. Panlee guessed that P'Dom was afraid that this matter would be too serious for him to stop.
"Hello."
The tall man raised his hand in greeting to the two seniors standing there while still holding his favorite helmet. He only saw his seniors but didn't see any sign of Mek.
"Hello..." P'Dom's friend nodded while blowing out white smoke. "Come stand and wait for Mek and his gang."
"Prab called Mek already... he'll be out after finishing in the bathroom."
"Did you tell him I'd come?"
P'Prab shook his head and replied, "I didn't tell him it was you... just said someone wanted to talk."
"While we're waiting for Mek... can you tell us what happened?" P'Dom, who was lighting a cigarette, asked. Panlee then shared the whole story he had learned from Thot with both seniors. P'Dom was so upset that he excused himself to walk and calm down, fearing that if Mek appeared now, he wouldn't be able to control himself.
Panlee stood waiting for Mek with P'Prab, eagerly anticipating his arrival. Soon, the person he was waiting for appeared. Mek looked slightly surprised to see him there, but his surprised expression was quickly replaced by a sneer. He walked to stop in front of his senior before speaking.
"The person you said wanted to meet me... is it Panlee?"
"Yeah... whatever it is, just settle it quickly. Don't let it turn into something big."
"Why do I need to settle anything... I haven't done anything yet."
"Mek... don't think I don't know what you've done and what you're about to do... I'm not saying I know everything because I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable when we're together," P'Prab said with a displeased look before continuing,
"If you've done something wrong, just apologize, don't let it get to the point where I can't help you."
"I haven't done anything yet. What do you want me to apologize for?"
Mek said, raising his eyebrow. Panlee couldn't tell if he was already annoyed with his face or if it was something else, but it made his face look even more infuriating. Panlee glared at the person who never regretted his actions.
He stepped forward to stand face-to-face with Mek. Mek's expression wavered slightly, but he tried to hide his fear by staring back. When he noticed that the person wanting to test him was starting to get nervous. Panlee smirked before speaking.
"I understand well... that someone like you with no conscience would never apologize to anyone."
"...."
"And I don't want an apology from you either."
"So what do you want?"
Thud!
After the other's question, Panlee's fist landed squarely on Mek's face, making him stagger backward. Mek shook his head slightly as if trying to shake off the dizziness. He lifted his hand to touch his nose, which was bleeding, before looking up to meet Panlee's eyes.
"You want this... is this what you want?"
Mek was furious, shaking with rage. He wiped the blood from his nose and prepared to charge at him.
"You bastard, Panlee!"
"Mek, stop!"
"Shut up!"
Panlee watched as Mek tried to push P'Prab, who was holding him back to prevent him from attacking him. The trembling look in his eyes turned into pure anger. When P'Prab was shoved forcefully to the left, Mek rushed straight at him. Panlee stepped back to maintain a safe distance. Mek probably thought he was scared and pushed forward, but as Mek came closer, Panlee lifted one of his legs and kicked him in the chest with full force. Mek lost his balance and fell to the ground.
When the blood was pumping through his body, his anger was more raging than flames. Panlee could no longer control himself. He raised the helmet he was holding in the air, intending to hit his head to get some of its evil blood. However, his helmet was held back. Panlee turned to look at the person who was blocking him.
"Panlee... that's enough."
"..."
It was P'Dom who stopped him, and then P'Prab came to stand beside him. "This one... consider it a request. After all, he is my junior."
P'Dom must have seen that Panlee's anger was starting to subside, so he released his grip on the helmet. However, in reality, his anger hadn't decreased at all. The helmet was left by his side. He nodded to both seniors.
"Yes... okay."
He responded with a calm tone and expression before turning to look at Mek, who was sitting on the floor, holding his nose. Panlee pushed his tongue against his cheek. He tried to hold himself back, but the images of that day flooded his mind again. Panlee decided to speak and do something...
"This time... for everything you've done to GlaiJai."
Thud!
"Ah! Ouch! You bastard, Panlee! You son of a bitch!"
"Panlee! Enough!"
Panlee kicked Mek's stomach hard again. He lay flat on the floor and groaned until P'Prab had to rush over to check on him. He pointed his finger at Mek who was sitting up with P'Prab helping to support him.
"I've made GlaiJai smile again... if anyone makes him cry again..."
"..."
"I won't let it slide."
"..."
"Don't mess with GlaiJai anymore..."
"..."
"Do you understand what I'm saying?!!"
"Mek... just promise already!" P'Prab said.
"Ah, fine!"
Panlee looked away from Mek after getting the answer before turning to look at P'Dom, who was staring at Mek without breaking eye contact. "P'Dom...."
The person being called turned to look at him, then nodded. "If I hadn't stopped him... Mek would've been a mess."
"I'm sorry for making you and your friend uncomfortable..." Panlee turned to look at P'Prab before raising his hand to greet him. "Sorry, P'Prab."
"Ah, yeah! I understand... that Mek really did mess up."
"All done with him now... you can go rest now, Panlee."
"How did you get here? Should I give you a ride?"
"I drove here. Don't worry about me. I'll stay and talk with Prab for a bit."
"Okay... then I'll head back first."
"Yeah... ride safely."
Panlee nodded before giving Mek one last look. And it was probably the first time Mek chose to look away from him. He walked away from that spot to his motorcycle. When Panlee mounted his red motorcycle, the helmet, which almost became adangerous weapon, was put back on his head. His sharp eyes looked at his own hands as he twisted the motorcycle key. The dark red marks on the back of his hand served as a reminder...
GlaiJai...
The one I told, I would protect you.
I meant it.
I really did.
And... I really love you.