'Earlier, I just stopped by to talk to Fah. He said he'll take Teerak up to the rooftop to watch the fireworks.'
'...'
'Once you finish watching the fireworks with Panlee, come meet me backstage, okay?'
'Alright, P'Dom... By the way, does P'Fah know about our plan yet?'
'Not yet... I haven't told him.'
'...'
'Babe said not to tell Fah yet, because Fah might let it slip to Teerak. If Teerak finds out about the surprise, he'll get too excited and act suspicious. Then Panlee might figure it out.'
'Ah... So P'Fah and Teerak will find out about the plan to ask Panlee to be my boyfriend only after I go on stage, right?'
'Not exactly... They'll know before you go on stage. Real, who knows all the details and is coordinating everything, will gather everyone involved in the plan to discuss it beforehand.'
'Got it.'
'And have you called Panlee's friends yet?'
'Yes, I told Ne to invite everyone to the event. They'll wait behind the shop until I call them to come in.'
'Good, we'll call Panlee's friends later then.'
'Sure, P'Dom.'
The conversation between Glai and his brother replayed in his mind as the sound of fireworks erupted, and the sky above them lit up with a cascade of brilliant lights. Glai turned his gaze away from the dazzling display to look at his lover sitting beside him.
He wasn't sure how long Panlee had been watching him, but he knew one thing for sure... They never went long without looking at each other. It had always been that way, as if they had secretly been watching each other all along.
"GlaiJai..."
"Yes..."
"The fireworks are beautiful... but not as beautiful as your eyes."
Glai gave a shy smile, scrunching his nose playfully. "I'll never get used to your compliments, Puppy."
"We'll be together long enough for you to get used to them," Panlee said, leaning in to press a kiss on Glai's cheek without caring about the seniors sitting at the same table. Tonight was the New Year's celebration at P'Fah's shop, attended mostly by P'Fah's close friends. In the evening, the adults, including Dad, Mom, and Teerak's family, joined the party. After they left, the rest of them stayed to continue the celebration.
Meanwhile, Glai, who had planned with P'Dom to ask Panlee to be his boyfriend on New Year's, began to set things in motion. As the last firework faded from the sky, Glai spoke up. "Panlee, I'm going to call Dad for a bit. I need to discuss something with him."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, it's okay. Stay here."
"Alright... don't wander off too far. I'll worry."
"Got it."
After replying, Glai stood up from the table and walked away, heading toward the backstage area where he was supposed to meet his brother. When he arrived, he saw P'Dom, P'Babe, P'Real, and P'Hia standing together, talking. P'Dom noticed him and said...
"Glai's here."
Glai nodded and walked over to stand next to his brother's girlfriend. "..."
"Alright..." P'Real turned to Glai. "Have you called Panlee's friends yet?"
"Not yet. I was going to ask P'Dom when I should call them."
"You can call them now."
"Okay, P'Real."
Glai took his phone out of his pocket and dialled Ne's number.
[What's up, Khun Glai?]
"Ne, you can bring everyone into the shop now."
[Got it.]
"Come in through the back entrance," P'Real added.
Glai nodded and relayed the message. "Ne, use the back entrance."
[Alright.]
After ending the call, Glai returned his phone to his pocket. He thought he wouldn't feel nervous, but now his heart was racing, and a light sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Are you nervous, Glai?" P'Babe asked.
Glai nodded honestly. "Yes, P'Babe, I'm starting to feel nervous now."
"Even P'Hia was nervous, so how could you not be?"
"You're nervous about everything, you drama queen," P'Real teased while typing on his phone. Then he added, "Fah and Teerak are coming down from the rooftop."
"Alright," P'Dom responded.
"Don't be nervous, Glai. Just do what you practiced and give it your all," P'Babe encouraged, patting Glai's arm.
"Okay, P'Babe," Glai replied.
Initially, Glai and P'Dom had planned for him to simply go on stage and ask Panlee to be his boyfriend. But after thinking it over during the trip back from the beach, Glai decided that wasn't enough. He wanted everyone to see Panlee flustered, so he told P'Dom he would sing a song for Panlee. Since then, Glai had been secretly practicing.
"They're here," P'Real announced as P'Fah and Teerak arrived.
"Why so late, Fah?"
"Not everyone has to stick their nose into everything like you," P'Fah retorted.
"This isn't me trying to be a show-off, Fah. Real dragged me here," P'Hia said
"Can you stop talking, you sewer water? Glai, it's time," P'Real remarked.
"Can I interrupt for a moment, P'Real..." Rak asked.
"For you, always, little one,"
"Little one wasn't asking you, you red soda!"
Glai smiled faintly, watching everyone banter and talk over each other. If Panlee's group of friends were here too, Glai thought the chaos would be several times greater. Still, he silently appreciated everyone's full-hearted support.
"What is it, little one?"
"It's not a question, really. Before coming down from the rooftop, P'Fah already told me that P'Real texted saying... Glai is planning to surprise Panlee with a proposal," Rak said.
"..."
"I had a feeling that you and Panlee have been close for some time now, but I never knew when sparks first flew..." Rak paused, turning to P'Fah beside him. "...And P'Fah doesn't know either, right?"
"Right, I don't know any more than you do," P'Fah answered.
Glai smiled and said, "Once I've successfully asked Panlee to be my boyfriend, I'll tell you everything."
Rak nodded and gave a bright smile. "Okay..."
"..."
"But the reason I interrupted P'Real was... I wanted to ask Glai something."
"..."
"Are you sure about becoming Panlee's boyfriend?"
Glai stayed silent for a moment, not needing to think too hard. The feelings in his heart were already the clearest answer. He also sensed that Rak's question carried more than just curiosity.
"I'm confident... that I'll love Panlee forever," Glai answered.
Rak, who Panlee often teasingly called 'chubby cheeks', smiled widely. Nodding slightly, Rak replied, "I just wanted to tell you... Glai, you've made the right choice."
"..."
"The dog face Lee, is a great friend. So, I believe he'll be an amazing boyfriend, too."
Hidden within Rak's question was a congratulation. But it wasn't just Rak offering congratulations. Everyone standing before Glai also shared their good wishes through smiles and warm gazes. Overwhelmed by the sincerity, Glai said,
"Thank you so much, everyone..."
"..."
"Thank you for helping make our love complete."
Glai saw the same smile mirrored on everyone's faces, a smile that conveyed genuine happiness for him. The previously chaotic atmosphere had softened into one filled with love and goodwill, creating an almost tangible warmth. Just then, the voices of Panlee's group of friends grew louder as they approached, drawing everyone's attention.
"So, the puppy hasn't even become Khun Glai's partner yet?"
"Exactly! They've been fooling us all this time."
"Why are you guys so dramatic? Our friend just skipped ahead a little."
"Yeah, I've had enough of this nonsense."
"You guys act like if he tells the truth, you'll be lucky to have a boyfriend as cute as him."
"Seriously! Stop being jealous of Panlee and go find yourselves a partner already."
Glai couldn't help but chuckle at Panlee's friends arguing animatedly as they walked up.
"Khun Glai..."
"Khun Glai!"
"Yes, Boss? Yes, Ne?" Glai responded to Panlee's closest friends.
Panlee's friends came to a stop in the group's circle. Normally, Glai already thought Panlee's friends were very likable. But seeing them politely greeting seniors they both knew and didn't know only made them seem even more charming.
"Everyone's here now, so let's continue with the plan," P'Dom said.
"Alright, I'll start assigning tasks now," P'Real replied.
"Hurry it up, Real, or we'll be late," P'Fah said while glancing toward the banquet tables. Everyone, including Glai, followed his gaze and spotted Panlee standing up from the table.
"P'Fah! Is Panlee heading this way?" Rak asked, craning his neck to look.
"Real, I'll go intercept Panlee with Rak first. You need to get everything in order quickly," P'Fah instructed.
"Got it, got it," Real replied hastily.
P'Fah grabbed Rak's hand to lead him away from the group, but before leaving, he turned back with a serious expression and tone,
"Everyone, give it your all... Tonight, my little sibling must leave with a boyfriend."
"..."
"Do you understand?"
"..."
"Understood!" everyone answered in unison, except Glai, who was too embarrassed to respond, knowing he was the one going to be taken home. Glai felt like the current scene resembled a military camp, with P'Fah as the commander issuing orders. Once P'Fah and Rak left, P'Real, the deputy commander, resumed giving instructions.
"Alright, everyone, listen up..."
"Waahhh... That guy is definitely heading this way. Will Fah and Nong get there in time to block him?"
"Oh, you red soda! Why are you hyping things up and making it so nerve-wracking?"
Glai admitted that he felt so excited that he couldn't speak, but P'Real and P'Hia arguing managed to draw a laugh out of him.
"Alright, alright... Everyone, listen up." Everyone collected themselves and turned their attention to P'Real.
"Once Glai walks over to standby at the side of the stage, all the lights in the shop will go out, except for the spotlight on the stage. When Glai goes up on stage, the lights will come back on. Once the lights come on, Panlee's friends, you can all walk over to Panlee at the table."
"Yes, P'," Panlee's close friends responded.
"Then Glai will sing a song. Once Glai finishes the song, he'll ask Panlee to be his boyfriend... and everyone, you'll chant, 'Say yes, say yes!'"
"Even if no one chants, Lee would still say yes, wouldn't he?"
"Do you even know the concept of creating an atmosphere, you sewer water?"
"If you interrupt again, I'm going to smack your mouth."
Not only Glai but everyone else couldn't help but laugh.
"Alright, everyone, head to your spots," P'Real said, then turned to Glai. "And you, come with me."
P'Real grabbed Glai's hand and led him out of the area. Glai watched everyone disperse to their positions. However, someone's muttering behind them made him turn around. He saw P'Hia walking behind them, head down, grumbling...
"Real didn't even tell me where he was going. Left me standing there all confused."
Bang!
Real abruptly stopped and turned around, letting out an exasperated sigh. Then he grabbed P'Hia's hand with his free one.
"You're such high maintenance, you sewer water!" P'Real said and dragged both Glai and P'Hia to the side of the stage.
Glai exhaled slowly as he accepted the microphone from P'Real. He swallowed hard and took a deep breath.
"Nong Glai..." P'Hia said with a smile, giving him two thumbs up. "...you'll sing beautifully."
Glai chuckled and said, "I haven't even sung yet, P'Hia."
"Exactly... but it'll still be beautiful. Trust me. Even I am confident that you'll sing beautifully, so you have to believe in yourself."
"Thank you, P'Hia," Glai replied, smiling warmly.
"Wow, you can actually say something meaningful, Red Soda."
"Please, Real, don't fall for this side of me."
"You ass..." P'Real said, laughing. "Alright, Glai, the lights in the shop will go out soon."
"Yes, P'Real."
"Get ready."
Glai nodded and gave a small smile to P'Hia, who continued encouraging him.
"Nong Glai, good luck!"
At that moment, all the lights in 'Your Sky' dimmed, leaving only the stage illuminated. Glai stepped up onto the stage, glancing at the band members stationed at their instruments. The bassist, guitarist, and drummer smiled warmly at him, and he returned the gesture before positioning himself centre stage.
In the next moment, the shop lit up again. Glai smiled softly when he saw Panlee standing with arms crossed in front of the stage. He wasn't far away, so he could clearly see his bright smile. However, the arrival of Panlee's large group of friends made that bright smile falter. Panlee widened his eyes in surprise and pointed at his friends.
Glai took in the warm and lively atmosphere in front of him for several minutes before raising the microphone to his lips.
"Um... hello, everyone."
Everyone in the shop, including Panlee, fell silent, their attention on him.
"... Today, I'd like to borrow 'Your Sky' to make a surprise request for someone to be my boyfriend."
"Whoo~!"
Glai smiled shyly, hearing cheers from Panlee's friends and many seniors. But P'Hia's comment made him laugh out loud.
"Who's Glai asking to be his boyfriend?... Is it Panlee?"
"Yes, it's Panlee."
"Ha-ha! Look at Lee freaking out!"
"That little puppy is losing his composure, man!"
Glai laughed as he watched the big puppy rub the back of his neck and flash a middle finger at his teasing friends. Then he turned back to focus on him.
"But before I ask Panlee to be my boyfriend..."
"...I'd like to dedicate a song to him first."
After finishing his sentence, Glai looked over at P'Real, who was standing by the side of the stage. P'Real nodded and signalled the band. The soft strumming of a guitar filled the room, soon joined by the other instruments, forming the melody of the song 'Beyond Love.'
Glai noticed the puppy getting flustered again, drawing more teasing from his friends. He was sure Panlee had heard this song before, and he believed it perfectly expressed everything he felt for him, from the very beginning...
"From the day I met you, as far as I remember, there hasn't been a moment where I forgot about you..."
"..."
"I've never really understood why you did what you did, but you were so good to me that it made my heart float away..."
"..."
"There's no need to ask to know how much you love me. I've said it, but I don't know what words to use..."
...until it reached the feeling of 'love' like today.
"No matter how much I say I love you, it will never be enough for me."
"..."
"To look at anyone else, there's no one as good as you. My heart overflows, and I don't know how to put into words more than to say that I love you..."
...and still, it's the words 'love' and 'thank you' that I want to say for the rest of my life.
"No matter what I ask you to do, you never complain. Never. You're so good that it's engraved in my heart how much better you are than anyone. I don't need anything because today, I have you."
"..."
"There's no need to ask to know how much you love me. I've said it, but I don't know what words to use..."
"..."
"No matter how much I say I love you, it will never be enough for me."
"..."
"To look at anyone else, there's no one as good as you. My heart overflows, and I don't know how to put into words more than to say that I love you..."
"..."
"More than words to say I love you. Beyond the words 'I love you.' I hope you know..."
At this moment, Glai stopped singing and let the guitarist showcase a solo. The memories of the first time he met Panlee vividly played in his mind again...
Panlee and the song Nam Lai.
Panlee teasing the guitarist like close friends.
Panlee, who was incredibly charming that day.
And even though Glai on stage now might not have the same charm Panlee had that day, Glai believed he had one thing that could compete with Panlee... that was 'love.'
Glai didn't love Panlee any less than Panlee loved him...
As the beautiful guitar solo came to an end, Glai should have continued singing the next part of the song, but he decided...
"Glai loves Panlee."
At that moment...
Glai saw the 'moon' shining brighter than the sun.
"..."
"Panlee..."
"..."
"Glai knows... even though Glai is mischievous..."
"..."
"Even though Panlee is Khun Prachan or big puppy..."
"..."
"And no matter what we are in this world..."
Glai paused as the overwhelming feelings in his heart rose and caught in his throat. But Panlee's encouraging smile helped him continue...
"...we still love each other so much."
"..."
"And because we love each other this much..."
"..."
"Panlee... will you be my boyfriend?"
"Whoo~!"
"Say yes! Say yes!"
Glai couldn't help but grin widely as the seniors cheered, and Panlee's friends hyped up the atmosphere, just as P'Real had instructed. Panlee smiled shyly for a moment before P'Fah walked over to stand beside him. P'Fah folded his arms like Panlee and gestured toward Glai.
"Go on... go bring your wife home."
"Whoo~!"
Panlee shook his head slightly, then strode toward Glai. He leapt onto the stage effortlessly, and at that moment, the 'same moon' moved closer to him. Glai smiled as he locked eyes with his lover. Panlee's strong hand reached to gently cradle his face before those soft lips met his. This time, Panlee's kiss was different.
It was sweet and gentle.
It was fragrant and lingering.
And it was filled with love.
Glai found himself smiling faintly during the kiss. The cheers and teasing voices from everyone made him blush, his face heating up. In the next moment, Panlee slowly and softly broke the kiss, as always...
Glai bit his lip gently and gazed into Panlee's eyes. Panlee smiled and spoke softly,
"Thank you."
Glai nodded and said, "Panlee hasn't answered me yet."
"I already answered with a kiss, didn't I?"
"That doesn't count. Panlee needs to answer with words too."
"..."
"Panlee, will you be my boyfriend?"
Panlee smiled widely before saying, "If I said no, that'd be awful."
"..."
"Alright... Puppy will be the boyfriend of this little rascal." Panlee spoke while wrapping his arms around Glai, and Glai hugged him back.
"Whoo~!"
"The Puppy is really dating Khun Glai now, whoa~!"
"Congrats, Panlee."
The two of them stood hugging each other amidst the applause, cheers, and words of congratulations from everyone. As Glai held his lover tightly, his heart kept repeating the word...
'Thank you.'
Thank you to the Borirat and Phisut families.
Thank you to friends, seniors, and everyone.
Thank you to my lover, Panlee.
Thank you to myself... and to this world.
Panlee released the hug, and they looked into each other's eyes before he smiled playfully...
"My boyfriend..."
"Yes"
"Tonight... do you want to come see the moon in Lee's room?"
Panlee's question made Glai smile. He hadn't forgotten the promise between them, and because Glai never forgot, he had come fully prepared.
"Sure... Tonight, Glai will come to see the moon in my boyfriend's room." Glai replied, smiling at his lover.
Panlee revealed a radiant smile before leaning close to his ear and whispering softly,
"The truth is... we're going to reach the moon together instead."
Glai burst out laughing at Panlee's words and wrinkled his nose at the cheeky man.
"Seeing the moon in your boyfriend's room means...?"
"Hey, shut up with the secret code deciphering already!"
"Why? I'm just curious."
"If they have a secret code, it means they don't want others poking around."
"I'm not poking around... I'm just curious. You never understand me!"
They laughed while listening to P'Real and P'Hia arguing by the side of the stage before Panlee pulled Glai into another embrace, and Glai hugged him back as always...
"Panlee..."
"Yes..."
"Thank you."
"..."
"Thank you for loving Glai."
"Thank you for loving Lee too... Glaijai."
Thank you for bringing our hearts closer together.