🕯️ Prologue
—————
In the pitch-black darkness of the dense forest, the snapping of branches echoed beneath my feet — creeeak…
Every step felt like I was sinking deeper into a place I shouldn't tread. Amid the faint mist trickling down from the treetops, everything seemed real… but not entirely.
"Where… the hell am I?"
I whispered to myself, still moving forward with uncertain steps, then froze in the middle of the woods.
"…Damn, I sound like some heroine from a soap opera…" I muttered, letting out a dry chuckle. Couldn't help it. It was obvious — I was in a forest. Clearer than my face right after waking up.
"Ah, I'm losing it… talking to myself again…"
Before I could finish my thought, a dark shadow flashed past me in an instant.
A glimpse, but I saw a low silhouette stretching along the ground.
Creaaak! Something made my heart leap straight into my throat.
"Shit!?" I shouted — and yes, "shit" here wasn't a curse. It was an actual, big-ass monitor lizard running across my path, giving zero respect to a lost wanderer.
"Oi! Damn it!" I pointed wildly behind me, yelling in utter panic.
Then, a voice cut through the darkness — a man's voice, hoarse, deep, chilling… "…Warun…"
I froze, shivering. That voice called… someone. Not me, but it sounded strangely familiar.
Thump… thump—
At first, I thought someone was messing with me or that I was hallucinating. But the more I listened, the more familiar it felt. My heart raced erratically.
"Shit… am I dreaming?" I whispered to myself, halting mid-step.
"Wait… how do I even know it's a dream? What?" My brain couldn't keep up. At this point, I couldn't tell if what I was experiencing was real… or if I should try my luck with fate.
Bang! Luck seemed to find me anyway.
"…Warun…" The voice called again — this time, not just sending chills but freezing me solid.
"Shit… I'm screwed…" I thought, glancing around in paranoid suspicion.
No one…
Just darkness, and the voice growing clearer, eerier with every second.
"…Warun… come back… come back to me…"
The voice pleaded, full of sorrow, longing, indescribable pain.
"Come back… where?" I murmured, panicking, kicking roots and almost face-planting. Lucky I regained my balance, or my handsome face would be ruined for good.
Crraaack~ Behind me, something slowly crept forward, the icy wind brushing against my back.
"Damn it! Playing games, huh? Just wait…" I muttered, flustered and angry, unsure of what insane ordeal I'd just stumbled into.
'Not enough to know Monkey King's disciple, apparently.'
Before I could steady myself to confront whatever was approaching…
⸻
Clap clap clap
Applause thundered through the classroom.
"And finally… enjoy your break, everyone! See you in year 2 after the vacation! Don't forget your assignments!"
I jerked awake, startled by the applause and the teacher's final words. She smiled sweetly at the class, inviting us to enjoy life… before the nightmare called "assignments" returns after the break.
Laughter and chatter immediately filled the air as the teacher left. The atmosphere shifted from quiet to a mini market buzz. Those with friends chattered, those without… sat like idiots.
I scratched my head, pondering as if I'd forgotten something.
Forgot… forgot what?
Ah—!?
Forgot my handsomeness! But how could I forget it when it's right there on my face!
Hahaha—
I laughed proudly in my head. When people glanced over, I quickly masked my smile with a serious face as if nothing had happened.
"Phew… finally, break time…" I — Ray, handsome boy, rich dad, beautiful mom, enough to make cows stop and stare — muttered to myself, holding back another laugh. One hand grabbed my bag rhythmically as I stepped out in full slow-motion style, imagining myself strutting down a runway. Every step screamed class, and several eyes drifted to me. Not surprising — who could resist looking at someone this irresistibly charming?
I shook my hair lightly (even though short), thinking to myself, flicking it again and winking at the teacher.
Heh! Even she was smitten, mouth agape.
I walked to the parking lot. The sky bright, sunlight slightly harsh, but I didn't care. That light made my fair skin glow like a vampire in the sun — still alive, still flawless.
"Hey, baby, finally met you," I murmured to my sleek black sports car. My hand grazed its hood lightly.
Then I noticed the guard sweeping leaves. I smirked slyly, greeting him casually
"Hey! Sunburn alert? Need some sunscreen? Can't have someone this handsome left unchallenged!"
The old man shook his head, muttering, "Ray, you brat."
"Just trying to help," I joked, shrugging before opening the car door like a Hollywood star. I started the engine — VROOOOM — roaring to life.
Driving off, the old man shook his head again, this time with a faint smile. I cruised through familiar streets filled with shops and cafes I loved, then turned into the luxurious condo parking lot.
The building gleamed as brilliantly as its top-floor owner — me.
Screeeech~
Tires kissed concrete. I stepped out confidently, admiring the condo. Everything my parents provided, perfect — as perfect as me.
Inside, I tossed my bag on the sofa, collapsed on the bed, and drifted to sleep. The surrounding sounds faded.
The air grew cold, pressing against my skin. My body felt heavy, immobile. Not even my lips could move. Silent.
Thump… thump…
My heartbeat pounded violently.
'What's happening…' I couldn't move, sensing the atmosphere shift — icy, silent, uncanny.
This wasn't just a dream… it was happening again.
Not the first time I'd had these strange dreams. Even before break, the "old wooden house" assignment triggered recurrent visions. Every corner, sound, scent — precise, vivid.
At first, I shrugged it off as déjà vu. But ever since that day, every time I closed my eyes, a man's shadow appeared, calling me "Warun."
Tonight… the voice I'd only heard in dreams became real, right beside me.
Creaaak—
Door opened softly.
"Shit…"
My senses snapped back. The bed dipped gently. Someone sat beside me.
Whoosh—
The blanket shifted slightly. Cold skin pressed against my face, warm breath grazing my cheek.
Then, a light touch traced from my forehead down my nose, across my jaw — slow, gentle.
'Wtf…'
Thump thump…
'Don't make a handsome guy suffer like this…' I thought silently, unable to speak. My heart was racing out of my chest.
Drip drip drip…
A drop of water fell on my cheek. Cold…
I froze, overwhelmed. Even lying down, I felt like I might topple.
"Warun…"
The hoarse, sobbing voice whispered.
I cursed in my head. That name… Warun. Who the hell is Warun!?
"Hic… Warun…"
A sob closer, hot breath, and the shadow leaned nearer.
My fingers twitched, heavy eyelids lifting. Light seeped through my eyes…
And I saw him. The man who kept calling me "Warun," before the image faded away.
⸻
Morning sunlight streamed through the large condo windows. I rose, rubbing my eyes, scanning the silent room.
"This bastard… makes me curious and then vanishes… ugh."
Standing in the center, I watched my shadow stretch across the floor, sighed, and looked up at the ceiling, half-annoyed, half-amused. Questions unanswered, but… whatever.
I went to the bathroom mirror, checking my reflection. Smiled, satisfied. Handsome even without a shower.
After dressing, I checked myself again, exploring every angle. My long roots-styled hair to my shoulders added charm. My sharp eyes, soft yet mischievous, made people underestimate me — but I knew how to captivate attention.
Two small beauty marks on my right cheek and under my eye added mystique. Four tattoos — behind my ear (Leo), on the hip, right wrist, right ankle — all hinting depth and taste.
Satisfied, I grabbed my bag, started my sleek black sports car — VROOOOM — heading to Chanthaburi, my grandma's hometown, famous for fruits, especially durian.
Driving from Bangkok to Chanthaburi filled me with excitement. Crowded streets? No problem. Soon, open roads and green fields appeared.
"Durian time, Daddy's here~" I whispered, laughing softly as the black sports car glided along, fresh air rushing through the window, warm sunlight lifting my mood bit by bit.
⸻
Not long after, my phone rang. I picked it up and saw Jan's name flashing on the screen. A smile tugged at my lips.
Jan was on the line, her voice whispering with that same teasing tone she always used.
"Hey, buddy. Already on the road?"
I chuckled softly. "Yeah, just left. What's up?"
"Do I really need a reason just to call?" Jan teased playfully.
"Oh, you little—don't make me throw punches over the phone!" I shot back jokingly.
"Just kidding! Why would I get violent with you?"
I shrugged and looked out the car window as the morning sunlight streamed past.
"So when are you catching up? I need to tell Grandma."
"I'll leave after you, but I might get there later," Jan replied, excitement in her voice.
"I can't wait! I'm so pumped to climb and pick durians!" she added, her voice full of energy.
"Are you gonna pick them and hand them to me?" I teased, sounding half exasperated.
"Of course!" Jan's voice got louder, filled with laughter.
I laughed. "Well, that's perfect. Someone inexperienced climbing and someone else inexperienced catching—I'm definitely getting hit in the face with a durian."
"Oh, you gotta study first!" Jan's high-pitched voice protested.
"Study? Study with that guy? I've seen the video—your friend climbs to pick, and you catch, and somehow the durian smashes him right in the face. That new silicone he just got ruined…," I taunted playfully.
"…Do you even trust me?" Jan asked, her voice softening.
I answered, "I do… I trust that if you do it, I'll probably die!"
"Damn it!"
"Even if I'm stunningly handsome, my dodging skills are negative. With anyone else, I might manage—but with you, I'm probably headed straight to the underworld."
"Oh, come on! At least I'd die because of a beautiful girl. What's wrong with that?" Jan teased back, laughing.
"Wrong? Wrong that I die from a fruit! A freaking durian! Goddammit!"
"Breaking news! Best friends prank gone wrong! The girl climbs an inexperienced durian tree, the guy catches it with no experience—resulting in a fatal durian strike to the man's head… The girl is shocked and falls from the tree, hitting her head as well!" I mimicked a news reporter, making Jan burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! That's insane!" I laughed until I nearly choked.
"The most ridiculous and unglamorous death ever!" I summed up merrily.
"Okay, okay, I won't pick then!" I surrendered in a quiet voice.
"Liar!" Jan shot back immediately.
"Fine!"
"Well, that's enough for now. I'm driving, I'll call again when I get there," I said cheerfully, hanging up.
Jan's been my close friend since childhood. Our houses were neighbors, giving us a bond like family. She's witty, smart, and knowledgeable, much like me. We've traveled and exchanged experiences abroad together so many times that it's like we share the same soul. Jan shares many traits with me, especially an endless curiosity for learning. We both speak multiple languages and love playing music. She also has a sharp eye for detail and likes to ask questions to ease tension in conversation, making our time together fun. "Just thinking about it makes me laugh."
Ha. Ha. Ha. A dry laugh, indeed.
After hanging up, I turned on music and drove along the familiar route to Chanthaburi. Visiting my grandmother has been a routine since I was a kid. That place felt like a second home, full of memories and lush nature.
"But the truth is, the stars are just for watching~" I cranked up my favorite song, singing along to match the mood as I pressed the accelerator and sped down the road to Chanthaburi.
Sunlight streamed through the windshield. My sleek black sports car glided quickly along the road. The music harmonized with the engine's roar, making me feel like I was in a stylish music video.
And, of course, a handsome guy like me had to listen to indie music. My favorite singer? Well… "Mai Thai Huachai Silapin." You feel me, folks? Mind blown.
"ตื่นตื่นตื่นสวยสวยถ้วยจานบ่ล้างงานบ้านบ่เฮ็ด
เล่นเน็ตเบิดมื้อแชทกับไผหือ
ตีสามตีสี่เป็นจั่งซี้ลูกไผหว่า
ลูกไผ ลูกไผ ลูกไผหว่า
ลูกไผ ลูกไผ ลูกไผหว่า"
"Wake up, wake up, beautiful, dishes ain't washed, chores ain't done
Surfing the net all day, chatting with someone
Three, four in the morning, just like this, whose kid?
Whose kid, whose kid, whose kid?
Whose kid, whose kid, whose kid?"
I pressed the accelerator harder, the music speeding up, as I gazed at the clear blue sky ahead—it felt like a sign that happiness awaited at the end of the road.
"Vroooom!" The music and engine roared together, completing the cinematic vibe.
Finally, I arrived at Grandma's house—a modern-style wooden home nestled in a durian orchard, with other trees surrounding it. I opened the car door and stepped out, gazing at the garden I used to run through as a child. Sweet memories flooded back.
At that moment, I saw my grandparents walking toward me. Grandma had streaks of white hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a brightly colored apron and a smile as warm as the sun. Grandpa wore a wide-brimmed hat and a plaid shirt, hands dusted with soil from gardening.
"Grandma! I'm here!" I shouted, running to hug her tightly.
"Grandchild! I missed you too!" she said, smiling as she ruffled my hair gently.
"And Grandpa? How are you guys?"
"All good, but you've been missing for a while!" Grandpa said in a deep voice, yet warm. "You didn't call at all."
"Just busy, Grandpa!" I said with a wide grin.
"All good now, right? Is schoolwork heavy?" Grandma asked, concerned.
"Not too much. I'm more than capable," I said confidently, raising an eyebrow at Grandpa.
After catching up, I decided to step out and explore the garden a bit, heading toward the durian trees.
Stepping outside, I took a deep breath of fresh air. Soft sunlight filtered through the lush green leaves, and I felt surrounded by peace and nature's freshness. Birds sang in the air, calming me. I walked past the tall durian trees I had climbed as a kid, reminiscing about old memories.
The orchard was full of ripe durians, ready to be harvested, making me excited. I glanced at the green-gold fruits, thinking of the sweet, creamy taste waiting to be enjoyed soon.
As I continued walking, I heard the gentle flow of a nearby stream. I decided to investigate. The small, clear, cool stream had been my favorite as a child, and it remained refreshingly alive.
I sat on a rock beside the stream, watching the water flow quietly, feeling peace and happiness around me. I picked up a small stone and tossed it into the water. The ripples made me laugh.
"Refreshing as hell!" I muttered to myself, imagining the fun times that would happen here again.
As my mind wandered, I realized I didn't want to be alone. I pulled out my phone from my pocket, pressed the call button, and held it to my ear carefully.
The ringtone played for a few seconds before Jan answered
"Made it yet, dude?"
⸻