Chapter 13: Krathong or Kradong…Why does it look so bizarre?
(🚨:Mature / 17+ Sexual situations, suggestive content)
(Krathong: a small floating tray made of banana leaves, flowers, or bread, used in the Thai Loy Krathong festival to send away bad luck. Kradong: a funny/awkward version, misshapen and odd.)
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The competition had just ended, but the laughter and cheers still echoed around the field, a lingering hum of excitement. For me, however, everything seemed to soften, fade slightly, as Tee-ra walked silently beside me. He was quiet, as usual, yet his eyes were different—deep, contemplative, as if calculating something. After a few moments, he finally spoke, his voice calm, even, deliberate.
"Warun… want to go to the Loy Krathong festival with me tomorrow?"
I blinked rapidly, staring at him, my chest tightening. I whispered, almost breathless but clear, "Sure… okay."
My heart thumped oddly—not from him, but because I'd completely forgotten that tomorrow was Loy Krathong.
We stepped out of the field together, my arm brushing lightly against his, a gentle signal that I wasn't in a hurry. My friends were gradually dispersing—some waving, some offering shy smiles. When I said my goodbyes, they nodded, understanding without a word.
My thoughts spun. Tomorrow at school, I'd definitely be making a krathong… I could already picture it—beautiful, yet slightly eerie.
I climbed into the car with him. The door clicked shut with a solid "thunk," making my heart jump ever so slightly.
He sat beside me, quiet for a moment, then spoke again, calm yet firm: "I'm staying at your place tonight."
(a krathong: a small floating basket made of banana leaves, decorated with flowers and candles, used in the Loy Krathong festival in Thailand)
I looked up. He gave a faint, knowing smile that made my pulse race.
"Huh… what?" I muttered, unprepared for the words.
He chuckled softly, continuing, "I've already told your family. I brought my clothes. Think of it as… a rehearsal before marriage."
I stared at him, barely blinking. This had to be his plan…
I nodded faintly, unable to speak another word.
Once home, my family had prepared a small celebration. I sipped wine, listening to laughter and congratulations surrounding me, but I barely noticed anyone. My mind focused entirely on the rich, mellow taste of the wine. After a few sips, I felt pleasantly lightheaded. He then guided me to the small house.
I could still walk straight; the tipsiness hadn't caught up yet. He asked softly, "Are you okay?"
I nodded. "Yes."
Suddenly, without warning, he lifted me into his arms.
"What are you doing? I'm not drunk. Why are you carrying me?" I whispered, flustered.
He only smiled, corner of his lips twitching, and replied, calm but serious, "I want to."
Inside, he locked the door. I looked up into his dark, piercing eyes—calm yet magnetic, brows slightly raised, lips perfectly shaped, a nose sharp and elegant, features chiseled like a sculpture. His tall, lean, muscular frame resembled a young warrior, skin fair but with a natural glow. I couldn't look away.
We stood frozen for a moment at the doorway. Silence wrapped around the room like a heavy curtain. My heart thumped harder every time our eyes met.
Then… he leaned in. Kissed me.
He still held me close, pressed against the door. His tall, strong frame enveloped me. I could barely breathe, my heart drumming wildly in my chest. His hands settled lightly on my waist, drawing me even closer. Warm breath brushed across my face, making me feel like I might melt right there.
His lips met mine… slowly, deliberately… each touch measured but powerful. One hand rested at my waist, the other on my shoulder, pulling me fully into him. His kiss wasn't just a kiss—it was all the restrained desire he'd carried for so long, a fire that left me breathless.
Confusion and excitement twisted together inside me. My hands clutched his shoulders as he dipped lower, kissing deeper, tasting, exploring. For the first time, his tongue traced mine lightly, sending sparks through every nerve. I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling the world pause just for this instant.
Without a word, he lifted me again, carrying me confidently up the stairs. My body pressed against his chest, one hand bracing against the doorframe. His lips never left mine, each kiss deeper, hotter, more urgent. My hands gripped his arms as if holding on to my own heartbeat.
When we reached the bedroom, he gently set me down, yet kissed me again right at the doorway. This time, his mouth traveled slowly from my lips, down my chin, to my neck. My breathing hitched, my body on fire. I wanted… I needed… more.
He still held me close, my face pressed to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart and the taut muscles beneath his clothes. He bent down again, pressing fierce, hungry kisses around my lips. I felt like I was melting, hands clutching his shoulders, eyes shut tight as waves of heat flooded me.
He gave me no pause, deepening the kiss until our tongues met—slow, forceful, teasing. My body blazed, breath coming in ragged gasps, heart pounding as though it would leap out. Pressed against him fully, his hands held my waist, pulling me closer. This kiss wasn't just love—it was raw, long-held desire.
He carried me up the stairs of the bedroom again, one hand still under me, the other bracing the railing. Pressure and safety coexisted as his lips traced mine, down my cheek, to my neck. My lungs burned as I struggled to catch air.
At the bedroom door, he set me down, seating me on the bed. Trembling, heart racing, he leaned back in, kissing me again. Harder. Longer. Every touch was fire. My hands shook, yet I wanted him to never stop.
"You… you're the most beautiful," he whispered between kisses. My breath caught. His warmth enveloped me, touching every inch of me. His lips never left mine—this kiss was filled with love, longing, and the closest intimacy I'd ever felt.
I clung to him, he leaned over me, kissing me again fiercely. One hand on my waist, the other cradling my head. Fierce. Gentle. Consuming. I felt like I might melt entirely in his embrace.
He leaned over me, one hand gripping my waist firmly, the other sliding lightly across my back, as if wanting to map every inch of me.
His lips pressed against mine, relentless, deep and heavy. I instinctively tilted my head against his shoulder. His hands moved deliberately, sending heat through the fabric of my shirt, igniting a fire beneath my skin. I bit my lip, trying to breathe, but my heart pounded too fiercely to calm down.
He pressed down on me again, weight just right—not painful. One hand slipped under my shirt, tracing my shoulders down to my back. His fingertips twitched along the muscles that tensed beneath his touch. I flinched, yet my body began to respond. His lips moved in a repeated rhythm, growing deeper, leaving me gasping.
The other hand snuck under my shirt's hem, gliding over the sensitive skin beneath, gentle yet burning. My soft exhalations mingled with his deep breaths, filling the room with heat and silence, as if the world had stopped spinning.
"Warun," he whispered low, sending shivers through me. I bit my lip, trying to stifle a reply, clutching his arm, unwilling to let go.
He pressed down harder, his lips exploring deeper, his tongue tracing every contour until I felt like I could melt. The hand tracing my back moved slowly downward, exploring every curve with deliberate, steady pressure. Waves of sensation shot through me, making me flinch and tremble.
"I have class tomorrow…" I whispered softly.
"I won't," he replied immediately, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips, confident, fiery, leaving me nearly breathless.
His hands gripped my waist tightly, pulling me close in slow, deliberate motions. Every movement, every touch, made my heart race, my fingers clutching his shoulders, feeling every vibration of his body.
Our eyes locked. I lifted my gaze to meet his; this kiss was deeper, hotter, consuming me. One hand threaded through my hair, fingers gliding softly but setting my whole body ablaze.
Every press of his body burned like fire across my skin. His hands traced my back, arms, and waist slowly, every touch sending my heartbeat racing. His weight made me lean into him, unable to resist.
"Mm…"
He lowered himself slowly, lips pressing against my chest. The other hand wrapped around my waist, holding me tight, our breaths merging in a rhythm that filled the small room with heated music.
I felt the taste and warmth of his lips, my body responding to every press. Every glide, every touch ignited me. My quiet moans echoed through the room, blending with his deep, rhythmic breathing. Our gazes stayed locked, intense, as his hands moved lower, following the curve of my hips. I tensed slightly, but his eyes—warm, desirous—kept me enthralled, my pulse racing, every nerve alight.
His lips moved along my chest slowly, kissing, sucking, caressing as if memorizing every sensation. I could barely breathe but wanted him to continue… every breath, every press, every motion made me feel like I was melting into him. One hand gripped my waist, sliding down to my hips, every moan of mine syncing with his deep, throaty breaths. My body felt held, engulfed, nearly dissolving in his embrace.
I shifted my body, following his movements. His hand moved slowly, tracing down to the waistband of my pants, brushing lightly over the fabric. My heart raced. Sensation spread gradually, climbing from my chest downward.
"Ah… you… slow…" I murmured softly, but that tiny plea only seemed to encourage him, each movement becoming a little more insistent. His lips stayed pressed against my chest, while one hand worked on the buttons of my pants, undoing them one by one.
I tensed, my breath shallow. Every touch radiated heat, making it feel as if the world had shrunk to just the two of us. His lips kneaded gently, leaving me nearly breathless—but I wanted him to keep going.
When the buttons were undone, he slowly pulled down the zipper, hands sliding the waistband down over my hips inch by inch. Each brush sent shivers through me, making me gasp.
"Ah… P'Theer… ah… mmm!" I moaned, my body trembling, yet his gaze was warm, full of desire, making me feel caught in a fire that burned hot but felt safe in his arms.
His hands stayed on my waist, moving down to my hips, releasing just enough pressure to feel deliberate. His fingers traced the waistband of my pants, teasing lightly, sending my heart racing. Every touch felt like sparks igniting.
"Slow… ah…" I murmured again, my voice trembling, urging him just a little more.
His hands slid the pants down bit by bit, the fabric gliding over my hips, spreading pleasure through my body until I tensed involuntarily. My breath hitched, his lips still pressed against my chest, kneading gently, making my heart and body shiver.
Once my pants were removed, he continued his slow, deliberate touches over my body. Every press, every brush against me made me moan softly, pleasure crawling up from below until my heart felt like it would explode.
His gaze met mine. Slowly, he began to remove his own pants, revealing an impressive size that made me gasp, heart hammering.
His hands and body pressed against me, slow but assured. Every rub, every motion made me shiver and gasp. My soft moans blended with his deep breathing, creating a rhythm that pulsed like heat in the room.
Every touch, every press, every motion—slow, deliberate—made me feel as though the world had shrunk to just us. Desire spread through every inch of my body.
He pressed against me more firmly, his hot lips trailing kisses from my neck down across my chest and along the curves of my waist. His hands gripped my hips, moving me rhythmically but not entering. Just the friction made my heart and body quake.
"Ah… ah… ah…" I moaned, my body melting under the heat of his touch, yet his eyes looked at me warmly, full of desire.
He shifted me closer, kissing from my neck to my shoulder, alternating between deep kisses and gentle caresses, following the rhythm of his hands that made my body shiver through every nerve.
"You're driving me crazy…" he murmured in a low, husky voice. One hand still pressed against my hips, moving me slowly to every rub and friction, my body responding, breath catching.
His lips roamed over me again, kissing along my shoulders, back, buttocks, and hips. Hands stroking, kneading lightly, combined with the press and rub of his body against mine, pleasure climbing until I nearly lost myself.
I clung to him, responding to every motion, every touch. His hands traced, stroked, rubbed, moving slightly firmer each time, but his warm gaze made me melt inside, overwhelmed by sensation.
Finally, after relentless rubbing, he lifted me into his arms, my body pressed close to his. My breath came shallow, my soft moans mixing with his deep breathing, forming a rhythm of heat that felt endless.
"Ah… mmm…" I moaned softly, and he smirked, pressing me tighter.
He carried me to the bathroom, my body flush against his, every touch and breath from him hitting me directly. Hands gripping my hips, sliding down to the edge of the tub, he sat me straddling it, my body flush against him.
His lips still kissed me all over, one hand gripping me, rubbing slowly with each press of his body against mine. I swayed with his motions, every touch sending shivers through me.
"I love you," he murmured in a husky voice, hands holding me tightly, moving slowly but deliberately. Not entering yet, just the friction sending waves of heat through my body.
I clung to him tightly, responding to every touch, every motion. My breath came shallow; my soft moans mingled with his deep breathing. I felt as if we floated in a world of our own, melting into him completely.
My moans grew ragged, my breath shallow as the final, firm rubs made my body tremble, releasing with a soft, drawn-out cry: "Ah… ahhh…!" My body shuddered repeatedly while he kept my hips pressed, his hot lips pressing mine deeply, savoring every second of my surrender.
Before I could even recover, he leaned close to my ear, voice husky, full of desire:
"See… just the rubbing has you nearly undone…"
Then, effortlessly, he lifted me, as if I weighed nothing, body pressed against his. Heavy footsteps carried us straight to the bathroom, the warm scent of wood and steam filling the air around the large wooden tub inside.
P'Theer carefully lowered me, then guided me to straddle him in the warm bath. The water lapped gently against our bodies, our skin pressed so close there wasn't a single gap. Every small movement sent ripples through the water.
His large hands immediately found their place, gripping firmly, controlling every subtle motion. His piercing eyes locked onto mine, full of a reckless, possessive fire.
"I'm not letting you rest… you're mine completely now."
I shivered, letting out a soft gasp, clutching his shoulders. "Ah… ahh… P'Theer… mm!" Each shift of his body made my hips roll in sync with him, the warm bath amplifying the heat, spreading it through every nerve.
His lips traveled from my neck down to my collarbone, never letting go of me. He murmured in a low, raspy tone, "See? You tremble all over because of me… you're so irresistible I want to consume you whole."
By morning, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, touching my skin. My eyes slowly opened… and the first thing I saw was P'Theer's chest, full and rising with steady breaths, a sight that stole my own air.
"Uhh…" I breathed out, my gaze tracing the sharp jawline, the faint shadow of stubble, and the lips still carrying the memory of last night. Just waking up to this made my heart race again.
Then reality hit—I had school!
"Shit…" I shot upright, nearly smacking my head on the bed.
P'Theer stirred, half-lidded eyes still groggy. "What's wrong?"
"I'm going to be late!!" I shouted, grabbing my uniform hastily.
He raised an eyebrow, shifting up slowly, the blanket sliding to reveal his toned abs… seriously, right now? I almost wanted to ditch school entirely.
"Calm down…" he said slowly, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.
"Calm down? I'm going to be late!" I snapped, though my heart raced under his gaze.
He chuckled softly, ruffling my hair once. "Fine. Go on, I'll drop you off."
I snatched a towel and dashed to the bathroom, but flashes from last night—his eyes, his lips, the firm weight of him on me—flooded my mind.
"Ahhh!" I pressed my hands to my face, blushing furiously.
Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind. His deep voice whispered near my ear, "Embarrassed, huh?"
"P'Theer!!"
He laughed softly, pressing a quick nose-to-cheek nuzzle. "Cute, aren't you?"
"Stop it! I'm not!" I protested, shoving him lightly as I turned to the bathroom door. "I have to shower!"
His laughter followed, teasing. "Then take your shirt off… aren't you in a rush?"
I spun to glare at him. "Go away! I'll shower alone!"
Instead, he slowly lifted his shirt, revealing the chest I'd just woken up to.
"What the hell are you doing!" I almost screamed.
He kept that sly, unreadable look. "Just… showering. If you really want to be quick, we might as well do it together."
I froze. This guy is impossibly mischievous! Before I could react, he pressed me down into the tub, our clothes falling away. I sat astride him, stunned, barely able to breathe.
His hands coated me in soap slowly, the warmth of his touch sending shivers. "And… these marks behind your ear…" he murmured, voice low.
I flinched, turning slightly. "The ones on my arm? And my hip?"
"Those are tattoos…" I whispered, biting my lip.
He paused, then leaned closer, lips brushing the tattoo behind my ear. "No… I like them. They're beautiful."
His large hands found the tattoo on my hip, making me gasp. "Especially here…" his low whisper sending heat straight through me.
Before I could protest, he pulled me close, our lips meeting in an unplanned, urgent kiss, marking the start of a morning I'd never forget.
The morning birds echoed across the wooden hall, the earthy scent mingling with the fragrance of wildflowers along the walkway. I trudged behind him, feeling half-buried in embarrassment. This was the first time since arriving here that I'd seen the school outside my memories. The old wooden Thai-style building loomed above, elegant and strangely captivating. Laughter and chatter of children bounced across the courtyard.
The moment I stepped onto the first stair, I smacked his arm lightly. "For making me late!"
He raised an eyebrow, a fleeting smirk appearing, but he didn't respond.
On the wooden hall, the scene was as expected—students sitting in circles on the floor, banana leaves, scissors, and flowers scattered all around. Their voices and laughter filled the room, but as soon as we appeared, silence fell instantly.
Every gaze snapped to us, as if I were a fugitive caught with the most handsome guard. Each face seemed to say, "Ah… I see what's going on."
Jan opened her mouth to speak, but Nita, Kwan's close friend, cut in first. "Oh… late again, Warun? Dragging someone else into trouble too? Or do you just enjoy causing chaos for fun?" Her sweet voice dripped sarcasm, loud enough for Kwan sitting next to her to hear clearly.
Kwan's sharp eyes seemed ready to burn me alive. Seeing me with him naturally caused a flush of anger.
I was about to retort when he moved slightly, his large hand resting lightly on my shoulder. His voice was calm but firm:
"He's late… because of me."
The room fell silent immediately.
"Don't blame Warun. This one's my fault." His low, composed voice cut through the chatter like a knife. Even Nita's teasing faltered. Kwan clenched his fists but stayed silent.
After his words, the hall remained eerily still, though I knew my friends wouldn't let the silence last long.
James peeked out first with a teasing grin. "Wow, P'Theer's protecting my friend from the wild pack!"
Thomas, folding banana leaves, chuckled softly. "Yeah. At home, we're taught that when a man speaks up for a woman or friend in front of everyone, it's responsibility… but this looks a bit more than responsibility."
Jan, arranging flowers with a sly smile, added, "Well, at least someone admits directly they want to be close. Not like those chaotic friends."
Maria merely smiled faintly. "Funny, isn't it? The ones always blaming others for trouble are often the biggest troublemakers themselves."
A quiet "Whoa!" rippled across the circle, hitting the mark.
I just pressed my hand to my forehead. "Oh, you guys…" But I couldn't help smiling. Every word they threw was both true, painful, and strangely satisfying.
While everyone else was still frozen by the conversation, I decided to take a seat at an empty table nearby. And, as if invited by fate, he strolled over and plopped down beside me—effortlessly. His hand reached for a glass of water and set it in front of me as though it had been his lifelong duty.
I sank into the chair with a deep sigh. "God, my life has never been normal, has it?"
The wooden hall buzzed with activity. The scent of marigolds, rose petals, and fresh banana leaves wafted through the air, brushing against my nose as everyone gathered around to trim leaves, stitch petals, and decorate krathongs. Their chatter and laughter rang out like a tiny competition to see who could make the most beautiful creation.
I lowered myself into the circle beside Jan, who wore the expression of someone about to be dragged into an extra maths exam.
"Wow… is this a krathong or a maths assignment?" Jan lifted a cutter as if preparing to dissect a corpse.
I exhaled heavily. "Don't expect me to help. I've never done this before."
James, pinning the banana leaves together with his clips, laughed out loud. "Haha, I swear, Ray and Jan together are worse than me folding shirts!"
Thomas tilted his head, arching a teasing eyebrow. His tone remained calm but playful. "If it's too much, just sit back and watch the moon. I'll handle it. Ray's krathong might end up as… a 'Krathong-Disaster'."
"What the hell! A 'Krathong-Disaster'?!" I shouted, causing everyone around to burst into laughter.
Maria, arranging the marigold flowers into perfect circles, looked up and teased softly, "At least you have him helping, right? Unlike some who only have troublemaking friends around."
Every eye immediately turned to me and him. That P'Theer sitting calmly beside me had been quietly folding banana leaves into flawless petals that were even better than anyone else's combined. Seriously, what kind of guy folds banana leaves better than me?!
"Warun, do it like this," his calm voice instructed, holding out a perfectly folded leaf petal. I accepted it in confusion and muttered, "Oh… you're seriously a genius, aren't you?"
He gave a small, subtle smile. Just enough to make my heart skip a beat.
I bent over, focusing intently on assembling the krathong, the drum of my heartbeat pounding in my chest. Then a new sound echoed from the other side of the hall: the snip of scissors against banana leaves and the click-clack of pins striking together, ringing all over the wooden floor.
I was fumbling with Jan, who was still trying to stitch banana leaves into a mat rather than a krathong. And him… I had to admit it—his skill was divine. Every petal he folded was so perfect I wanted to ask if he had been a royal craftsman in a past life.
But as I tried to stuff the marigold petals in without letting them spill everywhere, a voice cut through the air.
Nita glanced over with a thin, sharp smile and said in a sweet yet pointed tone, "Oh dear… Warun, your krathong doesn't look like it's holding together at all. It might fall apart before it even floats."
I froze. The banana leaves in my hands nearly slipped.
While everyone was still stunned by the conversation, I decided to walk over and sit at an empty table nearby — and an uninvited guest followed along. He casually sat down next to me, placing a glass of water in front of me as if it were his duty since time immemorial.
I sank into the seat with a big sigh. "Damn it, my life has never been normal," I thought.
The wooden house was bustling with activity. The scent of marigolds, rose petals, and fresh banana leaves wafted through the air. Everyone gathered around, cutting banana leaves, sewing petals, and decorating krathongs, the sound of their chatter and laughter competing like a little contest to see whose creation would be the most beautiful.
I sat down with Jan, who looked like she was about to be dragged into an extra math exam. "Whoa… is this a krathong or math homework?" She lifted her cutter like she was about to dissect a corpse.
I sighed deeply. "Don't expect me to help, I've never done this before either."
James, who was pinning the banana leaves together, laughed loudly. "Haha, I think Ray and Jan together are worse than me when I folded shirts."
Thomas tilted his head to look at me, raised an eyebrow teasingly, and said calmly, "If you can't handle it, just go watch the moon. I'll take care of it. Ray's krathong might end up a 'mess.'"
"Dammit! That's a 'mess' for sure!" I shouted, making everyone around laugh.
Maria, arranging the marigold petals carefully, looked up to tease me, "At least you have him helping you… unlike some who only have troublesome friends."
All eyes immediately turned to me and him, because Thir sat calmly beside me the whole time. His large hands skillfully folded the banana leaves into perfect petals, better than anyone else here. Seriously! What kind of man folds banana leaves better than me?!
"Warun, do it like this," his calm voice said, extending a perfectly folded petal for me. I took it, bewildered, mumbling, "Wow… you're too perfect."
He gave a small smile… a small smile that made my heart stop for a moment.
I bent my head, focusing on assembling the krathong, the drumbeat of my heart echoing inside me — thump, thump, thump. Then, a sound came from across the table, the snip of scissors and clink of pins ringing throughout the house.
I was fumbling with Jan, who was trying to sew banana leaves into a mat rather than a krathong. As for him… I had to admit, his skill was divine. Every petal he folded was so perfect, I wanted to ask if he had been a palace artisan in a past life.
But as I tried to fit the marigold petals without letting them scatter, a voice cut in.
Nita glanced and smiled faintly, then spoke in a sweet but sharp tone, "Whoa… Warun's krathong looks like it won't hold together at all; it might fall apart before it even floats."
I froze instantly, almost dropping the banana leaves.