Interminable

"Khun Phra Nai!"A sweet exclamation escaped her lips, for the face before her was all too familiar.

 

"What did you say?"

 

"Eh?" The lilting response was spoken with a smile, making the boy arch a brow in surprise. His gaze swept the stranger from head to toe: a crisp grey Western suit, neatly short, black hair, a handsome face lit by a friendly grin. Yet the eyes were those of a stranger, causing Kaewta's heart to pulse an uneasy flutter.

 

"May I pass, please?" The deep voice, tinged with a foreign shade, brought the boy fully to his senses, and that was when he realised he was blocking the classroom door. The boy stepped aside to let the tall gentleman walk past.

 

"Was that Khun Phra Nai just now?" Ruedee asked, peering after the newcomer questioningly.

 

"I guess not."

"Hmm, but..."

 

"He is not Khun Phra Nai," Kaewta cut her short and slipped into his seat. Throughout the hour, he stayed focused on the lesson only briefly. The man introduced himself as the new drawing professor in Ajarn Kitti's stead, speaking effortlessly in English, which earned him the students' constant admiration. Keen eyes roved the room, settling on no one in particular; even when they glided across Kaewta, they fixed upon him only a fleeting moment.

 

Kaewta spent the entire period observing the newcomer and could hardly wait for the evening to arrive. He finally told Ruedee he had a headache and might be unwell, and excused himself to return home early.

 

Home, however, was not his destination as the boy had spoken. He boarded a river bus, hired a trishaw, and made straight for the White Manor. The boy's heart burned for answers, yet he didn't dare to forget his mother's and Chai's prohibition to delve back into the lone past again at the White Manor, as a penance for his earlier mischief.

 

"Khun Phra Nai! Khun Phra Nai! Are you there?" Kaewta called out, but hadn't climbed up the stairs yet. Suddenly, a tall silhouette appeared right on the balcony.

 

"Kaewta, I have not seen you for days."

 

"I am under punishment," the boy tilted up his face as he replied. He himself was as well astonished by the fact that he was no longer dreading the other now. It was such a surprise.

 

"Punishment?" Khun Phra Nai lifted an eyebrow.

 

"I slipped Phi Chai a sleeping draught, so he slept so soundly that he failed to wake me when the incense burned through," Kaewta confessed, tongue poking out at the memory. The young noble smiled, then vanished to re-appear at Kaewta's side. Startled, the boy took a step back.

 

"Are you still afraid of me?" the tall man asked, instantly contrite. He never wished to be a source of Kaewta's fear.

 

"I was just startled!"

"My apologies, Little One."

 

"Er..." That was one apology that tickled him to the heart.

 

"Hmm?"

"l, uh, you..."

 

"Speak freely. If I can answer, I shall answer everything."

"You... Can you speak English?"

 

"Yes, I can. When I was still working, my father sent me to study abroad for several years along with other courtiers."

 

"Th-then... did you go to my university today?"

 

"Eh?"

"Answer me first!"

 

"No, I did not." Kaewta studied him closely: the sleek, well-combed black hair, unlike the new professor's short crop. The man's eyes before him seemed to be a matching dark hue, not the lighter shade of the other person. Yet the high-bridged nose and those full, dark-shaded lips were significantly alike.

 

"PHEW. So, it really wasn't you."

"Pardon?" The relief on the boy's face drew a soft chuckle from Khun Phra Nai.

 

"Today, the new professor looks shockingly like you. I'm glad he was not you." Kaewta said with a broad grin.

 

"Why is that?"

"Why what?"

 

"Why did you say you were glad he wasn't me?"

"Well. Because he had no warmth in his eyes like yours."

 

"Eyes like mine?"

"Yes. The warmth in the eyes that reflect only me.”

 

Realising the unbridled joy he had revealed as well as his truest confession, Kaewta's orbs burst wide. He shut his mouth in time to halt the end of his sentence.

 

"Hmm?" Khun Phra Nai remained silent, waiting. Yet the faint flush rising to those smooth cheeks laid bare the untold sentence itself. A pleasing grin painted across his face; such a manner reminded him of those times.

 

Whenever he pressed further or offered a teasing remark, the smaller youth would always let slip the truth of his heart.

 

"Well, it's scorching today." Kaewta fanned himself to underline the heat.

 

"Then let us take the air in the riverside pavilion." The tall man stifled a laugh and led the way. The pavilion, painted the same white as the house, stood beneath an arch of fragrant ylang-ylang whose scent drifted on the twilight breeze.

 

"The White Manor seems filled with lovely-scented blossoms," Kaewta remarked as he looked up. Even in mid-afternoon, he caught another flowery scent; Khun Phra Nai identified it as coming from the nearby Ceylon ironwood tree.

 

"I planted them according to your favour," came the gentle reply. His rich voice spoke gently, beholding the small back before him with a profound emotion. His heart remained aglow with the memory of the day he asked the youth what trees he'd like to see planted around the White Manor. That answer had left Kaewta at a loss for words. He had lowered his head to hide the smile playing on his lips, not wanting the other to see.

 

"Can I ask you one more question, sir?" Kaewta seated himself as he glanced at the tall frame following suit beside him.

 

"Please do."

"Why do you not just tell me everything? Why must I rediscover the past for myself?"

 

"I believe you've read poems or Niras before, haven't you?"

"Yes." Keawta cast a perplexed look at the questioner.

 

"Are you fond of it?"

"Yes, I am."

 

"Between reading and hearing the other's recount, which one is your preference?"

 

"To read and enjoy it myself, of course. Ah!"

 

"Yes. I could plainly tell you everything, Kaewta. But how would you feel? Someone else's tale; you'd listen to and soon forget. What good would it serve for me to make you remember when, in the end, it would all slip from your recollection? And I would fade into nothingness to you."

 

"Khun Phra Nai..." The boy gazed at the tall one, who looked out at the river. Sorrow that clouded those sharp eyes sent a dull pain to Kaewta's chest.

 

"It would be enjoyable at your first listen. But when the curtain fell, it would slip your mind like a passing breeze that cooled the skin for only a fleeting moment. Just another fable that once told, it passed through the ears without ever settling deep into the heart."

 

"I.."

 

The boy became wordless. He meant to ask merely to satisfy his curiosity, but never thought it would dishearten the man before him. He looked into those eyes and perceived the sentiments they tried to convey: love, longing, possessiveness, and anguish. Yet underneath it all lay an exultation impossible to hide.

 

The handsome face hovered barely a span away from the youth's unblemished one. The presence before him was so tangible, as if within reach. He lifted his hand, acting on impulse to brush against that face, yet his motion arrested before a sudden image flashed through his mind.

This incident had happened before. The slight figure lowered his gaze. All he could see was the full, dark-tinted lips drawing near. His heart pounded wildly, and a flush rose to his smooth cheeks the moment a breath of cool air seemed to kiss his lips in passing. The boy gazed upward in bafflement. The refined face was already withdrawing.

 

"Khun Phra Nai..."

 

"l...Despite my hardest effort..." In this life, once again, fate still denied him the chance to be with his beloved. He knew full well that he and Kaewta would be parted before long; he could not reconcile himself to it. He still wished to remain by Kaewta's side, still hoped that Kaewta might return his love.

 

"Khun Phra Nai," The boy called, reaching for the strong hand he could not touch. The gentleman cast his eyes downward and felt a tremor in his chest as he looked. Not even being together, even the mere act of touching as he desired, was beyond hope. 

 

The young aristocrat turned his palm up to tighten the hand that couldn't return the gesture. Kaewta smiled as he watched that action.

 

"Perhaps, I wish for too much."

"Is it about me?"

 

"About us." That answer sent Kaewta's pulse racing. The boy's orbs unwittingly gleamed tenderness. He smiled and spoke.

 

"About us..'I never make any promises again, but I wanted you to know that I'll try to recall everything and will remember all of it about us forevermore. Even if we're meant to part again eventually." The young lord felt his heart brim full as he looked upon the slight figure before him.

 

"Even though we cannot hold hands just yet, one day, the day will come for us to stand side by side."

 

Those long, radiant eyes shone blindly as those words escaped his lips. The young man stifled the sorrow ripple within, casting a smile as he met that gaze. His Kaewta- no matter the life or realm, he always stayed strong, always remained the Kaewta he loved.

 

"Thank you, Kaewta." He lifted a hand to caress a smooth cheek. Though he could not feel it, he was still able to express his love to another person. The chiselled face leaned over. Those lips planted a kiss on the flawless forehead. This time, Kaewta did not avoid those eyes. That touch may be icy, yet it kept him warm to the core.

 

Suddenly, some vision flickered to life within the boy's mind again.

 

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The inquisitive lad couldn't keep still. One moment, he concentrated on his work; the next moment, he peeked up at his master. Oftentimes, his lips parted to ask, yet each time, they snapped shut-until Khun Phra Nai was the one who lost his patience himself.

 

"What's your trouble, Saen? Say what you want."

"I do have a question, Master!" Saen blurted out, seizing the chance.

 

"Speak."

 

"Was there any merriment that occurred between you and Khun Kaew in the forest? Ever since you returned, you haven't stopped smiling. I am most eager to know."

 

"Do I have to report everything to you, Saen?"

 

"Please, sir. I've been tolerating the poise to ask for days, but I'm merely afraid you'd kick me if I did. Now that you permit me to speak, you have to satisfy my curiosity."

 

"Bah! You little pest!"

 

"Oi, oi, oi!" Saen shot out of his chair with a yelp, ready to run. However, the young lord remained seated and burst out laughing instead, harbouring no grudge toward the lad.

 

"I won't tell."

"Aw, Khun Phra Nai!" Saen threw a tantrum.

 

"If I told you, and you'd tease, Kaewta shall be the one who ends up with a cracked head." The young noble muttered and resumed his gaze at the paperwork again, though his mind wasn't on the task before him. It always cast back to the scene where Saen was questioning.

 

From that night...that Kaewta granted him to love freely, as well as he no longer concealed his truest feelings and tugged the smaller one up to share the same mattress at night. At his first attempt, he was battered so hard that he was bruised from head to heel. Only after he swore not to do anything inappropriate did he eventually allow himself to hold the petite youth, as he had long wanted to. Waking up with the cherished one in his arms filled him with elation beyond words.

 

‘What do you want a paper and a pencil for?' He asked when the youth came looking. He rummaged till he found them.

I'd like to draw a picture, sir,' Kaewta said as he made a gesture.

 

'You can draw, too?'

'Certainly,' The young one answered proudly.

 

‘Then, can you draw me?' Khun Phra Nai slid close until each of their shoulders touched.

 

'...I've never drawn a person before.'

 

‘Then let me be your first, won't you?' The young nobleman's despondent face prompted the one who had meant to refuse to grow anxious. Once he'd liked to play-act with a pleading demeanour, it dissolved the youth's heart like wax.

 

"Aye, aye. I shall try, but no promises, the result is ravishing."

 

'Truly?' The youth nodded; Khun Phra Nai's grin stretched wide as he eagerly slid himself to sit straight to face Kaewta.

 

'But not today, sir.'

"What?"

 

‘I said I shall not draw you today.'

 

"Why not?" The young man inquired, but no answer was given. Twilight had settled by the time Saen arrived with horses. Whether it was antic or a deliberate scheme to jest Kaewta, he brought only two horses: one for himself and one for Khun Phra Nai.

 

The man pulled the smaller frame up onto the saddle to ride with him. He had been somewhat vexed with his subordinate at first, but soon turned into a thankful gaze the moment the tip of his nose breathed in the fragrant hair from the one in his arms. 

 

The diminutive form sat rigid, plank against his broad chest in what looked like a half-embrace. Whenever the horse shied at night sounds, Khun Phra Nai would seize that trimmed waist to keep the owner from tumbling off and landing flat on the ground.

 

The ride home should not have taken long, yet it seemed Saen took a roundabout route to give Khun Phra Nai more opportunities to press close to Kaewta, and not once did Khun Phra Nai let go until the journey's end.

 

The young gentleman rode Kaewta back to Luang Sanor's place, warning him not to return home until he was certain that no one would follow. Only then did he return to the main house to dress his wounds; he dreamed of Kaewta every night thereafter.

 

"Khun Phra Nai, Khun Phra Nai!"

"Hmm? What is it, Saen?"

 

"Where has your mind wandered off to?" Saen asked. The young lad was still sulking at his master, gazing upward, when the pen stopped scratching. He saw his master smiling almost ear-to-ear.

 

"It's nothing," the gentleman said.

"You're hiding something from me again!" Saen whined.

 

"Oi! You rascal."

 

"Huh!" Saen feigned a grumble, for he could not discern what his master might be keeping from him. The mystery itched his heart, unsettling him to the point where he had to make a fuss. Another reason is that, when he was kept in the dark, how was he supposed to tease Khun Phra Nai's precious Kaewta?

 

"In three days, His Majesty shall call a council?"

 

"Yes, sir. Rumour has it he shall revise the hierarchy system," Khun Phra Nai said, eyeing the one who carried in the very person he'd been thinking about.

 

"How?"

"His Majesty means to establish a Police Department, sir, and I am to be placed under one of its eight divisions."

 

"Ah, is that so?" Luang Sanor, who must also attend the audience, would be inducted from Luang Sanor Duriyang-Assistant Ranking, to Luang Pradj Pairoh-Under-Secretary. "And have you come just to inform me of that, Yai?" Despite knowing full well, Khun Luang couldn't resist teasing.

 

"There's another matter, sir." Khun Phra Nai mumbled before drawing a deep breath and speaking up loud and clear."I would like to know if I can take Kaewta on an excursion.

 

"Hmm?" The youth, standing to serve Khun Luang by the door, startled, glancing back at the elder.

 

"An excursion?"

 

"Yes, sir. The railway to Ayutthaya has just been completed, and I would like to take Kaewta to see the sights.

 

"I see..."

"Uh... Saen shall come with us for company, sir. We shall not go alone."

 

I had said nothing yet, son. Are you being overager?" Khun Luang laughed at the man's unsolicited explanation, while Saen-Khun Phra Nai's excuse was aghast at being mentioned.

 

"No, I am not, sir."

"Well. I grant permission."

 

"Thank you very much!" The young nobleman beamed with unrestrained delight before he excused himself and whisked the young servant away with him. Sean scratched his head as he followed in the distance, leaving Khun Luang to shake his head at such a manner. 

 

Earlier, a little bird had told him that Khun Phra Nai had vanished for several days, coinciding with the youth under his ward being nowhere to be found. But after Sean had come forward with an account, the senior man could rest assured and hoped that the incident would lead to an event that would open the hearts of the two.

"I have not yet agreed to accompany you."

 

"Oh, but I truly wish you to join me, Kaewta. The railway line to Ayutthaya is brand new."

 

"We shall travel by train?"

 

The young one inquired with a brimming excitement. He had never ridden a train in his entire life. Though automobiles were now everywhere in the metropolis, he hardly had an opportunity to take one. For folks without rank or riches, it was merely mindless hope.

 

"Yes. Would you like to go?" The deep voice was almost as if it were cajoling.

 

"I definitely do, sir!" The slight form had eventually fallen into his trap.

"Then go. Pack a few things; we shall stay one night."

 

"Stay one night? But Mother has only just returned..."The youth hesitated, troubled for his mother, who had just been brought home from the infirmary to convalesce.

 

"Then bring Mother Payom along so we can pay homage at the temples altogether."

Kaewta's smile curled at the corners when the other regarded his mother with such importance. However, Payom- discerning the unusual bond between her son and the young nobleman- excused herself and went to lodge a while in performers' quarters not to put her son in worry.

 

Payom breathed out a sigh as she watched her only son depart with the man. She would not hinder their budding affection, yet neither could she support it, knowing full well sorrow must lie ahead. But what was she supposed to do? When her son smiled so radiantly, so blissfully… If only Kaewta had been born a maiden...

 

That darling face turned to take in the scenery with eyes full of wonder. His tiny hands gripped the window ledge as though in fear, yet a smile still graced that visage.

 

"Do you feel queasy, Kaewta?" It being his first time on a train, Khun Phra Nai found himself unable to set his worry aside, fearing the youth might fall ill and the whole outing be for nought.

 

"Not at all, sir." Kaewta turned to respond, then looked out the window once more. The small figure beside him, dressed today in a style much like his own, appeared quite different from usual in a pale-collared shirt, dark, soft-fabric trousers, and woven sandals. In those small hands was another hat, one of those in fashion that Khun Phra Nai had procured for him before they boarded the train.

 

"A-hem!" The man across the way cleared his throat, yet it drew attention from neither of the two. He could only roll his eyes heavenwards with a sigh, then returned to sitting quietly in his own corner.

 

Looking at Khun Phra Nai and his small-statured youth, Saen couldn't help but feel slighted toward his master. Why invite him along if he only meant to be alone with Khun Kaew? Look at him, look at the way Khun Yai eyed Khun Kaew. If he could swallow Khun Kaew whole, he probably would.

 

"Wait, Kaewta; let us first pay homage to the Buddha image." The slender arm was seized from behind before Kaewta could take a step. After disembarking from the train, Khun Phra Nai took the youth aboard a boat to cross the river. Scarcely had they stepped ashore, the one who'd protested to come was now darting off and be the first to explore, prompting the one who brought him along to shake his head in fond amusement.

 

"Ah! I forgot, sir." Being cautioned, Kaewta stuck out his tongue, which drew laughter from Khun Phra Nai.

 

"Hadn't you claimed you hadn't cared to come, then why were you the first to dash about?"

 

"Saen!" The petite one, who was prodded right on the mark, planted his hands on his hips with eyes blazing. Would it kill Sean not to tease him for just one day?

 

"Well, well. I shan't jest with children like you anymore. I'd rather be off to pay homage." Saen dipped his gaze with mock solemnity to meet the shorter figure and sneered.

 

"Saen!" He wished he could run over and kick that foul mouth to let off steam, but Khun Phra Nai seized that slim arm and wouldn't let go. Otherwise, Saen would surely be imperilled. Instead, he took the youth's wrist and led him toward the temple. They should rather seek merit than risk the stain of sin.

 

"Is it too hot, Kaewta? I shall find us some shade," Khun Phra Nai looked at the young one's sun-reddened cheeks with a twinge of sympathy.

 

"It's all right, sir. Kaew can bear it."

 

"Hmm?" The young lord raised a brow, gazing at the smaller figure. That sweet face peered around, curiously exploring the surroundings, seemingly unaware of what he had just spoken. "What did you say, Kaewta?" he asked again, wondering if his ear had deceived him.

 

"It's all right. I can bear it, sir." The youth turned to face the taller man, meeting the gaze that had been fixed upon him. A flicker in those sharp eyes cast upon him with expectation. Only then did Kaewta realise he had referred to himself by nickname, as he still did at home with his mother. The embarrassment of it warmed his cheeks anew.

 

"No. Please say it again, Kaewta, just like you did before."

"Say what?" The youth raised a brow, feigning innocence.

 

"The way you called yourself 'Kaewta." The youth stood wordless, making no response. Instead, he veered around to position himself behind the young aristocrat, whose shoulders now slumped beneath the weight of disappointment.

 

After roaming the day away, Khun Phra Nai escorted Kaewta to their accommodation, a riverside lodge with every amenity at the ready, as Saen had prepared it since the afternoon.

 

"Whose residence is this? It's so livable," said the youth as he seated himself in a waterside pavilion while Saen set the freshly cooked food in place.

 

"It belongs to Saen's kin." Saen's chest puffed with pride, prompting the compliment to wring his mouth.

 

"Oh, right. When you finish your supper, do make haste with your bath-I shall then take you somewhere," said the gentleman, as he ladled Massaman curry onto the plate before him.

 

"And where might that be? The night has already fallen. Is there any sight left to see at such an hour?" The youth asked, his tone alight with thrill.

 

"Yes, indeed. And it is quite a picturesque one."

"Where, sir?"

 

"A secret," came the reply, to which the young nobleman broke into a wide, gleeful smile. The young one before him pulled a petulant face, cheeks puffed and flushed, becoming pink. It was sorely tempting to tease-to pinch them on a whim. Those rose-kissed lips were all the more inviting to torment.

 

Kaewta bathed and powdered in a flurry of eagerness. He could scarcely wait to see that splendid place the gentleman had spoken of. When Khun Phra Nai, freshly bathed, emerged from his chamber, he burst into laughter upon seeing Kaewta standing outside, craning his neck in search of his companion.

 

"Khun Phra Nai is dreadfully slow!"

 

"Was it not but a single dipper of water you flung over your head? No wonder you are so quick." The gentleman teased, drawing a pout from the one who waited.

 

"Then I shall bathe again! This time until midnight!"

 

The youth turned on his heel, ready to act on his declaration, prompting the taller figure to swiftly catch hold of his slender arm before he could do so.

 

"Oh, I was only jesting, Kaewta."

"Hmph!" Arms folded, the youth turned away in a huff.

 

"Come," said Khun Phra Nai, tugging the small form who was still clinging to his indignation toward the pier, where he gently settled the young man into his seat. Once all was secure, he took up the oar.

 

"You intend to row yourself? And Saen-is he not to come?"

"Saen shall not be joining us."

 

"Then please, allow me the paddle. I shall row," Kaewta offered, for he feared it might be improper, ill-omened, for one of noble blood to row a boat on his behalf.

 

"I do not mind it in the least. Sit yourself properly, Kaewta," said the gentleman with a soft smile, well aware of the thoughts troubling the other, yet unmoved by the plea.

 

"Please let me take over, sir. If Uncle-err, Khun Luang-were to learn, I allowed Khun Phra Nai to row for me, thus, he would surely give me a proper lashing!" The slight one presented his reasoning in earnest, yet still the man before him shook his head, unrelenting refusal.

 

"When your arms are this spindly, they would snap before we could reach the destination.

 

"But-"

 

"These little hands of yours were made for dancing in the presence of royalty, not for gripping a paddle," the man said softly. His gaze bespoke a quiet protectiveness as it lingered upon those fair arms and delicate hands. "Let me be the one to care for you."

 

At those words, his smooth cheeks suffused with a vivid blush. Though the night air was cool, Kaewta felt only the warmth blooming across his face. His heart fluttered madly beneath the rapture, so intense he couldn't stifle a smile. Khun Phra Nai gently steered the boat further and further from the house.

 

The world around them was cloaked in shadow, only saved by the light of the storm lamp that Kaewta was holding to give off a faint glow. At last, they reached the riverbank beneath a great tree. Khun Phra Nai drew the boat alongside and stepped ashore.

 

"Come, Kaewta." The man offered his hand to the smaller youth. Though briefly hesitating, the other person placed his hand onto that warm one at last. Khun Phra Nai clasped the soft little hand and drew the slight figure up onto the riverbank.

 

"Where are we, sir?"

 

"Hush now, and douse the lamp," Khun Phra Nai turned and murmured low. Though he could not fathom why Khun Phra Nai had given such instruction, Kaewta held his tongue and turned down the storm lamp, casting the world into hush and darkness. The small hand still nestled in the others offered quiet solace amid the stillness.

 

Time dragged on until the youth began to suspect that the person next to him might be playing him. Once he gaped, on the verge of protest, something drifted into view right before his very eye.

 

"Ah!" Tiny lights twinkled around them. From one to two. From two to ten. Then dozens more. The youth turned his gaze upward, to the front, and then behind; he nearly exclaimed aloud-fireflies!

 

"Is it beautiful?" A baritone voice breathed low into his ear. Kaewta nodded fervently, fingers curling more tightly around the nobleman's hand. A smile softly unfolded upon that countenance as his eyes swept the scene in wonder; those nestled within the trees outnumbered even the ones aglow upon the earth.

 

"It is enchanting, sir," the youth replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. He turned swiftly to behold that chiselled countenance. Though it was veiled in shadow, he sensed that the tall man before him had eyes for him alone, not for the hundreds of fireflies around them.

 

"Yes. It is enchanting... and so, I wished for you to see them."

"...Thank you, sir."

 

A few delicate fireflies came to rest upon the youth's close-set shoulders, their light briefly illuminating his smooth, fair visage before vanishing into the dusk. Others danced gently through the air. Khun Phra Nai allowed him a still moment to take in the spectacle, then inquired once more.

 

"Do you like it?"

"I love it, sir. I truly love it."

 

"Then, might I entreat a reward?"

"A reward? But I have nothing-"

 

"I only wish you to call yourself Kaewta and call me Phi Yai. Would you?" He asked the person who cast him a glance downward. "Never mind. I would never compel-"

 

"Kaew is deeply grateful to Khun Yai for bringing him here; it is like a wondrous fair."

 

The tall man's eyes widened, then shone with a smile most captivating. He took the other hand and drew the slight figure near.

 

"Khun Yai?"

 

"I am overjoyed, Kaewta. Never did I dream I might stand so near you."

"Umm."

"I love you. My dearest Kaewta."

 

Sweet love declarations set hearts quaking. The slender form tilted his face upward, meeting his gaze with eyes of tender rapture before closing his lids as the chiselled visage leaned down. The aristocratic bridge of his nose grazed the smooth forehead, bestowing a kiss there with devoted affection, then trailing down along the gentle curve of the nose. Strong hands released delicate fingers, lifting instead to cradle the soft chin, tilting it upward to receive his kiss.

 

Petals of lips nibbled in the gentlest caress, tender as a tempered breeze. Full lips pressed with careful insistence, as though seeking permission, until the recipient's heart fluttered in acquiescence, allowing the heated tongue to slip between and intertwine.

 

At first contact, the young one startled, wishing to pull away, yet the firm hand cradling their chin would not permit retreat. The young lord coaxed with another gentle kiss, drawing the smaller tongue to respond with shy inexperience. When the youth attempted to reciprocate as the taller form desired, it only caused the man's heart to swell further. The tall figure pressed kiss after kiss, intertwining and drawing forth responses until the young one's knees grew weak.

 

The young lord released the pale hands to freedom, instead embracing the slender waist to draw their bodies close, supporting the weakened form within his arms. He slowly parted their lips before the smaller one could run out of breath.

 

Pale hands clutched tightly at his shirt. Rose-tinted lips, swollen and glistening with a glossy sheen, downcast eyes gleaming with a demure glow, not lifting beyond his chest. Shortened breaths made the young lord feel sympathy, yet the allure of those lips remained undiminished, compelling him to tilt the delicate chin upward once more.

 

"Khun Yai, hmm!"

 

Having been taken unawares, the delicate form who had already struggled for breath yearned to thrash the wicked tease until he gasped, permitting the towering figure to savour the nectar of his lips without hindrance.

 

Kaewta was oblivious to the time that had fled by. Upon regaining his senses, he found himself clasped firmly in Khun Phra Nai's embrace, his pale hand laid upon that stalwart chest. Beneath his palm, he perceived the tumultuous beating therein and suddenly comprehended that within his own chest, that same organ pounded with no less vigour.

 

What sentiments occupied Khun Phra Nai as he rowed them back to the residence? Kaewta could not divine. Yet his own heart seemed fit to burst with bliss. His lips yet burned from the kiss his lord had granted him. Yet, he felt no resentment whatsoever for the young man's actions, and all along the way, the youth was far too bashful to raise his eyes. Only upon arriving at the residence did he at last dare cast a furtivé glance toward the tall figure.

 

The young man led the smaller form by the hand into the chamber. When Kaewta perceived their whereabouts, he baulked and refused to take another step. It drew a chuckle from the tall figure before he leaned down to murmur a soft inquiry.

 

"Are you afraid of me?"

 

"I'm not!" The youth hissed, drawing laughter from the young aristocrat once more.

 

"If that's the case, then do come inside. I give you my solemn word that I shall not engage in any unseemly conduct."

 

"And what of earlier this evening?" The young one argued softly, gaze lowered.

 

"This evening, I did nothing unbecoming, did I?"The gentleman questioned back, a teasing glint in his eyes that brought a lovely rose tint to those fair cheeks. His gaze wandered to those vermillion-tinted lips, slightly parted and terribly tempting, though he restrained himself.

 

"Kaew won't speak to Khun Yai anymore!" With a rippling laugh, the young lord followed the smaller figure into the room. As he moved to close the door, he stopped short, catching sight of a hulking form lurking by the house pillar. He cleared his throat.

 

"If you insist on skulking outside my chamber, I shall have you kicked clear off the veranda!"

 

Saen jolted, covering his mouth before scuttling away on hands and knees. Yet upon contemplating, he wondered why he had to flee. Khun Yai could hardly leave the room to kick him when Khun Kaew was still inside.

 

"GIGGLE..." Saen let out a pleased snicker. Khun Kaew had referred to himself by name and addressed his master as Khun Yai rather than Khun Phra Nai. Some merriment must have occurred at dusk. Glancing at the now-silent chamber, he crept near again, slowly pressing his ear against the panel...

 

"Oof!" Saen stumbled forward as the door swung open with force.

 

"You scoundrel, Saen!" The young lord loomed over his wayward servant with a frigid smile, then... kicked!

 

The young master slammed the door with an exasperated sigh, making his way to the bed that Saen had prepared earlier that evening. He watched the smaller figure, now wrapped tightly in silk, roll away in such a frantic hurry he nearly tumbled from the bed. Fortunately, the gentleman was swift enough to catch the silk-swaddled form.

 

"What are you doing, Kaewta!" the young lord scolded the one in his embrace, tone grave.

 

"Well, I..." The youth cast his eyes downward, not daring to meet his gaze.

 

"Don't you trust me?" The disappointment etched upon the gentleman's countenance struck the youth's heart. He hastily grasped the strong arm as its owner prepared to withdraw.

 

"No, sir. It's not that Kaew doesn't trust you, but Kaew is merely afraid."

"What is it that you're afraid of?" Khun Phra Nai turned to query.

 

"If this were but a dream, how dreadful it would be upon awakening."

"Kaewta..."

 

"Were I able to turn back time, I am uncertain whether I would still wish for these events to transpire." His clear eyes trembled as he spoke. The observer smiled gently, lowering his head to rest his forehead against the other's smooth brow.

 

"Though time itself reversed its course, I am certain I would love you still. No matter when, I shall always love you. Therefore, fear nothing, my Kaewta. I love only you."

 

"Mm." The youth acquiesced. Khun Phra Nai drew back slightly before bending to press a kiss upon the fair forehead.

"Sleep now, dear one. Tonight, I wish Kaew pleasant dreams."

 

"Kaew also wishes you good dreams, Khun Yai."

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"Kaew! Kaew!" The slight figure startled and backed away from the figure before him, eyes darting around. Had he truly witnessed the past just now without even closing his eyes? Kaew met the gaze of the ethereal presence beside him, who nodded in understanding.

 

"Kaew! Are you here?" Ruedee's call made the boy furrow his brow, puzzled why his friend had come here when he'd said he was heading home, not to this White Manor.

 

"Your friend must be worried. You should go," The boy nodded and went to find his friend. 

 

"I'm here, Ruedee."

 

"Kaew! You had me worried sick." Ruedee seized and shook his arms. "What are you doing here?"

 

"I was... You brought him with you, Ruedee?" Just as Kaewta was about to explain, he spotted someone trailing behind her. His explanation turned into a question laced with displeasure, leaving Ruedee to scramble for words and become the one who had to explain.

 

"I was so worried about you. I thought you might be really sick, so I asked to leave early. Plus, the professor was already heading to Phi Chai's gallery. When I told him I knew the way, he offered to drive me here first."

 

"Hello. We keep running into each other." The man's greeting was met with a scowl!. 

 

"Who owns this place? Looks pretty old." Not waiting for the other person to answer, the man took a chance to glance around.

 

"It's mine."

 

"Yours? That's odd. It seemed uninhabited."

 

"And what of it? Arjan Prem!" Kaewta's voice was sharp as he stared hard at the other person. Then, as if remembering something, he glanced around anxiously, his heart burning with worry about how the other owner of the White Manor would feel seeing someone with an identical face stepping onto the property.

 

"Nothing at all. Are you looking for someone?

 

"No, sir," the boy softly denied, feeling a surge of sadness when he wheeled about to find no sign of the one he was worried about.

 

"Let's go back then. Auntie Pen hasn't permitted you to come to the white house by yourself yet."

 

"Umm," Kaewta agreed with a glum tone. He had no choice but to get into the new professor's vehicle and return to Ruedee's place, especially since she needed to take the professor to her brother's art gallery.

 

Her brother was completely shocked when he saw who his sister had brought. The man's tall, slim build and sharp, handsome face looked so familiar-those light eyes, those full lips carrying a constant smile. He was the very image of that beautiful lord, identical in every way! If Kaewta hadn't told him this wasn't that nobleman, he would have been convinced that the Lord had become a real, living person.

 

Now he had twice as much to worry about-someone was walking around with the face of the person Kaewta loved, and this someone was real, alive, and breathing. His heart burned even more to learn that the other person had been appointed the new art instructor at the very university where his sister and Kaewta studied.

 

"I really love that white house."

 

"Which house?" Chai sipped his coffee, questioning the gallery visitor who'd been showing up almost daily since that day he accompanied Kaewta, a fact that increasingly vexed him since this professor seemed to have a chance to see Kaewta every single day of the week.

 

"The white one. Where Kaew visited recently."

 

"Hmm?" The man's brow furrowed at this information. Had Kaewta gone there alone?

 

"I'd like to draw it."

"Draw it?"

 

"Yes. But Kaewta doesn't seem fond of me. Could you maybe talk to him, convince him to let me draw that house?"

 

"You should talk to Kaewta yourself." Chai declined.

 

"Fair enough." And so, the new professor shadowed Kaewta everywhere across the university, determined to gain permission to sketch the white house.

 

"No!" the boy replied for the hundredth time, completely worn out.

 

"Okay, fine. No is no."

"Thank you for finally understanding."

 

"But I have one condition." The words nearly sent the young man reeling at that sheer stubbornness.

 

"What now?"

"Let me get to know you better and take you out for meals sometimes."

 

"No!"

"Then I'll draw that precious white house you're so protective of."

 

"You-!"

"Let's go to the Wang Burapha area today, please."

 

"Then you need to promise you won't try to draw the White Manor without my permission."

 

"Okay, I promise." The guy grinned widely with satisfaction. Though he couldn't draw the white house as he wished, he was getting closer to someone who'd caught his eye since day one. Totally worth it. The new professor took Kaewta shopping and to see a film currently in theatres. However, it seemed incapable of steering the young man's interest toward him.

 

"Kaew, are you not enjoying this?"

"l.."

 

"Oh, Kaew!" A honey-sweet voice interrupted, making them both look up. A willowy figure approached with all smiles.

 

"Aunt Sophee, hello."

 

"Hi, sweetie. Are you out having fun? Where's Ruedee? And who's this...?" The woman cast an inquisitive glance at the man beside him.

 

"This is Arjan Prem-he, our new art instructor," Kaewta explained.

"Hello. I'm Ruedee's aunt; she's friends with Kaew."

 

"Nice to meet you."

"You look very familiar."

 

"Do I?"

"l..."

 

Kaewta had no idea what Sophee was discussing with the new teacher since the second the man next to him turned to chat with her, he immediately spun around and left.

 

"SIGH." The wee boy sighed. Shaking off that insufferable man had been such a chore. He smiled wily at the decision that the White Manor deserved his remaining time. At least he'd see someone he actually wanted to see.

 

Sophee glanced at the retreating figure with a satisfied smile, trying to maintain conversation to keep the man unaware that the kid Kaew had already escaped. Sophee could barely contain her eagerness to speak with him. Days ago, when she'd secretly followed that arrogant brat to the White Manor, she'd finally seen the man of her dreams.

 

At last, they'd met! And she wouldn't hesitate to make him become hers!