Love of Silom

Chapter 14 - Only a Memory.

 

At last, the Crime Suppression Division officers, working with local police, successfully raided and arrested Master Por. He was caught while trying to flee across the Aranyaprathet border into Cambodia. The case was now in the interrogation phase, where authorities were determining whether he would implicate anyone else.

 

Exhausted, Krit returned home. The past several days had drained him physically from his responsibilities at work and emotionally from the turmoil weighing on his mind. The burden pressed down on him so heavily that he couldn't shake it off.

 

The atmosphere at home remained tense and oppressive. His dad hadn't spoken to him at all, while his mom was drowning in sorrow, tormented by the strained dad-son relationship. His dad refused to back down, seeing the situation as a disgrace-something utterly unforgivable.

 

Krit felt trapped. He had searched for a way forward, but every path was dark and led to a dead end. The chance to slowly bring Wayu into his family, as he had once planned, was slipping away. The future he had envisioned, one that he was willing to wait and fight for, now seemed to crumble before his eyes.

 

He could never cut ties with his parents; it wasn't something he could bring himself to do. He had been raised to be filial, to appreciate everything his family had given him. He knew his mom loved him deeply and would sacrifice anything for him. His dad, though not as outwardly gentle, had spent his life prioritising Krit's well-being, ensuring he had the best of everything. Krit was their only son, the centre of their world, carrying the full weight of their expectations. But everyone's definition of "best" was different.

 

Krit ascended the stairs to his room. Just as he was about to open the door, he heard his parents' voices from their bedroom. He hesitated. They were arguing about him.

 

Throughout their decades-long marriage, Krit could hardly recall them ever fighting. They had minor disagreements, but they were always resolved quickly with reasoned discussions. But now, both of them seemed to be drowning in misery. Krit pressed his lips together, his heart aching. He was the one who had placed his parents in this emotional hell.

 

"Stop making excuses for him! I should be the one asking you how you raised him to become like this?!" His dad's voice boomed, clear and angry. His mom, in contrast, was barely audible through her quiet sobs.

 

"I will not let him disgrace our family's honour. He must stop. If he continues down this shameful path, I will destroy both him and that prostitute he calls his lover!"

Krit stepped into his room and shut the door. He was exhausted, both physically and mentally. The world was vast, yet he felt trapped in an invisible cage, just as he had every day before. But now, the walls seemed to be closing in, suffocating him. 

 

He walked over to the table in his dressing room and pulled open a drawer. Inside was a box where he kept valuables he only used on special occasions. Among the expensive watches lay a simple wildflower ring. It had dried to a brittle brown, yet it still held its shape. Krit picked it up gently, pressing a soft kiss to it before slipping it onto his ring finger.

 

Not long after, Krit got into his car and drove off, not knowing where he was going. He just needed to be somewhere, anywhere that could dull the pain, even if only for a moment. A notification sounded from his phone, signalling a new message. A glance told him it was from Wayu.

 

'Krit, I miss you. You're still busy with work as always, right?'

 

For the past week, Krit had distanced himself from Wayu, telling him he was too swamped with work to talk or visit the condo. Wayu had tried to understand, just as he always did. Another message followed.

 

"Take care of yourself, okay? Get plenty of rest."

 

'I miss you so much, but I can wait. Just make sure you bring me a big bouquet of roses to make up for it. I love you the most, Krit.'

 

He drove aimlessly through the evening rush-hour traffic. By the time he snapped out of his thoughts, he found himself beside a long stretch of iron fencing that ran parallel to the sidewalk. Beyond it lay a vast green park, its pristine lake reflecting the sky and the towering buildings around it. It was the park where he had once comforted Wayu, on the day his heart had been crushed by family troubles.

 

Krit pulled into the parking lot and stepped onto the wide path circling the lake, which was flanked by a bike lane. Though many people were out exercising, the lake's vastness made the path feel open, leaving enough space for solitude.

 

Eventually, he reached the same bench where he had once sat with Wayu. The scenery remained just as peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by nature's quiet embrace. Yet, inside, Krit felt nothing but the weight of his troubles pressing down on him. His face was tense as he sat down, his gaze drifting over the still water, clear as glass.

Memories of that day with Wayu flooded his mind, vivid in every detail-the words, the way Wayu had carried himself. Krit could still hear the soft sobs breaking through his sentences, still feel the warmth of Wayu's cheek against his skin when he had comforted him. The dampness of his tears clinging to thick, curled lashes. The light, familiar scent. The warmth of his body.

 

A small, wistful smile played on Krit's lips, but his eyes darkened with sorrow.

Happiness can be just as agonising as sorrow when one can no longer possess it. Though they differ in meaning, both can weigh just as heavily on the heart.

 

Krit thought back to the moment they first met. That day, Wayu had been injured in an assault at the hotel. But what Krit saw went beyond just the physical wounds. Beneath the provocative clothing and alluring appearance, he saw a delicate young man, scarred in ways unseen. Wayu had been like a lost child who had stumbled into a pit filled with traps. Krit had managed to catch his hand in time and pull him out of that abyss. He still remembered the emptiness in Wayu's eyes and the silent plea in every gesture, begging him not to let go. It was a plea Krit couldn't ignore. At the time, he hadn't even known that the owner of those beautiful, tear-laden eyes would later become the person he wanted to hold the most.

 

Wayu was his happiness, like a gentle breeze carrying love and warmth into Krit's heart. There were so many things about Wayu that captivated him. He loved that small yet resilient heart, fighting fiercely for itself and for those it loved. Sometimes, Krit couldn't help but wonder what star had aligned his fate so perfectly—to bring Wayu into his life and let him call someone so precious his own.

 

A bicycle bell rang from behind. When Krit turned, he saw two young children pedalling past on their tricycles. He gave them a small smile, and the children waved at him before riding away. He then took out his phone and scrolled through the photos stored inside. There were pictures of him holding Wayu's little nephew against his chest, others of the three of them together. 

 

Every single photo was filled with light, so vibrant and full of life that it seemed impossible for anyone in them ever to experience pain or sorrow. Each image was a time capsule of memories. Krit flipped through them. Wayu, or sometimes Wayu, would snatch Krit's phone to capture moments himself. There were beautiful scenic shots from their trips together, pictures of them smiling at each other, making silly faces, or even candid shots that Wayu had secretly taken when Krit wasn't paying attention. When confronted, Wayu would always playfully insist he just couldn't help himself. Krit was simply too handsome. 

 

Wayu always smiled so brightly when taking pictures, though perhaps it was because Krit was always nearby. Then, Krit reached the photo he had taken in secret, the one where Wayu had no idea he was being watched. In it, Wayu stood on a black steel bridge, gazing out over the water, waiting for Krit to say those words of love. 

 

The sun was setting then, casting a golden glow over his face, the interplay of light and shadow making him breathtaking. A faint smile lingered on his lips. Just looking at the photo made Krit's heart swell with warmth. But did their love still hold any meaning now? When did it begin to bring Wayu more suffering than joy?

 

Krit asked himself, his heart heavy with pain. He knew that if he stubbornly held on to Wayu, everything would only spiral downward. His dad would stop at nothing to tear them apart, no matter what it took. And if they tried to hold onto their love while staying apart—loving but never being together-how would that be any better for Wayu? Krit could only foresee his suffering, enduring a life of uncertainty with no clear future ahead.

 

Krit remained seated there for a long time, lost in thought, until the sky darkened and the park became enveloped in shadows. People were beginning to leave as closing time approached.

 

Finally, he stood up, exhaling a deep sigh. The city lights were so bright that the stars above had vanished from sight. He turned to glance at the bench one last time, his gaze now steady. Back then, when Wayu had been so broken he was on the verge of shattering, Krit had held him close, protecting his fragile heart. But now... he was about to let it fall to the ground, abandoned, like something meaningless.

 

His jaw clenched so tightly that the muscle stood out sharply. He needed to end this quickly. Wayu would be heartbroken now, but he would eventually move on. No matter how much it hurt, it was still better than being trapped in a hopeless situation with no future in sight.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

That night, Krit drove down Silom Road, heading toward Wayu's workplace. It was 11 p.m. —Wayu would still be working. Krit parked by the sidewalk, some distance from the entrance, and stared through the window at the brightly lit building. The host bar's name was prominently displayed above the entrance. By the staircase, a group of people stood chatting and smoking, their laughter drifting through the air.

 

Then, someone stepped out of the bar. Krit narrowed his eyes slightly. He recognised the man immediately—it was Mind, the engineering student who had once confessed his feelings to Wayu and asked to be his boyfriend. Mind stood outside, engrossed in a phone call, unaware that someone was watching him. For a brief moment, jealousy flared in Krit's chest. But then another emotion rose in its place, one that made him realise a painful truth. If Mind was still pursuing Wayu, what did it matter?

 

Compared to him, Mind was a far better option. Even if it wasn't Mind, but someone else entirely, Krit would still be the worst choice for Wayu. Krit waited until Mind went back inside before pulling out his phone and dialling Wayu's number. He picked up almost immediately.

 

"Krit?" Wayu's voice was filled with excitement. "It's really you? I thought I was imagining things because I missed you so much."

 

"Can you come out for a bit?"

 

"Huh?" Wayu sounded confused. "You mean right now?"

 

"Yes. I'm out front, parked where I used to drop you off."

 

"Okay! I'll be right there."

 

Moments later, Krit saw Wayu step out. Tonight, he looked stunning. Tall and slender, his face held a captivating blend of masculinity and beauty so alluring that it drew people closer. Krit felt a hollow ache in his chest as he watched him. When Wayu spotted Krit's car, his face lit up with joy, and he hurried over.

 

"Krit, I missed you so much!" The words came the moment he opened the car door. But before he could get inside, Krit extended a keycard toward him. Wayu took the item and looked at it, confused. It was the key card that granted access to his condo.

 

"What is this?"

 

"I'm giving it back because I won't be visiting anymore."

 

"What do you mean, Krit?"

 

"If I'm not going there again, there's no reason for me to keep it."

 

"I still don't understand."

Wayu moved to sit inside the car, his face filled with confusion and the need for an explanation. Krit let out a deep sigh.

 

"I've disappeared for weeks like this, and you never once suspected something was wrong?" Krit turned to look directly at Wayu, his voice steady. "I want to break up. I want this to end here. I won't be taking care of you anymore. From now on, take care of yourself."

 

It took Wayu a moment to fully process Krit's words. "What is this, Krit? What happened that made you say this to me? Just a few days ago, we were fine."

 

"Exchanging a few messages isn't what I'd call 'fine? And I'm tired of playing the role of the bar host's young lover. There are plenty of people in this world, it's not just me. Go find someone else."

 

Wayu's eyes widened. He stared at Krit in disbelief at what he had just heard.

 

"Krit, what are you saying?"

 

"Are you getting out of the car or not? I'm leaving."

 

"I won't!" Wayu's voice hardened. "Not unless you explain to me what the hell is going on. I won't get out until I understand."

 

"It's over between us. I want to end it here."

"Why?"

 

"Because I've had enough... I don't want this anymore. Why is that so hard for you to understand?"

 

"That's not true."

 

"Get a grip, Wayu," Krit said sharply. "Do you really think we're suited to be together? We had our happiness for a while-that should have been enough. I'm sorry if I gave you false hope, but this is as far as it goes."

 

"You're telling me you don't love me anymore, Krit?" Krit remained silent. Why was Wayu so stubborn?

 

"Why aren't you answering?"

Wayu pressed, his voice shaking with emotion, yet he refused to back down.

"If it's true, then look me in the eye and say it!"

 

Krit clenched his jaw. He could lie to Wayu about a lot of things, but this was the one thing he couldn't say.

 

"Get out," Krit ordered, his voice firm. When Wayu refused to budge, Krit stepped out of the car, walked around to Wayu's side, and opened the door.

 

"Get out," he repeated.

 

"No," Wayu locked eyes with him. "If you want me to leave, then clarify what you just said. Otherwise, you'll have to drag me out yourself."

 

Krit grabbed Wayu's arm and forcibly pulled him out of the car, despite Wayu struggling with all his strength. Krit swung him, knocking him off balance and sending him crashing into a trash bin by the sidewalk. Then, Krit quickly got back into the car and locked the doors.

 

"Krit!" Wayu scrambled to his feet and ran to the window, pressing his palms against the glass. "Open the door! Talk to me! Don't leave like this!"

 

Krit started the car. Wayu still refused to give up, chasing after the moving vehicle and pounding his fists against the window.

 

"Krit! No, no, no, don't do this!"

 

Krit stepped on the gas, accelerating until Wayu could no longer keep up. Wayu kept shouting his name over and over. Krit glanced at the side mirror and saw Wayu still running, still chasing after him. Pedestrians on the sidewalk turned to look as Wayu collided with people, stumbled, and fell, only to get back up and keep going. The sight made Krit's heart ache. He couldn't hold it in any longer. With a low growl, he slammed his fist against the steering wheel, again and again, like a man on the verge of breaking.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

After that, Krit cut off all contact with Wayu. Even though Wayu kept sending messages throughout the night, Krit didn't leave any room for hesitation. His decision was final. By the following afternoon, Krit received a call from Rose. He stepped outside to take the call, making sure no one could overhear.

 

"Krit, what the hell happened?" That was the first thing Rose said.

 

"What are you talking about?"

 

"I'm talking about you and Wayu! He called me, saying you just suddenly broke up with him at the bar!"

 

"Yeah. We broke up for real."

 

"What happened? I don't get it. The last time we talked, you still seemed to love him so much. How did things change in just a few days?"

 

Krit let out a heavy sigh before explaining everything to Rose. She was silent for a long moment after hearing the whole story.

 

"Krit..." Her voice was soft. "Are you okay?"

"No."

 

"Do you want me to come see you?"

 

"Don't. I don't feel like talking to anyone right now."

 

"But are you sure this is the right way to handle it? Not telling Wayu the truth?'

 

"How could I?" Krit's voice was sharp, heavy with emotions teetering on the edge of explosion. "Tell him so he can wait? If Wayu knew the truth, he'd never let go, Rose. And then what? I can't take care of him, can't make him happy, but I'd still keep him by my side just to watch him suffer every single day? What kind of love is that?"

 

"I just... I just didn't want things to end like this," Rose's voice trembled.

 

"I didn't want it either," Krit admitted. "But it already has."

 

"So you're really just going to disappear from Wayu's life?"

 

"Yeah."

 

"If you think Wayu should believe you're just a heartless bastard, then tell me, does that make it better for you, too?"

 

Not at all. Krit didn't answer. Being the one to say the words to tell Wayu it was over, that he didn't want him anymore, was like stabbing himself with every sentence.

 

Behind the hardened facade he wore, Krit was falling apart. He had tried to keep everything in place as best as he could under the circumstances. The things that mattered most— his dad, his mom, Wayu Krit always placed himself last.

 

"Don't call me for a while, Rose," Krit said, ending the conversation. "I don't want to talk about this.

 

After hanging up, Krit walked back into the building. His face was tense, his emotions sinking deeper into a darkness that felt like it was consuming him. Krit shook his head and pressed his fingers against his temples.

 

This wasn't good for his work. Krit forced himself to rein it in. He had to pull himself together. Fast.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

A few hours later, Krit received orders from his superior to raid a mansion in the Min Buri district.

 

Following Master Por's earlier arrest, Master Por confessed and provided additional information: that tonight, Ice-C would be hosting a secret party at that very mansion. It was an exclusive event, inviting only VVIP guests, most of whom held high social status and were well-respected figures. Many were public personalities. Every guest, regardless of gender, would be dressed only in underwear. The party was filled with illegal activities, from drug use to the trafficking and coercion of individuals, allowing special guests to commit sexual assault.

 

Beyond gathering sufficient evidence to charge Ice-C with various crimes he had previously evaded, Master Por also revealed that Ice-C possessed a mobile phone containing critical data evidence that could implicate him in human trafficking and fraud operations linked to call centre scams.

 

As soon as the police raided the scene, chaos erupted among the partygoers. Just as Master Por had described, every person in attendance was indeed dressed only in their underwear.

 

"Freeze! Police! Don't move!"

 

Some scrambled to grab nearby objects to cover themselves, while others attempted to flee, only to be captured moments later. Among those detained were doctors, direct sales entrepreneurs, actors, record label owners, news anchors, and life coaches. They were all rounded up and made to sit together in the downstairs hall.

 

The mansion was vast, with numerous rooms, requiring officers to spread out for a thorough search. Krit and his team proceeded to check the upper floors, where they discovered three individuals hiding behind the sofa in the lounge. As they were escorting those people downstairs, Krit suddenly heard a faint whimper coming from another section of the mansion.

 

Gripping his gun tightly, he cautiously approached the source of the sound. It came from another room connected to the lounge. The space was designed as a home theatre, with a massive TV screen mounted on the wall and a large curved sofa set atop a carpet in the centre.

 

In the dim light, Krit saw the figure of a young girl lying on the sofa. She wore a short, lacy slip that barely reached her thighs. As he stepped closer, he recognised her—one of the members of a newly debuted girl group, scarcely three months into their career. Bruises marked her skin, and fresh wounds marred her neck and chest.

 

Krit immediately reported that he had found an injured individual. He walked closer to scan the room to ensure no one else was hiding before turning his attention back to the girl.

 

She lay breathing weakly, her consciousness only half present. A syringe lay on the floor nearby, while the table was littered with drugs and used condoms. Krit clenched his jaw upon noticing the bloodstains on the girl's inner thighs. What had she been through? The depravity of these people was beyond comprehension, luring an underage girl into their sickening party to be used as their plaything.

 

"Miss, I'm a police officer," Krit spoke gently. The girl's eyelids fluttered open, a faint sound bubbling in her throat as if she wanted to say something. Krit leaned in to listen. But then, her hazy gaze widened in terror, looking past him. A cold dread shot through Krit's spine. He whipped around, gun raised...

 

But he was too late. Ice-C had been hiding inside a built-in closet. He kicked the door open and fired. Krit pulled the trigger at the same moment. Gunshots rang out in rapid succession. A sharp impact struck Krit's neck, chest, and left arm.