Love Upon A Time.

Founder of Love.

Time and tide wait for no man. Often, Phop was so engrossed in the work that he lost track of time. Before he knew it, he'd been serving in the Patrol Division for almost two years.

 

"Muun, are you on duty today?"

 

"Yes, I'm here to take over from you. Once you're off duty, head straight home to your family. Don't rush off to the tavern at the end of the market," Phop said with a smile to his older subordinate, who laughed heartily and offered a lengthy excuse before saluting him and leaving the office. Phop then settled into a wooden chair.

 

Initially, Phop had no desire to enter public service like other noble children. He disliked competition and preferred a peaceful life, helping people in need. This led him to aspire to be a healer, like his close friend Jom. However, he and Jom were different. Jom was the youngest son in his family, with many elder brothers

already in public service. Jom's father had no objections to his youngest son pursuing a different dream. But Phop was the eldest son of Phraya Pichaipakdee and the only child of the main wife. His father had high expectations for him, and Phop couldn't refuse his parents' wishes, so he joined the Patrol Division of the City Guard Bureau.

 

The two years Phop spent in public service weren't without challenges. Despite being the son of a Phraya, who oversaw the City Guard Bureau, he faced obstacles and resistance, especially from older officials of lower rank who didn't accept him. Phop understood their feelings. At twenty, he had no work experience but held a higher initial position, which naturally caused resentment. They believed that a noble's son like him had never faced hardship and couldn't work effectively. However, Phop proved his capabilities, and the criticism gradually faded. His colleagues treated him more kindly, and his career became relatively smooth.

 

Although he hadn't wanted to join public service at first, once he started working, Phop didn't feel burdened. He aimed to help those in distress. Even though he wasn't a doctor as he'd intended, being a patrol officer allowed him to alleviate others' suffering. His current dream was to perform his duties to the best of his ability. People change all the time. Who stays the same forever?'

 

In the quiet of the evening, the deep, soft voice of someone who'd once said this to him resurfaced in his mind, making the young officer smile slightly as he struck a match to light the lantern. He guessed it was true: change is a natural part of life. Even he couldn't escape that truth. Phop knew he'd changed, especially his feelings towards the speaker of those words.

 

Once, he'd seen Klao as a younger brother, but now it seemed different. His concern when hearing Klao had been around the taverns and brothels was just part of it. Deep down, Phop knew he was possessive, not wanting Klao to get involved with anyone else. He also felt uneasy when Klao agreed with the elders about pairing him with Wanna. Why did he feel this way? Phop had a vague idea of the answer. But it seemed too strange and

unbelievable.

 

"Hey, Phop, are you on night duty today, too?" The newcomer's voice pulled the young officer out of his thoughts. The lantern's light in the room illuminated Muun Han's sweaty face, who'd just walked in. Phop glanced at his colleague, noticing his usually immaculate attire was now dishevelled.

 

"Yes, but why do you look so exhausted, Han?"

 

Those thugs were fighting over a prostitute again. It took a lot of time to break them up and throw them in the cell," Muun Han said, loosening his waistcloth. Since it was after hours, they didn't need to dress formally while on duty.

 

"At Pak Khlong Market?"

 

"Where else? There's trouble every day. One moment, it's a brawl; the next, it's a robbery, then opium dealing. I really want to request a change of area." Han grumbled as he sat down.

 

It was true that Pak Khlong Market was notorious for vice in the city. This made Phop agitated whenever he heard that Klao frequented the area, worried for his safety.

 

"Speaking of opium dealing, any news from Cherd?" Phop asked. They were currently monitoring Cherd, a local thug, as many of the criminals they'd caught were connected to or worked for him. Although no one had testified against Cherd, Phop still suspected him. Han, who was responsible for that area, had his men watch him.

 

"Nothing much. He causes trouble, drinks, and chases women. Nothing more suspicious than that."

 

The answer made Phop's eyes reflect deep thought. He never fully believed that Cherd was uninvolved, but there was no evidence to confirm it. Most of the opium dealing incidents occurred in Han's area so that Phop couldn't act on his own.

 

"By the way, Phop, I heard that Phraya from the Bureau of the Royal Household visited your home recently," Han changed the subject.

 

"Yes, he visited my father and had a conversation. Why do you ask?"

 

"Nothing much. I just heard that Wanna was there, too. Aren't you going to tell me the good news?" The playful smile of his colleague made Phop sigh. Others had long seen him and Wanna as potential fiancés, which was what the elders wanted. However, he'd always made it clear that he saw Wanna as nothing more than a sister. Even though she felt differently, he couldn't reciprocate her feelings.

 

"No good news anytime soon, and I don't think of Wanna that way."

 

"Oh, come on. Marry her, and you'll grow to love each other. Are you going to wait until you're thirty or forty? Don't you know that women are most beautiful in their late teens?" Han's eyes gleamed with a clear implication. Phop frowned and said sternly. If I love someone, they will always be the most beautiful to me, no matter their age."

 

"Yes, yes, but you shouldn't waste the prime of youth. Trust me, I have a lot of work to handle and no plans to marry anytime soon," Phop said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, signalling to his colleague that he didn't want to discuss this further.

 

Han, understanding the look, quickly changed the topic. "And what about Klao? I heard that Ok-ya plans to have him join public service by the end of the year."

 

"Yes."

 

"Is he fully recovered?"

 

"Recovered from what?" Phop repeated the question.

 

Han seemed to hesitate for a moment before explaining, "You once told me he was forgetful, unable to remember the past. How's he now? If he's not fully recovered, can he really serve public service?"

 

"Well.. He's healthy now; he's studying to regain his knowledge. As for his memory, it may not return easily, but not remembering isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, forgetting certain things might be better," 

 

Phop sighed, thinking of Klao's painful past. It didn't matter to him if the other man couldn't remember their past as long as Klao was happy with the present. As long as they were together, they could always create new memories.

 

"That's good. If he joins public service and has a stable job, that's great. And he's quite handsome, too. He might get married before you."

 

Back to the topic of marriage again.

 

"I don't think Klao wants to get married anytime soon," Phop's voice sounded cold, unintentionally. Han seemed baffled by his sudden change in mood. Phop was surprised at himself, too, but just the thought of Klao getting married and moving away irritated him.

 

"Uh.. I'll go take a bath. I've been patrolling since the evening and feel sticky all over."

 

"Go ahead," Phop said, watching his colleague leave. Once Han was out of sight, the young officer exhaled slowly, deep in thought. 

 

When a man reached a certain age, he usually looked for a woman to marry and start a family with. Except for him, who hadn't had such thoughts yet. However, Phop himself couldn't know what Klao was thinking. He'd heard the servants gossiping that Klao was infatuated with a prostitute. But a woman of such a profession could never be brought home as a wife. And what about other women? Would there be any?

 

Phop's brows furrowed together, and displeasure surged like a flood in the rainy season. It seemed he'd have to ask Chuay to look into this. The face of the person in his thoughts appeared, and a faint smile curved on Phop's lips as he realised that Klao must be jumping around happily because he hadn't been home all night. Phop knew Klao didn't like being near him, which made him sad. But it also made him enjoy poking fun at Klao by getting close to see him pout. Just thinking about Klao's sulky face when teased made the loneliness of being alone feel strangely warm.

 

Phop leaned back against the wooden chair and closed his eyes, exhaling a relaxed breath. Maybe he should ease up on teasing Klao. After his shift tomorrow, before returning home, he'd stop by to buy Klao's favourite sweets, khanom kong, as a peace offering.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

Life often brought me unexpected events. What happened to me was quite beyond my expectations. But until now, I'd been living at Phraya Pichaipakdee's house for almost two months without any sign of finding a way back home. Deep down, I began to worry that I might be stuck here forever. But won't give up. I'm still determined to find the real Klao every day, and in every way I can think of. But maybe I'll take a break for the next few days to relax from the stress. It's the fifth month in the Lunar calendar now, the time of the Thai New Year festival. Yes, today is Songkran.

 

This morning, I got up immediately when I heard the rooster crow. I bathed and dressed in a light-colored long-sleeved shirt and new traditional Thai pants. Normally, I'm not very enthusiastic about festivals. During Songkran, I'd pour water on my parents' hands, go to the temple to make merit, and then laze around watching movies and playing games without going out to play like others. But this time, I'm quite excited and eager because it's my first time experiencing this festival in its traditional form. I want to see how Songkran in this era differs from the way it is celebrated today.

 

In the morning, others and I in the house, led by Phraya and his wife, brought food and offerings to the temple, just like the many people who crowded the temple. At the temple, there were activities like pouring water on the Buddha statue, releasing birds and fish, and building sand pagodas. After offering the items to the monks, we returned home for lunch. Then, it was time to pour water on the elders' hands.

 

"May you have happiness and prosperity. May all your wishes come true, Klao." Phraya's large hand gently patted my head as I poured water on his hands.

 

"May you have good health, be free from illness, and have a long life, Klao. You're like another son to our family. Think of my wife and me as your parents, too."

 

"..Thank you," I replied, my voice trembling slightly because I felt a lump in my throat, and my eyes stung. Pouring water on Phraya and his wife made me think of my own parents. I'd pour water on their hands every year. But now, I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to see them again.

 

"What's wrong?" P'Phop asked after I stepped back from the line of people waiting to pour water on the house owners.

 

"Nothing.. I'm fine." I shook my head and forced a smile. I always tried to remind myself not to lose hope. Luang Ta said I'd see the way someday. So, I still had hope of returning home.

 

"That's good. It's New Year's Day, you should smile more." P'Phop's lips curved into a gentle smile as he patted my head

 

"You're not alone. You still have a family here. Father, Mother, I, and everyone in this house love and care for you."

 

"Can I exclude the last person?" I tried to lighten the mood by joking, making P'Phop raise an eyebrow.

 

"You're quite cheeky." He muttered through gritted teeth and then moved his hand from my head to pinch my cheek hard, his face showing a lighthearted glint.

 

"Ouch! Be gentle!"

 

"You brought this on yourself." He let go of my cheek, pretending not to notice my glare. I rubbed my face, feeling annoyed. That was painful. My cheek must be bruised by now.

 

After the water-pouring ceremony, it was free time. Phraya allowed the servants to take turns going out to enjoy themselves. Others in the house rested as they pleased, some went out to play, and some took naps to save energy for the temple fair at night. Oh, by the way, temple fairs exist even in this era. There are stalls selling goods, entertainment shows, and various games. I can hardly wait for the night to come.

 

In the late afternoon, under the scorching sun, as I was sitting on the bench in front of my room, Mr Officer walked out of his room. Seeing this, I instantly stood up.

 

"P'Phop, are you going out?"

 

"Yes, I'm going to see Jom."

 

P'Phop, who'd changed from the long-sleeved shirt he wore to the temple in the morning to a more comfortable cotton shirt, replied. It was clear he was ready to play.

 

"Can I come too?" I blurted out. His sharp eyes narrowed.

 

"Where to?"

 

"To see P'Jom, of course. I met P'Jom and Kaew at the market the other day. They invited me to play with water and go to the temple fair together."

 

Besides Chuay and P'Phop, I could now talk comfortably with P'Jom and Kaew. P'Jom often visited P'Phop at the house, and Kaew usually tagged along. When they talked, I'd sit and chat with Kaew, so we became close. Maybe because Kaew reminded me of my junior, Pun, both in looks and personality, 1 quickly felt at ease with him.

 

"Your health isn't very good. The festival is crowded, and the sun is intense. If you get wet, you might catch a cold."

 

"That's why I want to go play in the water: the more people, the more fun. I'll be fine. Let me go, please." I tried to persuade him, but his brows remained furrowed.

 

"I don't think that's a good idea."

 

"But I want to. I want to play and go out. It's Songkran, after all. How can you expect me to stay cooped up in the house?" I started to pout when he refused. Phop stared at me for a moment before sighing deeply. "Alright, you can come with me."

 

"Thank you."

 

"But change your shirt first. Going out like this isn't good."

 

"What's wrong with it?" I looked down at my shirt, then at his, in confusion. We were wearing the same style. Why could he wear it, but I couldn't?

 

"Your shirt is too light. Change to a darker one. Otherwise, wear another shirt over it."

 

"What?!" Now, I was utterly dumbfounded. Mr Officer must be crazy. It's so hot, and he wants me to wear two shirts? That's insane!

 

"Light-colored shirts become more see-through when wet. It's not appropriate," He explained when he saw my bewilderment.

 

"See-through isn't a big deal. I'm a man, after all. Other men walk around shirtless everywhere. No one will care about me. Let's go already. I want to go play." I shook my head and pulled the bigger man's arm down the stairs to the dock. P'Phop didn't argue. He followed my lead, though his thick brows remained furrowed.

 

"Mr Klao, is Muun in a bad mood about something?" Chuay whispered to me as we were about to board the boat. I glanced at P'Phop, who still had a stern expression, stepping into the boat where Khong was the rower and shook my head.

 

"I don't know either. Just ignore him. Let's hurry."

 

"Yes."

 

Chuay stepped into the boat, with me following last. Khong began rowing the boat away from the riverside pavilion. I watched P'Phop's broad back, standing tall and proud. Thinking about his serious face and Chuay's question, I shrugged helplessly. He seemed in a good mood at first. Why does he look so furious all of a sudden? Oh well, he must have something on his mind.

 

The sun was still blazing when the boat docked at the riverside pavilion of a temple not far from Phraya Pichaipakdee's house, the meeting place P'Jom had mentioned. I walked beside P'Phop, scanning the surroundings. People were still coming to the temple to make merit. The older ones were building sand pagodas, some were dancing in the entertainment area, and the children and young adults were playing and splashing water.

 

P'Phop allowed Khong and Chuay to go off and enjoy themselves, agreeing to meet back at the dock in the evening. Meanwhile, he and I wandered around looking for our targets. The temple grounds looked different today, with water jars placed everywhere for people to splash each other with. In this era, they didn't have water guns, so they used bowls to splash water gently. People took turns applying white clay powder on each other. The temple was crowded with people enjoying the water festival. By the time P'Phop and I found P'Jom and Kaew, our faces were covered in powder, and we were soaked from head to toe.

 

"Here you are, Phop, Klao. I almost didn't recognise you," P'Jom greeted us with a laugh upon seeing our dishevelled state.

 

"Like you look any different," P'Phop retorted, shaking his head as he glanced at the speaker, who looked just as messy. P'Jom handed us each a bowl to use as a weapon, and the water-splashing and powder-smearing festivities began.

 

As evening approached, the temple grounds became even more crowded. Young men and women were having a blast, some taking the opportunity to sing and flirt. Naturally, with so many good-looking people around, I couldn't escape the special attention of the girls, especially P'Phop, who had women practically lining up to apply powder on him.

 

"P'Klao, look at that, Kaew nudged me to look at P'Phop, who women of all ages surrounded. "Our dear nobleman is quite the charmer, isn't he?" Kaew remarked.

 

"Yeah," I agreed. Watching P'Phop's friendly smile as he stood still for the women to apply powder, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance. He neither accepted nor rejected their advances, maintaining his composed demeanour: such a smooth one.

 

"P’Jom is the same, laughing and flirting with the women. I really can't stand men who flirt around!"

 

"Indeed," I said, keeping an eye on P'Phop. His smile was so wide it looked like it might split his face.

 

"Don't you want to apply powder on any of the women, P'Klao?" Kaew asked.

 

"No, I'd rather stay with you. Or do you want to apply powder on any of the women? I can accompany you."

 

"Don't be silly. You know I don't want to apply powder on any woman. The one I want is over there playing with the water." Kaew refused with a chuckle, shaking his head, but that made me pause.

 

From our first meeting, I could tell Kaew had feelings for P'Jom. But in an era where same-sex love was considered bizarre, Kaew was ahead of his time. Accepting himself and others must've been incredibly difficult, yet he chose to stay true to his feelings.

 

"But he probably doesn't want to apply powder on me..."Kaew's voice turned noticeably sad. From what I'd seen, P'Jom didn't seem to reciprocate Kaew's feelings at all. In fact, he tried to keep a friendly distance as they'd been friends since childhood. Though Kaew didn't give up, I could tell he was deeply hurt.

 

I don't know. I can't say who's right or wrong. It's okay to like or not like someone. While I haven't experienced love myself, I understand the pain of loving someone who doesn't love you back.

 

"In that case, I'll apply powder on you," I said, dissolving some white clay powder in water and smearing it on Kaew's cheek. Kaew laughed and smeared some on my face in return.

 

"Um... Mr Klao.." a sweet voice called from behind. I turned to see a young girl.

 

"May I apply powder on you?" she asked.

 

"Sure," I replied with a smile, a bit surprised. Given Klao's reputation... not many dared approach me, and when someone did, I didn't know how to react.

 

"Wow, my brothers are all such charmers," Kaew teased as the girl walked away, blushing. I laughed and ruffled his hair, but then I felt like someone was watching me. I looked around and met P'Phop's gaze. What? Why was he staring at me like that? If I didn't know better, I'd think he was looking for a fight.

 

P'Phop left the circle of women and joined us, speaking in a calm voice, "Quite the charmer, aren't you?"

 

"Not as much as you, P'Phop. You have women lining up to apply powder on you," I jested, grinning. His sharp eyes flashed with a hint of irritation. The atmosphere felt tense as if we were having a silent battle.

 

"Don't you want to apply powder on me?" he inquired. I paused, then laughed. "Ha! Are you asking because you want me to? Sure!" I dissolved some white clay powder in water and smeared it thickly on his face. Normally, people here applied it lightly, but I, being from the modern era, went all out.

 

"Looking good, P'Phop! Hahaha!" I laughed, satisfied with my handiwork. But when he smirked, I felt a chill down my spine.

 

"So, you want to play like this?" he said, grabbing a handful of powder. I gulped and raised my hands in surrender.

 

"Wait, I.. I didn't mean to-"

 

"No more holding back," he uttered, grabbing my arm and smearing the powder all over my face.

 

"P'Phop! My face is a mess!"

 

"You started it."

 

With that, I grabbed another handful of powder. Nakun, don't be the only one getting smeared.

 

"Klao! You little-"

 

"P'Phop! The powder's in my mouth!"

 

"Oh my, how old are you two? You're acting like kids," Kaew's voice came from the side as we continued our powder war until P’Jom stepped in to separate us. Though we got messy, it was the most fun Songkran I'd had in years.

 

As the sky turned red with the setting sun, we stopped playing and sat in a pavilion to dry off. Once we were dry, we headed back to the temple grounds to find something to eat after expending so much energy. 

 

The temple courtyard was lined with food and snack stalls in front of the entertainment area. The vendors called out to customers, creating an atmosphere similar to a fair in my time, though without Ferris wheels, balloons, or colourful lights. It was quieter, with traditional performances and dances. Villagers spread mats to watch the shows, creating a simple yet lively scene.

 

"P'Phop, can I buy some khanom tom?" I asked, pointing to a nearby stall. I didn't have any money on me since I usually left my pouch with Chuay. With Chuay off on his own, I had to rely on P'Phop's generosity.

 

"Of course," he replied, leading me to the stall.

 

"I want some as well! P'Phop, you'll treat me, right?" Kaew clung to P'Phop's arm, pouting adorably.

 

"Of course," P'Phop answered.

 

"Phop, don't spoil him too much, or he'll turn into a fat pig."

 

"P'Jom!" Kaew protested, hitting him playfully. We all laughed, even the vendor.

 

"Haven't seen you in a while, Chuen. Not selling at the small market anymore?" Mr Officer kindly asked the female vendor.

 

"I went to visit relatives in Lavo and just returned to the capital a few days ago," she replied, glancing at me while preparing the sweets. She seemed a little younger than my mother.

 

"You two are here together. That means the rumours about Mr Klao moving to Ok-ya's house are true?" she asked.

 

"Yes," P'Phop confirmed, and she smiled at me.

 

"Mr Klao, you look well-fed and more handsome. You must be living comfortably," she noted

 

"Uh... yes, living together with him is quite good," I replied, not expecting the question. But my answer made everyone freeze. Even P'Jom and Kaew stopped arguing to stare at me.

 

"L-living together?!" she exclaimed

 

"Yes," I repeated. The vendor's eyes widened, and I saw P'Jom looking awkward, Kaew gaping, and P'Phop trying to suppress a smile.

 

"How much for the sweets?" P'Phop asked, turning to the vendor as I tried to figure out what I said wrong. She asked if I was living comfortably, and I said living together with P'Phop was comfortable. Wait.... Shit!

 

"Wait! That's not what I meant-"

 

"Others are waiting to buy khanom tom, too. Let's go," P'Phop briskly cut me off.

 

Phop dragged me away from the shop before I could correct the misunderstanding. The giggles of P'Jom and Kaew echoed along the path to the theatre, making me want to pull my hair out.

 

‘You must be out of your mind, Nakun. How could you forget that living together' can mean living like a married couple?!'

 

"I thought P'Klao was just staying in the same house as P'Phop. So, you're actually living together?"

 

"Enough, Kaew," I told the junior who'd been making fun of me the whole way. I sat on the mat, exhausted. Saying the wrong thing can really change your life. I hope that the vendor lady doesn't spread the rumour...

 

"Don't worry. She probably understands that you didn't mean it that way," P'Phop comforted me, handing me a wrapped khanom tom.

 

"Thanks..." I accepted the banana leaf package and was about to take a bite when I froze at his next words.

 

"But you didn't lie, did you? Because right now, we're really living together." His dark eyes reflected the lantern light around us, making them seem to sparkle more than usual. I avoided his gaze, feeling the air around us grow warmer.

 

"Phop, you're too much. Klao will overthink it again," P'Jom said, making me sigh in relief.

 

"Yes, stop teasing me. Let's eat dessert," I said.

 

"Alright," he agreed, but his eyes never left me. I cleared my throat and quickly put the dessert in my mouth, trying to ignore my heart's rapid beating. Has anyone ever told P'Phop that his gaze is incredibly flirtatious?

 

After finishing our desserts, we watched the performance for a while longer before P'Jom took Kaew back home. Seeing that it was late, P'Phop suggested we head back, too. But before we left, he invited me to build a sand pagoda together.

 

"There are still so many people here," I glanced around at the crowd still bringing sand into the temple. Normally, it'd be quiet at this hour, with only the sound of insects. But today was New Year's, so it was an exception.

 

"During the day, it's too hot. Most people prefer to bring sand into the temple at night," he explained while building the sand pile. We worked together to build a sand pagoda. Once finished, I decorated it with nearby flowers.

 

"Done." I stood up, brushing the sand off my hands and admiring our work with P'Phop standing beside me. It was a shame I didn't have a phone to take a picture.

 

'They say that making merit together ensures we'll meet again in the next life," he suddenly said. I glanced at him, seeing a faint smile on his lips.

 

"We've made merit together many times. So, we'll meet again in the next life, right?"

 

"...I don't think so," I replied after a moment of thought. If it were true, I'd have met P'Phop before. But I've never seen anyone like him in my era.

 

"Who knows? It might be true," he said as we walked towards the river. His sharp eyes turned to me. "Or do you not want to see me again?"

 

"I didn't say that. You said it yourself," I quickly countered as he seemed ready to play the victim. He chuckled, clasping his hands behind his back.

 

'Then I'll think you want to see me again."

 

"Think whatever you want," I said, too tired to argue. P'Phop fell silent for a moment before murmuring to himself more than to me. "It'd be nice to meet again."

 

There was no further conversation, only the soft sound of the cool night breeze. I looked up at the star-filled sky, letting my thoughts drift.

Yes, it'd be nice... to meet someone as kind as him again.'