Love Upon A Time.

It Is Our Promise.

The crowing of roosters mingled with the chirping of birds, pulling me out of my slumber. Slowly, I opened my eyes to find the room still dim, with only the flickering light from a lantern illuminating the surroundings. I tried to sit up, but today was different from other days. Something was draped over my waist, preventing me from getting up. As soon as I moved, that something tightened its grip, pulling me closer.

 

"Awake already?" A deep, slightly hoarse voice whispered in my ear, causing memories of last night to flood my mind like a rushing torrent. I tensed up slightly, my face heating up as I recalled the intimate night I'd just spent with P'Phop. We were both naked, covered only by a blanket. My lower body was still wet and sticky from taking his deep desires almost all night.

 

I blinked away the drowsiness, trying to gather my thoughts, but P'Phop distracted me by nuzzling my neck and shoulders. The rough stubble on his chin tickled me.

 

"P'Phop, get up. It's morning already."

 

"No need to rush." He murmured, planting kisses on my bare shoulder.

 

"Chuay will knock on the door soon."

 

"He already did while you were asleep. I didn't answer, so he won't dare to wake you again anytime soon."

 

His response surprised me. Normally, I'm quite sensitive to sounds, but today, I didn't hear the knocking at all. I must've been so exhausted that I slept deeply.

 

"Let's stay like this a bit longer."

 

His rough hand caressed my body under the blanket as if still reminiscent of last night's passion. I bit my lip, turning to look at the man behind me. As soon as I turned, his lips captured mine in a deep kiss. The kiss was a morning greeting, lingering for a while before P'Phop released me. He sat up, pulling me to rest against his chest. His large hand stroked my head while I buried my face in his chest, too shy to meet his eyes. Is this how it feels the morning after being intimate with your lover? I felt so embarrassed.

 

"Did I hurt you much last night?" He asked softly. I shook my head. It did hurt, being my first time and with little lubrication, but under the influence of desire, I could tell he was trying to be gentle. Though he wasn't as composed in bed as he usually was, P'Phop still cared about my feelings. What really puzzled me wasn't his roughness, but...

 

"P’Phop."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"You seemed very skilled last night." I narrowed my eyes at him. He'd claimed never to have been involved with anyone, yet he was as proficient as a Casanova last night.

 

"Really?" He asked with a mischievous smile.

 

"Yes, so skilled that I doubt your claim of never being involved with anyone." I wrinkled my nose at him. P’Phop chuckled, lifted my chin, and kissed my cheek.

 

"My wife is quite jealous."

 

"I'm not! Just curious." I turned away, my face burning. Just hearing him call me his wife made my intention to feign anger disappear, replaced by embarrassment.

 

"I wasn't lying. I've never been involved with anyone."

 

He reaffirmed, kissing my hand. I raised an eyebrow, looking at him sceptically.

 

"Tell me the truth. I won't be mad."

 

I spoke calmly. From what I'd heard, young men of this era often sought experience upon reaching puberty. So, it wouldn't be surprising if P'Phop had been with someone before.

 

"I'm telling the truth. You're my first."

 

"But... last night, why were you so..."

 

His sincere eyes confused me. He was clearly experienced, so how could he have no prior experience?

 

P'Phop's ears seemed to turn a darker shade under the dim lantern light. He cleared his throat, looking away. I leaned closer, staring at him intently. Finally, he sighed in defeat.

 

"I've never had experience, but I know the theory."

 

"Theory? From where?"

 

"There are many books on the subject, aren't there?"

 

He mumbled. I widened my eyes, barely holding back a smile as I noticed his dark skin turning red. So, Muun Phop, who seemed so collected, read erotic books, too? Who had the nerve to call my Mr Officer impotent?

 

"And what did you read? Man and woman, or man and man?"

 

"Both. I've read both."

 

He admitted awkwardly. Seeing his discomfort, I couldn't help but laugh. It was rare to see Mr Officer flustered, so I wanted to savour the moment. Besides, even if he'd been with someone before, it was in the past. I wasn't bothered by it. We should focus on the present.

 

"But books can't compare to the real thing."

He turned back, pinning me down on the bed again. His dark eyes sparkled under the lantern light.

 

"Last night felt amazing."

 

His nose trailed from my cheek to my neck, his rough hand squeezing my waist lightly, making me jump. I hastily pushed his shoulder.

 

"P'Phop!"

 

"How about one more round?"

 

"No! It's morning already. Ah! P'Phop, that tickles! Hahaha!" I squirmed, laughing as he playfully caressed me. P'Phop growled playfully, obviously enjoying himself. By the time we finally got up, opened the window, and dressed, the sky outside had turned from orange to clear blue.

 

It took a lot of effort to keep a straight face as I walked out of the bedroom with P'Phop. The first hurdle was Chuay and Khong sitting outside the room. They looked dumbstruck but quickly composed themselves. The other servants, however, all turned to look at us.

 

"I'll go bathe first," P'Phop told me before heading to his room to prepare for a bath, with Khong following closely. Chuay approached me.

 

"Mr Klao, would you like breakfast first or a bath?"

 

"I'll eat first," I replied calmly. Despite feeling uncomfortable, my hunger won out. Chuay nodded, glancing into the bedroom before hurriedly going to prepare breakfast. I looked at my bed, the sheets and blanket neatly arranged. There was no evidence of last night's events, but I doubted that Chuay had been fooled. We'd been showing more than brother-like affection in front of the servants for days. Walking out of the bedroom together, there was no other way to interpret it.

 

I looked down, sighing. This was just the first step in announcing our relationship. The real challenge would be facing Phraya and Aunt Prayong. I couldn't lose heart now.

 

After expending so much energy last night, I finished my breakfast before P'Phop returned from his bath. When he came back, I quickly went to bathe, cleansing away the remnants of last night. Then I returned to the house to dress and review my books in the study room, with P'Phop working nearby. My eyes were fixed on the last page of Klao's notebook. I couldn't understand why I was so fixated on it. Maybe because it'd been torn out roughly, unlike Klao's usual meticulousness. But I still couldn't figure out why he'd torn it out or where the missing page was.

 

"Klao, do you want to watch me practice sword fighting?"

 

In the late afternoon, after lunch, P'Phop, shirtless, wearing traditional Thai pants and holding two swords, walked out of the bedroom and invited me. Tired of reading, I agreed, going to watch him spar with the servants. Some servants hid their reactions well when they saw us enter the training ground together, while others looked curious or awkward. I sat on a bench beside the training ground, trying to ignore the stares and focus on the sword practice in front of me.

 

When the practice began, the sound of swords clashing and the enthusiastic cheers of the spectators quickly dispelled the initial strange atmosphere. Once again, I witnessed how skilled P'Phop was in combat. He wasn't just using the servants as practice dummies but also acting as a teacher, shouting instructions and imparting knowledge. P'Phop pressed his opponents so hard that they barely had a chance to defend themselves. One by one, the servants either ended up on the ground or retreated, raising their hands in surrender.

 

Besides being a police officer, he's also a sword instructor? My boyfriend is really cool. The initial phase was just a warm-up. As time passed, the atmosphere grew more lively. Now, P'Phop was sparring with Ming, the most skilled fighter among the servants. Their intense movements and the sharp sound of clashing swords made me bite my lip slightly. No matter how skilled P'Phop was, I couldn't help but worry. They were using real swords, and a slight miscalculation could draw blood.

 

"Hey!"

 

Before I could finish my thought, a shout echoed around. Ming's sword glanced off P'Phop's upper arm, grazing the skin and drawing a line of blood. jumped to my feet, my heart racing, but the two combatants didn't stop. They continued their duel as if nothing had happened.

 

Clang!

Moments later, one of Ming's swords was knocked to the ground, and Ming himself was forced to raise his remaining sword to block P'Phop's blade. But the other sword in P'Phop's other blade was already at Ming's throat, decisively ending the match. P'Phop lowered his sword and extended a hand to help his opponent up. Immediately, the servant bowed his head to the ground.

 

"Forgive me, Muun."

 

"It's nothing."

 

P'Phop indifferently glanced at the wound on his arm before reaching out to pull the young man to his feet.

 

"You've managed to make me bleed. Well done, you've improved a lot."

 

"T-thank you, sir."

 

Ming smiled nervously, bowing with a shaky voice. Seeing that P'Phop wasn't angry, he seemed to relax. P'Phop ordered Ming to pick up his sword, and they continued practising for a while longer before Mr Officer finally set his sword down and walked back to me.

 

"How was it? I'm skilled, aren't I?" he asked with a grin.

 

I glanced at the wound on his arm. Though it wasn't deep, the dried blood on the untreated wound still made me uneasy.

 

"Please, go treat your wound first," I said softly, handing him a cloth soaked in jasmine-scented water. P’Phop took the cloth to wipe his face and walked beside me back to the house. I glanced at his wound again, feeling a growing sense of unease.

 

"Why do you look like that? Is something bothering you?" His deep voice asked as we sat in the bedroom. I looked away from cleaning the dried blood around the wound and glanced at the room owner leaning against the headboard.

 

"You're hurt. How can I smile?"

 

"It's just a small wound, far from fatal."

 

The injured man smiled broadly, seemingly pleased that someone was worried about him. I lightly slapped his thick arm in annoyance. P'Phop winced, giving me a hurt look as I applied herbs to the wound. It was just a minor wound, but I couldn't shake the bad feeling I had about him getting hurt. Even though I never believed in omens before, I couldn't stop thinking about them now.

 

"Are you worried about me this much?" His deep voice came again as I finished bandaging his injury. I nodded, still unable to shake my unease.

 

P'Phop extended his uninjured arm, inviting me to come closer. I moved in, resting my head on his shoulder. In his embrace, my worries slowly faded away.

 

We sat there, leaning against each other in silence for a long while. P'Phop's hand gently stroked my shoulder, and his prominent nose brushed against my temple. I was almost drifting into sleep when I heard him speak again.

 

"The day after tomorrow, my parents will return. I'll tell them that we love each other and want to live together."

 

The seriousness of his words snapped me out of my drowsiness. I looked up at him, unable to hide the hesitation in my eyes. From what Phraya had told me, he'd already suspected and disapproved of our relationship. Initially, I thought it might be better to keep it a secret, but elders are wise. Sooner or later, the truth would come out.

 

"Don't worry. If my parents demand that we break up, I'll take you away."

 

His teasing words made me laugh softly. Whatever happens, happens. I'd decided to stay by P'Phop's side and wouldn't give up easily.

 

"But before that."

 

His words made me look at him in confusion. P'Phop moved away from me, walked to a wooden chest on the table beside the bed, and returned with something in his hand. When I saw what it was, I froze.

 

"That ring..."

 

"You like it, don't you?"

 

He took my left hand and looked at me, asking for permission, before gently slipping the ring onto my finger. I looked down at the intricately carved gold ring that I'd admired the first time we went to the market together. Now, it was in my hand.

 

"When did you buy it?"

 

"Since that day at the market. I saw you liked it and thought I'd give it to you as a gift someday. I didn't expect to use it as an engagement ring."

 

He pulled me into his arms again, his handsome face softening with a gentle smile.

 

"Keep it on your finger for now. I'll replace it on our wedding day with a more valuable one. And I promise, there will be no one else to make you sad. No matter how much time passes, I'll love only you."

 

"Thank you," I choked out, my voice trembling with emotion. Even though I knew P'Phop was serious about wanting to spend his life with me, I never thought he'd plan a wedding. It made me feel even more guilty. I feared that we mightn't have much time left together. I was truly afraid that one day, I might have to return to the present, leaving him alone...

 

"P'Phop."

 

"Yes?"

 

"If... if one day... we're not together, what would you do?" My worry made me blurt it out. His thick eyebrows raised slightly.

 

"Why wouldn't we be together?"

 

"I don't know. I was just thinking. But I'm curious: what would you do if that day came?" I forced a smile. His sharp, dark eyes stared at me as if trying to see into my soul before his lips moved.

 

I'd search for you. I'd search until I find you. I promise."

 

His firm voice and unwavering gaze made my eyes well up. I looked down, blinking back tears. P'Phop reached out to wipe the tears from the corners of my eyes.

 

"You're crying like a child."

 

"You're the one who made me sad first," I retorted, my voice trembling, which made him chuckle softly before kissing my temple.

 

"I meant every word."

 

"If you disappear, I'll find you. Even if you stop loving or forget about me one day, it doesn't matter. I'll still love you the same. I'll watch over you from afar. I wish to see you live happily."

 

"I won't stop loving you," I murmured, hugging his waist tightly. That day will never come. love him more and more each day, so much that it's hard to believe I've only known him for four months. It feels like I've loved this man my entire life...

 

"I feel the same."

 

He lifted my chin and kissed me softly. I kissed him back, closing my eyes and letting a tear roll down my cheek. If only time could stand still here forever. Even though I secretly wished for this peaceful moment to last forever, it was impossible. 

 

Two days later, Phraya and his wife returned from their visit to Lavo, bringing back many gifts, including dried goods, liquor, and jewellery. Even the senior servants received small trinkets. As for me, Phraya gave me a gold belt buckle set with gems, telling me to keep it for when I entered government service. I looked at the intricately designed jewellery in my hand, feeling a lump in my throat. Phraya and Aunt Prayong were so kind to me, but I was about to disappoint them. I couldn't imagine how they'd react when P'Phop told them about us. Would they still see me as part of the family?

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"While your mother and I were away, was everything peaceful here? The servants didn't cause any trouble, did they?"

 

Phraya asked P'Phop as he sipped tea in the pavilion after dinner, with his wife fanning herself beside him. It was early evening, and the stars twinkled in the sky. The late summer breeze carried a hint of moisture, making it pleasantly cool. The atmosphere was very relaxing.

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"It's good that there's no trouble. One day, when I pass away, you'll have to take over the household. Seeing how the servants respect and obey you, I feel relieved."

 

Phraya spoke while turning to order the servant beside him to pour tea. His sharp eyes, similar to his son's, glanced at me briefly. My heart pounded, sensing that something was about to involve me in an unusual way.

 

"When your mother and I travelled to Lavo, we were asked many times when our son would settle down. What do you say, Phop? Haven't you found a lady you fancy yet?"

 

"Yes, Father, I've thought about getting married."

 

The deep voice answered his father, who paused, his hand holding the teacup, and raised an eyebrow at his son.

 

"Really, Phop? Which family's daughter is it?"

Aunt Prayong asked excitedly. Phop glanced at me sitting beside him before his large hand reached out to grasp mine tightly. Then he turned to answer his parents.

 

"It's not a lady from any family, Mother. It's the person sitting next to me now. Klao and I love each other. I want to settle down and live my life with him."

 

As soon as those words were spoken, it felt like time froze. No one moved. Khun Ying Prayong's eyes widened, seemingly in shock, while Phraya's face turned stern.

 

"Phop, do you realise what you just said?"

 

"I'm fully aware, Father."

 

"If you are aware, why would you say such a thing?"

 

The authoritative tone made my throat dry. From Phraya's eyes, it was clear that he knew about my relationship with Phop and that it wouldn't be accepted.

 

"I've noticed something between you two, but I didn't say anything, hoping you'd understand the propriety, Phop. I didn't think you'd be so blinded to see wrong as right."

 

"How is it wrong, Father? How is it wrong to love someone?"

 

"It's wrong because the person you love is a man!"

 

The shout made me flinch. The servants immediately scattered. I looked down at the floor, unable to face Aunt and Phraya's disappointed and stern expressions. Phraya slammed his cane on the ground, glaring at Phop and me with rage:

 

"How can a man and a man be together? Won't it be gossiped about throughout the city? Do you know that people are already talking about Phraya Pichaipakdee's son having an affair with a man, and that man is the son of a convict? I am already ashamed enough. How dare you say you desire to marry Klao!?"

 

"I don't care about gossip, Father. I don't think loving someone is wrong or brings shame. Klao and I genuinely love each other. Please allow us to be together."

 

"Phop!"

 

Phraya Pichaipakdee shouted, staring at Phop's hand holding mine. Seeing the ring on my left ring finger, his anger intensified.

 

"You even exchanged rings, huh?" Phraya's voice trembled with fury as he looked at my lover.

 

"You acted without considering your parents. Have you gone mad to think of being with a man? Don't you want to have children? Do you want our family line to end with you!?"

 

"You have many other sons, Father. They're growing up and determined not to disappoint you. Our family line will not end with me."

 

Phop retorted. Aunt Prayong placed her hand over her chest, as if she might faint. Phraya's hand holding the cane shook as if ready to strike at any moment.

 

"I'm not mad, Father. I apologise if I disappointed you and Mother, but if it's not Klao, I won't settle down with anyone for the rest of my life."

 

Phop's voice was calm but firm. My sweaty hand trembled, but his rough hand holding mine tightened as if to emphasise that he'd never let go. Father and son stared at each other for a long moment before Phraya grunted and stormed back into the room, with Khun Ying Prayong following closely.

 

"P'Phop..." I whispered, my heart sinking. Though I expected it wouldn't be easy, seeing Phraya's anger made me feel guilty. He'd taken care of me like his own son, only to face this situation.

 

"I know my parents well. As long as we stand firm, they'll eventually see our sincerity and understand."

 

Phop put his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. I nodded against his broad chest, taking a deep breath to gather my courage. Loving someone isn't wrong, but society's values at this time see same-sex love as abnormal. They view what they don't understand as wrong. Besides, not only am I a man, but my reputation is also not good. Phraya and Khun Ying naturally worry about their son being criticised. So, I don't blame them. But if you ask if I'm sad, I am.

 

"Let's wait a few days for them to calm down, and then I'll go talk to them again. I'll handle it. Don't worry."

 

"Let me go with you. I'll go with you." I looked up and squeezed his hand lightly. The tension in his dark eyes softened slightly, giving way to gentleness.

 

"Then we'll go together."

 

P'Phop smiled faintly. I beamed back, still feeling anxious. Our relationship had just begun, but the obstacles seemed endless.

 

My relationship with Phop became a source of tension within the family. Phraya wouldn't look at or speak to P'Phop or me. And for P'Phop, after confessing, he openly showed his affection for me, taking care of me as a lover. I felt tense, unsure whether to go along with P'Phop or respect the elders' presence. Phraya had taken me in so that he could throw me out anytime. It felt like a cold war between father and son. Aunt Prayong seemed conflicted, her eyes showing sympathy, disappointment, and perplexity.

 

"I'm going to work now, Mother."

 

Phop paid his respectful wai to his mother one morning after Phraya had stomped down the stairs. His sharp eyes glanced at me, standing nearby, and he smiled gently.

 

"I'll be back soon."

 

"Alright," I forced a smile, watching P'Phop leave. The atmosphere became awkwardly silent with just Aunt Prayong and me. I quickly spoke up."I'll go read now."

 

I was about to walk away as usual, but today was different when I heard a calm voice. "Klao, can you come talk to me in the prayer room for a moment?"

 

"Yes..." I agreed, having no choice, and followed her inside. Once inside, she closed the door, lit incense, and handed some to me. I clasped my hands, looking up at the Buddha statue, praying for everything to go well. After placing the incense, Aunt Prayong's voice broke the silence.

 

"Klao, you know what I want to talk about."

 

"Yes," I replied, meeting her uneasy gaze. I expected her reaction to be severe, like when P'Phop refused to get engaged to Wanna. But lately, she'd just avoided talking to me, not showing anger. Clearly, she adored and cared for Klao... and perhaps for me, too, making it hard for her to stay angry.

 

"Your relationship with Phop isn't something great."

 

The middle-aged woman sighed heavily. Just the first sentence made my chest tighten. I looked down, waiting for her to continue.

 

"You haven't left the house for days, so you mightn't know that people are gossiping about this. It's bad for Phop's career or yours. That's why Phraya is so angry. He wants both of you to have a good future. It's not that we despise you, Klao. If you were a woman, we wouldn't object at all. We'd even throw a grand wedding. But Phop is our eldest son. We expect him to carry on the family name, which he can't do with you, can he?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Understand us, Klao. We don't want to see our children criticised. We want you to grow in your careers and have families and children rather than suffer from gossip all your lives."

 

"Phop is a very determined man. He probably will never give up on his intentions. That's why I'm here to ask you, Klao, to help persuade him to let go of his feelings for you."

 

"I can't be with P'Phop simply because I'm.. not a woman, right?" It took me a long time to gather my words and ask back. Khun Ying Prayong remained silent and didn't respond. So, I asked again.

 

"Just because we are both men, no matter how deeply we love each other, we are still scorned. Even though it's a personal matter that doesn't affect anyone else, it still isn't accepted, is it?"

 

"Because no man does this, child." Aunt Prayong reached out and held my hand tightly.

 

"You should know best how cruel people's words can be. If you love him, why would you want him to face such things?"

 

"I never wanted P'Phop to be gossiped about, Aunt. And there shouldn't be any gossip at all in the first place, should there?" I replied firmly, staring deeply into the eyes of my conversation partner. "How are men and women different? We're all human. Why does society see it as outrageous, just two humans loving each other? Just because it's not common, does that make it wrong?"

 

"Klao..."

 

"P'Phop and I truly love each other," I said, my voice trembling. "We know what will happen. We know others mightn't understand, but we've decided to face everything together. I really love him, Aunt Prayong. Please don't make me.. leave him."

 

There was no response from Khun Ying Prayong, only a long sigh. Her hands, showing signs of age, squeezed mine gently before she stood up and walked out of the prayer room without saying anything. Aunt Prayong mightn't have shown strong opposition, but I didn't think she'd easily agree. Phraya was even more difficult. At worst, P'Phop and I might be separated

 

I turned to look at the altar and raised my hands in prayer once more, hoping with all my heart that the negative thoughts wouldn't come true. Several days later, P'Phop still tried to take me to talk to his parents, which wasn't easy. Phraya didn't allow us to meet and pressured us to break up. Aunt Prayong also came to talk to me, asking me to give in from time to time. I tried to explain my reasons to her, trying to make her understand, until she started to soften.

 

"You're back, dear?" Aunt Prayong's voice greeted her husband in the late afternoon as she strung garlands to offer to the monks the next day. It was the first day I returned to my duty of massaging her after a week of awkwardness. She started talking to me normally, seeming to accept it somewhat, but Phraya still stared at me with a stern face.

 

"Klao, follow me to the study room."

 

The master of the house spoke curtly. I turned to look at Aunt Prayong, who squeezed my hand gently and nodded for me to follow. With a bit of anxiety, I headed to the study room.

 

"What do you want to discuss, Uncle?" I asked, even though I already knew. Phraya sat down heavily on the bench, his eyes, once full of kindness, now filled with worry and anger.

 

"In three months, I'll send you to serve in Lavo."

 

I bit my lip, my heart sinking. I'd expected that the ultimate measure of separating us would be used, but hearing it still bemused me.

 

"Is it because of my relationship with P'Phop?"

 

"Yes." Phraya sighed heavily, his face looking much older.

 

"Don't think I'm heartless, but I don't agree with your relationship, and you understand why."

 

"...”

 

"You have your reasons, and I have mine. Elders who have more experience know what to do. Today, you may be rebellious and furious, but when you grow older, you'll understand why I do this."

 

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle, but I... I can't accept it," I tried to keep my voice steady as I replied, forcing myself to meet his gaze.

 

"My future is mine, and P’Phop and I have decided. Please, Uncle, have mercy on us."

 

"You don't understand." Phraya sighed heavily again, gripping his cane tightly, veins bulging.

 

"Love alone won't help you overcome everything. One day, love fades, but social status, reputation, and career remain. They're very important. I'm doing everything to protect you. Why are you still so stubborn?"

His voice grew harsher.

 

I was about to respond when the door, which wasn't locked, swung open. I turned to see my lover stepping into the room, with Khun Ying Prayong standing behind him.

 

"Father."

 

"Where's your manners? Who told you you could come in?"

 

Phraya raised his voice at his son. P'Phop ignored him, rushing to kneel beside me, grabbing my hand tightly.

 

"Father, please don't separate us."

 

"It's because of your behaviour! What choice do I have?"

 

Phraya slammed his cane on the floor loudly. I flinched, but P’Phop didn't even blink. He continued calmly.

 

"Separating us won't make me stop loving him. No matter how far you separate us, I won't marry anyone else. I won't love anyone else for the rest of my life."

 

"For love, you might be willing to sacrifice your career, accept being looked down upon. You can accept it, but how can your parents bear to see others scorn their child? A parent's duty is to protect their child. If I don't do that, what should I do?"

 

Phraya's quivering voice made my eyes well up with tears. Everything he said was true. What parent could bear to see their child gossiped about and scorned? Uncle and Aunt opposed us out of love and concern, but it also caused us pain.

 

"This is my life," P'Phop said, glancing at me and intertwining his fingers with mine, holding tightly in front of his parents.

 

"My happiness is Klao. In this life, I don't need anything more. I beg you, Father and Mother, let me live the life I choose. Whatever comes, good or bad, I'll gladly accept it all."

 

"Father, I really love him."

 

He emphasised again. The room fell silent. Phraya clenched his jaw, looking back and forth between us before speaking curtly.

 

"You've grown so much that you no longer listen to your father. So, live your life as you wish. I won't interfere with you anymore."

 

Phraya stood up and walked away heavily with his wife. Once out of sight, I exhaled deeply, turning to my side.

 

"P'Phop..."

 

My shoulders slumped with sadness, but I was surprised to see P'Phop smiling.

 

"Father has softened towards us," he said to my bewildered self.

 

"He may not fully accept it yet, but he won't try to separate us anymore. From now on, let's prove to them that we are truly committed to each other."

 

"Yes." I tentatively smiled, feeling relieved by his assurance. P'Phop pulled me into a hug, and I hugged him back tightly. The road ahead is still long, but I hope I can walk it hand in hand with P'Phop until the end, praying that nothing will cause us pain again.