Love Upon A Time.

The Distress Resolved.

The sky after the rain is always clear,' I once heard my mother say. As a child, I always thought it was just a comforting phrase for when life hit a rough patch. But as I grew older and went through various experiences, I found that it mightn't just be a comforting phrase. After overcoming problems, the worries and anxieties in my mind would fade away, just like a cloudless sky after the rain.

 

"Mr Klao, would you like some sweets? We have coconut balls today."

 

One afternoon at the end of the rainy season, Chuay, my personal servant, asked me as I sat gazing at the canal in front of me, lost in thought. Even though it was the rainy season, the sky today was clear, with not a single cloud. The sun shone brightly, mirroring my current feelings.

 

"I'll have some," I replied after a moment of consideration. Chuay acknowledged and quickly ran to get the sweets. Meanwhile, I turned my gaze back to the endless stretch of water. Beside me was a clean cloth and a bowl of water with floating jasmine flowers, ready to wipe the face of someone returning from work.

 

It'd been two months since P'Phop told our parents about our relationship. These two months were eventful. Although Phraya had relented and didn't send me to Lavo as P'Phop requested, he still showed his disapproval of us living together. He thought we were just infatuated due to teenage hormones. But we didn't give up and tried to show the elders that our love was more than just a fleeting passion. P'Phop constantly tried to explain and persuade his parents to open their minds, while I tried to approach Phraya and his wife, behaving obediently. After about a month, it seemed that Phraya gradually accepted us more.

 

Though he didn't say it outright, he no longer looked at us with displeasure. I guessed that his wife might've helped persuade him, possibly because P'Phop asked her to, and she loved her only son dearly. No matter how upset the parents might've been, they ultimately prioritised their child's happiness. One could say that the obstacle of parental disapproval was gone. 

 

However, there were still rumours about P’Phop and me. Even though the people in Phraya Pichaipakdee's household didn't say anything when asked, silence was an answer in itself. Now, the whole city was abuzz with rumours, but P’Phop and I didn't care and lived our lives as usual.

 

Klao's image wasn't great to begin with, so I didn't care how people saw me. However, I was more concerned that our relationship might affect P'Phop's reputation and career. Fortunately, Phraya held a high position in the city administration, respected and feared by many. Moreover, P'Phop had never been involved in any scandals. He was diligent and always had outstanding work. So, even if people gossiped, they held back a bit. His sexual orientation didn't affect his work, so P'Phop wasn't pressured. As for his image, he told me he didn't care how people saw him. He was delighted to be with me.

 

As I looked out at the water, I saw a rowing boat slowly approaching. I squinted and immediately smiled when I saw the person in the boat. If there was no urgent work, P'Phop would come straight home after work. And if I wasn't out or called by his mother for a massage, I'd sit and wait for him at the pier every day.

 

"Mr Klao, the sweets are here."

 

Chuay brought a tray with a teapot and a plate of steamed sweets. I popped one into my mouth while glancing back at P'Phop's boat.

 

"Oh, Muun is back."

 

The young servant remarked, glancing at me with a smile. I glared at Chuay, who instantly ran away before I could hit him. Nowadays, this kid wasn't afraid of me anymore, teasing and mocking me whenever he could. But I preferred Chuay to be like this rather than being overly respectful. After all, Chuay had always taken care of me, and I treated him like a younger brother.

 

The small boat came closer, and I waved at my lover, who waved back. The past two months have only strengthened our bond. Initially, we often argued, but after becoming a couple, we never fought again. When we disagreed, we quickly talked it out. He was always by my side, attentive and caring, never making me feel lonely. Now, just a few hours of him being at work made me feel lonely. P'Phop had made me so attached to him that it was a bad habit. I realised I couldn't live without P'Phop anymore. The thought of returning to the present time no longer existed. I still missed my family and the life I left behind, but I loved P'Phop too much to leave him and live without him.

 

Perhaps fate had destined me to meet and love this person. The only regret I had was not having the chance to say goodbye to my family. But even though I didn't plan to return, I hadn't stopped searching for clues about Klao. I could've let it go and lived as Klao for the rest of my life. After all, those events were in the past. But I felt a lingering obligation that I couldn't ignore.

 

I still dreamed about Klao's life, from childhood to adolescence, and even after returning from Phichit. I knew every phase of his life, which only fueled my determination to uncover the reason for Klao's disappearance and clear his family's name, even though I didn't know what I'd do if the real Klao ever returned. But never mind, since it hasn't happened yet, there's no need to worry in advance. I should focus on enjoying this present, shouldn't I?

 

"How was your day? Was the work hard?" I greeted as P'Phop's boat docked, handing him a damp cloth to wipe his sweat as he stepped onto the pavilion."Quite, but seeing your face makes all the fatigue disappear."

 

P'Phop replied, but instead of taking the cloth to wipe his face, he grabbed my hand that held the fabric and pressed it to his cheek.

 

"What is it? What's wrong?"

 

"Please wipe my face for me."

 

His pleading eyes made me laugh, and I couldn't resist his charm, so I willingly wiped his sweat. As P'Phop said, he'd been quite busy lately, helping with the investigation of the robbery two months ago.

 

Phraya had ordered P'Phop to assist Muun Han after the case had stalled for a while. Over the past month, P'Phop had been coming home late, but today, he managed to return on time for dinner.

 

"And you? Where were you out playing today?"

 

"I stayed home studying all day. I have to start my service next month, so I can't waste time wandering around. Besides, I never go out to play. I just go out for a walk." I pouted at the taller man. Even as a couple, P'Phop still enjoyed teasing me, seemingly happy to see me sulk.

 

"If you say so, I'll believe you."

 

He leaned in as if to kiss my cheek. I widened my eyes and quickly pushed his shoulder, glancing at Khong, who was supposed to be tying the boat. But it turned out that P'Phop's servant had already left. These guys... they know the drill.

 

Smooch!

"There's no one around, or even if there were, I'd still kiss you."

 

His strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close as he whispered in my ear. His sharp eyes sparkled mischievously. P'Phop had long stopped caring about others' opinions. He liked to show his affection for me openly, while I still wasn't used to it. Besides...I'm embarrassed, you know! Stop staring at me like that!

 

"Let... let's get to the house and go take a bath already!" I stammered, pulling away from his embrace. P'Phop laughed heartily, releasing me but still looking at me with a playful glint in his eyes.

 

"Don't lock the door tonight." He whispered, making my face flush even more.

 

Over the past two months, P'Phop had often sneaked into my room late at night. Initially, he didn't hide it; he just walked into my room openly. But when his mother found out he was sleeping in my room, she reprimanded him, saying it was improper. Perhaps she didn't know the truth that P'Phop and I... well, had been improper for a long time.

 

She probably thought that being alone together in a room before marriage was against tradition, even though we were both men. She insisted we sleep in separate rooms, but her son didn't care. Like today, he was planning to sneak into my room again, as he did yesterday and the day before.

 

"You might get scolded by your mother," I warned half-heartedly.

 

"She won't catch me. I miss you and want to hold you. Let me sleep in your room."

 

His deep voice was filled with clear affection as he followed me. I pressed my lips together to hide my shyness, quickly heading up to the house without agreeing or rejecting. Come if you must. Just don't let Aunt Prayong catch you. The evening meal, with P'Phop sitting beside me, made the food on my plate taste better than usual.

 

"Klao."

 

A deep voice called out as I was cleaning the rice stuck to my fingers. When I turned to look, I saw a peeled rambutan held up to my mouth. Before this, I would've taken it and eaten it myself, but now I could open my mouth and let him feed me in front of everyone in the house without feeling awkward.

 

"Is it sweet?"

 

"Mm," I mumbled, chewing the sweet fruit with delight. Over the past two months, our closeness had become so normal that no one in the house looked at us strangely anymore when P'Phop fed me food or sweets. Phraya would glance over occasionally but never said anything to stop it. Aunt Prayong, seeing me munching on the rambutan, ordered Aunty Muan, the head of the kitchen, to prepare more.

 

"P'Phop, that's enough. I'm full," I said after eating my fourth rambutan. My stomach was already full from both the main course and dessert.

 

"Won't you have a bit more? You seem to have lost weight."

 

"I can't eat anymore," I shook my head. P'Phop looked at the plate of rambutan as if he wanted to feed me another while I glanced down at my body. Lost weight? I felt like I'd gained weight. P'Phop always encouraged me to eat a lot, buy sweets whenever he went out, and bring them back to the house. I was starting to suspect he was trying to fatten me.

 

"Phop, any progress today?"

 

Phraya's voice drew Mr Officer's attention away from the rambutan to meet his father's gaze.

 

"As for the patrol robbery case, we haven't caught the culprits yet. However, it's clear that Jong and Sang, who were on duty that day, took bribes from the opium traders. Sang deliberately recorded a lower amount of seized opium than there actually was. As for Jong, we found evidence of hidden opium at his house. We suspect they allowed the thieves to steal the opium, but a conflict of interest led to them being severely injured."

 

"Good, at least we have clarity on one matter. Once they regain consciousness, interrogate them. In the meantime, send guards to protect them so they aren't silenced."

 

"I've already sent men to guard them, but Father..."

 

At this point, P'Phop's expression grew more grave.

 

"I've heard from the soldiers that there's movement from Sam Khok, indicating another large shipment of opium soon."

 

"I've heard the same." Phraya clenched his fists, his eyes filled with anger.

 

"These people have no fear of the law. I've ordered Ok-phra Suntrapinit to have people monitor the opium routes. This time, we must intercept it."

 

"I've discovered that the middleman this time is the brother of Ying, who was previously arrested. He's also an associate of Cherd."

 

"Cherd again!?" Phraya slammed his fist down. P'Phop nodded.

 

"Yes, it's impossible that Cherd doesn't know about this. However, we still lack evidence to incriminate him. He's been especially cautious lately, knowing he's being watched."

 

"Keep an eye on him. When the shipment date arrives, there will be movement. We'll catch him red-handed."

 

Phraya ordered, and P'Phop acknowledged. I lowered my eyes, deep in thought. Of course, Cherd was involved. I still remember him mentioning 'him' in my dream. But my testimony alone wasn't enough evidence. Even the police couldn't find proof. How could I?

 

"Klao."

 

P'Phop's deep voice softly called my name, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked up to find only P'Phop and me were left in the pavilion.

 

"Yes?"

"What are you thinking about, sitting there lost in thought?"

 

He reached out to pinch my cheek. I hesitated before speaking. "I was thinking about Cherd."

 

"Has he been bothering you again?" P'Phop's voice grew stern immediately.

 

"No, it's an old matter. I just remembered that once, when I was drinking at Pak Khlong Market, I overheard Cherd talking about my father and mentioning the master." I decided to tell P'Phop about my dream. After listening, Mr Officer fell silent.

 

"I already knew he worked for someone powerful, but I still can't figure out who," P'Phop spoke slowly, his sharp eyes showing deep concern.

 

"Have you heard anything else?"

 

"...That's all I remember," I said with a sigh. I learned things through dreams, which didn't cover everything.

 

The real Klao must've known more and could've helped P'Phop, but here I was, clueless and thrust into this investigation.

 

"From now on, don't go to Pak Khlong Market. The situation is too dangerous. If Cherd finds out you know something, he'll surely try to harm you."

 

P'Phop warned seriously. I nodded, secretly crossing my fingers. I'll try not to get into trouble, but I might have to break my promise to him if it's unavoidable. That night, even with P'Phop holding me, I struggled to fall asleep. And when I did, it wasn't a peaceful rest, as I found myself dreaming again.

 

Thud! Splash!

Something hit me hard, and icy coldness washed over me, making my body shiver. I struggled to open my eyes, feeling one of them swollen shut. My entire body ached. Even breathing was painful.

 

"Finally awake. I thought you were dead."

 

The familiar, cruel voice above me made me open my eyes. The first thing I saw was a floor covered in straw, stained with dried blood, likely mine. I was lying on the ground, hands and feet bound, my body bruised and battered as if I'd been severely beaten. I had no strength to sit up.

 

"You..."

 

I could barely speak, my throat dry as sand. Suddenly, my collar was yanked, and I was hauled up to lean against the hut's wall like a ragged doll. When I looked up at the person who'd grabbed me, I saw a face I knew well…….Cherd.

 

"Beaten this badly and still have the strength to talk? You're tougher than your father." He sneered, looking at me with a mix of satisfaction and madness. I glanced around. It seemed I was in a hut and could hear movement outside. If there were people, they should hear me, or maybe they did and didn't care. Klao's memories told me this was an abandoned hut far from prying eyes. The people outside were Cherd's men, guarding the hut to prevent my escape.

 

I stared at the man before me, rage boiling in my chest. I wanted to punch, kick, stab, and kill him to avenge my father. But I had no strength to move, only a clear mind filled with deep-seated anger.

 

"If you hadn't meddled, I wouldn't have bothered with you."

 

Cherd stepped closer, gripping my chin tightly, his smile twisted.

 

"But you know too much, and 'he' is displeased. He ordered me to send you to join your father in hell. Lucky for me, you came to me, saving me the trouble of dragging you here."

 

"I'll drag you and your kind to hell with me!"I spat at him, shouting with what little strength I'd left. His heavy fist struck my face, blood pouring from my nose.

 

"Is that so? But it'll be a long time before it's our turn. You'll go first!"

 

He kicked me hard in the stomach, making me collapse, gasping for breath. The pain was excruciating. Cherd crouched down, examining me before patting my shoulder heavily.

 

"But if you don't want to meet your father so soon, there's a way out. He is merciful enough to send me to tell you this. "

 

"..."

"Your father's reputation is already tarnished. Why not make it true?" Cherd whispered, his smile cruel.

 

"Join us, be the master's informant. Opium trading is profitable. You'll be well off soon. And if you bring news about your guardians and your dear Muun to the master, he might reward you even more."

 

"Justice and karma don't exist. You know that. If you're smart, you'll agree, and I'll spare your life."

 

"Never!" Though the voice was weak from a body nearing its limit, the hatred in the eyes was intense. I wasn't sure who his master was, but he'd destroyed my family and would harm Phraya and P'Phop. I'd never be his tool. I'd never let them succeed. I'd never let them hurt P'Phop.

 

"A fool remains a fool, day in and day out."

 

Cherd sighed dramatically as he stood up. But before he could lay another hand on me, footsteps echoed outside the hut. Cherd turned to look and then walked out to investigate. He returned shortly, but this time he wasn't alone.

 

"What did he say?"

 

The man's deep voice sounded oddly familiar. From my angle, I could only see his woven leather shoes and the hem of his expensive-looking clothes. I tried to lift my head to see his face, but my battered body wouldn't cooperate.

 

"He refused."

 

"I expected as much."

 

The man replied nonchalantly, stepping closer to kick me onto my back. I squinted up, but the bright sunlight streaming through the hut's window blurred my vision.

 

"You leave me no choice."

 

His calm voice suddenly turned chillingly cold. I heard the sound of a sword being drawn, its blade gleaming in the sunlight...

 

Gasp!

I jolted awake, eyes wide open, breathing heavily. The room was dim, devoid of sunlight, but I could still make out my surroundings from the faint glow of a lit lantern. This was undoubtedly my bedroom in Phraya Pichaipakdee's house, confirming that what I'd just experienced was a dream. Even though I was awake, my body trembled uncontrollably.

 

"Klao."

 

P'Phop, who was lying next to me, opened his eyes as soon as I moved.

 

"P'Phop!" I shivered, throwing myself into his arms, drenched in sweat. The dream had been so vivid it felt like I'd just lived through it. My body still remembered the pain.

 

"What's wrong? A nightmare?"

 

His rough hand stroked my head, pulling me into a tight embrace. The steady rhythm of P'Phop's heartbeat calmed my fears.

 

"Yes."

 

"It was just a dream. You're fine. I'm right here."

 

His lips pressed a comforting kiss on my forehead as he whispered soothingly. I nodded, burying my face in his chest, feeling a bit more at ease in his arms. But the images from the dream still lingered in my mind.

 

For hours afterwards, I couldn't fall back asleep. P'Phop stayed with me until he thought I'd fallen asleep, and then he went back to his room before dawn to avoid getting rebuked by his mother. Without him, my mind kept drifting back to the dream until the new day arrived.

 

I got up from bed, feeling a bit dizzy. Looking in the mirror, I saw my face was in terrible shape, with dark circles under my eyes. Even Chuay, who came into my room, asked if I was sick. I shook my head and sighed as I grabbed a cloth to change and prepare for a bath, all the while lost in thought.

 

What was that last night? Was it just because I talked to P'Phop about Cherd before bed and ended up dreaming about it? But my instincts told me it wasn't just a dream. It was something that actually happened. Klao must've been investigating Cherd and got caught, leading to him being beaten and about to be killed.

 

I paused with the water dipper in my hand, my body trembling slightly again, not from the cold water but from the sound of the sword being drawn still echoing in my ears. Someone had entered the hut at the end, but I couldn't see his face. His voice was familiar, though. It felt like either Klao or I'd heard it before, and deep down, I felt Klao had already guessed who it was.

 

The dream reinforced my worst fears. Klao's condition in the dream was dire. No matter how strong his spirit, his body was severely battered. Before I woke up, I saw the sword again. I feared Klao's disappearance; the reason we couldn't find him might be because Klao was...

 

"Where will Mr Klao be going today?" Chuay's voice brought me back to reality.

 

"I'm going to visit Kaew," I replied, having planned to visit my junior since yesterday. My mind was foggy with exhaustion as I washed up. I quickly dressed and joined the others for breakfast, my thoughts still piecing together the events. P'Phop noticed my distraction and asked if something was wrong. The fatigue from lack of sleep made it hard to think, so I decided to set the matter aside for now. 

 

Once P'Phop left for work, I took the boat out and rowed to Kaew's house. I could row the boat myself now, so I no longer needed to bother Chuay. Even though he insisted on coming along, I declined, wanting him to spend time with his family. He'd taken care of me so much; I wanted him to have time for himself.

 

As I neared my destination, I saw Kaew sitting on the dock, dipping his feet in the water. I called out to him, and his face lit up with a smile when he saw me.

 

"Oh, P'Klao! Chuay didn't come with you today? Where are you headed?"

 

"I'm here to visit you and bring some sweets," I said as I rowed to the dock, handing him a large tiffin filled with treats. Kaew took it with a smile and invited me to sit in the garden pavilion.

 

"How have you been? Doing well?" I asked as he munched on the sweets.

 

"I'm fine, but not as good as you, P'Klao. I heard your relationship with P'Phop is going great." He gave me a teasing look, making my face flush.

 

"How did you know?" I asked, trying to hide my embarrassment by eating a snack.

 

"The servants from Phraya's house gossiped with ours. I was shocked at first. I always thought there was something odd about the way you two looked at each other. It turns out it's more than just a brotherly relationship."

 

Kaew spoke animatedly, pretending to be pouting that I hadn't told him. I played dumb.

 

"Tell me, how did you two end up together?"

 

"I came to ask how you've been, and how come it's you who's questioning me?"

 

"It doesn't matter who's questioning who. Tell me. I was really hurt to hear it from someone else. I thought we were friends."

 

Kaew pouted, and I had no choice but to confess that I liked P'Phop even before he was almost betrothed to Wanna. I recounted our arguments and how he revealed our relationship to Phraya and Aunt. Kaew listened intently and smiled widely when I finished.

 

"That's so like P'Phop. He's always steadfast and honest. He's a good man. I'm really happy for you, P'Klao."

 

Kaew squeezed my hand, beaming as if it were his own story.

 

"Ah, I'm so jealous."

 

"We've talked enough about me. What about you?" I asked, thinking of P'Jom, whom I hadn't seen much of lately. P'Phop said many patients kept P'Jom busy. When I asked the question, Kaew's cheerful face turned sombre.

 

"I'm just the same. I haven't been going out much, just studying all day."

 

"Why are you studying so much?" I asked. Kaew was silent for a moment before sighing deeply.

 

"P’Klao, soon I'll be leaving the city."

 

"Where are you going?" I was stunned. Kaew reminded me so much of Pun that I felt a strong bond with him. Hearing this made me feel a pang of sorrow.

 

"I'm going to stay with my father's relatives in Pak Nam Pho. When I'm of age, I'll enter government service there."

 

"Did Ok-phra send you?"

 

"No, I asked my father to send me." Kaew forced a smile, looking away from me to the sweets with a hollow gaze.

 

"I feel suffocated here, P'Klao. It's been months, and I still can't get over P'Jom. I thought if I left, went far away, and didn't hear about him anymore, maybe I could move on."

 

"Are you sure?" I asked. Kaew nodded firmly. I could only wish him well and respect his decision.

 

We chatted about various things for a while longer. Just as I was about to leave, I heard hurried footsteps approaching. I turned to see P'Jom running towards us, looking worried.

 

"Kaew." He called out to the young man who owned the house, pausing slightly when he saw me sitting next to him. I scrutinised the person who looked exactly like my friend in every detail. It seemed like P'Jom was anxious about something, as he'd run over so fast that he was drenched in sweat.

 

"P'Jom.. are you here to see me?" Kaew also paused for a long time before speaking, and the atmosphere suddenly became awkward. Judging by their looks, they seemed to have much to discuss.

 

"Kaew, I'll take my leave now. I'll visit again another day. P'Jom, I'll be going now," I said, excusing myself and swiftly removing myself from the tense situation. As I walked back to the pier, I turned around to see the two of them still standing there, staring at each other without moving.

 

Well, it's their business. Let's not be nosy. They probably have something to clear up. I just hope they can come to an understanding. Even if they don't end up as lovers, it'd be good if they could go back to being friends like before.

 

The sun was directly overhead when I rowed away from Kaew's house. I stopped by Pak Khlong Market, intending to ask about Cherd from Pim, the star of the prostitute house. She greeted me with her usual gentle smile, but I noticed a hint of worry in her eyes.

 

"How have you been? Are you well these days?" I started the conversation with a basic question as I sat down in a chair in the brothel's hall. Pim poured tea from a pot into a cup, slid it over to me, and replied.

 

"I'm well, Mr Klao. And you? I heard from the villagers that you're... um... getting close to Muun Phop?"

 

"Mmn," I responded with a sound in my throat, not bothering to deny it. Pim's eyes flashed with disdain for a moment, though she quickly masked it with a smile. I was taken aback by her attitude.

 

"In that case, Mr Klao shouldn't be here. If anyone sees, they'll gossip for no reason."

 

"Isn't it true that I'm already gossiped about? People don't look at me favourably anyway." I stared at Pim as if to hint at who those people might be. "Besides...I consider you a friend. Visiting a friend isn't wrong."

 

"A friend, you say? What an honour for me."

 

My conversation partner laughed lightly before quickly changing the subject. Over the past few months, I'd genuinely seen Pim as a friend. But judging by the way she looked at me when I mentioned I was together with P'Phop, it seemed she mightn't feel the same way.

 

"What has Cherd been up to lately?" After a while, I asked the main reason for my visit.

 

"Mostly drinking and sleeping with me, as usual. Nothing has changed." Pim sighed, looking somewhat bored with my repetitive questions. I pretended not to notice her bored expression and continued asking.

 

"Has he said anything suspicious? Has he mentioned the patrols?"

 

"Not at all. He doesn't care about the patrols or any officials."

 

"What about the opium? His men were arrested. Has he mentioned it?"

 

"Oh no, he doesn't care about anyone but himself." Pim's voice had a slight edge to it. She brushed her shoulder-length hair back and poured herself some tea while I watched her closely.

 

"Mr Klao." After finishing her tea, Pim called out to me.

"Yes?"

 

"I think you should stop suspecting Cherd."

 

Her words made me raise an eyebrow. "Why should I stop suspecting him?"

 

"You've been watching him for almost a year, haven't you? He hasn't done anything unusual except be a thug, extorting money from others. I've known him for years. He's not that smart. I don't think he's involved in the opium trade."

 

Pim tried to persuade me. I kept my face neutral while quickly thinking it over.

Cherd definitely knew about the opium trade, but Pim kept telling me to stop suspecting him. This wasn't the first time. When I visited Pim, she would usually say something like this and wouldn't provide any new information. Now I was unsure if Pim genuinely didn't know or suspect Cherd or if she was trying to stop me from suspecting him.

 

"You're right. It's been a long time, and I haven't seen anything unusual. Maybe I'm overthinking."

 

"Exactly. He's too cowardly. The law is harsh. Someone as timid as Cherd wouldn't dare take the risk."

 

Pim smiled sweetly. I forced a small smile back, then placed my teacup down and stood up.

 

"In that case, I won't bother you anymore. I'll take my leave."

 

"Have a safe trip back. Don't forget to visit me when you have time."

 

"Sure," I replied softly and turned to leave the prostitute's house. There's no point in coming back here. I haven't gotten any useful information. Maybe all this time, both Klao and I have been misled because we trusted Pim too much. I don't even know if what she said about Klao not telling her anything before he disappeared is true. This world isn't pure. The small favour Klao did for Pim by saving her from thugs mightn't have made her that grateful. It's greed that always corrupts people's minds. From now on, I can only trust myself and P'Phop

 

I returned to the pier and rowed to my next destination. Initially, I planned to go back to Phraya's old house and search thoroughly again, hoping to find some evidence. But since I barely slept last night, my head felt heavy, and my eyes could close at any moment. In the end, I abandoned that plan and headed back home. Once there, I quickly had lunch before heading to my bedroom and falling asleep almost immediately. A gentle touch on my forehead pulled me out of my slumber. I opened my eyes to see P'Phop sitting on the bed, brushing the hair off my forehead with his fingers.

 

"P'Phop," I called out groggily, yawning as I noticed he was still in his uniform. P'Phop cupped my cheek with one hand, his sharp eyes filled with concern.

 

"You don't usually nap during the day. Why do you look so exhausted today? Are you feeling unwell?"

 

"No, I'm just sleepy," I replied with a faint smile, easing his worry.

 

"P'Phop, you just got back and must be tired. Go rest in the pavilion. I'll have the servants bring you some tea," I said, yawning and getting up, intending to call a servant. But his strong hand grabbed my wrist, pulling me back to sit on the bed.

 

"I went to the temple today." He suddenly said, placing my left hand on his palm. I tilted my head, watching as P'Phop stroked the engraved gold ring on my ring finger before looking up and smiling at me.

 

"I asked Luang Ta to find an auspicious date for our wedding."

 

"..." I was stunned, my mind blank for a moment. Although P'Phop often said he wanted to marry me, I never expected an actual ceremony. After all, this society still doesn't accept diverse sexual orientations. If we held a ceremony, it'd surely lead to gossip.

 

"Will it be okay? Won't we be gossiped about?"

 

"I talked to my parents about having a small, private ceremony, and they didn't object. Even if we can't announce it publicly, I want to do it right."

 

"The wedding date is the thirtieth of next month. After that, I'll take a leave and take you to see the sea in Bang Lamung."

 

"In just over a month, I won't have to sneak into your room every night anymore."

He joked cheerfully. Even though it was a joyous occasion, I suddenly felt a hollow emptiness in my chest, a strange premonition. I feared that day might never come...

 

"What's wrong? Are you tired of me and don't want to marry me anymore?"

 

"Not at all," I forced a smile, hiding my worry as I moved closer. I wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my head on his shoulder, and murmured.

 

"P'Phop."

 

"Yes?"

 

"Can you... hold me?"

 

"Of course."

 

He hugged me back, his warm lips pressing gently against my temple. I closed my eyes, soaking in the warmth of his embrace. Please let me stay in this embrace for a long time. Don't let anything tear us apart.