Love Upon A Time.

Surprising Reunion.

Before this, I didn't really believe in the concept of fate.

 

"You..."

 

The deep voice of the Mercedes owner called out to me again, pulling me out of my trance. From the moment our eyes met, they hadn't strayed from each other for even a fraction of a second. I couldn't say anything. I just sat there staring at his face, still holding Olive tightly. It might sound funny to say this, but right now, I barely dared to breathe, let alone blink. I was afraid that what I was seeing was just an illusion, a figment of my imagination. I feared that if I blinked, he might disappear...

 

"Are you okay?"

 

His familiar, deep, and gentle voice reached my ears just as I remembered. He leaned in slightly, his sharp eyes scanning my face.

 

"Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"

 

"..." I was at a loss for words. My heart was pounding uncontrollably. The closer I looked at him, the more my heart filled with joy. My eyes began to feel hot. I knew I should say something, but couldn't find the words.

 

"Kun!"

 

Thi’s loud voice broke through the air, making me look away from the Mercedes owner for the first time. My best friend was half-walking, half-running from the house, heading straight for me, who was still sitting dumbfounded on the road.

 

"I heard a car horn just now. What's going on?"

Thi looked back and forth between the other party and me.

 

"Olive ran in front of the car, and this man... he came to help."

 

The Mercedes owner's eyes were still fixed on me even as he answered Thi. His gaze was complex and hard to read, and I didn't know what expression I was making either.

 

"Hey, you little rascal, were you causing trouble for Dad again? You almost became our house ghost, you know?"

 

Thi scolded Olive lightly. The said rascal wagged her tail at me expectantly, still holding the ball in her mouth. I tentatively stood up, but the lingering shock made my legs weak, causing me to stumble forward.

 

"Hey, Kun!"

 

"Be careful."

 

Thi and the Mercedes owner spoke simultaneously. My friend's hand grabbed my shoulder while the warm palm of the other man held my arm. I looked up into his eyes, completely entranced. His calm, gentle black eyes were just as I remembered. There was something about them that drew me in, making me even more certain that I wasn't mistaken.

 

"Scared stiff, huh? I think you should go make some merit. How many times have you had near-death experiences this year?"

 

This voice snapped me out of my trance. His hand steadied me as he turned to look at the Mercedes owner and asked, "Anyway, why did you come back home? I thought you were staying at the condo tonight."

 

"I came back to get a book. I have a class this evening." The deep, even voice replied. Those sharp eyes glanced at me again before he spoke.

 

"By the way, this is..."

 

"Oh, I haven't introduced you yet, have I?" Thi seemed to realise and nodded toward me. "This is Kun, my close friend from university. Kun, this is Phop, my cousin."

 

"Phop..." I repeated the Mercedes owner's name absentmindedly. His face, his name, his eyes, everything was the same. Just one look, and my instincts told me to trust my own thoughts. I was sure he was my lover.

 

"Kun," P'Phop's deep voice also repeated my name. My heart raced as I met his gaze and saw him smile slightly.

 

"If you're Thi's friend, you must be younger than me."

 

"Nice to meet you, Kun."

 

He extended his hand in a friendly gesture. My heart almost leapt out of my chest as I shakily reached out to shake his hand: As soon as our palms touched, he gently squeezed my hand, warmth spreading through me, reaching my heart.

 

"Nice... to meet you too," I said, my voice quivering, trying my best to hold back the tears welling up. Luang Ta once said that if we were destined to be together, we'd meet again. Even though I hoped, part of me always thought it was just a comforting lie. But today, it actually happened. Fate had finally brought us back together.

 

"Alright, you're holding my friend's hand too long now. Let go." Thi slapped his cousin's arm, making a loud sound. The large hand released mine, but he continued to look at me with a slight smile.

 

"Did you bring your friend to visit, Thi?"

 

"No, I dragged him here to keep me company. My parents aren't home, and you left me to stay at the condo. I needed someone to stay with me, I don't want to be alone. I'm scared of ghosts."

 

"I think the ghosts are more scared of you." Phop laughed softly, his eyes glancing back at me again. My heart pounded, wondering if he remembered me.

 

"Get your book and get out. I have someone to stay with me now. I don't need you." Thi waved his cousin away and pulled me into the house. I hesitated, looking back at P'Phop, who was also watching me.

 

"Thi," I grabbed my friend's hand as soon as we were inside.

 

"What?"

 

He looked at me. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady as I asked.

 

"Is P'Phop really your cousin?"

 

"Yes, he's my uncle's son. I just told you."

 

He frowned and lightly pushed my head. I was still too excited about seeing P'Phop to gather my thoughts properly.

 

"Why? Do you want to get to know him?" Thi squinted at me, a sly smile forming on his lips.

 

"Is my cousin so handsome that you want to be my in-law?"

 

".." I hesitated, unable to respond. Thi laughed loudly at my dumbfounded expression. He dragged me to the sofa, clearing his throat importantly.

 

"Alright, if you want to know him, I'll help you out. Maybe it'll bring me some good luck with Pun."

 

"..." So this is your motive. I rolled my eyes but didn't care. As long as I got the information I needed.

 

"Do you want his full name and everything?"

 

"Just tell me quickly."

 

"Alright, alright. His name is Tinnaphop Chotiwathin. He is 23 years old and graduated from the Faculty of Law last year. Now he's studying for the bar and helping with the family business."

 

Twenty-three, a year older than me. In this life, he's still older than me. In our past life, he was friends with P'Jom; now they're cousins. In the end, we're still connected, circling around each other.

 

"And what's he like?"

 

"His personality? It depends on who he's with. Normally, he's quiet and polite, but with close friends, he can be a bit infuriating."

 

"What else?"

 

"He's straightforward, generous, and likes to help others. My parents always praise him as the perfect son because he's so obedient. But when he's stubborn, he's really stubborn."

 

I almost smiled hearing Thi describe him. Even his personality was the same as in our past life. No matter how much time has passed, he's still the same...

 

"Does he... does he have..." I hesitated to ask the next question.

 

"A girlfriend? Is that what you want to ask?"

 

"Yeah," I replied softly, my heart torn between wanting to know and fearing the answer. From the first moment our eyes met, I knew he was my lover. But did he feel the same? It's been almost four hundred years. Both of us were reborn. I remembered our past because I travelled back in time, but P'Phop mightn't remember. Even if he promised to love only me, that was in our past life. He might have a girlfriend now...

 

"Ugh, Kun." Thi sighed heavily, patting my shoulder with a sympathetic look. My heart sank, and my chest felt heavy.

 

"So, he does... have a girlfriend?"

 

"What do you think?"

 

He asked back. I looked down at the floor, feeling dejected. I shouldn't have asked. In this life, he's still good- looking, well-off, and perfect. It'd be crazy if he didn't have a girlfriend

 

"Phop is less handsome than me, but he's still very handsome, smart, and super polite, a true hot nerd. Both girls and guys are all over him."

 

"But he's still single."

 

"He's single?" I looked up at my friend, my heart racing with unexpected joy.

 

"Yeah, in his twenty-three years, he's never been in a romantic relationship. No matter who approaches him, guy or girl, he doesn't care-just like you, Kun. Uh, I don't know if he's eyeing someone, though." Thi mumbled. I had to bite my lip, afraid I'd show too much happiness and get teased.

 

"Why doesn't he see anyone?"

 

"I don't know. But he once told me that someday he will. He just hasn't found that person yet. It's similar to what you said."

 

That sentence made my heart flutter. Could he remember? Was he waiting for me, too? Is that why he hasn't dated anyone? Or is it just like me before I met him? Back then, I didn't feel anything for anyone until I met P'Phop...

 

"Kun, do you like Phop?" Thit's voice changed to a more serious tone.

 

".." I stayed silent, unsure of how to respond. Honestly, I was still confused about my own feelings. Of course, I was glad to see him, but I also felt that meeting P'Phop in the present day was a subtle way of telling me that I could no longer go back to the past.

 

Just thinking about it created a huge void in my chest. I'd always longed for P'Phop, wanting to live my life with him until my last breath. But I was disappointed. Even though I met him again today, a small part of me was worried. Reincarnation is like resetting everything. He and I had become strangers. While I was happy to see him, I was also heartbroken.

 

"I don't mind if you like him. I support you. Phop is a good guy, and I want to see you happy. Before this, you were so down, and honestly, it worried me."

 

A large hand reached out to playfully push my head. Thi and I might argue and annoy each other, but he was my closest friend. Sometimes, I felt guilty for not telling him the truth, but some things were too unbelievable to share. So, I decided to keep quiet. Despite that, Thi never got mad at me for not telling him. He was always there, not intruding, offering advice when I needed it. Pun was the same. Both of them were so good to me. Whether in the past or this one, I was lucky to have met them.

 

"But it might be a bit tough if you're going to court him. Brace yourself. He's never liked anyone before. Good luck." Thi patted my shoulder.

 

"Well. " Yeah," I mumbled before taking a deep breath. Alright, at least we met again. Even if he'd changed, I believed in my instincts that deep down, he was still the same P'Phop. From the way he looked at me earlier, even if he couldn't remember the past, there had to be some lingering feelings. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stared at me like that. Whether he remembered or not didn't matter anymore; I'd start our relationship anew. This time, I wouldn't let him go again.

 

Seeing P'Phop today felt like a heavy stone that had weighed on my heart for the past year had finally lifted. I hadn't felt this free or enthusiastic in a long time. Throughout the rest of the day, I kept thinking about P'Phop and frequently asked Thi for information, which almost got us into a fight over his teasing.

 

"Seriously, Kun, do you really like my cousin?"

 

After being hit with a cushion for the third time, Thi, who was lounging on the sofa bed watching Netflix with a jar of cheese balls in his arms, leaned over to ask me, who was sitting on the floor, focused on translating an article.

 

"Yeah," I replied without taking my eyes off the laptop screen on the coffee table, adjusting my glasses that I only wore when staring at the computer for long periods. Actually, I didn't just like P'Phop; I loved him. But saying that out loud might sound too dramatic. In Thi's eyes, I'd just met P'Phop today.

 

"Seriously, love at first sight?"

 

"If it is, would you not believe it? Even you liked Pun from the first time you saw him."

 

"Yeah, true." Thi agreed with my retort, leaning back on the sofa again and munching on cheese balls. I continued translating the article until the clock on the wall showed 10 p.m. Then, I heard the faint sound of a car engine from the front of the house.

 

"Who's here? Probably my uncle and aunt."

 

Thi stretched and continued watching Netflix, not bothering to get up and see who'd arrived. I glanced at him, thinking that if it were a burglar, the house would've been robbed by now.

 

"Could it be your parents? Shouldn't you go check?"

 

"My parents are in Japan. How could they be here? It's probably my uncle and aunt. Can you go check for me?" He casually asked me.

 

I sighed at my friend's laziness, took off my glasses, and got up to check the front of the house. I needed to stretch my legs anyway. I walked down the driveway, peering towards the garage. The yard lights illuminated a white luxury car as it backed into an empty spot. My heart raced as I recognised it as the car that nearly hit me this morning. So, P'Phop had come home?

 

"Kun?" The car owner opened the door and called out to me, who was standing awkwardly on the walkway.

 

"What are you doing here?"

 

"Uh, Thi asked me to check who'd arrived." I stammered. The tall figure in a dark-colored shirt and slacks walked closer. Under the yard lights, I saw a faint smile on his lips.

 

"Instead of checking himself, he sent his friend. Unbelievable." He chuckled, his sharp eyes behind rectangular glasses holding a certain power that made it hard for me to look away.

 

Phop in the present day had a strong charm, just as Thi had said. He truly embodied the term "hot nerd."

 

"Have you been friends with Thi for long?" P'Phop asked, snapping me out of my daze. I realised this was the first time we'd talked alone since meeting again, and the thought made my stomach churn with nervousness.

 

"We met in college."

 

"I see. No wonder I've never seen you before." He said. Thi had told me that he and P'Phop went to the same school until college, where they went their separate ways. So, P'Phop only knew Thi's high school friends. I never thought he'd be so close to me.

 

Thinking about it, I couldn't help but feel annoyed at Thi. Because he didn't use social media, I'd never seen his friends outside of college or his family unless he showed me. If he'd used Facebook or Instagram, I might've met P'Phop long ago and wouldn't have been so down for a year. There was no further conversation. P'Phop just scanned my face until I awkwardly looked away. Our current status was that of strangers, leaving me unsure how to act.

 

"P'Phop / Kun"

We called each other's names simultaneously, then paused before laughing together.

 

"What were you going to say?" I asked first.

 

"I was going to say you don't have to be so formal with me. You're Thi's friend, not a stranger." P'Phop stepped closer with a smile.

 

"What were you going to say?"

 

"Well..." My palms started to sweat with nervousness again. I'd planned to talk to him if I got the chance to see if he remembered me. But standing in front of him now, it was harder than I thought.

 

"Well... P'Phop, you..."

 

"Kun! Who's here?"

 

Thi’s voice interrupted me. Oh, come on! Why did he have to come out now!?

 

"Hey, Phop. I thought you were staying at the condo tonight."

 

"Can't I come home if I want to?" P'Phop replied calmly, his smile fading. I took a deep breath, trying not to kick my friend, who was dragging his feet towards us.

 

"Why did you come out here?" My voice was harsher than intended. I'd finally gotten some alone time with Phop, only to be interrupted. Can I kick my friend just once?

 

"I saw you were gone for a while and thought there might be a burglar, so I came to check." He replied innocently, looking between P'Phop and me before pausing as if he had just realised something.

 

"Oh, did I interrupt something? I'm sorry. You guys can keep talking. I'll go inside."

 

"Nothing much, just chatting with your friend," P'Phop replied to Thi, glancing at me with a slight smile.

 

"It's late. Let's go inside. It's cold; you might catch a cold," he said.

 

"...Okay," I replied reluctantly, following Thi back into the house. He'd said that much, so I couldn't insist on staying. P'Phop might be tired and want to rest. It's okay. I'll be here all weekend, and I might get another chance to see him.

 

I glanced back and saw P'Phop still standing by the garage. From this distance, it was too far to see his expression, but I felt like his eyes were still on me. Could he really remember me? If I asked him directly tomorrow, would he think I was crazy?

 

That night, I slept in Thi's room. The room was spacious, with the air conditioner making it comfortably cool, and the bed was soft and cosy. The owner of the room was already snoring away, but as a guest, I lay there wide awake, unable to sleep because I kept thinking about someone I'd just met. It'd been years since I last saw or heard from P’Phop. I'd resigned myself to the possibility that we might never meet again. I never thought that when we did meet, it'd be so easy.

 

I tossed and turned, trying to think of topics to talk about with P'Phop the next day, until I eventually drifted off to sleep. I woke up again to the sound of the alarm on Thi's phone.

 

"Thi, are you getting up?" I called out to my friend. The one who set the alarm mumbled, reached for his phone to silence it, and then buried his head back into the pillow. I checked the time and decided it was too late to go back to sleep, so I showered, changed clothes, and headed downstairs to the living room.

 

As soon as I descended the stairs, the fragrant smell of rice porridge hit my nose. My stomach growled instantly. Even though the family members weren't home, Thi still had a middle-aged housekeeper who handled cleaning and cooking three meals a day. There was no need to go out for food or do any housework. It was enviable, really.

 

"Good morning." A familiar deep voice greeted me, making me, still groggy from sleep, open my eyes wide.

 

"Good morning, P'Phop," I replied to the person sitting at the dining table, nervously running a hand through my messy hair. He lived in a different house, and Thi had told me that P'Phop had an exam today. I didn't expect to see him this early, so I hadn't combed my hair. But seeing his smiling eyes looking at me made my heart race. Damn! My heart's started working hard from the get-go today.

 

"Thi isn't up yet?" P'Phop asked as he got up from his chair.

 

"Not yet," I replied, making my way to the kitchen to get some rice porridge, but then I heard his deep voice again.

 

"Why don't you sit at the table? I'll get it for you."

 

"No, no, it's fine," I quickly declined, not wanting to trouble him...

 

"A guest in the house should be taken care of. You sit down; I'll do it for you."

 

Phop walked over to the stove and started heating the rice porridge in the pot for me. I stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, finally deciding that I shouldn't reject his kindness.

 

About five minutes later, a fragrant bowl of pork rice porridge was placed in front of me. I thanked him with a wai and glanced at P'Phop, who sat down next to me. Today, he wore a crisp white shirt and slacks, his hair neatly combed over his forehead, and silver-rimmed glasses that made him look more distinguished. But overall, he still looked youthful, fitting for a recent graduate, unlike his more mature appearance in his past life. Honestly, I wasn't used to this look at all, but it wasn't bad. No matter what, he still looked incredibly handsome.

 

"Did you sleep well last night?" P'Phop started the conversation.

 

"Yes, and you? Aren't you eating?" I asked, noticing he hadn't served himself any food.

 

"I already ate," he answered with a smile. My mind raced, and I wanted to ask him many questions. Why was he eating at Thi's house? And if he'd already eaten, why was he still sitting here? But it seemed rude to ask such things of someone I'd just met the day before, so I sat quietly, eating my rice porridge.

 

There was no further conversation. P'Phop watched me eat while I silently cursed myself for not being able to think of anything to say. Despite having thought of many topics the night before, my mind went blank in the actual situation. I felt lost until I nearly finished my porridge, and P'Phop got up to go to the kitchen again. I sighed and tapped my head in frustration.

 

Stupid Nakun, if you keep being tense, when will you get to talk? Are you going to let this opportunity slip away so easily?

 

"Nakun," P'Phop's voice called out, stopping my self-berating. I turned to see him holding a few oranges.

 

"Do you want some oranges? Eating fruit after a meal is good for your health."

 

The scene almost overlapped with the past when we used to eat together. He always insisted on eating fruit after meals. A lump formed in my throat as I nodded. P'Phop sat down next to me again, peeling an orange and handing me a segment.

 

"Thank you," I said, taking the orange and putting it in my mouth. A mix of emotions welled up inside me, leaving me speechless. I didn't know if he remembered anything, but his actions today were no different from when we were together...

 

"P'Phop.. Thi said you have an exam today?" I decided to start a conversation, determined not to let this chance slip away.

 

"Yes, I have an exam this afternoon. I have to leave soon." P'Phop checked his watch before looking at me.

 

"Are you staying here another night or going back?"

 

"I'll be here for two more nights, leaving on Monday," I replied. For a moment, I thought I saw a sparkle in P'Phop's eyes, but when I blinked, he was back to his usual polite smile.

 

"You're in your fourth year now. It must be tough."

 

"Yes, it's tiring. The hardest parts are research, speaking, and translating literature. How about you, P'Phop? Studying law must be challenging."

 

"It is, but I enjoy it. It's fun."

 

The conversation started to flow smoothly. Before I knew it, P'Phop and I were chatting comfortably. The initial nervousness was replaced by a sense of familiarity. I realised that even though his appearance had changed, his personality, way of speaking, and everything else remained the same. Just like the P’Phop I fell in love with.

 

"Why did you choose to study English? Do you like it?"

 

"Not exactly. I don't have a particular passion for it. I just thought it was something I could do better. How about you? Why did you choose to study law?"

 

"I want to be a judge. I want to work in the justice system, to prove the truth and help the innocent."

 

His answer made me smile. In his past life, he dedicated himself to protecting me and trying to prove my father's innocence. His ideals hadn't changed.

 

We chatted for almost half an hour. Thi still hadn't come down, but P'Phop had to get ready for his exam. When he excused himself and stood up, my heart sank. I'd only be here for one more day, and once returned to the dorm, I wouldn't see him again...

No, there was still a way. I think I figured out how to see him more often.

 

"P'Phop."

 

"Yes, what is it?"

 

"... I have a favour to ask."

 

"Go ahead."

 

He looked at me intently. I tried to suppress my excitement and asked calmly.

 

"I have a final exam in basic law. My midterm score in my first year was terrible, so I dropped it and retook it this term. But I'm not good at memorising laws, so I was wondering if I could ask you to tutor me. Would you.."

 

"Of course."

 

He answered immediately, and my heart leapt with joy. I was grateful for my poor midterm score in my first year, which gave me an excuse to approach P'Phop.

 

"But would it be too much trouble? You're also busy with exams."

 

"My exams end tomorrow. It won't be a bother."

 

Hearing him say that made me smile instantly. The final exams were a month away, so I'd have at least a month to be close to him.

 

"Where should we study? At your condo? Or at my place? Do you live at home or in a dorm?"

 

"I live in a dorm, but we could meet at a mall or a café. I think..."

 

"Why? Are you afraid I'll do something to you if we're alone?" He teased, his eyes behind the glasses twinkling. I flinched and shook my head.

 

"No, no, it's just that I don't want to trouble you more. I'm already very grateful that you're willing to tutor me. I don't want to bother you at your place," I hastily explained, my face heating up. I hadn't thought that far, but when he mentioned it...

 

"Alright, we'll figure it out later. Let me get your LINE."

 

He handed me his phone, and I opened the QR code for him to scan, quickly adding him as a friend

 

"It's almost ten. I have to go now." P'Phop excused himself while I was still fiddling with my phone. I looked up.

 

"Good luck with your exam. I hope you get a perfect score," I wished him. P'Phop chuckled softly and reached out as if to pat my head, but then hesitated and lowered his hand.

 

"Thank you."

 

He gave me a warm smile instead. I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that he didn't pat my head. But then again, we'd only known each other for a day. He probably thought it'd be too familiar.

 

"I have a favour to ask you, too." Suddenly, P'Phop spoke up. I raised an eyebrow.

 

"Yes?"

 

"Can you drop the formality when you talk to me? It sounds too distant."

 

He stepped closer, and I tensed up without realising it. P'Phop's smile was still gentle and polite, but the eyes behind his glasses held so many emotions I couldn't read them.

 

"Please," he whispered softly, almost like a murmur. Just that made my face flush, and I could only nod my head.

 

"Okay." I swallowed hard, looking down at the floor to hide my embarrassment. I wasn't sure if it was just my imagination, but his tone sounded exactly like when he sweet-talked me.

 

"Alright, I'll be off then. See you in the evening," he said.

 

P'Phop gave me one last smile before walking out of the house. As soon as he was out of sight, I collapsed into a chair, biting my lip to suppress a smile. At least I found an excuse to see him for another month. In the meantime, I had to find ways to get closer to him. P'Phop was still as hard to read as ever. I couldn't tell if he remembered me. He must've found my face familiar to stare at me like that. But the chances of him remembering were slim; it was a different lifetime.

 

Even though what he did to me was similar to the past, it could just be a coincidence. Maybe some subconscious memories lingered, making him act as he did before without realising it. It's okay. We can start over. Last time, he chased after me. This time, I'll chase after him.

 

"Bro, why are you sitting there grinning like an idiot?" Thi's groggy voice snapped me out of my daydream. I turned to see my tall friend scratching his head as he walked down the stairs, looking like he hadn't fully woken up.

 

"You're up? I thought you'd sleep till noon."

 

"My stomach's growling. Gotta eat something before I go back to bed," Thi replied, heading to the fridge. I lost interest in him and unlocked my phone to check P'Phop's LINE profile picture. But then Thi’s voice interrupted again.

 

"Hey, did Phop come here?"

 

I looked up from my phone, surprised. "How did you know?"

 

"Well, this rice porridge is his handiwork. Or are you going to tell me you made it?" Thi pointed at the pot of rice porridge still on the stove. I paused, baffled

 

"No, didn't the housekeeper make it?"

 

"Nope. She asked for leave to run some errands since yesterday," Thi said, reheating the porridge. "Only Phop could've made it. He likes cooking. That's good; it saves me the trouble."

 

The aroma of porridge filled the room. I was stunned, not expecting this. I was so focused on P'Phop that I didn't notice the housekeeper's absence. Now that I thought about it, it was odd that P'Phop was sitting in Thi's house instead of his own. But I thought maybe he came here for breakfast every morning, so I didn't ask.

 

"Thi, does P'Phop usually come here for breakfast?"

 

"No, he eats at his place," Thi replied, sitting down next to me with a bowl of porridge. I lowered my eyes, pondering. A thought suddenly crossed my mind.

Could it be that he came here just to see me?.