Love Upon A Time.

Special Chapter 4 - Delude Or Real?

To be honest, I'm not usually the type to get overly anxious when things happen (not counting the time travel incident-anyone who wouldn't be freaked out by that must have nerves of steel). But I might make an exception for this one thing that has me feeling like a nervous wreck, to the point where I can't even sleep.

 

"Where's your house?"

 

"Midway down the alley, P'Phop. The one with the brown wooden fence in front." I directed the owner of the white Mercedes, who was pressing the gas pedal, heading straight for our destination. As the familiar surroundings came into view, the places where I used to play and grow up, my heart started pounding uncontrollably.

 

"This house?"

 

"Yes, let me call my mom to open the gate," I mumbled while pulling my phone out of my pocket. My hand trembled slightly as I swiped the screen to unlock it and dialled my mom, who was waiting for me inside.

 

It'd been two weeks since I finished my finals. With school responsibilities temporarily out of the way, it was time to inform our families about my relationship with P'Phop. He'd already introduced me to his parents last week, who were Phraya and Aunt Prayong. However, they were now prominent figures in the real estate business and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Initially, I was worried they might still hold grudges from our past lives, but everything went smoothly. They welcomed me warmly, and P'Phop revealed that he'd already told his parents in high school that he wasn't into girls. So, introducing a boyfriend wasn't a shock to them. Besides, they still felt a connection to me, even without memories of our past lives. Some bonds are deeply ingrained in the soul, which is why we sometimes feel an instant connection with certain people.

 

As for my family, I told them about P'Phop as soon as we started dating. My parents had no issues with me dating a guy and were eager to meet him. Even though I'd informed them in advance, I couldn't help but feel nervous about the actual meeting.

 

"Mom, I'm at the gate. Can you open it? We need to park the car inside."

 

"Sure, just a moment."

 

My mom's voice sounded excited. I hung up and tried to take deep breaths, but it didn't help much.

 

"Why are you so nervous? What's wrong?"

 

P'Phop's deep voice came from the driver's seat, his eyes twinkling with amusement at my restless behaviour.

 

"I don't know, I just got nervous all of a sudden," I groaned, rubbing my hands together anxiously. I wondered if others felt the same way when introducing their partner to their family for the first time. It was a mix of excitement and worry, fear that my family wouldn't like my boyfriend or that he'd feel uncomfortable around them. Even though I'd told them in advance, seeing someone in person is different from seeing their photo.  Last night, I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep until almost 2 a.m.

 

"Shouldn't I be the one who's nervous?" P’Phop chuckled, ruffling my hair playfully. He was right; he should be the nervous one, not me.

 

"Aren't you nervous?"

 

"I am."

 

"But you seem so calm."

 

'I'm nervous on the inside."

 

He smiled, maintaining his collected demeanour. Maybe it was the age difference, even though he was only a year older. P'Phop had always been mature beyond his years. Sometimes, I envied his ability to stay composed in any situation.

 

The gate opening interrupted our conversation. Once P'Phop parked the car inside, I quickly got out and hugged my mom, who was waiting.

 

"Mom, I missed you."

 

"I missed you, too, you rascal. Finally home, huh? Didn't you finish your exams two weeks ago?"

 

Mom gave me a playful scolding look as I released her from the hug. She's always been a bit of a sulky one, so I've had to hone my sweet-talking skills since I was a kid.

 

"I had a lot to sort out, with university activities and all. But I'm home now, staying until the new term starts." I smiled, trying to be as endearing as possible. I had about two weeks before the term started, and I planned to stay until a few days before. P'Phop would stay with me until tomorrow, then head back to Bangkok for work, visiting me on weekends.

 

"You'd better stay, or I'll really sulk this time."

 

"I won't leave soon, Mom. I'll stay and enjoy your cooking."

 

"Good boy."

 

Mom patted my face and head, scrutinising my appearance. I smiled softly, listening to her fuss about how I looked thinner and needed to eat more. No matter how much time passed, whenever I saw the way my parents looked at me, I felt like a five-year-old boy running around the mango orchard again.

 

"Where's Dad?"

 

"He went to the market. He'll be back soon. But first, you need to introduce your boyfriend to me."

 

Mom glanced at P'Phop, who stood beside me. He beamed, walked over, and respectfully greeted her with abwai.

 

"Hello, Mom. I'm Phop."

 

"Mom, this is P'Phop, my boyfriend." I cleared my throat before introducing him. Calling him my boyfriend in front of my mom felt oddly embarrassing, and her teasing smile didn't help.

 

"Hello, Phop. Ever since Nakun told us he had a boyfriend, his dad and I have been eager to meet you. Why don't we go inside and chat? I've prepared a lot of food. Are you two hungry? If so, you can start eating; Dad said not to wait."

 

"No, thank you. We ate before leaving Bangkok. Let's wait for Dad." P'Phop's polite tone seemed to win my mom over as her smile widened.

 

"Okay, let's go inside then."

 

Mom led the way into the house. I walked over to P'Phop, took his hand, and he squeezed it gently, reassuring me with a smile.

 

After sitting and drinking water for about five minutes, my dad returned from the market, and we finally had lunch. The meal began with casual conversation, but soon turned into a long interrogation since this was my first relationship, and I was introducing my boyfriend to the family after less than two months of dating.

 

"Nakun said Phop is Thi's cousin, right? How did you two meet?"

 

Mom asked while serving me a large piece of chicken from the tom kha gai.

 

"I stayed over at Thi's place, and P'Phop came home, so we met," I answered, skipping the part where I ran in front of his car. Otherwise, I'd get an earful for being careless.

 

"And how did you end up liking each other?"

 

"Well, I don't know, Mom. He's polite and kind, so I liked him." I scratched my neck, unsure how to explain.

 

I've liked him since our past lives, but telling others would make me seem crazy. It's our secret, and we agreed to keep it that way forever.

 

"And what do you like about my son, Phop?"

 

Dad asked, and I glanced at P'Phop, suddenly curious about his answer.

 

"He's stubborn. I like stubborn people." He smiled at me, and my parents burst into laughter. I pouted, putting down my utensils, and glared at him silently. I shouldn't have expected a sweet, romantic answer from a tease.

 

"Stubborn in a cute way." He added, which felt like a kiss after a kick. Not fair. I'll make him sleep on the living room couch tonight.

 

"But seriously, I don't know. One day, I just couldn't take my eyes off him."

 

Phop's response made me look at him. His gaze was warm and steady, just like before. I never asked him why he liked me. Maybe it was our bond from childhood, or maybe there was no reason. Sometimes, love doesn't need a reason. In the end, we love each other, and that's enough for me.

 

"Please take care of Nakun, Phop. He can be a bit impulsive and needs someone to keep him grounded."

 

"I'll take good care of him," P'Phop promised, making my parents beam with relief.

 

After finishing our meal, P'Phop and I helped my mom wash the dishes. It seemed like my parents didn't want to let P'Phop go easily, constantly engaging him in conversation and asking questions. Then, my dad took us on a tour around the mango orchard. It was October, the time to spray nutrients on the mango blossoms before they bore fruit for harvest in early summer. Dad explained the mango tree care process to P'Phop in great detail. P'Phop listened intently, asking serious questions, which made me grin secretly. All my worries faded away as if they'd never existed. Seeing my boyfriend get along well with my family was a huge relief.

 

In the late afternoon, as the sun began to set, Dad sent P'Phop and me back home to shower and change clothes for dinner. After my shower, I went downstairs to help my mom cook, giving P'Phop a chance to shower after me.

 

"Mom," I called

 

"Yes, dear?" she replied.

 

"Do you like him?" I asked while chopping carrots into pieces for the mixed vegetable stir-fry.

 

"More than likely. He's perfect for you. You have a good eye," Mom said with a smile, reaching out to pat my head. Her answer didn't surprise me at all. It was clear she liked P'Phop a lot. He was good-looking, polite, and mature. Who wouldn't like him?

 

"Do you like him because he's handsome?"

 

"Oh, you think your mom judges people by their looks?"

 

"Isn't that true?"

 

"Well, partly," she admitted with a chuckle. I laughed along with her. Her hands, now showing signs of age, tossed the vegetables into the pan and began to stir-fry. The sizzling sound filled the kitchen as she continued.

 

"But the real reason I like him is that he's polite and takes good care of you. I noticed he hardly took his eyes off you. He seems to like you a lot."

 

"Yeah, I like P'Phop a lot, too," I mumbled, blushing as I realised I'd spoken out loud. Mom turned from the stove to give me a teasing smile before her expression softened.

 

"Time flies so fast. Now you're introducing your boyfriend to us. My baby is all grown up."

 

"That's not true, Mom. I'll always be your baby," I said, walking over to hug her and resting my chin on her shoulder. And then I whined when she playfully tapped my forehead.

 

"I'm cooking. Don't hug me now."

"Aw, Mom."

"Go finish chopping the vegetables."

 

She pointed with the spatula where I'd left off, so I reluctantly went back to work. Soon after, Phop joined us in the kitchen, and he was much more skilled than I was. Eventually, Mom told me to sit and wait while she kept Phop as her assistant instead.

In his past life, he wasn't good at cooking at all. How did he become so adept this time around? It's like he trained to overcome his weaknesses. Is he trying to be perfect?

 

"I told Phop that you love yum crispy fried egg, so he insisted on making it for you. Eat a lot, okay?" Mom said during dinner as P' Phop served me the dish.

 

"Did you make this yourself?"

 

"Yes, try it," P'Phop replied. As I took a bite, he asked, "How is it? Too sour?"

 

"It's just right," I answered with a mouthful. When I stayed at his condo, P'Phop would usually cook for me, but I'd never told him I liked yum fried egg. Seeing the pleased smile on his face, I couldn't help but smile back.

 

Coming home to see my parents and eating my favourite dish made by P'Phop made this meal the best ever. After dinner, we helped wash the dishes. Mom then sent P'Phop and me to rest. I led him upstairs to my bedroom. Since our house didn't have a guest room, P'Phop had to share my room.

 

"How are you feeling? Less stressed now?" P'Phop asked as soon as the door closed. I leaned against the headboard, exhaling deeply with a smile.

 

"I'm not stressed anymore. I asked Mom, and she said she likes you a lot," I said, patting the space next to me for him to sit. P'Phop quickly sat beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

 

"So, I passed the test?" he asked.

 

"It seems like it, but I haven't asked Dad yet. I should ask him tomorrow." | rested my head on his shoulder, feeling at ease. There's nothing better than having your family and your loved ones get along. I wouldn't know what to do if my parents didn't like P'Phop.

 

"Are you okay with everything?" I asked.

 

"Of course. Your parents are so kind," he said, gently pinching my cheek. I made a soft noise in protest, but he continued to play with my cheek. I let him. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing. The cool air in the room and the day's exhaustion made my eyes droop.

 

"Kun."

 

"Yes?"

 

"You're good at being affectionate. I saw you being sweet to your mom all day."

His out-of-nowhere comment made me open my eyes slightly.

 

"Mom gets upset easily, so I have to be affectionate to her."

 

"But you never act that way with me."

 

"Being affectionate with Mom is different from being affectionate with others," I replied. Suddenly, P'Phop fell silent.

 

"So, I'm just 'others' to you?" he asked, his voice tinged with hurt. I sat up straight, looking at him. His eyes behind his glasses were filled with disappointment.

 

"No, that's not what I meant."

 

"You just said it."

 

"You know I didn't mean it that way. 'Others' means everyone who's not Mom," I explained. But the former Mr Officer's expression didn't improve. The relaxed atmosphere turned awkward. I grew anxious seeing P'Phop remain silent.

 

"P'Phop."

 

"Are you really upset?"

 

"No."

 

He looked away. At first, I thought he was joking, but now I wasn't so sure. In the past, when I sent him back to his room because I was afraid someone would see us, he'd get upset. He made the same face then.

 

"Don't be upset. You're not 'others.' You're my boyfriend," I said, poking the broad shoulder of the sulky one. P'Phop remained silent, making me more anxious. What should I do? Should I let it go? In the past, he'd get over it on his own. But Kaew once told me not to ignore it. Kaew suggested I should use physical affection to make up with him, like hugging and being sweet...

'"P'Phop," I said, dragging out his name as I hugged his waist. It seemed to work because he glanced at me.

 

"Don't sulk. It's still early. Let's watch a movie. What should we watch?"

 

"What if I say I'm still hurt?"

 

"Don't be. I'm sorry. Let's make up," I said, holding out my pinky. His sharp eyes met mine, initially emotionless, but then they sparkled. That look sent shivers down my spine. My instincts told me to back off. I started to release my hug, but his strong arms held me tight.

 

"P'Phop"

 

"You made me so sad. You have to make it up to me, you know." His deep voice was laced with a hidden meaning. Oh no, I fell into his trap.

 

"How.. how do I make it up to you?" I swallowed hard. P'Phop smiled mischievously, leaning in to whisper in my ear. I froze, my face heating up rapidly.

 

"P'Phop! My parents are here!"

 

"They're not in the next room. It's fine."

 

"But I don't have any condoms."

 

"I brought some. And lube."

 

P'Phop nodded towards his bag on the floor. I gaped at him, shocked. Seriously? He brought those things to someone else's house and said it so nonchalantly. Why is he like this!?

 

"But... what if my parents hear?"

 

"Then don't make any noise."

 

Not even his glasses could hide the mischievous glint in his eyes. My mind spun, my face burning. He must have noticed my hesitation because he leaned in to whisper.

 

"I'm really hurt. You have to make it up to me."

 

At this point, I couldn't believe he used to be a cop. How is he so good at seducing people? He must know he's very charming, and he knows I can't resist him.

 

"O... okay, just once, and then we go to sleep."

 

"Fine, but you have to do everything," he insisted with a sly smile.

 

"Got it. Let me... let me get ready," I said, stumbling over my words as I got up from the bed. P'Phop also stood up, walking to his bag and rummaging through it. He handed me a bottle of lube.

 

"I'll be waiting."

 

I hastily grabbed the bottle and hurried into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. At this point, I had to go with the flow. I started to suspect he wasn't that upset, but since I promised, I had to follow through.

 

I took a moment to prepare myself for the evening's activities before opening the bathroom door to face my boyfriend again, still fully clothed because I felt too shy to reveal my body (even though soon there wouldn't be any clothes left on me). P'Phop was still sitting on the bed, also fully dressed, with only his glasses removed.

His dark eyes watched me intently as I walked towards the bed, and he spoke in a slow, deliberate voice.

 

"Come sit here."

 

His large hand patted his lap. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and climbed onto his lap. His strong arms immediately wrapped around my waist. P'Phop scanned my face and gave a slight smile.

 

"Shall we start?" He asked. I met his gaze for a moment before awkwardly pressing my lips against his.

 

Since we got back together, it wasn't like we hadn't done these things before, but I'd never been the one to initiate. It was always him leading the way. So, when I had to start first, I felt quite clumsy. But P'Phop didn't just sit there and let me feel more awkward. He kissed me back, his rough hand slipping under my t-shirt, caressing my skin, and he was the first to slip his tongue in. Soon, I was intoxicated by his kiss, and the initial awkwardness and shyness began to fade away. 

 

"Take off my shirt," P'Phop whispered a command in my ear. I moved my trembling hands to the front and removed the black t-shirt he usually wore to bed. His tanned skin, adorned with beautiful chest and abdominal muscles, always captivated me whenever I looked at him. I placed my hands on his shoulders, tilted my head up, and closed my eyes as his prominent nose began to nuzzle along the side of my neck.

 

"Ah!" I bit my lip when his warm lips shifted from my neck to one of my nipples. His warm, moist tongue licked and nibbled alternately, creating embarrassing sounds.

I tangled my fingers in P'Phop's thick hair, tugging lightly to release my arousal. 

 

Soon, my nipple was swollen and red from his sucking. When he was satisfied with his teasing, he moved his lips to the other nipple. My stomach churned with increasing excitement. I squeezed his shoulders tightly and squirmed to relieve the tension. Under the long pants I wore, I could feel something of his expanding and hardening in response to the friction. P'Phop moved his hand to my pants and pulled them off. My bare buttocks felt the cool air in the room, but before I could feel cold, his arm pulled my waist back onto his lap. His warm hand pressed against my skin and began to caress all over before moving down to squeeze my buttocks firmly.

 

"Take off my pants." He commanded again. My face flushed as I moved my hands to the waistband of his pants and pulled them down. The large, hard part of him that I was sitting on almost sprang up as if it were happy to be freed. The tip was already glistening with pre-cum, and it was dark with arousal. The entire length was covered in bulging veins, giving it a strong and intimidating look. This wasn't the first time I'd seen that part of him, but it still made me feel shy every time.

 

"Put it on for me, please," P'Phop said gently, handing me a condom packet. My trembling hands tore it open and put the condom on him while he was busy kissing my shoulders and neck.

 

"Today, you have to move yourself," P'Phop whispered as he lifted my hips. His deep, husky voice made me even more nervous, but since I'd already agreed, I had no other choice. I used one hand to brace myself on his broad shoulder and the other to guide his hot length to my lubed entrance. I slowly lowered my hips, taking him inside me.

 

Due to his large size, every time we started, it had to be gradual. The heat that entered my body made me feel uncomfortable. My entrance throbbed and tightened around the foreign object, making P'Phop let out a low groan. Even though it hurt a bit, I bit my lip and pressed my hips down, taking him deeper because I knew that once the pain passed, immense pleasure awaited. Compared to the slight pain, it was well worth it.

 

"Does it hurt?" His soft voice asked when I had fully taken him in, our bodies merging without any gaps. His warm lips nibbled on my earlobe before P'Phop used his prominent nose to nuzzle my cheek. His rough hand caressed my waist and hips, trying to make me relax.

 

"No." I exhaled deeply, burying my face in his shoulder. With the help of the condom and lube, everything went much smoother compared to our past encounters without them. Once the stinging pain faded, leaving only discomfort, I began to move my hips, grinding against his large length without hesitation. The sound of flesh hitting flesh and our heavy breathing filled the room, drowning out the hum of the air

conditioner. The pleasure surged through my body, centred on the point where we were joined. I had to bite my lip to stifle my own sounds as I rode his hot length. P'Phop supported my waist, alternating between squeezing my buttocks hard. Even though he told me to do everything myself, there were many times when he thrust up hard.

 

"Mmn! Ah!"

 

"Shh."

 

A soft reprimand escaped his lips when I accidentally made a sound, contrasting with the pleased look in his eyes when he saw I couldn't hold back my moans. His hands and mouth worked tirelessly, kissing all over while his hands roamed, squeezing my nipples and sometimes my buttocks hard. The more P'Phop thrust his hot length into my tight entrance, the more I had to cover my mouth and glare at him. But he didn't care, holding my hips tightly and making me slam down on him harder.

 

"Don't touch, ah!" I whimpered when his large hand moved to tease my erect front. P'Phop smiled, stroking my hard length and squeezing the tip until it was dripping with pre-cum, ready to release. His hips continued to work, thrusting into my tight entrance until I felt dizzy and couldn't think straight because my body was overwhelmed with stimulation from both front and back.

 

"Does it feel good?"

 

"Yes, ah... P'Phop, slow down." I mumbled amid the pleasure mixed with worry. I glanced at the door, afraid my parents might hear.

 

"Don't worry about anything else, focus on me."

 

P'Phop, who'd temporarily become selfish, turned my face back and kissed me deeply. Our moans were muffled in our throats. The sensitive spot inside me was repeatedly hit. I accidentally dug my nails into his broad shoulder, tilting my head back with a soft moan. I could feel the climax approaching, so 1 ground my wet entrance against his shaft, responding to his actions. P'Phop's low groan spurred me to quicken my pace, forgetting all my shyness. I bit my lip hard and finally came.

 

"Are you tired already? I haven't finished yet."

 

"But my legs hurt," I mumbled, collapsing against his shoulder, exhausted. I'd been riding for so long, but P’Phop showed no signs of finishing. Was he too enduring?

 

"You're so whiny." He whispered before flipping me onto the bed.

 

"P'Phop"

 

"Put this under you so your back won't hurt."

 

My lover said, placing a large pillow under my hips to lift them. He spread my legs apart and moved closer again. He positioned his large length at my entrance and pushed it inside, merging our bodies once more.

 

"Ah!" I bit my lip tightly as he began to thrust rapidly, creating loud sounds throughout the room. My body rocked and slid on the mattress with each thrust. My previously calm front began to harden again, and my heavy breathing and muffled moans grew louder. Tears of pleasure welled up in my eyes, responding to the intense lovemaking from my lover. The room's temperature was so hot that I thought the air conditioner might have stopped working. I arched my hips, giving him better access to thrust into me, while one hand moved to grasp my length, bringing me to the edge. My other hand quickly covered my mouth, stifling my sounds as best as I could, praying that my parents in the room across wouldn't hear.

 

"Ahh," I whimpered as I released for the second time in a short period while he continued to thrust into me relentlessly. I squinted up at my lover, seeing his clenched jaw, indicating he was close to.

 

"P'Phop..."

 

"I'm close."

 

He gritted his teeth, his hands gripping my hips with unrestrained force. His narrow hips rotated and thrust, pounding his overwhelming desire into my soft walls with rapid intensity. I heard the person above me groan deeply in his throat before the hot shaft slid all the way in and stopped. A large amount of milky white fluid gushed into the protective barrier. P'Phop moved his hips, squeezing out every last bit of his need before pulling out.

 

Everything came to an end, but the scent of our passionate encounter still lingered in the air. The larger man pulled the pillow from under my hips and collapsed on top of me again, his prominent nose nuzzling against my shoulder.

 

"You're amazing today," P'Phop whispered, pressing his nose against my cheek with a loud kiss as a reward. I reached out to wrap my arms around his neck, my eyelids growing heavier with fatigue.

 

"We weren't too loud, were we?"

 

"No," the deep voice reassured me.

 

P'Phop moved his lips, kissing along the soft skin of my neck up to my mouth repeatedly before rolling over onto the bed. He pulled me into his embrace and covered our naked bodies with a blanket. I draped one leg over P’Phop's body as he gently stroked my back, sometimes moving his hand to lightly knead my buttocks as if he couldn't resist.

 

I buried my face in my lover's broad chest, feeling comforted. I loved it when he cuddled me after our activities. It made me feel cared for and attended to, rather than turning our backs on each other, which would feel oddly lonely.

 

"P'Phop."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"Are you still upset? No, wait, were you really sulking earlier?" Amid my drowsiness, I blurted out my lingering curiosity. The answer was as expected.

 

"No."

 

"I just wanted to hold you."

 

"I knew it," I pouted, immediately turning my back on the sly man. I suspected he wasn't the type to sulk over trivial matters. It turned out he just wanted an excuse to grope me.

 

"You knew but still let me, didn't you?"

 

His teasing tone made me press my lips together tightly. See, I told you he shouldn't be a cop. He's a seducer.

 

"Kun."

 

"Kun."

 

"Are you mad at me? Then let me make it up to you this time."

The owner of the deep, soft voice laughed in his throat, his warm lips nuzzling my shoulder. P'Phop's octopus-like hands moved to tease my nipples again, so I turned to lightly push his muscular, tan arm away, warning him before things got out of hand.

 

"No need. Just go to sleep."

 

"Don't you want me to make it up to you?"

 

"Nooooo," groaned, burying my face in the pillow. On another day, I might've played along for another round, but today, I was really tired.

 

"Alright then, goodnight," P'Phop said, his thick arm wrapping around my waist and pulling me close until my back was pressed against his body.

 

The warmth from my lover's body helped ward off the chill from the air conditioner. I shifted to find the most comfortable sleeping position, exhaled deeply, and closed my eyes, thinking to myself. Tomorrow, I'm definitely going to have sore legs. Next time, I won't fall for his tricks so easily. If he wants me to make it up to him this way again, I'll make sure he's really upset before giving in.