Love Upon A Time.

Meeting Those Eyes

A new day dawned. I woke up with a fleeting hope that everything was just a dream. But the world is always cruel to those who hope. When I opened my eyes and saw the wooden beams above my bed, I had to accept that it was all real.

 

"You woke up already, Mr Klao? Would you like to bathe now?"

 

As soon as I opened the door, I was greeted by Chuay, who was eagerly waiting outside. I nodded groggily, watching the servant hurriedly prepare the bathing equipment and clothes before following Chuay down to the river dock.

 

"Is there no bathroom?" I asked, feeling awkward as I stood in a loincloth with a small towel draped over my shoulder.

 

This is my first time bathing in such an open space. Even though I'm a man, bathing in a river with boats passing by is a bit...

 

"Bathroom? Do you mean the latrine, Mr Klao?"

 

"Latrine?" I raised an eyebrow, vaguely recalling from period dramas that this word referred to a toilet.

 

"Do you wish to use the latrine first, Mr Klao?"

 

"No, never mind." I smiled weakly, grabbing the bathing essentials-a bowl, a loofah, and some turmeric and Plai as my ancient body soap-and reluctantly walked down to the river dock. 

 

In period dramas, they always bathed there, so it made sense that there were no enclosed bathrooms like in my time. I sighed. Who'd have thought I'd get to experience the old way of life so authentically? Honestly, it was purely unnecessary. I didn't want to experience this at all.

 

I bathed quickly because the water was freezing. Once done, I hurried back to the house to change clothes. Chuay then brought me breakfast to eat at the pavilion in the middle of the house. My second meal still consisted mainly of rice and fish, with chilli paste and vegetables on the side. The flavours were quite strong, making my eyes water since I couldn't handle spicy food well. Next time, I'll have to tell the cook to use fewer chillies, or my stomach will surely protest. While I was eating, Chuay went downstairs to handle some chores. I glanced around the house.

 

The house I was in was a traditional Thai house, not too small or too big. Judging by the expensive decorations and furnishings, it was clear that the owner was wealthy. There weren't many servants, and besides me, it seemed... There were no other masters in the house. At least I hadn't seen anyone else yet.

 

"Klao, are you feeling better?"

 

While I was surveying the area, a familiar voice came from the stairs.

 

"Thi-uh, Jom?" I stopped myself from calling my friend by his usual name and quickly changed it. I watched the tall man in a long-sleeved shirt and traditional Thai pants, with a medicine bag slung over his shoulder, approach me with mixed feelings. My expression must've been odd because he chuckled as he sat down next to me.

 

"What are you saying? You don't even call me P'Jom anymore?"

 

"Oh? Ah, sorry... P'Jom." I went along with it to avoid suspicion while observing P'Jom's face. He looked exactly like Thi, my friend. It was eerie. The only difference was in the eyes. Thi was always cheerful and alert, while this man looked more mature.

 

"Why are you staring? Is there something on my face? And have you been praying before bed? Your dark circles look like you've been cursed."

 

"..." He believed in superstitions like Thi, but my dark circles were from staying up late and allergies, not curses.

 

"Uh... why did you come here, P'Jom?"

 

"Well, with this medicine bag, I came to check on you, of course. What a weird question." He laughed. Despite being more mature than Thi, he appeared to be just as easygoing. Unlike the man I met yesterday, Muun Phop, who seemed hard to approach. I hope he didn't come along...

 

"Looking for someone? Is it Phop?" P'Jom's voice startled me as if he could read my mind. I widened my eyes and quickly shook my head. 

 

"No, not at all."

 

"Phop is on duty now. He'll visit you this afternoon. Finish your meal quickly so I can check on you." He spoke with a strange smile as if he didn't believe my words. When P'Jom looked away, I pouted.

 

Ridiculous. I was looking for him because I didn't want to see him. Who'd want to meet that Muun? It's good he's not here.

 

After I finished eating, P’Jom began asking questions and examining me. From our conversation, I gathered that this man was also the son of a high-ranking noble and a friend of Muun Phop. He was older than me and seemed to know Klao quite well, but not as closely as Klao knew Muun. P'Jom didn't seem to suspect that I wasn't Klao at all.

 

"Your body is fine. No injuries, no fever."

After the examination, P'Jom glanced at Chuay, who was sitting nearby.

 

"But before I came here, Chuay told me you spoke strangely. You looked confused and were forgetful." I shot a warning look at Chuay, who was sitting a distance away, and I could almost hear him gulp.

 

"I warned you."P', P'Jom's concerned voice drew my attention back to him. His eyes showed worry and frustration.

 

"I warned you about alcohol and tobacco. Drinking and smoking so much will harm your body, and now it's showing. That's why you're all fuddled and forgetful."

 

"The reason why you spoke so strangely and forgot many things was because of the alcohol. If you don't stop, you might really lose your mind."

 

"..." I was speechless at the diagnosis. From what Chuay and P'Jom said, it seemed Klao was quite the drinker. But it was fortunate that the result turned out this way. I'd rather be seen as a bit crazy if it meant I could ask about Klao's history without raising suspicion.

 

"Stop drinking and behaving recklessly. Ok-ya, Phop and I are all worried about you. Behaving like this won't bring peace to your late father."

 

"...Yes." I agreed without further comment. P'Jom instructed Chuay to prepare herbal medicine for me to drink for a few days before leaving. I immediately grabbed Chuay for questioning.

 

"You heard that I drank too much and became confused. I don't remember much now, so tell me everything you know about me." I ordered, and Chuay, being straightforward, began recounting without suspicion, giving me a detailed history of the person I was impersonating.

 

Klao was twenty years old, the same age as me. His mother had died when he was young, and his father was Luang Preecha-piban, a former Luang Yokkabat, who remained faithful to his late wife. Klao had no siblings, unlike other noble children. Later, Luang Preecha-piban was assigned to Phichit City, so Klao had to move with him. Luang Preecha-piban intended to settle there, but he was accused of accepting bribes in an opium-related case months ago, leading to his punishment and eventual death.

 

After his father's death, Klao changed. From a cheerful, studious person who aspired to be a government official like his father, he became quiet and rebellious, drinking and behaving recklessly. The villagers' scorn only made him more aggressive. Ok-ya Pichaipakdee, a friend of Luang Preecha-piban, heard the news and brought Klao back to Bangkok. But Klao remained defiant, not wanting to associate with anyone. Ok-ya Pichaipakdee, let Klao stay alone in this house with fewer than ten servants, who were loyal servants of Luang Preecha-piban.

 

"You refused to stay at Ok-ya's house, no matter what. Ok-ya had no choice but to let you stay here, on his land, not far from his main house, so he could look after you more easily." Chuay explained while pouring warm tea from a tall, square-shaped teapot into a cup. I sipped the tea, which had a peculiar astringent taste but wasn't undrinkable.

 

"Why didn't I want to stay with Ok-ya?"

 

"...I don't know, sir." Chuay smiled weakly in response. I fell silent, trying to think of a reason.

 

If I have to analyse this information, Klao might value his dignity and dislike mingling with others. Originally, he was a child of a prominent family with a bright future and was well-respected. One day, he was branded as the son of a traitor. Who could accept that? His teen hormones were already fiery, so he didn't want to accept his condition, and he didn't want to look more pathetic than he already did. That's why he refused too much help.

 

"And what about P'Jom and Muun... P'Phop? Are they very close to me?"

 

"Yes, Mr Jom is a friend of Muun Phop. Mr Klao and Muun have been friends since childhood, so you also know Mr Jom. However, you're closer to Muun than anyone else. Before moving to Phichit, you were very attached to Muun and admired him greatly until..."

 

Chuay's hesitant tone piqued my interest.

 

"Until what?"

 

"I don't know why, but since returning to the capital this time, you've been very rebellious towards Muun. You barely look at him and don't want to talk to him at all."

 

"..." So, Klao must've had some deep-seated issues with that Muun Phop. Interesting...

 

"After Ok-luang passed away, you changed a lot. In fact, not just with Muun, even with us servants, you don't want to talk to us anymore. You even told us not to follow and serve you as before." Chuay's fearful tone and anxious demeanour made it easy for me to guess how aggressive Klao's behaviour must have been.

 

From what I've heard, Mr Klao is obviously a troublemaker. But it's understandable. Any teenager would lose their mind in such a situation. His father was a traitor, punished, and scorned by the villagers. Klao might feel like he's been kicked out of heaven. I wouldn't know how to handle it if it were me.

 

"And my father... was he really a traitor, as they say?"

 

"Not at all, sir! There's no way that's true!"

 

Chuay hastily said with a flustered look. "Mr Klao, please don't think that way. Ok-luang has always served with integrity. Everyone knows how kind and straightforward Ok-luang was. There's no way he'd accept bribes. Even Ok-ya Pichaipakdee never believed that Ok-luang would do such a thing."

 

"You mean my father was framed?"

 

"...Even if we think that way, there's no evidence to prove it." The young man's voice trembled as if he was about to cry, making me, who can't handle others' tears, quickly try to change the subject.

 

"So, Klao... I mean, I... was I that much of a troublemaker that P'Jom had to say that to me?" I asked, sipping my tea to ease my dry throat.

 

"Well... quite so, sir. You often went to drink at Pak Khlong Market early in the day and frequently got into fights with the local thugs, mostly over prostitutes."

 

"Cough!" I choked on my tea, coughing violently. Chuay quickly handed me a handkerchief. Drunk, fighting with thugs, and visiting brothels-what a mess. Why do you have to be like this, Klao?

 

"Th-that much?"

 

"Yes, sir. Please don't do that anymore. Those thugs are very vile. I'm afraid they might harm you even more. Everyone is very worried about you, Mr Klao."

 

Chuay's genuinely concerned eyes made me feel guilty because I'm not his real master, and I don't even know where the real Klao is right now...

 

"Alright, I won't get involved with them anymore," I promised, bringing a genuine smile to the young man's face. Who'd want to mess with thugs? I already have enough problems. I don't want to add more. I asked Chuay for more details, then asked him to leave the room so I could gather my thoughts alone.

 

After Chuay left, I exhaled heavily, my brows furrowing automatically. Klao has quite a history. Not to mention his background, there's also the mystery of his disappearance. And then there's me, who coincidentally looks like Klao, stepping into his shoes just as he vanished. Everything fits together so perfectly that it's scary. It was as if orchestrated by someone. But who? It's definitely not me because I desperately want to go home, but I don't know how.

 

"If I find Klao, will I be able to go home?" I muttered to myself, looking out the window. I saw a large ylang-ylang tree in full bloom, its fragrance wafting into the room. The bright yellow flowers contrasted sharply with my gloomy mood.

 

I never believed in fate, but it seems fate is playing a cruel joke on me now...

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Even though Thi, P’Jom, said my body was fine, just a bit fatigued, Chuay still insisted I rest. If I were in my own time, I'd be happy to lie down, play games, or browse social media. But here, there's no internet, no phone, and I'm tired of being cooped up in the room. So, after lunch, I decided to explore the house.

 

"This house isn't small at all," I mumbled to myself as I walked around. This traditional Thai house has a fairly large terrace and several rooms that could comfortably accommodate a family of three to four. At the back is a medium-sized kitchen. I live alone in the house, while the servants live in a nearby wooden hut close to the kitchen. The house is surrounded by trees and flowers, making it quite shady. But this house seems isolated, far from neighbours, giving it a quiet and slightly lonely feel.

 

"Is it just me and you guys living here?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"And I don't have any other relatives?"

 

"You do. But after Ok-luang passed away, they distanced themselves, even though Ok-luang helped them a lot when he was alive." Chuay's sad tone made me pity the real Klao.

 

What a pitiful life. I'm lucky to have a warm family. Speaking of family, I miss my parents. I don't know if I'll ever see them again...

 

"Mr Klao."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"What's wrong, sir?" My demeanour must've looked off, so Chuay asked.

 

"I miss my parents," I forced a smile, taking a deep breath to suppress the sudden surge of emotion. It's pointless to cry over that right now. I need to find a way to survive in this unfamiliar world and to return to my own time as soon as possible. Even though I don't know how yet, there must be a way. If I can get here, I can get back, too.

 

"Mr Klao still has the servants and me here, and there's also Ok-ya, Muun, and Mr Jom. You're not alone, sir." The young man's words made me smile.

 

"Thank you." I patted his shoulder, thinking that at least Klao was quite lucky to have such loyal servants.

 

My exploration ended with me playing with the servants' children on a bamboo platform under a mango tree near their hut. My personal servant also has a child, a cute two-year-old girl named Jam. Watching her made me wish I had a little sister. But thinking about how this child will grow up to be a servant without a chance to study made me despondent.

 

In this era, only the children of nobles get to study. In modern times, education, though not perfect, is more accessible. Unfortunately, there's such a class divide when we are all human and should have equal access to basic needs like education. But I can't judge the past with my 21st-century mindset. Many factors shaped ancient society, and things will improve in the future.

 

"Mr Klao."

 

While I was watching the servants' children play, Chuay came running to me, out of breath.

 

"Khong, a servant from Ok-ya's house, just came to inform you that Ok-ya wants to see you."

 

"Ok-ya? Oh, my father's friend," I mumbled, suddenly feeling a bit anxious. Am I supposed to meet my current guardian now? Oh no, will he figure out I'm not the real Klao?

 

"Can't I just stay here? I want to be alone," I asked, pleading, even though I knew it was hopeless. Chuay confirmed it with a reluctant smile.

 

"No, sir. Ok-ya wants to know about your condition, so he sent someone to fetch you. Let's hurry; Muun is waiting for Mr Klao at the riverside pavilion."

 

"What?!" The name made my eyebrows furrow automatically, and I made a face of annoyance. The more I want to escape, the more I run into him. Argh!'

 

"Fine, let's get this over with," I sighed. I got up and followed the servants to the riverside pavilion. When I saw the tall figure standing there with a stern expression, I had to muster all my strength not to show my irritation.

 

"Aren't you going to greet me?" The deep voice spoke up when he saw me standing silently. I pursed my lips slightly and gave him a half-hearted wai.

 

"Sawadee," I said, but he looked at me strangely.

 

"What did you say?"

 

The question made me raise an eyebrow in confusion.

 

"I said hello to you, of course."

 

"What does 'Sawasdee' mean?" P'Phop seemed genuinely puzzled by what I said, not pretending. I swallowed hard, realising I had made another mistake.

 

The word 'Sawasdee,' which means 'hi,' wasn't used in ancient times, was it? Heck... I didn't know that.

 

"Never mind, a weirdo like me just says random things," I waved my hand dismissively and quickly changed the subject before he could ask more questions.

 

"Weren't you going to take me to see Ok-ya? Let's hurry; keeping the elders waiting isn't good."

 

"Alright."

 

Though his eyes still held suspicion, he let it go and stepped into the waiting boat. I was about to turn to Chuay and tell him to come along, but P'Phop's deep voice interrupted.

 

"Chuay, you stay here. I'll bring your master back to the house."

 

"Yes, sir." Of course, the servant wouldn't dare defy someone of this rank. Chuay gave me an encouraging look before stepping back.

 

I turned to look at P'Phop in the boat, feeling wary. He offered a faint smile and extended his hand. "Come on down."

 

"No need, I can get in the boat myself," I declined his help and stepped into the boat steadily. Yesterday, I was weak from a hangover and got seasick, but today I was fine. I'm not afraid of water, so getting into a rowboat was no big deal.

 

"Really? You were so weak yesterday that I was afraid you'd fall into the water, so I offered my hand." Those words made me frown. Though he smiled politely, without the wariness he had yesterday, I still didn't like his smiling face for some reason. His smile was genuine, but his eyes were clearly teasing. This guy was definitely a troublemaker, just hiding it behind a facade of politeness.

 

"Khong, start rowing."

 

"Yes, sir," the servant responded energetically. The small boat slowly moved forward. I sat up straight, looking at the scenery on both sides, feeling the gaze from behind me.

 

If a karmic enemy were real, this guy would definitely be my number one nemesis.

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The distance from the house where I was staying to Phraya Pichaipakdee's house wasn't far. After about ten minutes, the boat docked at the riverside pavilion of our destination.

 

"Father is waiting in the house. Let's go up quickly."

 

Once again, the large hand was offered as support, and once again, I refused, stepping out of the boat onto the dock without caring about P'Phop's gaze.

 

Honestly, I didn't want to be near him. I felt he was suspicious of me, and his gaze made me uncomfortable. Since the real Klao didn't like interacting with him, I wouldn't be sceptical if I acted indifferent to him.

 

I heard a soft chuckle from him before P'Phop led the way to the large traditional Thai house. I followed, glancing around the area. From the boat, I could see the grandeur of this house. It wasn't a single house like where I stayed, but a

complex with many connected houses. The surrounding area was spacious.

 

I saw an open yard and a horse stable in the back. I also heard birds chirping, indicating an aviary there. The yard was bustling with servants, fitting for a high-ranking noble's house. For a moment, the atmosphere felt familiar, but then it vanished. How could it be familiar when I'd never set foot in any real traditional Thai house in the present day? This was really my first time.

 

As P'Phop led me up the stairs, my heart pounded with fear. I was about to meet someone who'd known Klao since childhood. Would he see through me?

 

"Father, I've brought him here." ' Phop's deep voice snapped me back to reality. In front of me was a distinguished middle-aged man sitting with one knee up, leaning against a pillow, with a pretty maid massaging his legs.

 

I knelt on the floor like P'Phop, who signalled me to move closer to Phraya. I moved closer and gave a silent wai, taking the opportunity to observe Phraya Pichaipakdee's face. If I had to guess, he was around fifty years old, but a very handsome and dignified fifty. He looked imposing, much like his son. I could imagine P'Phop looking like this at fifty.

 

"How are you? Are you feeling better?" Phraya Pichaipakdee waved the maid away and asked, his voice and eyes full of kindness, making me feel a bit relieved.

 

"I'm fine now," I said with a hesitant smile, earning a slight one from the elder in return.

 

"That's good. When I heard from your servants that you had disappeared, I was very worried. It's good you're back safely."

 

"If Khun Ying hadn't been away on business in Lavo and had known about this, you'd have been reprimanded. But since it's over, I won't bring it up."

 

“..."

Great, even if you did, I couldn't answer anyway!

 

"I won't ask what happened, but I want to remind you to be more mindful and careful. Understand?"

 

His gentle admonition and the rough hand patting my head made me feel much better.

 

"Yes, Phraya," I replied, but he frowned at my address.

 

"Why do you call me that? You should call me Uncle."

 

"Yes, Uncle. I'll be a good boy," I responded politely, beaming widely, earning a laugh and a fond look.

 

"A man must keep his word," Phraya said, then asked a bit more about my condition before switching to casual conversation. Despite his stern appearance, Phraya Pichaipakdee was kind, compassionate, and patient. He didn't seem suspicious of me, unlike his son, who kept giving me scrutinising looks.

 

Blame Muun Phop for being too perceptive, making my already difficult life even harder. I hoped I wouldn't have to deal with him much, but that seemed unlikely. As long as Klao was under Phraya's care, his son would be around.

What a mess.

 

As evening approached, I gathered the courage to ask to leave, saying I needed to take my medicine on time. Phraya allowed me to go without objection, so I gave a wai and looked at the person who brought me here.

 

"Wait downstairs. I need to talk to Father for a moment." P'Phop said, so I walked down and waited as instructed. While standing there, looking at the birds and trees, I could feel the eyes of the servants on me. When I turned to meet their gaze, the young maidens blushed. I could only give a weak smile and quickly looked away.

 

When is P'Phop coming down? I'm getting uncomfortable with all this staring. About five minutes later, the person I was silently complaining about walked down from the house and invited me to leave. I hurriedly followed him, feeling relieved that we'd soon part ways.

 

"P'Phop, you don't need to escort me all the way to my house. Just have a servant row me there," I quickly said when we reached the river dock. Let's part ways already; I don't want to be near this human lie detector.

 

"I told your servant I'd escort you to your house, so I must keep my word." He looked at me, raising his thick eyebrows slightly. "Or do you not want to be near me for even a few more minutes?"

 

"No, it's just that I saw you working hard this morning, so I wanted you to rest quickly," I swiftly deflected, even though my heart screamed, 'Yes, I don't want to be near you anymore!' But I couldn't say that out loud.

 

"Oh, I thought you didn't want to be near me." He let out a small chuckle, his sharp eyes looking at me unreadably before stepping closer, making me swallow hard.

 

"Hey! Wait, what are you going to do?" I stammered, stepping back, but P'Phop didn't stop advancing. I backed up until I hit the seat in the pavilion and had to sit down, cornered, as his broad figure approached. Our eyes met, and time seemed to slow down strangely for a moment. Seeing his face up close, I had to admit that P'Phop was very handsome. His confident demeanour only added to his masculine charm.

 

"Klao."

 

His deep, pleasant voice sounded like a whisper. Once again, those dark eyes stirred a strange feeling in me, a sense of familiarity that was hard to grasp.

 

"Wha... what..."

 

"You have a leaf in your hair." He reached out and picked a dry leaf from my hair. Realising I'd been staring at him, I hastily turned away, coughing a few times awkwardly.

 

"Thank you."

 

"You're welcome." He stepped back, and I adjusted my hair, quickly heading to the boat without looking back at him. Just a little longer, Nakun. Once you get home, you won't have to see this guy's face anymore.

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My hope was crushed when the boat docked at the river pavilion, and P'Phop, looking unfazed, followed me up to the house. He claimed he was hungry, and it was almost dinner time, so he wanted to eat here. I longed to refuse so badly, but since he'd already said that out loud, sending him away would be extremely rude. So, our dinner had an uninvited guest sitting beside me.

 

"The chilli paste is too mild," the unwanted guest criticised the food's taste. I glanced sideways and saw Sai, Chuay's wife, who'd cooked this meal, looking disheartened. Seeing that, I quickly defended her, "I told the servant to make the food mild. I don't like spicy food."

 

"Is that so? You've changed a lot. When you were young, you could eat spicier food than I could." His tone was casual, but he looked at me thoughtfully.

 

I took a deep breath, meeting his eyes as I replied, "People change all the time. Who stays the same forever?"

 

"You're right." He smiled slightly, and I turned my attention back to my food, focusing on eating so I could go back to my room as soon as possible.

 

"Thank you for the meal."

 

Finally, the twenty minutes of dinner that felt like twenty hours to me were over. I watched P'Phop wash his hands, grinning broadly when he turned back.

 

"Then I'll escort you to the dock. Let's go."

 

"Wait, I have something to discuss with you." That sentence made me almost sigh, but I held back. Still not leaving? Why didn't you just talk during dinner?!'

 

"What do you need to discuss with me, P'Phop?"

 

"Even though Father hasn't questioned you, it doesn't mean he doesn't know what has been happening." His serious tone gave me a weird feeling. I met his eyes, seeing that he was more solemn than usual.

 

"You've had frequent run-ins with thugs. Even if they haven't harmed you yet, this house is far from Father's and mine. There are a few servants here. It'd be too late to inform the main house if something were to happen. Father and I have agreed that you should move to Father's house."

 

"What?!" exclaimed, seeing a looming disaster. Even without living in the same house, P'Phop could still come and find faults. If I had to live under the same roof, he'd follow me everywhere.

 

"Wait! I don't-"

 

"You shouldn't defy the elders. You've caused enough trouble already." His eyes were stern, clearly not intending to relent.

 

"I won't cause any more trouble. I'll behave, not get drunk, and not get into fights. I promise!" I hurriedly raised three fingers in a pledge, but he didn't seem convinced.

 

"You've already made enemies with those thugs. Who knows when they might come looking for trouble here? It's better to be safe than sorry."

 

"P'Phop, they won't-"

 

"Who can predict the future? Father wants to protect you. Don't refuse the elders' goodwill."

 

He wouldn't listen at all. I could only pout, silently groaning when I heard P'Phop instruct the servant.

 

"Chuay, quickly pack Klao's personal belongings and take them to my father's house. I'll take him there first. We'll get the rest tomorrow."

 

"Yes, sir." Chuay complied and went to pack my things right away. P'Phop turned back to me, and seeing my world-ending expression, his sharp eyes seemed to sparkle.

 

"Let's hurry and return to our house before it gets dark." He smiled before leading the way down from the house. I clenched my fists, cursing loudly in my mind.

 

Alright! Sorry, Thi. I believe in fate now! Seriously, why is my luck so freaking bad right now?!'