Love Upon a Time: Special Edition.

Chapter 7 - The wait is over.

Thichat Chotiwatin never believed in love at first sight before. Since he became a young man, he has experienced many forms of love, including love born of hurt and love born of empathy. A love that hasn't blossomed yet, but he wants to open his heart. However, falling in love at first sight is something he's never experienced, and he doesn't think it's possible. At most, it might just be a fleeting infatuation or lust that comes and goes when he gets bored. 

 

Thi believes in fate; he's a big believer in superstitions, but love at first sight... even he finds it hard to believe in, because it seems like something only found in TV series or novels, for girls to get into and get carried away by romantic stories. Thi has been in many relationships, including official ones, casual dating, and even just going on dates. If you count them, ten people have dated him, but unfortunately, he can't commit to anyone because he doesn't feel a connection. He doesn't know why, but he always feels empty inside. No matter who he's in a relationship with, there's always a voice deep down telling him it's not right, leading to breakups every time.

 

It might be similar to his close friend who refuses to have a girlfriend because he hasn't found the right person yet. But for Thi, it's the opposite: if he doesn't open his heart and keep searching, when will he ever find them? So he keeps talking to people, hoping to find the right one someday. Before he knew it, his friends and those around him had labelled him a womaniser. He can't deny it because he really is talking to several people at once. He even had to quit social media to avoid a whole mess of relationships.

 

Nineteen-year-old Thi wondered when he would finally find the right person. Would he have to wait until he was old? That was until the first day of classes at the Faculty of Humanities. The start of the new semester, when he became a second-year student, was a day that Thi thought he would never forget for the rest of his life.

 

"Hey, Thi," a guy in a student uniform walked over and nudged his arm as he reclined on a long bench with a resigned expression. "You ate and then slept like a snake. They gave it to you."

 

"You're here to sleep because you're working! Wake up!"

 

"What the hell am I waking up for? I can't even open my eyes anymore. I'm so damn sleepy," a groggy voice mumbled.

 

The truth is, Thi didn't want to lie down here at all. This hard bench would make his back ache terribly. But today was the first day of classes for the new faculty members. The second, third, and fourth-year students will be responsible for welcoming the first-year students. The third- and fourth-year students will be in charge of intimidating the freshmen, while the second-year students, like them, will be responsible for doting on them. Thi and Nakun will be in charge of recreation. That explains why Nakun has his hair in two pigtails and lipstick on his cheeks like Maruko.

 

"Who told you to play games until dawn? Serves you right," the guy sneered, pulling him up to a sitting position before nodding to his female friend, Nene. People in the area told Thi to use rubber bands to tie his hair up, transforming him into a state not unlike a zombie. Under normal circumstances, Thi would have handled his own makeup and hair, but now he was so sleepy his eyes were practically closing, so he let Nene do whatever she wanted to him while he was half-asleep.

 

Look up and tell him, "Hey, you!"

 

"Damn, can I just sneak off to sleep? I'll come back and help you this afternoon. Nobody will even notice if one of us disappears."

 

"When you promised those seniors, you were so nice. Now you want to run away? Didn't you say you were going to come check out the girls?"

 

"I'm sleepy right now; I'm not in the mood to browse. Hey, can you tell Momay and the others that I died from diarrhoea?"

 

"It's too late, my friend," the speaker said, a smirk playing on his lips. It seemed he was enjoying his friend's misfortune, as a true friend should. Then, suddenly, he extended his hand right in front of him, causing Thi to frown.

 

"What the heck?"

 

"Bring me the dunk; I'll go buy you some coffee."

 

"Yeah."

 

Thi laughed, pulled out a hundred-baht bill, handed it to his friend, and watched his back as he walked towards the coffee shop under the faculty building. Thinking about it, if Kun's annoying personality clashed with his cute looks, maybe he might want to get to know him in a different way. But after knowing him for a year, Thi realised that a relationship between him and Kun was impossible. Being friends was the best option.

 

Thi sat while his friend did his makeup and hair, sipping coffee to stay awake. By the time he finished his coffee and started to feel more alert, Nene had finished doing his makeup.

 

"Aren't you going to look in the mirror, Thi?" his female friend asked as he stood and stretched without taking the mirror she offered him.

 

"No, I'm already handsome. Nothing can hide my handsomeness."

 

"Heh...okay," Nene giggled, putting away the mirror while winking at the guy. But Thi didn't care. A good-looking person would still have an aura even if they were covered in mud. Okay, fine. It's just lipstick and powder; how much difference can that make?

 

"The kids should be almost finished registering. Let's go wait at the venue. We should have about twenty minutes before the first round of the competition, so Thi can get a little more nap."

 

"Wow, Nene is so cute. That's what real friends are like, unlike that jerk," Thi couldn't resist teasing his best friend who was walking behind him, only to get a little suckle in return, but he was too lazy.

 

Thi replied that he was still sleepy and wanted to keep quiet for now. He'll later figure out a way to get revenge on him, the recreation leader, by forcing him to strike funny poses to embarrass the younger students. Thi dozed off while listening to the third-year students brief him on the various activities that the second-year students would be responsible for for the final time, while the fourth-year students were talking to the first-year students who were sitting in the front.

 

I was lost in the courtyard of the faculty building when I came to my senses, and then Nakun nudged me awake.

 

"Hey, you've had your fill, right? Let's party hard!"

 

"Yeah," the excited guy replied, raising an eyebrow as he walked to join his friends, who were forming a circle around the first-year students. Before starting, Thi, as usual, scanned the area for cute people. His tastes were broader than those of some of his friends who were helping him, as he liked both men and women. Thi had the same ulterior motive, but from where he was standing, he could only see his side, slightly behind him, so it was not ideal to see the faces of the younger ones. But there will be plenty of opportunities today. When he gets up and introduces them one by one, he'll be able to see everyone clearly. If he sees anyone cute, he plans to ask for their Instagram.

 

The rhythmic drumming and recreational music filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that helped the first-year students relax, though some seemed to enjoy themselves more. It was a group of second-year students dancing wildly, and the guy next to him seemed to have lost it all. Meanwhile, Thi was moving around moderately, until the other guy turned to him and told him to stop being so reserved.

 

"It's not the 'Axa' that's attached to me, it's me who's attached! Because I'm handsome, that's why!" Thi thought to himself, scanning the area for a potential target. "Actually, there's a cute younger guy...Looks like a lot of people like him. Let me take a look again...

 

"What's your name? What's your name? Hey! Your name is..."

 

"Pun!"

 

"What's your name?"

 

"Pun!"

 

His gaze met the figure of a first-year male student who shyly rose to introduce himself through a dance amidst the cheers of the seniors, even though he could only see his side. He couldn't even see his face clearly, but for some reason, his heart started beating strangely fast. And the moment the other person turned their face towards him, their large, round eyes accidentally met, Thi froze, his breath hitched, and all sounds around him faded away. He went on until all he could hear was his own heart pounding wildly in his chest. And from then on, Thi’s gaze could not look anywhere but at that junior.

 

"Is it really possible to fall in love with someone you've just met for the first time?" he thought, surprised, his heart still pounding. This was crazy, but it had happened. Thi was certain: this was love, not just infatuation or liking. He didn't know where he got that confidence from, but his instincts screamed loudly that this boy was the one. He was already picturing their wedding day just from seeing his face.

 

Thi restrained himself throughout the activities, refraining from rushing in to introduce himself and startling the younger student. He waited until break time, when the first-year students arrived. As everyone gradually got up to get their food, Thi ignored the calls from that guy and rushed over to Pun, who was walking at the back of the group, and immediately gave him a sweet smile.

 

"Hello, Pun."

 

"...Huh?" The younger man looked confused, but nodded slightly out of politeness.

The closer he got, the more Thi’s heart raced because Pun was just too cute. He was adorable from afar, but up close, it was as if his feet weren't even on the ground. He looked like an angel walking on earth. His sweet face, fair skin, and delicate figure were perfect for his arms. Especially when their eyes met, and Pun gazed at him for a split second. And avoiding eye contact like that isn't that obvious?! Thi felt inexplicably awkward.

 

"My name is Thi."

 

"Oh... okay..."

 

"Is he shy, too? He won't even look me in the eye. That little smile means he definitely likes me. Just be my boyfriend already," Thi thought to himself, then pressed on to avoid wasting time.

 

"Well...if you don't mind, I'd like to ask..."

 

"Oops!"

 

Suddenly, Pun burst into laughter, quickly covered his mouth with his hand, and bowed his head to him. Then he hurried back to rejoin his friends who had been calling out to him. Thi stood there bewildered, but before he could follow to ask what was wrong, he felt a tug on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw the guy standing with his hands on his hips, staring at him.

 

"What are you bothering him for? Where are you? Are you going to eat?"

 

"You..." Thi turned to his friend, his eyes wide, "I found true love."

 

"Huh? What nonsense are you spouting again?" The guy frowned at him.

 

"That boy over there, the one named Pun. He's small and super cute."

 

"You're trying to set up a trap right from the first day, aren't you?" Nakun rolled his eyes, knowing his friend's habit of changing girlfriends and boyfriends as often as he spends money on in-game purchases. But this time was different; Thi was serious. The young man puffed out his chest. "He only glanced at me for a second before turning away. He's probably too shy because of my good looks."

 

"Are you sure he's not embarrassed?" Nakun rolled his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. "He might be laughing at you more. Look at yourself now. If you told me you just escaped from a mental asylum, I'd believe it."

 

"Huh?" Thi blinked. This morning, after doing his makeup and hair, he hadn't looked in the mirror. Hearing his friend say that, Thi hurried over to borrow a mirror from Female friends in the department

 

"Shit!" Thi groaned in despair, because the reflection showed a face smeared with white powder and bright red lipstick plastered all over his cheeks. I can't recognise my face anymore, and that hairstyle is like a durian thorn!

 

"Damn it, what kind of creature is this? Does Nene hate me or something?"

 

"Why are you blaming your friend? You didn't look in the mirror in the first place! Stop complaining and go eat!"

 

The guy dragged him back to join the second-year students, while Thi groaned helplessly, glancing back at the group of first-year students where his angel had disappeared. A large crowd was already present.

 

Even though their first meeting might not have been very impressive for Pun, it was a day that Thi would never forget. To this day, the feeling of that first encounter still feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday. Unfortunately, that day was very hectic. Even though he rushed to wash his face at lightning speed after the activities, planning to show off his handsome face and ask for Pun's Instagram, Pun had already left. So Thi eagerly awaited the first day of school. Since then, he has openly and persistently pursued Pun. 

 

Thi thought it wouldn't be difficult, as usual. He was confident in his handsome face and charm, which always attracted both men and women. But it turned out that Pun was keeping his distance from him. Although he maintained good manners, those clear eyes clearly showed distrust every time they met. For example, when he sat with him on the bench under the faculty building in the morning before class.

 

"Why are you sitting here, P'Thi? Why don't you go sit with your friends?"

 

"Pun, you're waiting for your friend, aren't you? I'll wait with you. I was afraid you'd be lonely."

 

"No," the shorter one shook his head immediately. "Pun can stay. You go, P'Thi."

 

"But I can't live without sitting close to Pun. It's like I can't breathe, I have a headache, a fever, it's like a heart attack. I love you."

 

"...That's old snot," Pun rolled his eyes.

 

Thi sat with his chin resting on his hand, gazing at his interlocutor with a sweet, flirtatious look. "So, has it worked? Are you feeling anything yet? I'm serious about you, Pun," he said. The other person didn't reply, just looked at him and frowned. Even with that pout, Pun still looked incredibly cute, radiant in the eyes of anyone who saw him. His parents would be so proud to have found such a lovely daughter-in-law. He was so cute it made his heart ache!

 

"Pun doesn't have a girlfriend yet, right? Can I ask him out?"

 

"But I don't want a girlfriend yet," the young man brushed it off, because he'd heard rumours about the senior student in front of him being a notorious womaniser, and he hated womanisers.

 

"Okay, then let's just be friends for now. Even if it's just casual conversation, that's fine! Please give me a chance."

 

"Your friend's calling, P’Thi. Let's go," Pun nodded towards the back. Thi turned to look and saw his nemesis, Kun, striding toward him. Kun grabbed the back of Thi’s shirt collar while turning to speak to Pun in an apologetic tone. "Sorry, my friend's bothering you again, isn't he? He's always causing trouble for everyone when he doesn't wear a collar."

 

"I'm not a dog, you damn idiot! Ow!"

 

"Go on!" The guy yanked the back of his collar until he could barely breathe, then dragged him away from the table where Pun was sitting.

 

"We drew lots for our assigned senior and junior mates today, Pun; you're definitely my boyfriend... I mean, my junior! I'll treat you to a meal tonight. See you later!" Thi’s gaze didn't leave the small figure watching him, and he sighed. He had high hopes for today's senior and junior mates draw, very confident that they would be paired together.

 

It was inevitable that they would meet. He didn't know why, but Thi believed it was his destiny to have met this person. At first glance, Thi couldn't look at anyone else. Everyone else seemed like a faceless NPC, someone he couldn't feel anything for anymore. The womaniser Theethat, whom his friends branded as a bad boy, is no more. This time, it's time to redeem his reputation!

 

"Do you think I'll get Pun?" Thi, restless, whispered to his friend during class. Kun glared at him immediately. "Again? You'll get bored again soon enough, that's just your habit."

 

"That means I'm your junior menThi!" Thi snarled through gritted teeth. It would be nice to have other opportunities too, but for now, being your junior menThi is enough. Consider it the first step.

 

"I don't know, but I'm hoping he doesn't. I feel sorry for him."

 

"I'm serious about this one!"

 

"Oh, okay," Kun replied dismissively, because throughout the past year, he had seen his friend's true nature. As a friend, Thi was a very good person, but as a boyfriend...he is pretty awful. He's never seen him date or talk to anyone for more than two weeks because he's such a smooth talker. I can't help but feel sorry for Pun, who's become the target this time. Then Nakun’s prayers came true. Thi didn't get Pun as his junior mentor; instead, Pun became his junior mentor.

 

"Hey, let's swap!" Thi has been pointing at his friend nonstop since the lottery results were announced a week ago. Nakun put his backpack down on the lecture table and turned to face his friend with a serious expression. "I've told you a hundred times I'm not swapping with Thi. And I have something to tell you..."

 

"I'm talking to you, and I'm serious about this."

 

"What's the matter?"

 

"It's about Pun. If you're just going to flirt with him casually, stop it. Tone it down a bit. Normally, I wouldn't interfere with who you flirt with, but now that Pun is my junior, it's going to create awkwardness. What if he starts to get serious? I'm caught in the middle, you know? And I feel sorry for him because you've never dated anyone for more than two weeks. I don't want to see him heartbroken."

 

Thi understood what you were worried about. He had indeed been acting carefree and aimless before, but with Pun, Thi had never had that thought in his head.

 

"I'm not just flirting; I'm serious about this one. I really like your junior; I like him a lot, ever since the first day I met him. Love at first sight."

 

"When it's you, I can't believe it."

 

"Then let time prove it. I really like Pun."

 

"Okay... you don't need to prove anything to me. Go prove it to Pun."

 

"Of course. Just you wait," Thi said with a determined look.

 

And he kept his promise. Almost three years have passed, and Thi is still pursuing his junior, who has held his heart since their first meeting. Thi never imagined a day would come when he would seriously consider which foot to step out of the house with to see him, what colour shirt to wear for good luck in love, or which temple to visit to win Pun's heart. Although there were times he felt discouraged, Thi never gave up, as long as Pun had never rejected him.

 

Yes, never accepted, but never rejected either. Thi was quite sure that he liked him too; he just probably didn't trust him to be faithful to him. Yes, and Thi proved it with perseverance and patience. Ever since meeting Pun, he's rejected everyone who approached him. Morning, noon, and night, he spent all his time with Pun, and he even asked Khun to help him by frequently speaking positively about Don to Pun.

 

Of course, at first, his close friends didn't cooperate because they didn't trust him either. But when they saw he was focused only on Pun, they agreed to help. However, his younger sibling turned out to be much stronger than expected, despite his gentle and innocent exterior. And that very quality is what made Thi fall even more in love with him.

 

Time passed incredibly quickly. He felt like he had only just met Pun on the first day of orientation, not so long ago, but today was the last day of exams. As he was a fourth-year university student and Thi had a client meeting outside at noon, he took the opportunity, after finishing his work, to drive to the university to pick up the new graduate and take him out to celebrate his graduation as the first guest.

 

"My clever boy, how are you? Finished all your exams, it must be a relief!"

 

"Shhh," Pun, who had reached out to take the drink from him, nodded and took a big gulp of bubble tea as they walked out of the faculty building towards the parking lot.

 

"I feel relieved, but also a little sad. I've only ever known about studying my whole life. When I think about entering the working world, it feels so disorienting, even though it's not happening right now."

 

"Come on..."

 

The last sentence Pun uttered was in a soft voice, more like he was talking to himself than to Thi. Thi thought Pun probably had a lot on his mind. Even Thi, after graduating, couldn't help but feel empty, even though he had the family business to fall back on and didn't need to apply for jobs. So, he decided to be a good listener, letting Pun be alone for a while, and then drove him to dinner.

 

They arrived at a shopping mall not far from the university around five o'clock in the evening. Thi let the new graduate choose the restaurant, and Pun chose one. They had Japanese food because they wanted to eat sushi. Their natural and flowing conversation during the meal made Thi feel happy. He reminisced about the first year he was pursuing Pun; back then he absolutely refused to have a meal with him alone. But now Pun seemed to be opening up to him a lot. And it seemed that where there's effort, there's success. Soon enough, he'll have a wife!

 

"Hey, P'Thi, Pun has something to tell you," Pun said as dessert was served at the table.

 

"Yes?" Thi’s eyes lit up, and he smiled hopefully. "You're going to accept my love, right?"

 

"It's something else," the petite figure rolled his eyes and chuckled, before the smile slowly faded. "Well...in six months, I'll be going to England to study for an MBA. I'll be studying for about a year."

 

The listeners were stunned and speechless. It took several seconds for Thi to realise the meaning of what Pun had said. Suddenly, it was as if his heart had been ripped out of his chest.

 

“Going to...England, huh?"

 

"Yeah"

 

"I will miss you so much," the tall, burly man said, no longer in the mood for sweets. Even though he hadn't succeeded in winning Pun over, he still had the opportunity to be close to him and take care of him. But the thought of having to be apart without any official relationship status made Thi feel even more discouraged.

 

"Do you have a phone too?" Pun scooped some red bean ice cream into his mouth, observing the handsome face that looked so dejected it was pitiful. Thi groaned, "It's not the same as seeing each other in person."

 

"Another half a year, huh? Not tomorrow," Pun tried to comfort the older man, but seeing that Thi showed no sign of brightening up, the slender figure decided to scoop some ice cream and hold it to the other person's mouth

 

"Open your mouth quickly!"

 

Thi opened his mouth and took a bite of the ice cream without hesitation. He couldn't help but feel happy because this was the first time Pun had fed him. However, the sadness hadn't faded because he kept thinking about being apart for a whole year! What if a foreigner starts hitting on Pun during that time? He’s so beautiful and cute; it's bound to happen!

 

Okay, fine. England is just around the corner. We're rich here anyway. I can visit Pun every two weeks, or I could ask my parents for a job in England. Wow, I'm probably going to get scolded, but I'll take a chance. If it doesn't work out, we'll see what happens next...

 

Thi was planning various things ahead of time while driving Pun home, determined not to let distance be an obstacle to winning over his crush. Determined, because he was so focused on driving and planning in his head, Thi didn't realise that Pun had been glancing at him the entire way.

 

Upon arriving at his house, while Pun was unbuckling his seatbelt, he casually asked, "Thi, are you tired?"

 

"Yes?"

 

"Don't you ever think about stopping? It's been three years."

 

Something in Pun's voice made Thi feel insecure instinctively. His heart suddenly pounded with anxiety.

 

"No, I never get tired of courting Pun," Thi replied firmly, turning to meet the eyes that had drawn him in from the first moment they met, and then took a deep breath.

 

"I'll only stop when Pun tells me to stop. If Pun really doesn't like me, I... I won't make things difficult for you anymore."

 

This is the principle Thi has always held: if the person he likes doesn't want him in their life, even though he's heartbroken, he will never make Pun feel uncomfortable again. Since he couldn't stop himself from liking Pun, he had no right to force him to like him back either. Pun never accepted or rejected his advances, so Thi continued to pursue him for three years, believing he had a chance. But if judgment day were to arrive now... all he would have to do was accept the other party's decision.

 

"Don't you feel like you're at a disadvantage? You've done so much for me, but I still won't date you," Pun asked with a complicated look in his eyes. Thi immediately shook his head. "No. Everything I've done, I wanted to do myself. You've never forced me to do anything. So even if you don't like me..." Thi swallowed hard, unable to continue, and lowered his head. Even though he'd prepared himself, he couldn't speak when the moment came. The gaze of the person beside him remained fixed on him. Thi gathered his courage, looked up, and asked in a shaky voice, "Pun... you really don't like me?" 

 

The dejected, almost tearful expression on the car owner's face made the person looking at him feel both pity and a touch of amusement. Normally, he was such a confident playboy. But now, with my tail between my legs, I'm too heartless to resist anymore. Pun reached out and flicked his conversation partner's forehead once.

 

"Hey, Pong!"

 

"Huh?"

 

"If I didn't like him, would I let him pester me for three years? Can't you tell?" The shorter person smiled wearily.

 

The listener's heart pounded loudly in their ears. "W...well, I thought...but when I asked Pun to be my boyfriend, he didn't answer. So...I..." Pun crossed his arms. 

 

"Let's try asking again."

 

"Ha...."

 

"Hurry up, Pun’s mouth is tired, and I'm not going to repeat myself."

 

The dim light inside the car allowed Thi to clearly see the sweet face and flushed ears of the person speaking. Thi, whose hands were cold with excitement, quickly took a deep breath to compose himself. Before speaking, he spoke in a tone and with an expression that were both serious and gentle.

 

"I like Pun the most in the world. Will you be my boyfriend?"

 

"Hmm...maybe we should wait another year?"

 

That sentence left the other person with a glimmer of hope, a heart-stopping shock. Seeing the other person's bewildered expression, Pun couldn't contain himself and let out a frightened, affectionate laugh.

 

"Just kidding!  Thanks for your patience. Pun likes you too-- Oops!"

 

The speaker's large, round eyes widened as his voice was choked back in his throat, his lips pressing down heavily, a kiss full of Relief, longing, affection... By the time Thi finally released his lips, Pun was dizzy, his vision blurred, and his mouth numb.

 

"elder sibling-."

 

He intended to pretend to be sulking because he hadn't given permission to kiss, but when he looked up and saw the older man's tears streaming down, he was stunned.

 

"What the heck? You kissed someone, and now you're crying? Oh my god, P'Thi... ah ah..."

 

"Well... I'm just happy!" Thi said, laughing and wiping away his tears. He himself had never cried with joy before, yet he didn't feel ashamed at all. Even though he cried in front of people, he wanted to see only this cool side of himself because he liked Pun so much. If he were rejected, he might still be able to stay strong and hold back his tears. But when his efforts over three years were finally accepted, he was so happy he couldn't contain his emotions.

 

"There, there," Pun wrapped his arm around Thi’s waist, stroking his back and shoulders to comfort him for a long time until his new boyfriend's tears dried. Thi took Pun's hand, kissed it, and said with utmost sincerity, "Before, I might not have been a very good person, but I've really changed. I promise to love only Pun. I will never disappoint Pun."

 

"Hmm, we'll have to let time be the judge," Pun smiled sweetly at Thi, who chuckled softly, then leaned closer again and whispered above his full lips.

 

"That's my forte. I'll prove it to Pun for the rest of his life."