Me and Thee: English translation.

Wake up call #41

 

Peach led the way into the modest three-story building, surrounded by a playground dotted with a few worn play structures. It was early afternoon, and a handful of older kids were running around outside, while the younger ones were still napping inside.

 

After handing out snacks to the kids, Peach delivered some other supplies to Teacher Nualphong. They exchanged a few warm words before he excused himself and headed back toward Thee, who was waiting on the other side of the playground. 

 

Well, "waiting" wasn't exactly right. The stern-faced mafia heir was busy handing out treats, though his serious expression and lack of a smile seemed to intimidate most of the children. They lingered awkwardly, hesitant to approach until one brave older kid stepped up, bowed politely, and accepted the snack with a grateful

 

"Thank you." Only then did the others muster the courage to line up. Honestly, as far as Peach was concerned, the fact that Thee hadn't made anyone cry was already a win.

 

Smiling to himself, Peach joined in to help distribute the rest of the snacks. With him there, the kids grew bolder, and soon the treats were gone. Thankfully, they'd packed enough to save some for the little ones still napping.

 

"Wanna take a look around?" Peach asked, noticing how Thee's eyes kept sweeping across the yard like he was trying to memorise every corner. Thee nodded without hesitation, so Peach led the way, pointing out different spots while sharing stories from his childhood. Turns out, he and Plub had quite the mischievous streak growing up.

 

"That over there was Plub's favourite hiding spot," Peach said, motioning toward a large rectangular storage cabinet with a circular cutout in the middle. "Whenever she got mad or sulked, she'd hide there or if someone came to visit."

 

"Visit?" Thee echoed, frowning slightly. He couldn't quite grasp what kind of "visitors" an orphanage would have.

 

"They're people looking to adopt. They come to visit the centre first to see if they connect with any of the kids. After meeting a few times, if the kid agrees, they fill out the paperwork and take them home as their legal child." Peach explained casually. He shrugged, not knowing much beyond the basics since he'd never been adopted himself. 

 

"I used to go nuts every time someone came by."

 

"Why?"

 

Peach pressed his lips together, eyes dropping to the ground as they walked. Still, he kept talking, voice steady despite the memories.

 

"Maybe because I felt confused... and kinda like a really bad kid."

 

Thee followed silently, resisting the urge to press for more. He'd learned that Peach would share in his own time. They strolled past the building toward the open yard at the back—a quiet, peaceful space edged by a small garden with vegetables and fruit trees. The breeze carried the fresh scent of greenery.

 

"Part of me wanted Plub to get adopted," Peach admitted, folding his hands behind his back and taking a deep breath. "I wanted her to have real parents, a better life, things I could never give her." He paused, gaze distant. "But another part of me... I didn't want her to go. Plub's the only family I've got. If she left, I'd have no one."

 

"They could've adopted both of you," Thee suggested.

 

"People usually want younger kids." Peach shook his head with a faint smile. "I came here when I was already pretty grown— almost a teenager. Older kids are seen as trouble waiting to happen. Little ones... they're just easier to love."

 

Thee frowned but stayed quiet. Peach's tone wasn't sad; if anything, there was a trace of amusement in it, like he was recalling something long past that didn't sting anymore.

 

"Still, Plub was scared of getting adopted, too. She'd run off and hide all the time," Peach chuckled softly at the memory. "She was so attached to me back then. Sometimes she'd fall asleep while hiding, and they'd search everywhere, panicking. Then I'd run in and find her snoozing like she didn't have a care in the world."

 

Thee glanced down at the person beside him, noticing the faint smile still lingering on Peach's lips. Gently, he rested a large hand on Peach's head and gave it a

light, comforting pat.

 

"You've done well."

Peach met his gaze with quiet confidence, trusting that the man standing before him wouldn't dismiss what he was about to say.

 

"But, truth is, back then, I wanted to be adopted too. I wanted to leave with Plub... start a better life somewhere." Peach admitted, his smile softening as a trace of uncertainty flickered in his eyes. He had no idea whether the other party would agree with this.

 

"That's why... when I'm in a good place in life, when I'm stable... I want to adopt a kid myself someday."

 

He bit his lower lip, stealing a glance at Mr Thee's unreadable face. Seeing no sign of rejection, he continued. "I know I can't help every kid out there. Adoption isn't just about throwing money at a problem. I want to raise a child like they're my own, love them, help them grow up happy and strong." His hands clenched slightly. "Even if it's just one or two kids... I want to give them a chance. Make the dream I couldn't have back then come true."

 

He'd carried this hope for a long time. If Mr Thee really intended to stay with him—if they were going to build a future together—this was something he needed Thee to accept.

 

But then, Thee's face hardened, his brows knitting into a deep frown. A wave of discontent rolled off him, making the air feel thick and heavy. Peach's heart plummeted. He'd honestly expected Thee to go along with it, never preparing himself for rejection like this.

 

His lips pressed into a tight line as unease twisted in his chest. Still, once Peach made up his mind, he wasn't one to back down easily.

 

It's okay, he told himself firmly. If Mr Thee didn't want to be part of it, then he'd adopt the child on his own. He'd manage somehow-even if it meant carrying the responsibility alone.

 

Peach took a deep breath, thinking he should say something, but Thee spoke up first, his expression clouded with concern.

 

"Kids usually don't like me," Thee muttered, crossing his arms, brows furrowed deeply. Worry glinted in his eyes. "What if... the kid doesn't accept me?"

 

Peach blinked, stunned, before bursting into laughter. He hadn't even adopted anyone yet, and Thee was already calling them their kid.

 

"Calm down, Mr Thee," Peach chuckled, shaking his head. "I haven't adopted anyone yet."

 

"But if you do, they'll be our kid," Thee insisted, still looking deadly serious. "I need to think this through. If they only love you and are scared of me, that wouldn't be good." His frown deepened. "The Arseny family business doesn't run any schools yet... I'll need Mok to start researching education investments."

 

Peach laughed again, letting Thee spiral into his over-the-top planning mode for a moment. Then he stepped closer, his smaller hands gently wrapping around Thee's larger ones. His heart swelled with so much warmth he couldn't hold it back anymore.

 

"Mr Thee, thank you," Peach whispered sincerely, squeezing his hands tight. His soft smile shone with genuine affection, his wide, earnest eyes locking onto Thee's. "Thank you for everything you've done for me."

 

Thee's tense expression melted instantly, his gaze softening as he leaned in, close enough for Peach to feel the comforting warmth radiating from him.

 

"I'm willing to give you anything... whatever you want, whatever you need. Just tell me." His voice turned gentle, almost reverent. 

 

"I’m ... really glad I met you, my little one." He reached out, his fingertips grazing Peach's cheek with a feather-light touch. But before he could pull back, Peach tilted his head into Thee's palm, nuzzling against it with such innocent affection that Thee froze, caught completely off guard.

 

"I like you."

 

Thee's eyes widened, stunned, while Peach snuggled against his hand again, so naturally affectionate that he didn't even seem aware of how much he was making Thee's heart race.

 

"I really like you, Mr Thee... so much. What should I do about it?"

 

Thee's face lit up with a rare, wide smile that crinkled the corners of his sharp eyes, filling the space around them with warmth and joy. Without a word, he spread his arms and pulled the smaller man into a tight embrace, holding him close against his chest.

 

"Don't be any cuter, Peach. I already love you so much it hurts." He buried his face in the soft dark hair resting against his chest before resting his chin gently on top of Peach's head. After a brief pause, his voice turned softer. 

 

"Can I ask you something? Would you call me Kian?"

 

Peach stilled, repeating the name in his head. Thee's full name was Theerakit Kian Arseny, but everyone just called him Thee. He'd never heard anyone use his middle name before. Sensing Peach's thoughts, Thee tightened his hold just a little, making sure he couldn't lift his head to see the faint blush creeping up his ears.

 

"I'm a bit possessive," Thee admitted, rubbing his cheek lightly against Peach's hair, savouring the tenderness filling his chest.

 

"Only my family's ever called me that... and now, we're family too. Calling me Thee feels too distant. I don't like it."

 

Peach's lips curled into a smile against Thee's chest, his heart racing so fast he thought it might burst. He wanted to hide his flushed face but took a deep breath instead, steadying himself. Slowly, he stepped back from the warm embrace and tilted his face up, meeting those intense, smoke-grey eyes he'd adored from the start.

 

"Kian. Peach loves you."

 

Thee froze, completely still like a statue whose batteries had run out. His sharp eyes slowly widened, and a deep blush spread from the tips of his ears down to his cheeks. For a long moment, he didn't move-then, finally, his lips curved into a wide, radiant smile that sparkled all the way to his shining eyes, like stars glimmering in the night.

 

"I don't think I can wait until the end of our date," he murmured, leaning in until their noses brushed, so close that they shared the same breath. His voice softened into a gentle plea. 

 

"Can I kiss you?'

 

Peach pressed his lips together, his face burning so fiercely he thought he might cry. Yet, in the end, he managed a small, shaky nod.

 

Thee murmured a soft "Good boy" before leaning in, brushing his lips gently over Peach's. He started with light, fleeting kisses, slow and tender, testing the waters. Then, his lips tugged playfully at Peach's lower lip, silently asking for permission. 

 

When Peach's mouth finally parted, Thee slipped his tongue in, their tips brushing together, sparking an electric jolt that turned the once innocent kiss into something deeper, more intense. One of Thee's hands cradled the back of Peach's neck, anchoring him in place as their mouths moved in sync, exploring, savouring. He paused just long enough for Peach to catch a quick breath before diving back in, pressing their lips together again and again, as if trying to memorise the sweet taste forever. 

 

Peach's fists weakly pounded Thee's shoulder a few times, forcing the taller man to pull back, though he lingered with clear reluctance finally. He couldn't resist capturing Peach's swollen lower lip one last time between his teeth before letting go. Breathing heavily, Thee admired the sight in front of him:

 

Peach's flushed cheeks, his hazy, half-lidded eyes still dazed from the kiss. He looked utterly irresistible without even realising it. Thee swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing, struggling to rein himself in. Unable to resist, he gently tucked Peach's head back against his chest, hiding him from view.

 

The thought of anyone else seeing Peach like this set a possessive fire blazing inside him. He didn't want to share even a glimpse of this soft, vulnerable side with the world. Peach, meanwhile, focused on steadying his breathing, forcing the heat in his face to subside. Once he felt somewhat composed, he cautiously eased out of Thee's embrace, his gaze darting away in embarrassment. He cleared his throat awkwardly, desperate for a change of subject.

 

"Actually... There are two kids I chat with sometimes when I come by. They're siblings, big brother and little sister. They kinda remind me of me and Plub back when we lived here." He gave Thee's hand a small tug, urging him forward. 

 

"Do you... wanna meet them?"

 

"You're not calling yourself 'Peach' like before?" Thee asked casually as he followed along, though his words wandered off-topic.

 

"I thought it was kinda cute."

 

"Kian!" Peach snapped, spinning around to glare at him. His wide eyes aimed to intimidate but missed the mark entirely, thanks to his puffed-out cheeks, tinged with a rosy blush that made him look anything but threatening.

 

Thee chuckled low in his throat but didn't push further, letting the subject drop. They continued walking together as the sun dipped lower toward the horizon, casting long, warm shadows. They made their way back into the school building and headed up to the second floor.

 

Peach peeked into one of the classrooms before waving at someone inside, motioning for them to come out. Moments later, the door creaked open, and a young boy stepped out. He was small, barely reaching Peach's waist, with a solemn face far too mature for his age, devoid of the usual childlike spark.

 

Well, almost. The boy's serious expression softened the moment he lifted his gaze toward Peach. His big, round eyes lit up like stars, and a faint, shy smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, making him look like the kid he was supposed to be.

 

"Mhok, This is Thee, and Thee, this is Mhok." 

 

He knelt to be at the boy's eye level, his tone gentle. Mhok glanced warily at the unfamiliar man before him. His tentative smile vanished, replaced by polite reserve. With practised manners, he pressed his palms together in a respectful greeting before quickly turning back toward Peach, tiny fingers clutching tightly at his sleeve.

 

"You haven't come in so long," Mhok mumbled, eyes cast downward. Peach's face softened into a broad, affectionate smile as he opened his arms invitingly. Mhok hesitated only for a second before launching himself into the familiar embrace, his small frame melting into Peach's chest.

 

"I'm sorry," Peach murmured, swaying them gently from side to side while his hand soothingly stroked Mok's hair. "I've been caught up with some things, but I'm here now." 

 

After a moment, he asked, "Where's Marn? I haven't seen her yet."

 

"Marn's sleeping in that room," Mhok pointed toward a nearby door before turning back to Thee, his small eyebrows knitting together in suspicion. There was no trace of fear in his gaze, just open curiosity.

 

"Who's that guy? Why's he with you?"

 

"I'm Peach's boyfriend," Thee declared proudly, puffing out his chest like he'd just won a grand prize. Peach could only groan inwardly, covering his face with both hands in sheer embarrassment, feeling equal parts shy and exasperated.

 

"What's a boyfriend?" Mhok pressed on, his expression growing more serious, genuinely puzzled.

 

"A boyfriend is someone who loves, cares for, and protects the person they love. They stay by each other's side until the end of their lives. Peach and I love each other, so we're boyfriends."

 

"So, you protect Peach?" Mhok's eyes lit up as if he'd just unlocked a new life goal. "Well, I want to protect Peach, too! And Marn! If I do that, does that make me Peach's boyfriend, too?"

 

"Nope. You can only have one boyfriend." 

 

Thee's face didn't even twitch as he shook his head solemnly, "But you can be our kid. You'd be Marn's big brother. Families take care of each other, too."

 

Mhok considered this deeply, his little face scrunching up in concentration before nodding firmly as though accepting a lifelong mission. Meanwhile, Peach was wheezing with laughter, half-groaning from sheer. Absurdly similar the two of them were.

 

Both Thee and Mok turned toward Peach, who was still kneeling on the floor, laughing so hard he nearly toppled over. Though neither fully understood what was so funny, seeing Peach so happy made them smile too. Whatever lay ahead for them, it felt like there was nothing to worry about.

 

Peach chatted a little longer with the young boy, deciding not to wake the little one who had already fallen asleep. Before long, they were saying their goodbyes. 

 

Mr Thee, who had suddenly become so close with the boy, looked over at him with a confused expression, then leaned in to whisper something in his ear. They talked for a while, planning something, before finally heading back to the car. When Peach asked what they had been talking about, Thee just flashed a faint smile, not offering any explanation.

 

Peach sighed, letting it go, and allowed Thee to drive them back to the condo without pressing further. On the way, the mafia boss bragged that he'd be cooking dinner tonight and promised something special.  They didn't bother stopping to pick up anything else and headed straight home. But the moment the condo door swung open, a stunning woman was sitting casually on the large, luxurious sofa in the middle of the sleek living room.

 

She was strikingly beautiful, with sharp, piercing eyes that lent her sculpted features an air of cool confidence. Her jet-black hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, the long strands cascading down her back. She wore a fitted bodysuit paired with tailored trousers that emphasised her lean, elegant figure while exuding effortless allure.

 

As soon as she saw them, she rose gracefully and strode toward them with purpose. Her long, slender fingers reached up to cup Thee's face, her lips curling into a faint, suggestive smile.

 

"Kian, what took you so long? I've been waiting like forever."