Me and Thee: English translation.

Wake up call #43

 

Peach woke up the next morning, sitting dazed on the unfamiliar bed for a moment. His eyes roamed around the room slowly, trying to piece together where he was. Quickly, memories from the previous day came rushing back, making him groan in embarrassment. He buried his face in his hands, heat rising to his cheeks, especially when the dull ache in his body served as a not-so-subtle reminder of what had happened.

 

Since their date on Saturday, everything had spiralled quickly—from running into Mrs Natlada at the apartment to ending up thoroughly "claimed" by Thee before passing out from exhaustion. He hadn't expected to wake up Sunday morning still wrapped tightly in those strong, warm arms, their bodies tangled together with barely any space between them.

 

It took a good while for Peach to wriggle free from Thee's embrace without waking him. He bolted straight into the bathroom, only to freeze in front of the mirror. His breath hitched as he took in the sight of his fair skin now marked with rose-colored blooms scattèred all over-faint traces of possessiveness etched into every inch of him. Thee's possessiveness clearly ran deeper than Peach had thought.

 

He stared blankly at his reflection for a moment, still processing the sight, when familiar strong arms snaked around his waist from behind, pulling him back into a secure embrace.

 

"Why're you up so early? You should rest a little longer," Thee murmured in a low, husky voice, pressing a lingering kiss to Peach's flushed cheek. He sounded way too cheerful and self-satisfied, making Peach huff internally.

 

"I have work," he replied, voice still a bit groggy, though he didn't bother peeling away from Thee's firm hold. It was comfortable like this.

 

"Are you sure you're okay? Still sore?" Thee asked softly, one large hand resting protectively on Peach's hip. "No fever, right? Not too tired?"

 

"A little sore, but I'm fine," Peach smiled faintly, patting Thee's large hand a few times as reassurance. "I have work today. Let me get ready."

 

Thee, however, frowned as if he hadn't heard a word. He nodded decisively, already making up his mind. "We should shower together. Just in case you can't stand too long, I'm worried."

 

Before Peach could protest, Thee scooped him up effortlessly and set him down on the bathroom counter. He disappeared briefly, returning with a towel and issuing clear instructions: brush your teeth, don't lock the door—I'll be right back.

 

Peach could only gape as Thee left the room, too stunned and physically drained to scramble to the door and lock it. With no other option, he resigned himself to the inevitable. At least Thee was somewhat considerate aside from a few playful touches; he didn't push things too far during the shower.

 

Afterwards, Thee finally let him get dressed while stepping out of the room himself.

Peach slung his favourite bag over one shoulder and grabbed his camera gear. After a quick once-over in the mirror, he headed downstairs, following the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. He made a beeline for the dining table. Breakfast was usually prepared by Thee's long-time housekeeper, who'd been with him since he first moved to Thailand. Thee was notoriously particular about who set foot in his home, trusting very few people.

 

Given the chilly weather, Peach had opted for an oversized T-shirt and comfy long cotton pants. But as he approached the dining table, he noticed Thee sitting there, eyes narrowing in obvious disapproval, though a faint, amused smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

 

"What's wrong?" Peach asked as he slid into the seat across from Thee, adjusting his slightly slipping shirt collar before reaching for a spoon to dig into the fragrant bowl of porridge in front of him.

 

"You're too cute. I'm possessive." Peach's mouth fell open, cheeks burning instantly. 

 

No matter how many times Thee threw out such compliments, he still couldn't get used to them. He tried baring his teeth playfully in a mock warning, but that only earned a low chuckle from the mafia boss, who was clearly entertained.

 

"I’ll drive you to work," Thee said casually as Peach was mid-bite. He raised an eyebrow in mild surprise but kept eating.

 

"Don't you have to work at the office?"

 

"Not today. Just a few documents to clear up." Thee shrugged, having already powered through some meetings earlier in the week to free up time for their date. "But after dropping you off, I'll probably check on a couple of branch stores. There's some site work I need to inspect."

 

Peach nodded, aware that running a business wasn't the glamorous, effortless life TV dramas often made it seem. A CEO's responsibilities ran far deeper than just signing papers with a dramatic flourish. And Thee's empire extended far beyond just one company— the Arseny Corporation was a massive network of businesses with complex operations and high stakes.

 

Though Peach was just a simple photographer, he silently rooted for Thee, determined to support him however he could.

 

"I'll pick you up this evening. Call me when you're done, and we'll swing by your condo." Thee added, but Peach frowned, puzzled.

 

"Why my condo? Is the plumbing fixed already?"

 

"No. We're moving your stuff here." Thee's lips curled into a mischievous smirk, his smoky eyes gleaming. "I’m yours now. You've got me, you're not thinking of tossing me aside, are you? Using me and leaving me to sleep alone at your condo? Not happening."

 

"Peach's jaw dropped further, his brain scrambling to process the absurd declaration. Wait, he was supposed to be responsible for who now?! Wasn't he the one having a "first-time" experience last night?!

 

"Or better yet, I could just move into your condo. We can keep the rest of my stuff here and move everything next week"

 

"My place's way too small for all your stuff," 

 

Peach grumbled, sounding more resigned than sarcastic. He was just stating facts. His cramped little apartment barely fit his things as it was-there was no way it could accommodate two people.

 

"Then I'll just bring myself and leave the rest," Thee replied, frowning in mock seriousness. "Or better yet, I'll buy the unit next to yours and have them connected. Problem solved."

 

"Are you kidding me?" Peach couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head at Thee's habit of throwing money at problems. Thee's sharp eyes softened, his lips curling into a gentle smile. His large hand absentmindedly stroked the back of Peach's hand, as if touch itself had become second nature.

 

"Come on... live with me," Thee murmured, turning his hand to clasp Peach's smaller one, giving it a light squeeze. His deep voice carried a hint of pleading, making Peach freeze for a second. His eyes widened, heat rushing to his cheeks and ears in record time.

 

Why did Thee seem even more charming and irresistible since they started dating? It was like he'd dialled up his appeal, leaving Peach completely disarmed.

 

Defeated, Peach averted his gaze and gave a reluctant nod, unable to argue anymore. Thee's satisfied smile widened as he returned to his breakfast, clearly in a good mood. Somehow, Peach realised too late that he'd willingly fallen into Thee's trap.

 

After they finished breakfast, Thee made a quick call to his secretary. A short exchange later, he grabbed his bag and gently nudged Peach toward the door, announcing that Mok was already waiting for them. What neither of them expected, however, was to open the door and find Thee's secretary stepping out of the apartment next door at the same moment.

 

If Peach remembered correctly, the apartment next door belonged to Thee's younger brother, someone he'd never met but vaguely recalled hearing was just as possessive as Thee himself. Seeing Thee's secretary stepping out of his brother's place was... unexpected, to say the least.

 

"Is Rome still asleep?" Thee asked casually, completely unfazed by the sight, unlike Peach, who stood blinking in confusion, his face clearly displaying how lost he felt.

 

"Yeah, still out cold. Madam dropped by his place last night, so it got... kinda late," Mok replied in a level tone, though his weary expression and faint dark circles told a different story.

 

Thee nodded in understanding, giving Mok's shoulder a few firm pats as if offering silent comfort. "Hang in there. I'll let you clock out early today. Go home and get some rest."

 

Mok visibly flinched but wisely chose not to argue. Instead, he turned his attention to Peach, who was still hovering awkwardly behind Thee.

 

"Good morning, Mr Peach." Mok hesitated for a split second before flashing a faint smile. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jar of thick cream. 

 

"I think powder alone won't cut it. A concealer might work better. You can use this if you'd like."

 

Peach frowned, confused by the seemingly random offer-until he saw Mok lightly tap his own neck. His cheeks flared instantly as he shot his hands up to cover his neck in panic.

 

The marks Thee had left all over him were already causing trouble. Peach never wore makeup beyond a basic mattifying powder, assuming it would be enough to hide everything this morning. Clearly, he'd been wrong.

 

"Speaking from experience, are you?" Thee teased, his deep voice laced with amusement. At the same time, he tugged at Peach's collar, tightening it. He might enjoy leaving his mark, but that didn't mean he wanted anyone else to see it.

 

"When are you and your brother going to stop being so insanely possessive?" Mok deadpanned, all traces of embarrassment gone. Peach, listening quietly from the sidelines, picked up on something he hadn't noticed before.

 

Without further discussion, Thee led the way toward the elevator, his fingers firmly wrapped around Peach's hand, tugging him along. Peach glanced down at their entwined fingers, the corners of his mouth curling into a soft smile. The warmth in Thee's grasp was comforting, easing his nerves. He gave Thee's hand a gentle squeeze in return, with no intention of letting go. Before long, a sleek black car pulled up in front of Studio A. Peach stepped out, ready to say goodbye, only to see Thee following him out of the vehicle.

 

"Is something wrong?" Peach tilted his head slightly, puzzled by Thee's presence.

 

Thee responded with a soft, knowing smile, though there was an undeniable sharpness glinting in his eyes.

 

"I'm sending you."

 

"But... we're already here." 

 

Peach gestured toward the studio behind him, still confused.

 

"Not good enough. I need to take you all the way." The brief intensity in Thee's gaze left no room for argument. Peach decided it wasn't worth questioning further, letting Thee guide him inside by the hand. After being paraded out of the company elevator hand in hand the other day, the whole office likely knew about them already. He'd long stopped worrying about keeping it under wraps....Though it seemed he'd forgotten that some people still didn't know.

 

As soon as they stepped into the studio, a tall figure rushed toward them. It was Kin, one of the models set to shoot the summer collection campaign alongside Aran. Peach hadn't expected Kin to arrive this early.

 

The young model, barely twenty, beamed brightly as he approached—until he got close enough to notice something. His entire body froze, his wide eyes locking onto their clasped hands, still firmly intertwined. Thee's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, his sharp features taking on a predatory edge. His lips tugged up at one corner in a faint smirk, like a beast subtly asserting dominance over its territory.

 

"Peach and Mr Thee... why are you holding hands?" Kin asked, his face blank with surprise, clearly confused.

 

Thee immediately released Peach's hand, but his gesture was smooth, naturally shifting to put his arm around Peach's shoulders. His large hand pressed Peach's head gently against his shoulder before he leaned down to place a quick kiss on his hair, never taking his eyes off the tall model.

 

Peach looked up at the scene, still unsure of what was happening. Though he felt a bit embarrassed by how close they were, his cheeks flushed hot, he didn't feel the urge to push Thee away. He knew that Thee had a possessive streak. As long as it wasn't too overbearing, Peach chose to let him do as he pleased. What puzzled him, though, was the feeling of tension in the air between Thee and the model, as if sparks were flying between them.

 

"I’ll pick you up tonight," Thee said softly, lowering his gaze to meet Peach's eyes. His expression, which had been tense a moment ago, seemed to soften into a look of satisfaction. He ruffled Peach's hair a couple of times before turning to leave, leaving Peach to face the curious stares of the people around him.

 

"What's going on, Peach? Did Kin lose already? But we haven't even started!" The model's deep voice broke the moment, and he collapsed to the floor, throwing his hands over his face dramatically. Peach blinked, startled. He didn't understand why Kin was acting so childish all of a sudden.

"What's going on, Kin? What are you even talking about?"

 

Kin looked up at him, frowning, his big eyes glistening with a hint of tears. But when Peach gave him a blank stare, furrowing his brow in confusion, the tall model dropped his head back into his hands and sighed heavily.

 

"Peach!"

 

Peach was about to ask him again when he heard a familiar voice calling his name. His younger sister appeared, rushing toward him with wide, startled eyes behind her round glasses. Her cheeks were flushed, and she seemed embarrassed. Without wasting any time, she grabbed his arm and hurriedly pulled him away to a quiet corner, her body language tense, as if she had something urgent to say.

 

"What's going on, Plub? What are you up to?" Peach asked, laughing lightly as he sensed what his younger sister was thinking.

 

"Why did you get out of the car with that guy? I saw you, you know," she teased, pretending to pout, though her eyes sparkled mischievously. 

 

"So now you're taking rides together? Is this what it means to be dating? It's not even on the way! And what's with all the sweet, lovey-dovey stuff in the studio? Have you gone soft now?'

 

"I'm actually staying with Thee now," he replied casually, raising an eyebrow with a playful wink, which made Plub smack his arm with all her strength. "Ouch, that hurt, Plub! Why are you hitting me?"

 

"You deserve it! Acting all bold now," she shot back, half-joking, half-serious.

 

"It's not like that. My condo's water pipe broke, so Thee's letting me stay with him for now," Peach quickly clarified, almost choking on the words. He couldn't help but wonder if his sister had been around Thee and his mafia friends too much lately. Her words sounded oddly judgmental.

 

"How long are you staying there?" Plub narrowed her eyes, sounding suspicious.

 

"At first, just a week... but then Thee said, since we're already dating..."

 

Peach trailed off, hesitating, wondering how much of this conversation he could really share. The previous morning's words were definitely not meant for his sister. Plub stared at her brother's flushed cheeks before sighing. She patted him on the shoulder a few times.

 

"I knew it. One night, and now you're staying forever," she said, pretending to wipe away a tear, dramatically mimicking a mother sending her child off to get married. 

 

"Poor Kin, though. He's too late." Peach almost asked what she meant, but stopped when she quickly changed the subject. He didn't press further. The two siblings stood talking for a while as they waited for the crew to prepare the set. Then, a tall figure approached them.

 

Plub glanced over, planning to greet the newcomer, but when she saw a petite woman walking toward them, she quickly pulled Peach back, hiding behind him. Her eyes, now filled with malice, exuded a sudden wave of anger.

 

It wasn't just Plub who was visibly upset. The male model also rushed over, his long strides bringing him close, standing at the ready as if prepared to confront anyone at any moment.

 

Peach glanced up, and just seeing the person standing there made his cheek ache again. But since the two kids beside him were so irritable, he quickly grabbed his sister's arm and gently rubbed her head to calm her down.

 

Tawan slowed his pace, stopping at a distance when he noticed everyone around them was eyeing him coldly. Peach quickly scanned the other side while holding his sister loosely, making sure she didn't act rashly. Right now, the person he was worried about more was probably the young man.

 

The male star's face was expressionless, no longer bearing the proud, smug look he usually had. There was a fading bruise near his mouth and a bandage on his forehead. His right hand was in a bulky white cast, supported by a sling over his shoulder. His calm demeanour was so unusual that it made Peach take a second look.

 

Normally, when Tawan wasn't with him, he'd flash a small smile, a little arrogant but still approachable because of his looks and charm. But when it came to Peach, Tawan's attitude was always irritated and stiff, almost to the point of annoyance. But this composed, reserved manner? It was strange enough that Peach couldn't help but be surprised.

 

"Peach, I need to talk to you. Can I have a moment?" Tawan said, his eyes locked on Peach's, trying to convey sincerity. Peach hesitated for a moment before giving his sister a soft tap on the arm, signalling her to go back to work.

 

"This is dangerous, Peach. What if that guy goes crazy again?"

 

"Do you think I can't handle someone getting injured, Plub?" Peach flicked her forehead lightly. "Stop stalling, go back to work."

 

"Then I'll stay with you," Kin said, his tone unusually cold, and the change in atmosphere was striking. 

 

"I'm already done with my makeup and clothes. I just need to wait for my scene. I'm sure you won't mind, right?"

 

Peach glanced over at the other side for a moment, remembering that when he had been punched, Kin had stepped in to block it. They had even argued fiercely with Tawan, almost coming to blows because of the anger over the attack on him. Not to mention that Kin had carried him to the hospital afterwards. Having Kin within a reasonable distance gave him some comfort.

 

Even though he had told Plub that he could handle someone like Tawan, he couldn't deny that, deep down, there was still a hint of fear lingering:

 

"I won't do anything to him. You can stay over there and watch if you want," Tawan said, his voice calm and unbothered. 

 

Plub, who had been standing in front, stepped aside reluctantly. She turned and tightened her grip on Peach's arm, reminding him to shout if anything happened or if Tawan acted aggressively.

 

As Plub moved off to do her work, Kin took a step back, but his eyes remained fixed on Tawan, never leaving him for a second. Noticing this, Tawan took a small step forward, maintaining a safe distance, so everyone watching would feel more at ease.

 

Tawan stood still for a moment, seemingly trying to gather his thoughts. Peach didn't rush him, simply waiting and observing. He glanced over at the set, seeing that they were still working on setting things up. There was plenty of time.

 

"I'm stepping away from the industry." Tawan said quietly, his eyes lowering with unease. At the same time, there was a tinge of sadness in his aura. Peach tilted his head slightly, not understanding why someone would leave the industry just because of an injury. Even if it would take time to heal, that didn't mean he couldn't come back to being a star.

 

"I'm going to take over my father's company," Tawan continued, his lips pressed together. He spoke in circles as though unsure where to start. 

 

"My father has been under a lot of stress lately. We've had a lot of problems, and he ended up in the hospital. So, I've decided to take over fully."

 

Peach pursed his lips. Though Tawan spoke vaguely, he could guess that one of the problems might involve Thee, directly or indirectly. One thing that didn't change about mafia people was that they didn't let go once they got angry. If Thee were upset, he would latch on and keep digging until everything crumbled.

 

Peach pressed his lips together, unsure of what to say, especially since he might have been part of the reason those issues had arisen, even if it wasn't directly his fault.

 

"I'm not here to scold you, nor am I asking for help," Tawan seemed to sense what Peach was thinking and quickly spoke up. He lifted his unbandaged hand to gently rub the back of his neck, a sign of discomfort. 

 

"I just wanted to apologise. I may never see you again, but at least, for the last time, I want to say I'm sorry."

 

Peach locked eyes with Tawan. The younger man's gaze was calm, but his expression revealed a mix of sadness, guilt, and concern. Peach could tell that Tawan's words were genuine.

 

"I'm really sorry for hitting you that day. I'm sorry for treating you badly all this time," Tawan lowered his gaze, bowing his head with sincerity. "...I'm sorry for being a bad part of your life."

 

The young photographer relaxed slightly, his furrowed brow smoothing out. While he couldn't bring himself to feel warmth or familiarity toward Tawan, he didn't harbour enough resentment to refuse an apology either.

 

"What's done is done. Let it go," Peach replied flatly, neither pleased nor upset. "I hope things go well for you from now on."

looked up, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint smile, his tension easing. At least between the two of them, there was nothing left unresolved.

 

They didn't speak any further. Tawan simply bowed his head in farewell before turning to leave. Peach quietly watched as Tawan walked away, then his gaze shifted to a distant corner where Aran stood watching. The smaller model briefly made eye contact with Tawan before turning and walking off as well, leaving the actor to watch them until they were out of sight.

 

Peach didn't know what kind of issues the two had, nor did he know if they could be resolved. But, in the end, it was no longer his concern.

 

"Are you okay, Peach?" Kin, who had been standing nearby, stepped closer and asked. He had overheard the entire conversation, but more than that, Kin was concerned about Peach's feelings. It couldn't be easy for someone who had been hurt to face those who had wronged them, even if the encounter was to receive an apology.

 

"Yeah, I'm fine," Peach said, flashing a broad smile. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. He gave the younger model a few light pats on the shoulder and urged him to get back to work. "Get ready for your scene. No more slacking off."

 

Kin pretended to complain, saying he was only concerned for him, but Peach just laughed it off and gave him a playful push to get back to his work.

 

In the end, life goes on. It continues to turn, bringing people into our lives. And while we're playing the lead role in our own story, the world also casts us into the lives of others sometimes for better, for worse, some encounters brief, others lasting, all depending on where life's journey takes us.

 

Our own actions determine the role we play in someone else's story. And in the end, all that will be left are the memories we've shared with each other-memories that may one day become nothing more than funny anecdotes in a conversation.